22 kids' party games ideas - we share the easiest games for indoor and outdoor parties

Kids party games are a great way to get everyone involved - we've found some of the best games to play both indoors and outdoors.

There's nothing worse than planning a party outdoors - whether it's a 1st birthday party or a 13th birthday party when the weather has other ideas, and now you have to entertain kids indoors. We have you covered with a carefully curated edit of party games - with high success rates among parents.

As most parents know, kids' party game trends come and go, but these traditional party games are always a winner - most kids will get on board with these entertaining activities. And if you're unsure of party etiquette, Goodto.com's Family Editor and mum-of-one, Stephanie Lowe says; "The socially acceptable length of a kids birthday party is no less than 2 hours and no more than 3 hours, and ideally over lunch so they’re all fed too."

Kids' party games can make or break your kid's day - no pressure. So, if you're not sure what to prep for, then it's worth noting that if you have a party with one other element - such as a bouncy castle or soft play set up, then you might only need two party games maximum - as it will be hard to pull the kids away. But if party games are the main bulk of the party, planning for 3-5 games is your best bet.

Keep scrolling to find out the best party games indoors and outdoors, from toddlers to teens.

Kids' party games

Party games for 2 year olds and up

Keep the games - and instructions - simple so that everyone can join in, and short. A toddler’s attention span is only double their age in minutes. I.e. with 3-year-olds, you have a maximum of 6 minutes of attention. Also, their development means they don’t really understand the concept of winning, so make sure everyone’s a winner - this isn’t a teachable moment. 

1. Musical statues

Number of players: Up to 15 | Equipment: music and speaker | Space required: Lots | Noise levels: Medium

Aim of the game: Stop when the music stops

A true classic, download some songs you know your audience will love (Hi, Paw Patrol theme tune). Set the rules ‘When the music stops everyone must be still like a statue. If you wobble, I’ll call your name, you’re out to come and help me watch for wobblers’. The first one to stop and stand still each time wins a small prize and then moves to the side. Continue the game until everyone has won a little prize. 

Dad-of-two, Lee tells us; "I learned the hard way not to be too harsh on this one, especially if playing with under fives. Be lenient to wobbles is my tip."

2. Bum shuffle race

Number of players: Up to 8 | Equipment: start and finish line | Space required: Lots | Noise levels: Medium

Aim of the game: Shuffle to the end as fast as you can

Mum-of-twins, Lou tells us; “This one had my kids in fits of giggles - anything with the word ‘bum’ in it is a sure fire winner.” To play this, ask all the toddlers to sit on the floor in a line, at one end of the room - you might need an adults help to position them. And set a visible finish line at the other end of the room. When you shout ‘GO’, the toddlers have to shuffle along on their bottoms until they cross the finish line. Cheer for every child bum shuffling and crossing the line. Also be sure to hand out celebratory gifts to everyone. 

3. Pass the balloon

Number of players: Up to 8 | Equipment: Blown up balloon | Space required: not loads | Noise levels: Small

Aim of the game: Keep the balloons going round 

As kids party games go this is a nice twist on the classic pass the parcel, with limited ‘treats’ in between each wrapper. Simply get the toddlers pass around the balloon, and play some music, every time the music stops, the toddler holding the balloon/ball gets a small prize. Mum-of-one, Shelly tells us; “The kids love this at my son’s 3rd party, be warned if you have runners, they’ll likely treat it like a rugby ball and go for a try.”

4. What's the time Mr Wolf?

Number of players: Up to 8 | Equipment: Blown up balloon | Space required: not loads | Noise levels: Small

Aim of the game: Don’t get caught by Mr Wolf

What's the Time Mr Wolf? is a classic kids' game that gets everyone excited with a bit of suspense. In this younger version, go with a parent well-known to the children to be Mr Wolf. They stand with their back to the party, and the toddlers shout "What's the time Mr Wolf?" and then quickly creep towards Mr Wolf. Mr Wolf answers each question with a different number such as 3 o’clock each time. 

The aim of the game is to reach Mr Wolf before they respond with "dinner time!", which signals the chase. Mr Wolf runs around and chases the kids back to the start line. Mum-of-one, Kiran tells us; “Maybe don’t try to be in ‘full character’ with a  mask… it just scared all the kids.”

5. Hop Little Bunnies

Number of players: Up to 8 | Equipment: singing voice or youtube | Space required: enough to all lie down and jump up | Noise levels: Medium

Aim of the game: Listen and act

Invite the kids to listen to the song and act out the directions. Dad-of-two, Dileep, tells us; “This one was great, as all the kids recognised it from nursery.”

6. Bubble Chase

Number of players: Up to 8 | Equipment: Bubble machine and music | Space required: Lots to run around in | Noise levels: High

Aim of the game: Pop as many bubbles as you can

It’s pretty simple, spark up the bubble machine, and challenge the toddlers to pop as many as they can before the music stops. Be warned: if playing indoors wooden floors can get slippery if you play lots of rounds. Mum-of-one, Max tells us; “This was an accidental hit at my daughter’s party. They chased those bubbles for ages.” 

Party games for 6 year olds and up

Once kids get to six years old, their brain development means they can enjoy team and more competitive games as well as wait for their turn during a game and enjoy watching others have their turn. 

7. Simon Says

Number of players: Up to 15 | Equipment: none | Space required: enough to all stand with arms stretched out not touching | Noise levels: Medium

Aim of the game: Listen and be the last one standing

Kids may be familiar with this one. The party host takes on the role of ‘Simon’ and tells the children what they must do. When saying “Simon says….” ahead of telling the kids what to do next, they MUST do what they’ve been told. If Simon doesn’t say “Simon says…” ahead of telling them what to do next, the children MUST NOT do it.

For example, “Simon says jump up and down” The kids all jump up and down. “Wave your arms” The children should stay doing the previous activity. Any kids that get it wrong get given a sticker or small prize and are asked to watch from the sidelines. Continue until you have either a single winner or a handful of winners.   

Mum-of-three, Dionne tells us; “We swapped it up and used my son’s name “Albie says” he loved it and was so confusing there were lots getting it wrong, leading to lots of laughter and squeals of ‘what?’. Was a great game to play before cake.”

Below is a list of ideas for Simon Says;

• Simon says crawl like a baby
• Simon says shout as loud as you can
• Simon says pat your head
• Simon says bark like a dog
• Simon says whisper hello
• Simon says sit on your bum
• Simon says blow a kiss
• Simon says stick your tongue out
• Simon says play pretend drums
• Simon says kick a pretend ball
• Simon says give a thumbs upSimon says imagine a smelly poo
• Simon says go to sleep
• SImon says fly your pet dragon
• Simon says jump as high as you can
• Simon says touch your toes
• Simon says play pretend piano
• Simon says lick your nose

8. Pass the Balloon

Number of players: Up to 8 | Equipment: Blown up balloons | Space required: not loads | Noise levels: Small

Aim of the game: Be the team to pass the balloon to the end fastest

As kids party games go this is a simple and great choice. Balloons don't have to be just for decoration at a party - you can use them to play a fun game too. All you need to do to get started is select a balloon to play with. The kids must then place the balloon under their chin and pass it to each other using only their necks

Dad-of-four, Lee shares his top tip for older kids; “For my 5 year old’s party I used two balloons and git the kids in two lines to race each other and add a competitive element.

9. Musical Chairs

Number of players: Up to 12 | Equipment: Enough chairs and music | Space required: Enough to walk around the number of chairs needed | Noise levels: High

Aim of the game: Be the last person in the chair at the end

Musical chairs is a great way to keep overactive kids happy. Set up chairs in a circle and play music. While the music is playing get the children to walk around the chairs, as soon as you stop the music the children must find a chair to sit on. Each time you stop the music remove one chair. If a child is not on a chair when the music stops, that child is out. Dad-of-one, Matt tells us his twist; “I created two circles of chairs so the kids had to do a figure of eight around them. It added dimension and the possibility for collision, excitement levels were high.

10. Bobbing for apples

Number of players: Up to 8 | Equipment: Bowl of water pack of apples | Space required: Not a lot | Noise levels: Small

Aim of the game: Grab an apple using just your teeth

Bobbing for apples doesn't have to be restricted to Halloween, although it is one of the most popular Halloween party games. Get a large bucket and fill it with water then add apples - simple! Blindfold the kids and get them to try to pick up the apples using only their mouths.

11. Pin the Tail on the Donkey

Number of players: Up to 8 | Equipment: Board with image on cut out to pin to it | Space required: Not a lot | Noise levels: Small

Aim of the game: Be the closest ‘pin’ to the target.

Pin the tail on the donkey is a simple game that will keep the kids entertained for hours. You can buy a ready made pin the tail on the donkey set or get creative and make your own. You blindfold one child at a time and get them to place a cut-out tail onto a picture of a (tail-less) donkey. After every child goes, the closest tail wins.

Mum-of-three, Sharon tell us; “We did a football party to it was Pin the ball in the goal. Went down a storm.”

Party games for 8 years old and up

8-years-old is a great age for party games as they have more of an attention span for taking part in fun party games with different elements to them.

12. Tug of War

Number of players: Up to 10 | Equipment: Rope and floor markings | Space required: Big hall or outside | Noise levels: High

Aim of the game: Be the team to pull the other side over the line.

Invite your party goers to work as a team in this fun tug of war game. You will need a large bandana or ribbon to tie across the central point of the rope and something to create a line on the ground. Divide the kids into two teams. Each team grabs their end of the rope and, on the starter’s whistle, pulls the rope in unison. The first team to get the bandana over the central line wins. You can play round after round or divide the kids into smaller teams and have heats leading to a final. 

13. Piñata

Number of players: Up to 8 | Equipment: Pinata and bat | Space required: Big hall or outside | Noise levels: Medium

Aim of the game: Be the one to hit the Pinata open

Piñata is a Mexican treat that includes kids' two favourite things: chocolate and games. You can buy fun pre-made piñatas very easily or if you're feeling particularly crafty and have lots of time on your hands, make your own. They are traditionally filled with sweets and chocolates. The children are then blindfolded (one by one) and take turns hitting the piñata with a stick. When it breaks the kids are showered in sweet treats.

Mum-of-three, Lisa tells us; “I learned the hard way that Piñatas are best reserved for the age group who can give it some welly. I did it for my 5-yera olds and the adults ended up breaking it apart, for very frustrated kids.”

14. Musical statues

Number of players: Up to 15 | Equipment: Music | Space required: Big hall or outside | Noise levels: Medium

Aim of the game: Be last one dancing and standing still when music sops

All you need is a clear space and some music to make musical statues work. Get all the kids onto your makeshift dance floor. Turn on the music to get the kids dancing. As soon as you stop the music the kids must freeze into a statue position. Each time you stop the music the last child to finish moving is out.

Dad-of-two Simon tells us; “The kids were really confident with this one, so I started shouting out different actions for the kids to do - like karate kick - before freezing. Trying to stay still mid-hop caused all the giggles!”

15. Minute to win it

Number of players: Up to 15 | Equipment: Varies | Space required: Depends on challenge | Noise levels: Medium

Aim of the game - Depends on challenge but be the first or have the most within 1 minute

Minute To Win It games are a winner. Based on the popular Minute To Win It TV game show, you challenge the kids to complete a challenge in a minute then whoever is last standing wins a prize. Remember you need to time the challenges using your phone or a stopwatch.

Here is a selection of Minute To Win It games that need minimal props. 

• Keepy uppy - the kids have to keep a balloon in the air for a whole minute Make it tricky by only using feet. The ones with the balloon still up at 1-minute wins.
• Eight face - using After Eight chocolate squares, place one on the forehead of each child then challenge them to get it to their mouth without using their hands. The one who eats it first wins.
• Marshmallow collecting - Using chopsticks only, collect as many marshmallows in a cup as you can - the one with the most wins.

16. Water balloon toss

Number of players: Up to 20 | Equipment: Filled water balloons | Space required: lots | Noise levels: Medium

Aim of the game: Be last team to have filled water balloon

Great for warmer days and outdoor parties. Split the party into teams of two. Each pair get a filled water balloon. The aim of the game is to throw the water balloon back and forth without bursting it, each time a player catches it without bursting they take a step back - once the balloon pops that team is out. Mum-of-two Sarah tells us; “I learned to bend my knees as I caught them softened the blow and came second place.” The last team still playing wins. 

Party games for 10 years old and up

Party games for 10-year-olds need to start having more of an edge now as these kids can be too cool for school - they love intense challenges and junk food.

17. Find your partner

Number of players: Up to 20 | Equipment: Blank stickers and pen | Space required: not loads | Noise levels: Medium

Aim of the game: Be first to find and pair up

As party games go 'find your partner' is a great way of breaking the ice at the start of the party, as it gets nervous kids talking to one another. Write down the names of famous pairs (Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Tom & Jerry etc) on individual stickers and hand them out to the children. Then instruct them to find their 'other half' whoever finds their partner fastest is the winner. Mum-of-three, Lisa tells us; “I made it a little harder and put the stickers to the kids' backs and get others to describe their character to them. They then have to guess who their character is.”

Below is a list of potential pairs you could use;

• Mario & Luigi
• Tom & Jerry
• Micky Mouse & Minnie Mouse
• Wallace & Gromit
• Buzz Lightyear & Woody
• Pinky & the brain
• Pooh & Piglet
• Anna & Elsa
• Beauty & the beast
• Lady & the tramp
• Lilo & stitch
• Timon & Pumba
• Batman & Robin
• Spongbob and Partick
• Bluey & bingo
• Chase & Ryder
• Bart & Lisa

18. Doughnut dangle

Number of players: Up to 20 | Equipment: string and one ring doughnut per partygoer | Space required: Large rooms | Noise levels: Medium

Aim of the game: First to eat their doughnut without using their hands

Tie a length of rope above head height between two trees or poles. Thread a piece of ribbon through the hole in each donut and then tie the ribbon to the rope so that the donut is hanging just above mouth level. On a start signal, each player tries to eat their donut – no hands allowed.

19. Freeze tag

Number of players: Up to 20 | Equipment: none | Space required: Large rooms/outside | Noise levels: Medium

Aim of the game: ‘It’ must tag ALL other players keeping them frozen.

One player is chosen to be ‘It.’ It chases the other players and when they touch a player, that person must freeze and remain frozen until another untagged player tags them to unfreeze them, they then may re-join the game. The game is played until all players have been frozen and then a new It is chosen for the next round. 

20. Balloon stomp

Number of players: Up to 20 | Equipment: string and a blown up balloon per person | Space required: Large rooms/outside | Noise levels: High

Aim of the game: Burst your balloon first

Have guests take off their shoes before playing. Each player will need an inflated balloon tie to a short piece of string and then tied around one ankle.  On ‘go’ players attempt to stomp on (and pop) each of the other balloons, while trying to protect their own – no hands allowed! The last person with an inflated balloon tied to their ankle wins.

21. Jelly race

Number of players: Up to 10 | Equipment: bowls of set jelly | Space required: long/large table | Noise levels: Med

Aim of the game: First person to save the toy from their jelly without using their hands

This is a great 'last game of the day'. The day before, make individual bowls of jelly with a LEGO person in each one. With their hands behind their backs, the kids have to race to get the person out of the jelly using only their mouths. The first one to produce their LEGO person is victorious.

22. Tied in knots

Number of players: Up to 15 | Equipment: Speedy music and willing children | Space required: Big hall or outside | Noise levels: High

Aim of the game: Birthday boy or girl has to untangle their guests without breaking links

Tell the birthday boy or girl to leave the room, then get the rest in a circle, holding hands. Now, without breaking hands, the children have to tie themselves into the most complicated knot possible by turning around, stepping over each other’s arms, going under arms etc.

When they’re ready, the birthday boy or girl comes back to unknot them, again without breaking any links.

Prizes for parties

Kids love anything to be fair, as long as they get to choose it themselves. 

Mum-of-four, Sandy tells us; “I find it’s best to have a huge variety of prizes to hand when hosting a kids' party. Stickers make great choices, a range of superhero and animal ones, and also check out the party aisle at the supermarket for some fun plastic games, such as puzzles. 

How can I make my kids birthday party more fun?

Kids are easily pleased, no, really they are. And what one kid thinks is fun another might not. Music is always good to have on, maybe ask parents to share some of their kids' favourites, or the teacher what they listen to at school/in assembly. 

Mum-of-one Steph tells us; "I found out by chance that my son's class song was 'Eye of the Tiger' when I put that on it was amazing how it warmed all the kids up straight away and kicked off the fun."

If you have budget for it, face painting is always good. And, if you don't have the budget for it, then get a simple tattoo station on the go... pick up some cheap water transfer tattoos and set up a table - the kids will love it. 

If you're looking for more birthday party inspiration we have oodles of ideas for easy crafts you could crack out or maybe check out these 72 activities to entertain kids and for younger members of the family we have 1st birthday parties.

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