30 Fun Party Games to Keep Kids of All Ages Entertained at Home
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Throwing a party can be pretty stressful, especially if you want to ensure that all of your guests think you're the hostess with the mostess thanks to your attention to detail, fabulous food, and perfect party favors. But when it comes to entertaining younger partygoers, the real struggle is ensuring that you have enough kid-friendly party games and activities planned to keep them entertained.
When looking for the best party games for kids, it's important to consider a few things, including the age of your players, whether you'll be playing indoors or outdoors, how easy or difficult the game is to explain and put together, and if you want things to be uber competitive or to make sure everyone has a chance to win something.
On this list of simple, yet classic party games for kids, we have a little something for everybody. Whether it be a party to celebrate a new graduate or a July 4th backyard bash with the whole family, there's sure to be something for adults and kids on this list.
Just keep one thing in mind: When kids hear games they usually think of prizes. So, if you're going to be hosting games at your next event make sure you have plenty of kid-friendly gifts to hand out to the winners or else you may end up with some spoiled sports on your hands!
Hot Potato
Is there a party game for kids that's more iconic than Hot Potato? We don't think so! But this new spin on an old classic takes things up a notch, allowing the potato to play the music instead of a supervising grownup. This is great if you want to stay free while the kids are playing, especially if you're going to be juggling hostess duties during game time.
Glow-in-the-Dark Tic Tac Toe
Take those evening festivities to the next level with some glow-in-the-dark gaming. Not only does it add an extra layer of fun to the competition for the kids, but it also makes them feel extra special about getting to stay up late with the grownups. Purchase a kit or make your own — there's no wrong way to get this party started!
Get the full Glow-in-the-Dark Tic Tac Toe tutorial at A Pumpkin and a Princess.
Bocce Ball
Having a party outside? Add bocce ball to your list of must-have activities to keep kids busy. This simple game requires a bit of space since players will be throwing balls down the court. But, with easy-to-follow rules, and the option of keeping the kids outside for a bit, it makes an excellent party addition for any backyard fiesta.
Build your own with the guide below or purchase one on Amazon.
Get the full Bocce Ball tutorial at Bless'er House.
Shuffleboard
The name may instantly make you think of retirees in Florida or cruise ships, but shuffleboard is actually an all-ages game that kids can enjoy as well. Create your own version by using a wood board, some paint, and your game pieces (we like the idea of M&M's for an added layer of fun), and then let the good times roll... well, toss. The winner can eat the candy or you can continue to use them as game pieces, depending on how you want to play.
Get the full Shuffleboard tutorial at Alice & Lois.
Birthday BINGO
B-I-N-G-O! This game is sure to be a winner at your next children's party because it's easy to follow along with and most children are already familiar with the rules.
Go with a basic "birthday" theme or tailor your BINGO card to match your event. Just make sure you have a great prize for the first child who yells the magic word!
Get the full Birthday BINGO tutorial at Artsy Fartsy Mama.
Lego Hunt
Have a collection of LEGOS at home? Then you're already halfway done planning this next big party game idea, which involves creating a LEGO Hunt. You'll need a collection of plastic blocks that contains at least 10 of the same type of block for each player. Throw them into a giant tub or bowl and then start the hunt. The first child to find all 10 of the blocks wins!
Get the full LEGO Hunt tutorial at All for the Memories.
Football Toss
It doesn't have to be football season to include a Football Toss game at your next party. Kids of all ages will enjoy having to throw a football through the designated holes. This can be modified to make it easier for little kids by allowing them to get closer to the target while moving older kids further away.
Get the full Football Toss tutorial at Cherished Bliss.
Race to Find the Dino
What kid doesn't love dinosaurs? Turn a love for the Jurassic Period into a fun party game idea by creating your own race to excavate. Create some DIY Dino Dig Kits using sand, silicone mold, and fossil toys, and then get the kids set up with the tools they'll need to uncover the dinosaur bones.
Add a prize for the first person to completely free their dino from the debris, or make everyone a winner and let each player go home with their fossil.
Get the full DIY Dino Dig Kit tutorial at A Pumpkin and a Princess.
Glow-in-the-Dark Egg Hunt
Hiding eggs isn't just for the Easter Bunny! In fact, this fun glow-in-the-dark egg hunt idea is the perfect idea for keeping kids busy at your event. All you need is some empty eggs, a few glow sticks, and some glow-in-the-dark stickers. As an added bonus, it doesn't even need to be nighttime for your guests to enjoy this game. Just close the curtains and turn off the lights and you have an instant seek-and-find game idea — turn on a black light to amp up the fun!
Get the full Glow-in-the-Dark Egg Hunt tutorial at A Pumpkin and a Princess.
Tower Building Contest
Ready, set, build! If you want a game that also inspires a little critical thinking, try a tower building contest. Each player gets an equal number of blocks (could be LEGO, stacking blocks, or whatever you have on hand) and enough space to get to work. Next, set your timer for five minutes and let the kids get to work. Whoever has the tallest tower when the timer goes off wins!
Get the full Tower Building Contest tutorial at All for the Memories.
I Spy
If you have younger children coming to your party you're going to want to have games that the preschool-aged kids can enjoy, too. That's why you can't go wrong with a good game of I Spy. You can freestyle and choose from things around the room you're playing in, or create your own game that includes some sensory touches to keep kids engaged.
Get the full I Spy Sensory Game tutorial at Craft Project Ideas.
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Harry Potter Activity Game
You don't need to be celebrating Harry Potter's birthday on July 31st to want to add some Harry Potter-themed games to your next gathering. In fact, the beloved book offers a lot of inspiration when it comes to game ideas for kids, including some minute-to-win-it-styled games that can be thrown together using supplies you already have on hand or by downloading some free printable options.
Get the full DIY Harry Potter Party Game tutorial at Crafting Cheerfully.
Water Based Games
Another outdoor favorite, you absolutely cannot go wrong with adding water games to your summer get-togethers. From water balloon tosses to DIY sponge bombs, kids just absolutely love an opportunity to get wet! Larger gatherings can be set up relay style while those smaller fetes can be done one-on-one. Just remind everyone to bring their suits before you invite them to your party.
Get the full Sponge Bombs & Sponge Toss Water Game tutorial at Crafts by Amanda.
Rent a Gaming Truck
This may technically be cheating, but if you're looking for party game ideas for the gamers in your life, you can't go wrong with renting a gaming truck. These vehicles will come to your party location fully loaded with a variety of gaming options, depending on the company you hire. Just be sure you're double checking what kind of games the kids in your life like playing these days because there's a big difference between multiplayer games where they can all join in on the fun together (like Fortnite) and other games that involve a lot of separate or solo play.
Get the full Gamer Party tutorial at Kara's Party Ideas.
Musical Chairs
This game has been a go-to for parents, teachers, and just about anyone looking for an easy game idea for, well, forever! That's because you don't need much to set the game up and the rules are pretty simple to follow: everyone walks around the chairs until the music stops and the last person to sit down, loses.
You can do several different variations, including one with actual chairs where you remove one each time you stop the music, one where everyone sits on the floor but the last player down loses, or one where you have to get to a certain spot first to win!
Get the full Musical Scavenger Hunt tutorial at Days With Grey.
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Limbo
How low can you go? Limbo makes a great party game for playing with kids because the rules are simple enough to follow. And while you don't need to purchase anything to play this game (even a broom will do as a limbo stick in a pinch), there are plenty of limbo games to buy online.
Just remember to give the winner something a little more than bragging rights once they win!
DIY Memory Games
Memory is a fun way to challenge yourself and others, ensuring that you're paying attention as each player takes their turn. It's easier to keep a larger group of kids engaged while playing this than other board games since every turn offers new clues about where the winning cards could be hidden.
Purchase a pre-made version of the game or DIY a game that matches your party's theme.
Get the full DIY Memory Game tutorial at Days With Grey.
Sidewalk Chalk Games
When it comes to sidewalk chalk games, the sky is the limit! You can draw an obstacle course, create a hopscotch challenge, or even designate a series of stations where each player will need to complete a task before moving on to the next spot. You're going to want to stock up on chalk before creating this fun party activity so that you don't run out as you start to set up your gaming area.
Get the full Sidewalk Chalk Obstacle Course tutorial at Design Improvised.
Backyard Olympics
Only the best of the best get a chance to compete in the Olympics, but with this Backyard Olympics Game, all you'll need is an invitation to the party. Set up this fun game by coming up with several different competition areas for your players. Choose from feats of strength, games of skill, and even activities that require more brains the brawn to ensure you're making it fun for all your party guests! Bonus idea: Create enough medals for each player so everyone goes home with the gold.
Get the full Backyard Olympics tutorial at DIY Inspired.
DIY Ring Toss
Ring toss is a classic party game because there are so many different ways you can play. DIY your own version using hula hoops and cones, build yourself a set as unique as the party you're throwing, or purchase a ready-made version of the game from Amazon. Gather your kids into groups and do the ring toss relay style for bigger parties or have them compete individually for smaller gatherings.
Get the full Neon Ring Toss tutorial at Crafts by Amanda.
DIY Trivia
Celebrating something special with your party? Create a bespoke trivia game that is specific to the birthday boy or girl to make game time a little more personal. You can use little-known facts or well-known stories, or give your guests an opportunity to create their own questions and answers as they arrive. Gather round for the big game and then awarthe kid who knows the most about the guest of honor with a special prize.
Get the full DIY Trivia Game tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger.
Indoor Bowling
Want to capture the fun of bowling without having to host your party at a bowling alley? Try some indoor variations of the game at your next celebration. You can DIY your own version using water bottles or pick up a set from the store. It doesn't matter if you follow the typical rules of play or make up your own, as long as the kids are having fun!
Get the full Water Bottle Bowling tutorial at Crafts by Amanda.
Kit Building Contest
If you have a small group of kids in need of a game idea that is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser (and get you a few minutes of quiet time), you're going to want to host a kit building contest. All you need is a few small building kits — you can order some in bulk from Amazon — and a flat surface with enough room for all the players to work. The first one done wins the contest, but each kid will get to take their kit home as a parting gift!
Get the full Kit Building Contest tutorial at All for the Memories.
Twister
Left hand blue, right foot green, let the fun begin! Twister is a full-body game that requires listening, coordination, and a good sense of humor. This classic game can be purchased anywhere games are sold and doesn't require much organization to get started. In fact, that is good to have out if you're having a party where people may be moving from activity to activity like a backyard BBQ, since it doesn't require an adult to run it.
Lawn Dice Games
Is there anything cuter than little kids playing with oversized game pieces? We think not! That's why we love the idea of a lawn dice game. You can transform pretty much any regular dice game into one that can be played on your turf, you'll just need the big dice to make it work. DIY your own set or order some online — opt for an inflatable option if you're worried about kids getting hit by wooden blocks — and then watch the good times roll... literally!
Get the full DIY Lawn Dice tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger.
Paper Airplane Game
We know the rule of thumb around the house is typically "no throwing things inside," but when you're looking for a party game for kids all bets are off! That's why we love this simple airplane flying game. The fun is twofold: First, the kids make the planes and then they have to get them to hit their targets. You can make this easier for younger players or more challenging for any high-flying teens you may have coming to your party.
Get the full Paper Airplane Game tutorial at Emma Owl.
Cornhole
Backyard games are usually a safe bet when you're looking for party activities to entertain kids. Not only does it give them plenty of space to move their bodies, but you won't have to worry about asking them to keep it down. When you have your younger guests playing cornhole, you can rest easy knowing that they are tossing around soft beanbags while they play, which hopefully means less risk of injury for them and unsuspecting bystanders.
DIY your own cornhole game or order one from Amazon today so that you're ready ahead of your next gathering.
Get the full Cornhole tutorial at Hands On As We Grow.
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Bucket Toss Games
There's something nice about a classic game like a bucket toss. Not only are the supplies easy to come by if you want to make your own, but these can be customized to fit a party theme or to be unique to you and your home. Best of all, games like these can become backyard favorites and something you reach for whenever you have people over, even if it's not specifically for a birthday party or big gathering. DIY your own or purchase one of the many different types of bucket games currently sold on Amazon.
Get the full Washer Bucket Toss tutorial at Happiness is Homemade.
Parachute Popcorn
Many of us have fond memories of elementary school gym class when we would get to play with the giant parachute. You can recreate those good times at your party with a parachute game like popcorn. All you need is a ball, a parachute (a plain sheet will do if you don't want to purchase a parachute just for your party), and a good number of kids. Have them take turns "popping" the ball to see how many kernels of popcorn they can make before it falls off the sheet.
Get the full Parachute Popcorn tutorial at The Simple Parent.
DIY Claw Machine
Want a game where everyone wins? Make your own DIY Claw Machine. Fill a container with small prizes, give your players something to use as a grabber (kitchen tongs are a good option), and let them play. Every player keeps the prize they win during their round until there's nothing left. Alternatively, this is a great idea for a creative way to give guests a chance to pick their own prizes after they win one of the other games on this list!
Get the full DIY Claw Game tutorial at Days With Grey.
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