Welcome to the ultimate guide for entertaining little party-goers! If you're planning a kid's birthday party and wondering how to keep the young ones engaged, you've come to the right place. At Shindigs, we understand that the success of any kids' party often hinges on the lollies, the decorations, and the games! That's why we've compiled this list of 20 easy and fun party games for kids that are sure to be a hit at your next event.

From classic favourites to creative new party game ideas, these games are designed to spark joy, encourage interaction, and create lasting memories. Whether you're organising a birthday bash, a school holiday get-together, or a playdate with a festive twist, these games will help ensure every child has a fantastic time. So, let's dive in and discover how to transform your next children's party into an unforgettable adventure!

Classic Party Games with a Twist

1. Musical Statues Charades

This game combines two favourite party games: musical statues and charades. Play music and have the children dance around. When the music stops, they must freeze like statues. The twist? Each round, select one child to perform a charade while frozen. The first to guess correctly gets to choose the next charade.

2. Pass the Parcel Surprise

Elevate the traditional pass-the-parcel game by adding themed surprises between each layer. As party guests unwrap the parcel, they might find stickers, temporary tattoos, or small toys related to your party theme. This keeps the excitement high even for those who don't unwrap the final gift.

3. Simon Says Silly Actions

In this variant of the classic game, 'Simon' (the party host or a designated child) gives instructions for silly actions. "Simon says hop like a kangaroo" or "Simon says make a funny face". This game gets kids moving and laughing, perfect for burning off excess energy.

4. Hide and Seek Treasure Hunt

Combine hide and seek with a treasure hunt for double the fun. Hide small treats or clues around the party area. When a child finds another player, they team up to find the treasures together. This cooperative twist on a classic game encourages teamwork and problem-solving.

Active Games to Get Kids Moving

5. Balloon Pop Relay Race

Divide kids into teams and line them up at a starting line. Place an inflated balloon at the finish line for each team. Team members must run to their balloon one by one, sit on it to pop it, and run back to tag the next player. The first team to pop all their balloons wins.

6. Obstacle Course Challenge

Create a fun obstacle course using household items. Include challenges like crawling under a table, hopping through hula hoops, or balancing a bean bag on their head while walking. Time each child and award prizes for the fastest times or most creative ways of completing the course.

7. Hula Hoop Contest

Host a hula hoop competition with various categories: longest time, most creative moves, or even team hula hooping, where kids pass the hoop from one to another without using their hands. This game is great for developing coordination and provides plenty of laughs.

8. Jumping Sack Race

A twist on the traditional sack race: use decorated pillowcases for kids to jump in. Mark a start and finish line, and let the hopping begin! For younger children, consider a shorter distance or allow them to hold the sack at their waist instead of their shoulders.

Creative and Artistic Games

9. Pictionary Pairs

Pair up the children and give each duo a whiteboard or large sheet of paper. One child draws while the other guesses, and then they switch roles. For added fun, use themed words related to your party. This game encourages creativity and communication skills.

10. Playdough Sculpture Competition

Provide each child with a portion of playdough and announce a theme (e.g., "underwater world" or "outer space"). Give them a set time to create their masterpiece. This quiet activity is perfect when the party energy needs to wind down a bit.

11. Face Painting Station

Set up a face painting station with safe, washable face paints. Children can take turns painting each other's faces or have a designated face painter. Provide stencils for those who need inspiration. This activity doubles as a party favour, as kids leave with their face art.

12. Collaborative Mural Making

Roll out a large sheet of paper and provide various art supplies. Encourage all the children to contribute to a giant mural based on the party theme. This collaborative art project is a great way to keep kids entertained and create a lasting memory of the party.

Brain Teasers and Puzzles

13. Riddle Scavenger Hunt

Create a series of age-appropriate riddles that lead to various locations around the party area. At each spot, place a small prize or the next clue. This game combines problem-solving with the excitement of a treasure hunt.

14. Memory Match Game

Create oversized memory cards using cardboard and images related to your party theme. Lay them face down on the floor and have kids take turns flipping them over to find matches. This game is excellent for cognitive development and can be played individually or in teams.

15. Who Am I? Guessing Game

Have all the children sit in a circle and stick a post-it note with a character's name on each child's forehead. They must ask yes or no questions to the group to figure out who they are. This game encourages critical thinking and is hilarious as kids try to guess their identity.

16. Jigsaw Puzzle Race

Have the kids sit in teams and give each team an identical jigsaw puzzle. The first team to complete their puzzle wins. For added difficulty, mix pieces from different puzzles together and have teams sort them before assembling.

Outdoor Party Games (Weather Permitting)

17. Water Balloon Toss

Perfect for hot days, pair up the children and give each pair a water balloon. They must toss it back and forth, taking a step back each time they successfully catch it. The last pair with an unbroken balloon wins. Be sure to have towels on hand for drying off!

18. Egg and Spoon Race

A classic party game that never goes out of style. Use hard-boiled eggs or plastic eggs filled with confetti for less mess. Have children race while balancing an egg on a spoon. For added difficulty, create an obstacle course they must navigate.

19. Giant Bubbles Blowing Contest

Create a bubble solution and give kids various bubble-making tools, from wands to homemade contraptions. Have contests for biggest bubble, most bubbles, or most creative bubble shape. This activity is mesmerising for all ages.

20. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of natural items for kids to find in the backyard or a nearby park. Include things like "something smooth," "something red," or "a Y-shaped twig." This game encourages observation skills and appreciation for nature.

Tips for Successful Party Game Management

• Age-appropriate game selection: Ensure the games you choose are suitable for the age group of your party guests. Younger children might need simpler rules and indoor party games, while older kids might enjoy more complex challenges outside.

• Preparing materials in advance: Prepare all game materials before the party starts. This includes any props, prizes, or equipment needed for each activity.

• Handling prizes and participation rewards: Consider having small prizes for winners and participation rewards for all children. This ensures everyone feels included and celebrated.

• Adapting games for different group sizes: Be prepared to modify games based on the number of children attending. Some games work better with larger groups, while others are perfect for smaller gatherings.

Kids Birthday Party Decorations

Creating the right atmosphere is crucial for any child's birthday party. The decorations set the tone and bring your chosen theme to life. Here are some ideas to make your party space look fantastic:

Decoration Ideas for a Birthday Party Theme

Choose a theme based on your child's interests and decorate accordingly. Whether it's superheroes, princesses, or animals, Shindigs has a wide range of themed decorations to suit any party. Here are some popular themes and decoration ideas:

• Superhero: Hang comic book-style banners, use cityscape backdrops, and place superhero cutouts around the room. Don't forget superhero logos and "POW!" "BAM!" signs.

• Princess: Use cardboard and paint to create a castle entrance, hang shimmering curtains, and sprinkle "fairy dust" (glitter) on tables. Use pastel colours and crown-shaped decorations.

• Under the Sea: Hang blue and green streamers from the ceiling to create a watery effect, place inflatable sea creatures around the room, and use seashells and starfish as table decorations.

• Space Adventure: Create a starry sky with glow-in-the-dark stars, hang planets from the ceiling, and use silver and black decorations for a futuristic look.

• Jungle Safari: To create a jungle atmosphere, use green streamers and cardboard cutouts of trees, place stuffed animal toys around the room, and use animal-print tablecloths.

DIY Decoration Suggestions

Get creative with homemade decorations to add a personal touch to your party:

• Paper Chains: Create colourful paper chains to hang across the room. This is a great activity to do with your child before the party.

• Painted Signs: Using cardboard and paint, make welcome signs, directional signs (e.g., "Games This Way", "Cake Station"), or signs with the birthday child's name.

• Themed Cut-outs: Use cardboard to create large cut-outs related to your theme (e.g., a castle for a princess party, a rocket for a space party). Paint them for added effect.

• Tissue Paper Pom-poms: Use tissue paper to create fluffy decorations. These can be hung from the ceiling or used as table centrepieces.

• Photo Bunting: Print out photos of the birthday child and create a bunting to showcase their growth over the years.

Balloon Arrangements and Arches

Balloons are a party staple that can transform any space:

• Balloon Arch: Create a stunning entrance or photo backdrop with a DIY balloon garland. Use a mix of sizes and colours for a professional look.

• Balloon Bouquets: Group balloons in odd numbers (3, 5, or 7) to create bouquets. Tie them to weights and place them around the party area.

• Balloon Animals: If you're feeling adventurous, learn to make simple balloon animals or hire a balloon artist for more complex creations.

• Balloon Wall: Attach balloons to a wall in a pattern or to spell out a message to create a focal point.

• Floating Ceiling Balloons: Fill clear balloons with confetti before inflating them with helium for a magical effect.

Table Settings and Centrepieces

Don't forget to decorate the tables where your guests will be eating and doing activities:

• Themed Tablecloths: Use tablecloths that match your party theme for an instant decorative effect.

• Centrepieces: Create eye-catching centrepieces using themed items, flowers, or balloons. For example, a princess party could have tiaras as centrepieces, while a space party could feature rocket ships. Couple this with themed plates, cups and cutlery. 

• Napkin Folding: Learn simple napkin folding techniques to add a decorative touch to your table.

• Edible Decorations: Use sweets or fruit to create decorative patterns on the table. This doubles as both decoration and snack for your party guests.

Party Backdrop Ideas for Photos

Create a designated photo area to capture memories of the day:

1. Themed Backdrop: Use a large piece of fabric or a sheet and paint or attach themed elements to create a custom backdrop.

2. Balloon Wall: Create a colourful backdrop using balloons of various sizes.

3. Streamer Curtain: Hang streamers or ribbons from a rod to create a curtain effect. This works particularly well for rainbow themes.

4. Floral Wall: For garden or fairy themes, create a wall of artificial flowers.

5. Chalkboard Backdrop: Use a large chalkboard or chalkboard paint to create a customisable backdrop. Guests can write messages or draw pictures.

Remember, the key to great party decorations is to tie everything together with your chosen theme. Don't be afraid to mix store-bought items with DIY creations for a unique and personalised look. 

Kids Party Food and Lollies

No party is complete without delicious treats! Here are some ideas to keep your little party-goers well-fed and happy:

• Healthy snack options: Balance out the sweets with some healthy options. Fruit skewers, veggie sticks with dip, or homemade smoothies are great choices.

• Fun and creative party food presentations: Present food in fun ways. Use cookie cutters to shape sandwiches, create a 'build your own' pizza station, or make 'dirt cups' with chocolate pudding and crushed cookies.

• Birthday cake alternatives: If you're looking for something different, consider cupcake towers, cookie cakes, or even a doughnut wall.

• Allergy-friendly treat ideas: Be mindful of common allergies. Provide options like fruit popsicles, popcorn, or rice crispy treats that are free from common allergens.

• Lolly bag suggestions: For take-home treats, create lolly bags with a mix of sweets and small toys. Shindigs offers a variety of party favours perfect for lolly bags.

Ready to Party?

Planning a kids' party doesn't have to be stressful. With these 20 easy and fun party games for kids, along with our tips for decorations and food, you're well-equipped to throw an unforgettable celebration. Remember, the key to the best party games is to keep things moving, have plenty of options, and, most importantly, have fun!

At Shindigs, we're here to help make your party planning journey as smooth as possible. From decorations to party favours, we've got everything you need to create the perfect celebration. Here's to creating joyful memories and hosting parties that kids (and parents) will love!

FAQs About Kids Party Games and Planning

How many games should I plan for a two-hour party?

It's a good idea to have 5-7 games prepared for a two-hour party. This allows for variety and accounts for games that might not be as popular. Remember, it's always better to have too many activities than too few!

What are some inclusive games for children with different abilities?

Traditional party games like Simon Says, Musical Statues, and messy art can be easily adapted for children with different abilities. The key is to focus on games that can be modified to suit all participants.

How can I ensure shy children feel comfortable participating?

Start with group activities that don't put individual children on the spot. Gradually introduce more interactive games, like musical chairs, and always have a quiet activity option available for children who need a break from high-energy games.

What are some budget-friendly game ideas?

Many classic games like Hide and Seek, Simon Says, and Duck, Duck, Goose require no special equipment. You can also create your own versions of popular games using household items.

How can I incorporate educational elements into party games?

Many games naturally incorporate learning. Scavenger hunts can include problem-solving, art projects boost creativity, and word games enhance vocabulary. The key is to focus on fun while sneaking in educational elements.