30 Birthday Party Games for Kids of All Ages
Whether the party is indoors or in your backyard, these fun birthday games will keep kids endlessly entertained.
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Whether you're hosting a birthday party for a boy or girl, there's a lot to think about, including finding the perfect funny wishes, the best decorations, and, of course, the most delish cake! But even if you've nailed down an absolutely genius theme (Cracker Barrel, anyone?) you can't forget about what may be the most important element: birthday party games for kids. Because the games are not just the icing on the cake at any gathering of littles. Plan them well and they will not only get the party started, they'll keep it going (and maybe even relatively under control).
Active games, like Hide and Seek and Musical Chairs, will channel kids' energy, while quieter activities (Birthday Bingo and What Would You Choose) can help them focus. Our list includes games for indoors and out, as well as for kiddos of all ages. Planning a backyard bash? You might want to think about including a classic like Bobbing for Apples, or snap up that awesome inflatable limbo set we found. But if the weather turns—or the kids are winding down—you can always bring them inside for a fun board game, like Escape the Room. No matter which one you choose, it's game on, so the kids are such to love it!
Has there ever been a kid anywhere who didn't pretend they had to escape the lava flowing across their floor? The Floor is Lava ingeniously turns the favorite fantasy from childhood into a board game complete with slip-resistant foam stepping stones that you can use indoors or out, challenge cards, a game spinner, and instructions.
Two times the spots on this bigger, better Twister mat means 10 times the fun!
The nice thing about this update of the game night staple is that the cards have clues with pictures, so even young kids can play.
Bobbing for Apples
It's not just for Halloween parties anymore! The only supplies you need to bob for apples are a tub of water and a bag of the fruit, so it's an easy-peasy (and inexpensive) game to set up.
Musical Chairs
Young or old, we all enjoy a good game of musical chairs. Just don't forget the prize for the last player standing!
This escape room in a box can rescue any outdoor party that's been rained out. Good for up to eight players ages 10 and up, it gets kids working together to solve puzzles and unravel the thrilling mystery of Stargazer's Manor.
Go big or go home with this seriously cool Jenga game that stacks to more than five feet tall.
Egg and Spoon Race
This fun challenge can be adapted for young kids, who can carry the eggs in bowls, and older ones, who will get a kick out of holding the spoons in their mouths.
Chances are you don't have a bunch of big burlap bags sitting around your house, but you don't need to thanks to this handy potato sack race kit.
Donut on a String
For this game, all you need to do is hang donuts from strings, tie the contestants' hands behind their backs, and get set to giggle as everyone tries to eat their pastry the fastest. To make things extra messy (and hilarious) use warm glazed or iced donuts.
A downloadable take on the television game show classic, the kid-friendly Birthday Family Feud is a great option to pull out after the littles have burned through the cake-and-ice-cream sugar rush.
Just maybe the world's most perfect lawn game, cornhole is sure to be a hit with both parents and kids at the birthday bash.
Not just an inflatable limbo set, but an inflatable limbo set with palm trees, this would be super cute for a tropical or jungle-themed birthday party.
Tug of War
Not only is Tug of War an absolute blast for kids to play, it teaches them that teamwork makes the dream work and brains (in the form of strategy) can often beat brawn.
Bingo isn't just for senior centers and fire halls! This set includes enough colorful cards and stickers (which stand in for the tokens), that 23 children can play.
You're sure to score a strike on the big day with this large-and-in-charge inflatable bowling set all the littles will love. The mega-sized pins are over two feet tall.
Blind Man's Bluff
This oldie but goodie has been played at children's parties FOR. EVER. The rules are simple: a blindfolded player tries to catch the other players using senses other than sight. When they do, the player who's been caught becomes "it."
Water Balloon Tag
If you're planning a hot weather birthday party, you can jazz up a simple game of tag by adding water balloons to the mix. Instead of touching another player, whoever is "it" has to hit them with a water-filled balloon.
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