31 Creative & Fun Birthday Party Games Your Kids Will Love

From modernized classics to innovative new favorites, these creative games and activities will keep the fun flowing and cameras clicking.


Birthday party games for kids are more than just a way to pass the time – they create lasting memories and bring smiles to faces, young and old alike. From classic favorites to innovative new ideas, the right mix of games can turn a good party into a great one.

Ready to plan a birthday bash that will have kids talking for weeks? Let the games begin!


Games to Get Them Groovin'

1. Freeze dance

Freeze Dance is a surefire hit that'll have kids grooving and giggling in no time. Here's how to play:

  • Crank up the tunes with a playlist of upbeat, kid-friendly songs. Mix in popular artists like The Wiggles and Kiboomers for extra fun.
  • Convert your space into a dazzling dance floor using Minted's Customizable Gold Garland Set. It's the perfect backdrop for your mini dancers!
  • Play the music and watch the kids bust their best moves. When the beat stops, everyone freezes in place – the sillier the pose, the better!

2. Musical chairs

A timeless party favorite that gets kids moving and giggling! Here's how to set up this interactive kids' party game:

  • Arrange chairs in a circle, using one less than the number of players. (Pro tip: create a festive atmosphere by decorating the chairs with on-theme garlands, stickers, or cut-outs.).
  • Play upbeat music as children walk around the chairs. When the music stops, players must quickly find a seat. The player left standing is out.
  • Remove one chair each round until only one player remains. Keep eliminated players engaged by having them become DJ assistants.

3. Hula hoop contest

A hula hoop contest is a fantastic way to keep kids moving and laughing. Here's how to turn your party into a twirling, swirling spectacle:

  • Create a hula zone using confetti. Sprinkle these colorful dots to mark your contest area and add a touch of whimsy to the festivities.
  • Provide an assortment of hula hoops in various sizes and colors. For a personalized twist, decorate them with washi tape or custom stickers with patterns that match your party theme.
  • Spark friendly competition by challenging kids to hula hoop for the longest time or perform creative tricks like spinning it on different body parts or passing the hoop without using their hands.
  • Amp up the excitement with a "Hoop-de-Loop" relay. Split kids into teams and have them race while passing a hoop from one player to another without breaking their linked hands – it's a hoot!

4. Limbo

Prepare for a bending, twisting, laughter-filled adventure with this beloved party tradition! Limbo challenges kids to show off their flexibility and balance while creating unforgettable moments of laughter. Here's how to set the stage for this classic crowd-pleaser:

  • Create a festive Limbo zone with a colorful backdrop for your limbo adventures.
  • Use a broomstick or pool noodle as your Limbo bar, starting at shoulder height and gradually lowering it after each round.
  • Crank up the fun with themed music—try Caribbean tunes for a tropical twist or your birthday star's favorite songs for a personalized touch.
  • Keep eliminated players engaged by inviting them to be judges or "Limbo Masters," responsible for holding the bar and cheering on their friends.

On Your Mark, Set, Go! Run-around party games

5. Sack race

Hop into hilarity with this classic party game. A sack race is the perfect blend of silly fun and friendly competition. Here's how to play:

  • Turn your backyard into a racetrack. Use hanging decor or garlands to create a festive starting line that'll have kids hopping with excitement.
  • Gather your race gear. Burlap potato sacks are traditional, but large pillowcases work wonders too, especially for smaller kids.
  • Mark your course with flair. Use yard stakes and colorful tape to outline lanes, adding whimsical touches like balloon arches or themed signposts along the way.

Pro Tip: Kick things up a notch with themed obstacles. Incorporate On the Farm Memory Match Game as pit stops, where racers must match a pair before hopping to the finish line!


6. Scavenger hunt

A scavenger hunt sparks curiosity, encourages teamwork, and creates lasting memories. Here's how to craft a hunt that'll have kids beaming with excitement:

  • Design eye-catching clue cards using Minted's personalized kids' stationery. These custom-crafted cards add a touch of magic to each discovery, making every find feel extra special.
  • Hide a mix of small treasures and playful tasks around your venue. Think colorful stickers, funny jokes to tell, or crazy dance moves to perform – variety keeps the hunt fresh and fun.
  • Create clues using themed stickers that match your party's vibe. Whether it's a princess castle or a space odyssey, tailored hints heighten the excitement and immerse kids in a world of imagination.
  • Offer a grand prize for completing the hunt, like a mini puzzle. It's a keepsake that'll remind them of their thrilling birthday adventure long after the party ends.

7. Obstacle course

Reimagine your outdoor space as a playground of possibilities with a customized obstacle course! This easy-to-setup birthday game combines physical challenges with endless laughter. Here's how to craft a course that'll have kids conquering challenges with glee:

  • Design a winding path using paper strips as trail markers to guide kids through each station. Pro Tip: Put extra rolls of wrapping paper you may have lying around to good use by cutting them into long strips to use as trail markers.
  • Create a "Limbo Limbo" challenge by stringing colorful garlands between trees or poles at varying heights. Watch as kids twist and bend to navigate under these festive obstacles.
  • Build a "Noodle Forest" using pool noodles stuck in the ground. Decorate each noodle with fun, on-theme shapes and cutouts (paper plates work great for this!) to turn your yard into a whimsical wonderland.

8. Egg and spoon race

Ready for a wobbly, giggly adventure that'll have kids balancing on the edge of excitement? The Egg and Spoon race is a timeless classic that's as easy to set up as it is fun to play. Here's how to scramble up some fun:

  • Create a starting line using curled ribbon streamers taped to the ground. Arm each racer with a spoon and an egg (hard-boiled for beginners, plastic for mess-free fun, or raw for daring older kids).
  • On "Go!", watch as kids navigate the course, teetering and tottering with determined grins. If an egg takes a tumble, it's back to the start line for a fresh attempt!
  • Spice things up by adding obstacles or creating a relay race. Set up balloon bouquets at key points to mark fun checkpoints or team zones.
  • Transform a party hat into a special winner's crown – decorate it with stickers and ribbons for your egg-ceptional champion!

9. Relay races

Turn your celebration into a whirlwind of joy and teamwork with imaginative relay races that will have everyone cheering and create lasting memories. Here's how to set the stage for non-stop excitement:

  • Liked the Egg-and-Spoon race idea from earlier? Turn it into an “Egg-cellent Adventure" by having kids line up in relay-style formation! ! Watch as teams teeter and totter, balancing eggs (real for the brave, plastic for peace of mind) on spoons as they dash to victory.
  • Delight taste buds with a "Sweet Sprint" Skittles Relay. Teams line up at their starting points, each with an empty cup. The first player races to the scattered Skittles, grabs one in their team's color, drops it in the matching paper cup, and then dashes back to pass the cup to their next teammate. The first team to collect all their colored candies wins.
  • Create a "Puzzle Pursuit" using pieces from Minted's Custom Name Puzzle. Teams race to collect puzzle pieces and assemble them, combining physical activity with problem-solving for a truly engaging experience.
  • Design an "Artistic Relay" where kids pass a paintbrush to add strokes to a collaborative masterpiece. Use Minted's personalized stationery as canvases, creating a unique party keepsake that captures the spirit of teamwork and creativity.

CIRCLE OF FUN GAMES

10. Hot Potato

Pass the fun around at your child's birthday bash with this timeless favorite! Hot Potato combines musical fun with heart-racing anticipation, creating an unforgettable party experience. Here's how to put a creative twist on this classic birthday party game:

  • Personalize your "hot potato" using Minted's customized party favor tags. Select the ones that match your party theme, then wrap them around a soft toy or beanbag for a special touch.
  • Fill a paper mache potato with candy or small prizes. When the music stops, the child holding the "potato" gets to unwrap a layer and keep the treat, ensuring smiles all around.
  • Mix it up with variations like "Hot Potato Soup", where players pass the potato while acting out stirring a pot of soup — if they're holding the potato when the music stops, they must add a silly "ingredient" to the pot. For summer parties, try "Water Balloon Hot Potato," where players gently pass a water balloon — whoever is holding it when the music stops gets a refreshing splash.

11. Pass the parcel

Make this beloved classic even more fun with pretty gift wrap! Each layer reveals a new surprise as kids unwrap to the music. Match the wrapping paper to your party colors to create a special round of Pass The Parcel everyone will love. Here's how to set it up:

  • Create a stunning parcel using Minted's premium wrapping paper. Choose from designs like the personalized Birthday Snap or the funky Shape Play to craft a gift that's as beautiful as it is fun to unwrap.
  • Nestle small treats or challenges between layers for added excitement. Think stickers, jokes, or goofy dares—each pause in the music becomes a mini-celebration.
  • Curate a playlist that matches your party's vibe. When the tunes stop, watch eyes light up as little hands eagerly peel away another layer of personalized wrapping.
  • For a twist on tradition, allow players to unwrap multiple layers when the music pauses. This variation keeps the energy high and smiles wide throughout the game.

12. Duck, duck, goose

Duck, Duck, Goose is a game that is sure to have kids quacking with delight. Here's how to hatch some fun:

  • Gather your flock in a circle, designating one player as the "ducker." Watch as they waddle around, tapping heads and calling "duck" until they choose their "goose" to chase them around the ring.
  • Spice up the chase by adding themed challenges. Have kids hop like frogs or stomp like dinosaurs as they race around, turning a simple game into a wild adventure.
  • Introduce "Golden Goose" rounds using a sparkly crown fashioned from a party hat. The player who gets to wear the crown becomes the next "ducker," adding an element of surprise.
  • Turn the fun up a notch with variations like "Duck, Duck, Splash" for summer parties. Use water balloons instead of taps, creating a refreshing twist that's sure to make a splash.

Skill-Based Party Games

13. Bean bag balance

Turn balance into a blast with this playful challenge that mixes coordination practice with giggles! Here's how to set up this crowd-pleaser:

  • Create a fun path using glow-in-the-dark stars on the floor. This simple trick turns the game into a cosmic adventure!
  • Give each child a bean bag and challenge them to balance it on their head while walking from start to finish. For extra giggles, set up paper plates as stepping stones along the way.
  • Mix it up by having kids balance bean bags on different body parts or add funny walks — like penguin waddles or robot moves!

14. Bean bag toss

Reimagine your backyard as a carnival of fun with this timeless game that's easy on the wallet and big on smiles! Here's how to create a bean bag toss extravaganza that'll have kids cheering:

  • Craft eye-catching targets using cardboard boxes or wooden boards. Turn each bullseye into a work of art with Minted's customized party labels that match your party theme.
  • Whip up DIY bean bags using knee-high socks filled with dry beans - no sewing required! This budget-friendly option lets you create multiple bags quickly, ensuring non-stop action for all your little guests.
  • Set up targets at varying distances to challenge players of all skill levels. Mark throwing lines using themed garlands like Minted's quirky thingamajigs, adding a sprinkle of pizzazz to your game zone.
  • Keep the excitement soaring by awarding points for successful tosses. Decorate the scoreboard using favor stickers to complement your celebrations.

15. Ring toss

Step right up to a festival of tossing fun! Ring toss is a budget-friendly birthday activity that promises hours of entertainment. You can create a ringmaster-worthy experience with these tips:

  • Set the stage using rainbow chalk circles to mark throwing lines. This playful touch adds a splash of color to your game zone.
  • Craft a colorful target board using wooden dowels or repurposed bottles. Make the target more interesting by topping each peg with a cupcake topper for extra party flair.
  • Cater to all skill levels by arranging pegs at varying distances. For added excitement, assign point values to different pegs, creating a thrilling competition that'll keep kids coming back to play again and again.
  • Embrace the party theme by crafting rings that match your celebration's colors. Try using glow stick rings for an evening party, adding an extra layer of magic to this classic game.

16. Pin the tail on the donkey

Put a fresh spin on everyone's favorite party game! With Minted's decorations, this classic becomes part of your special celebration. To get started:

  • Create a cute donkey poster using colorful paper or felt. Add some pizzazz with Minted's party stickers to match your party theme.
  • Cut out funny tail shapes from paper or felt, with a small piece of tape on each. Make them extra special with glitter or fun patterns.
  • Give each player a soft blindfold, spin them gently, and watch them try to pin the tail in just the right spot. The hilarious attempts always bring out the laughs!
  • Try fun variations like "Pin the Horn on the Unicorn" or "Pin the Shell on the Turtle" using your party's theme.

17. Minute to Win It

Turn your party into a high-energy game show with these quick, wacky challenges that kids must complete in just 60 seconds! Here's how to create edge-of-your-seat excitement:

  • Set up challenge stations using everyday items. For example, create a "Cookie Face" station where kids must move a cookie from their forehead to their mouth without using their hands, or "Stack Attack" where they build cup pyramids against the clock.
  • Create signs using wrapping paper and label each station with fun challenge names and instructions. Add a big timer display or use a phone countdown for extra excitement.
  • Award points for completed challenges and create special titles like "Speed Champion" or "Balance Master."
  • Mix up difficulty levels to keep everyone engaged. Try "Penny Stack" (stacking coins while wearing oven mitts) for older kids or "Balloon Bop" (keeping a balloon in the air) for younger ones.

18. Fishing game

Create an underwater adventure that gets kids excited to cast their lines! Turn a party corner into a fun fishing spot where little anglers can catch some prizes using Minted's ocean-themed party decorations. Here's how to set up this splash of fun:

  • Make colorful fish from cardstock and add a paper clip to each one's mouth. Decorate them with Minted's party stickers to match your celebration's theme.
  • Create simple fishing rods using dowels or sticks, tied with string and a small magnet. Add some sparkle with colorful ribbons wrapped around each rod.
  • Set the scene with blue streamers or fabric waves, and use Minted's sea-themed party decor around your fishing spot. Add some balloon bubbles to make it feel like underwater magic!
  • Make it more interesting by assigning different point values or writing fun facts on each fish. Kids can collect their catches in Minted's colorful party bags!

Team Birthday Party Games

19. Tug of war

Turn your party crew into two excited teams with this perfect group game! Kids love working together to win the big pull. Here's how you can channel the party energy into team spirit:

  • Pick a grassy spot and mark team zones with colorful streamers or balloons. Each side becomes its own cheerful team base.
  • Use a soft, sturdy rope with a bright ribbon tied in the middle to show the centerline. Mark the winning zones with fun chalk lines or hula hoops.
  • Keep it safe and fun by choosing a soft ground area and showing kids how to hold the rope properly. Let them make up team cheers before they start.
  • Mix it up with pool noodle tugs or beach towel pulls for younger kids — same team fun but extra gentle.

20. Three-legged race

When two become one, get ready for lots of laughs and wobbly walks. Here's how to set up the three-legged race in your backyard:

  • Create a fun race track using bright chalk lines or ribbon to mark the start and finish. Add some flair with colorful flags or party banners along the way.
  • Team up kids who are about the same height and tie their inner legs together with soft bandanas. Make sure they're comfy.
  • Let pairs practice their funny walk before the big race. Watch them giggle as they figure out how to hop together!
  • Make it extra fun by adding simple obstacles like hula hoops to step through or party balloons to go around.

21. Water balloon toss

Splash into party fun with everyone's favorite summer game! The water balloon toss is perfect for hot days and guaranteed to bring out the giggles. A splash plan that's easy to execute:

  • Fill up colorful water balloons, taking care not to overfill so they're easier to catch! Use pool noodles laid flat to mark where players should stand.
  • Have kids pair up and face each other. After each catch, instruct them to take a step back. The farther apart, the trickier it gets!
  • Make it sillier! Try passing balloons using elbows or having teams do silly dances between tosses.
  • Keep it safe and fun with a grassy play area and towels ready. Use eco-friendly water balloons to keep the planet happy too!

22. Connections

Put a party spin on the viral word game that has everyone talking! Kids team up to find hidden links between seemingly random words. Here's how to create this brain-teasing party game:

  • Create themed word sets using Minted's customized cards. For example, a "birthday" category might include cake, candles, presents, and party; while "colors" could feature red, blue, yellow, and green.
  • Divide kids into teams and display four groups of four related words. Teams work together to sort the words into their matching categories before time runs out.
  • Make it age-appropriate! For younger kids, use picture cards and obvious categories like animals or foods. Challenge older players with trickier connections like "things that pop" or "round things."
  • Add excitement by using a sand timer decorated with party stickers. Teams earn points for each correct category they identify, with bonus points for solving everything first.

Pro Tip: Keep several rounds of word sets ready to go. As teams figure out one puzzle, you can quickly set up the next to keep the momentum going!


Creative Games and Activities

23. Storytime corner

Bring magic to your celebration with a cozy where kids can discover stories together! This quiet corner gives little ones a perfect break from the party action. To set up your story spot:

  • Make a comfy reading nook using soft twinkle lights and flowing fabric overhead. It'll feel like a special hideaway for story explorers.
  • Choose books that match your party theme — space stories for an astronaut party, or dragon tales for a medieval adventure!
  • Add plenty of cushy pillows and blankets so kids can snuggle in for storytime. It's the perfect spot to rest and dream.
  • Leave some fun notebooks nearby where kids can draw their favorite story characters or create their own mini-adventures.

24. Face painting

Add some color and sparkle to your party with face painting! It's amazing how a few swipes of paint can turn tigers loose and set butterflies free. Follow these simple steps to get started:

  • Set up a festive face painting corner with colorful balloons and streamers as a fun backdrop.
  • Curate a picture menu with popular designs like butterflies, tigers, and superheroes that kids can choose from.
  • Set up mirrors decorated with sparkly ribbons so kids can watch their transformation and show off their new looks.

25. Craft station

Set up a fun craft corner where kids can create their own party souvenirs! This hands-on station turns party time into creative time and leaves the guests with fun keepsakes. Here are a few fun craft ideas:

  • Create a dedicated cozy space, ready with Minted's personalized journals, where kids can draw, write stories, or make their own memory books.
  • Fill the table with fun art supplies like colorful paper, safe glue sticks, and bright markers. Add some sparkly stickers for extra pizzazz!
  • Make it themed! For a jungle party, let kids create animal masks. For a space party, they can design their own rockets.
  • Set up a friendship bracelet station where kids can make colorful bracelets to share with their buddies.

Quick Thinking Games

26. Simon Says

Want to get everyone moving and laughing? Get ready to play the silliest version of Simon Says! Kids love making funny faces, doing crazy dances, and trying not to get tricked. Here's how to play this party favorite:

  • Choose your silliest friend to be "Simon" and lead the fun. Give them a list of goofy moves to keep everyone laughing.
  • Make your commands match your party! For a superhero theme, try "Simon says zoom like Superman" or "wiggle your cape" (watch out — no Simon said that!).
  • Create fun action cards with wacky moves like "hop like a bunny" or "dance like a robot" for kids to pick and try.
  • Keep the giggles coming with quick, funny rounds that get everyone bouncing and playing together.

27. Charades

Get ready for lots of laughs with the classic game of charades! Kids love acting out silly scenes like "blowing up balloons" or "eating cake." Here's how to set up this party favorite:

  • Curate a collection of simple, fun words and phrases that kids will enjoy acting out. Keep them easy enough for everyone to join in the fun.
  • Create colorful charade cards using bright paper or index cards. You can use Minted's personalized kids' stationery, selecting a design that matches the party theme. Add fun doodles or stickers to make them extra special.
  • Set up a "stage" area using colorful balloons or string lights as a backdrop, giving young actors their moment to shine.
  • Make it even more fun by adding themes or funky props, keeping everyone giggling and excited to take their turn.

Prop Games & Activities

29. Party Piñata

Time for everyone's favorite party surprise — the piñata! Watch kids jump with joy as treats shower down at your celebration. Here's how to set up this classic party game:

  • Suspend a colorful pinata filled with an assortment of treats and small toys. Choose a design that matches your party theme, from classic donkeys to trendy unicorns or beloved cartoon characters.
  • Provide a safe batting area by clearing ample space and using a sturdy rope to hang the pinata. Consider an adjustable system to raise or lower the pinata, ensuring fun for all ages.
  • Introduce a twist with a "Human Piñata" game. Volunteers wear shirts covered in taped-on candies, allowing kids to "catch" treats without the need for sticks – a safe and inclusive alternative that keeps the excitement high.
  • Amplify the anticipation by blindfolding each child before their turn, spinning them gently, and encouraging cheers from the crowd. This sensory experience adds an extra layer of excitement to the traditional game.

30. Balloon pop

With kids discovering the thrill of finding what's hidden inside each balloon, your party is sure to be filled with squeals of delight. Here's how to set up this fun activity:

  • Fill colorful, on-theme balloons with little treats, toys, or even silly challenge cards and scatter them around the party space like a treasure hunt.
  • Give kids safe ways to pop their balloons (with grown-up help!). Watch their faces light up as they discover the surprises inside.
  • Make it extra special by adding sparkly confetti to some balloons — it'll rain down like magic when they pop!
  • Turn it into a team game! Kids can work together to collect and pop balloons, making it even more fun for everyone.

31. Giant bubbles

Turn your backyard into a magical wonderland with giant bubbles—a mesmerizing DIY birthday party game that will leave kids in awe. Here's how to create bubble magic:

  • Whip up a bubble solution fit for giants using 2 gallons of warm water, 1/2 cup dish soap, and a dash of glycerin. Let it rest for an hour before the game begins..
  • Craft oversized bubble wands using household items like straws and pipe cleaners. Decorate your wands with Minted's customized party labels adding a sprinkle of personalized charm to your bubble-making tools.
  • Elevate the fun with bubble-themed games. Create a "Bubble Bar" with various wand shapes, or challenge kids to make bubble snakes using water bottles and socks.
  • For a twist on traditional popping, provide fleece gloves and watch as children catch and bounce bubbles without bursting them.

Frequently asked questions when organizing a memorable birthday

Throwing a birthday bash goes far beyond choosing a few fun games. Here, we answer your most pressing party-planning questions (and you can check out our full party-planning checklist for even more tips).


What are some easy-to-setup birthday games?

Musical Chairs never fails to get giggles going – just arrange chairs in a circle, hit play on your playlist, and watch the fun unfold. For a treasure-hunting twist, a Scavenger Hunt with a printable list lets kids embark on an adventure right in your backyard. And for a burst of excitement, try a Balloon Pop – fill balloons with small prizes for a thrilling seat-popping good time!


Can I weave educational elements into the birthday festivities?

Yes, learning and laughter can go hand in hand. Set up a craft station where kids can flex their creative muscles. Turn charades into a vocabulary booster by using words related to your party theme. For budding scientists, create a simple "laboratory" with safe household items for exciting experiments. Remember, the key is to keep it playful!


How can I tailor these games to suit different age groups?

Flexibility is your friend! For toddlers, simplify rules and focus on sensory experiences – like a tactile scavenger hunt. School-age kids love challenges, so amp up the complexity of your games with time limits or team competitions. Tweens and teens? Involve them in game creation or add a tech twist with app-based scavenger hunts. The golden rule: know your audience and be ready to adjust on the fly.

Remember, the best birthday party games for kids are the ones that spark joy and create lasting memories. With a sprinkle of creativity and a dash of Minted's personalized touch, you're all set to host a celebration that'll be the talk of the playground!


An unforgettable birthday with Minted

From musical chairs to giant bubbles, party games make birthdays special and full of laughs. Mix up familiar favorites with new games to create a celebration your child will remember. Ready to plan the perfect party? Check out Minted's themed birthday invitations and party decorations to bring your ideas to life!