I have great memories of playing games at parties when I was a child. They were fun, energetic and provided that extra bit of entertainment. There were a few favourites that we always played and I will share these and others below. For our son and daughter's parties we include a couple of these alongside a Bouncy Castle, and give them and their friends a taste of parties from the ‘olden days’.
These games are easy to set up, require minimal equipment, and are sure to be a hit with children of all ages.
1. Pass the Parcel
A true party favourite! Pass the Parcel involves passing a wrapped gift around the circle while music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the parcel unwraps a layer. The winner is the one who gets to the final layer.
Equipment needed: A wrapped parcel with layers of paper, a small gift or treat in the middle, and music.
2. Musical Chairs
This game never gets old! Set up chairs in a circle, with one less chair than there are players. When the music plays, everyone walks around the chairs, and when it stops, they must sit. The last person standing wins! Need a Bluetooth Speaker? We have them available to hire.
Equipment needed: Chairs, music player.
3. Pin the Tail on the Donkey
A simple but fun game where blindfolded children try to pin a tail onto a picture of a donkey. The child who gets the tail closest to the right spot wins! If you are having a Dinosaur or Unicorn themed party you could change the Donkey for one of these.
Equipment needed: A large picture of a donkey, a tail cut-out, and a blindfold.
4. Sleeping Lions
A great option for a calmer activity, Sleeping Lions involves the kids lying still like lions. One child is the "caller" and tries to make the lions laugh or move. The last child to stay still wins!
Equipment needed: None.
5. Pinata
Fill a brightly coloured Pinata with sweets or treats, then let the children take turns hitting it with a stick to release the goodies inside.
Equipment needed: Pinata, bat or stick, treats or sweets to fill it.
6. Treasure Hunt
Create a treasure map or a series of clues for the kids to follow. The first team to find the treasure wins!
Equipment needed: Clues or a treasure map, small prizes for the treasure.
7. Duck Duck Goose
Children sit in a circle, and one child walks around tapping others on the head saying “duck” until they pick someone to be the “goose,” who must then chase them around the circle.
Equipment needed: None.
8. Tug of War
A fantastic game for building team spirit, where two teams pull on opposite ends of a rope to try and pull the other team across a designated line.
Equipment needed: A long, strong rope.
9. Balloon Pop
Each child ties a balloon to their ankle, and the goal is to pop other players' balloons while keeping theirs intact.
Equipment needed: Balloons and string.
10. Musical Statues
When the music plays, the children dance around. When the music stops, they must freeze like statues. Anyone caught moving is out!
Equipment needed: Music player.
11. Egg and Spoon Race
A classic outdoor race where children must balance an egg (real or plastic) on a spoon and race to the finish line without dropping it.
Equipment needed: Spoons, boiled eggs (or plastic eggs), cones or markers for a racecourse.
12. Bobbing for Apples
Fill a large tub with water and apples. The children try to grab an apple using only their mouths, without using their hands.
Equipment needed: A large tub, apples, water.
13. Obstacle Course
Set up an obstacle course in your garden or hall using household items, and have the children race through it. You can use chairs to crawl under, cushions to jump over, and more. For an even bigger thrill, we also offer a range of inflatable obstacle courses for hire, providing a fun and challenging activity for kids of all ages!
Equipment needed: Household items like chairs, cushions, cones, ropes.
14. Wacky Races
Children race to complete a silly task, such as running with a book on their head or hopping with a balloon between their knees. The wackier, the better!
Equipment needed: Items for tasks like books, balloons, cones.
15. Hula Hoop Contest
See who can hula hoop the longest in this fun challenge. You can make it competitive or just enjoy it for fun.
Equipment needed: Hula hoops.
16. Throwing Bean Bags
A target game where children throw bean bags or soft balls at a target. The aim is to hit the target or score the most points by landing bean bags on specific areas.
Equipment needed: Bean bags or soft balls, a target or hoops.
17. Limbo
How low can you go? Set up a limbo stick, and have the children try to lean back and pass under it without touching the stick or falling.
Equipment needed: A limbo stick (you can use a broomstick or similar).
18. Freeze Tag
In this active game, one child is "It" and must tag others to freeze them in place. Frozen children can be freed by others who aren't frozen.
Equipment needed: None.
These games are the perfect way to keep the little ones engaged and entertained at your child’s birthday party. With minimal setup and a bit of space, you can have a fantastic time while making unforgettable memories. Whether you're hosting a big bash or a small celebration, these classic games are guaranteed to be a hit!
Need help setting up the ultimate birthday party? Contact us at Hardy’s Soft Play Hire, and we’ll make your event one to remember with our exciting range of inflatable games and party equipment.
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