When kids show up to a birthday party, they really only care about one thing: having fun. That's why great birthday party games are absolutely crucial to the success of any child's party. But parents don't have to go crazy planning elaborate birthday party activities; they can just adapt some classic kids' party games to fit the theme.
Party Games for Kids – Pin the Blank on the Blank
One of the best birthday party games is any number of variations on "pin the tail on the donkey." Depending on what the party theme is, kids can pin the jewel on the tiara, stick the tooth on the T-rex, or land the bee on the flower.
This game is so easily adaptable and requires minimal prep work. Younger kids may get a kick out of the game without even using the blindfold!
Kids Party Activities – Musical Chairs
Musical chairs is another great children's party game that can be adapted to fit any theme. Get creative with the "chairs." For instance, a farm themed birthday party could use haybales instead of chairs. A Disney princess party could use "magic carpets" (colored sheets of construction paper.)
Parents could also use plain old chairs and tape a picture related to the theme under one of them – whoever ends up in that chair when the music ends is out.
Birthday Party Games – Hot Potato
Create instant birthday fun with a spin-off version of "hot potato." Ahead of time, parents just need to get a CD or tape of music in keeping with their theme and a small item to represent it. A stuffed animal or other relatively soft item should be used so no one gets hurt if the object is thrown.
Kids could pass around a pirate hat while listening to Veggie Tales' "The Pirates who Don't Do Anything" (pirate theme) or a Nerf football to the tune of Monday Night Football (sports theme.)
Children's Party Games – Birthday Bingo
Bingo can be personalized for a girl or boy's birthday party in two ways. First, parents could make a traditional rectangular bingo card with pictures in each square relating to the birthday party theme.
Second, they could make the card itself in the shape of the theme. For example, kids at a garden themed birthday party could play blackout bingo on a bingo card shaped like a flower. Whoever puts a chip on all five petals first wins!
Kids' Birthday Games – Theme Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is always one of the best games for kids' birthday parties, especially for more active guests. Keep them moving with a themed scavenger hunt.
It can be planned like a free-for-all Easter egg hunt where kids simply race to find the most items, or each guest can find his specified items on his own scavenger hunt card.
Birthday Party Fun – Themed Relay Race
Relay races are another of the birthday party games that is excellent for burning off excess energy. Kids divide up into two teams and take turns moving their pile of items to the other side, racing the other team.
A snake or dinosaur party could move eggs (hard-boiled, of course) from one nest to another on a spoon, or kids at a horse birthday party could pick up a carrot between their teeth and gallop on all fours to the other side.
All the above birthday party games are excellent choices. They are inexpensive, easy to adapt, and are gender-neutral. These kids' party games have survived the test of time, so parents can't go wrong by putting a fresh spin on them and including them in their child's birthday party.
Readers can also read Choosing a Birthday Party Theme for more helpful information.
Jenny Evans - Jenny Evans is a freelance writer and editor specializing in parenting and the family. She is also the Mormonism Topic Editor for ...
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