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33 of the best kids' party games – for the ultimate birthday party

Last modified on Tuesday 15 February 2022

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If you're planning a kids' birthday party or throwing a children's party for any other occasion, you're probably asking yourself, 'How do you entertain kids at a party?'.

Luckily, we've got a whole host of children's party games to make sure all the kids have fun. Whether you prefer indoor games or outdoor party games, there's plenty to choose from here. And there are probably one or two classic party games you remember from your own childhood, too – pin the tail on the donkey anyone?

Most of these fun games require minimal equipment, if any at all, so grab a few balloons and a bit of coloured paper and get ready to press play on the party tunes.

Top tips for kids' party games

  • If you're having a big party, it's always a good idea to start with an icebreaker game, to help everyone get to know each other. Even if they all go to the same school, they may not play together regularly. Any of the games above that involve putting the kids in teams is a good place to start.
  • A loud and boisterous game such as a race is a great way to help the kids burn off energy. If they're on a sugar high from all that delicious party food , pick a game that lets them run around until they tire themselves out.
  • A quieter game is a great way to help the party wind down. Sleeping lions is our favourite for this; also ideal if you need a break!
  • Keep an eye out for shy kids who might find it more difficult to join in. Encourage everyone to join in with games, but don't force it. Consider setting up an arts-and-crafts area, so any kids who feel overwhelmed by a game can go and create a masterpiece instead.

Are you planning a child's birthday party? Have you got any great kids party games to recommend? From tug of war to charades, share your faves on the forum thread below.

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For more tips and ideas, check out our birthday planning guides by age:

1-year-old birthday 2-year-old birthday 3-year-old birthday 4-year-old birthday 5-year-old birthday 6-year-old birthday 7-year-old birthday 8-year-old birthday 9-year-old birthday 10-year-old birthday 11-year-old birthday 12-year-old birthday 13-year-old birthday 14-year-old birthday birthday ideas for older teens

Or browse party ideas by theme:

Dinosaur party Disco party Festival party First birthday party Frozen party Mermaid party NYE party Pamper party Pirate party Pizza party Sleepover party Space party Tea party Toy Story party Trampoline sleepover party Unicorn party