Kids’ Party Ideas

Planning a kids’ party can feel like a big job. Keeping little ones happy, excited, and chaos-free is no small task, which is why we’ve pulled together a bundle of brilliant party ideas for kids of all ages. From classic games that never get old to hands-on activities that spark creativity, you’ll find everything you need to turn your party into a day full of smiles, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Classic party games

There’s a reason these games are classics! They’re the secret ingredient to any brilliant kids’ birthday party, packed with pure, simple fun that gets everyone involved. These games are fantastic for breaking the ice and sparking instant joy, as they rely on laughter and energy rather than complicated rules. They’re brilliant for helping little ones develop important social skills like taking turns, listening carefully, and being a good sport, all while having an absolute blast. Here are some of the most popular party games:

1. Musical chairs: Arrange one less chair than the number of children in a circle. Play some upbeat tunes and have the children walk around the chairs. When the music stops, they must rush to find a seat! One chair is removed each round. Ideal for ages four and up, this game develops quick thinking and adaptability.
2. Musical statues: Get the children to dance around to music, and when it stops, they must freeze in a funny pose. Anyone who moves is out. This game enhances listening skills and self-control and requires no preparation or cleanup!
3. Pin the tail on the donkey: Blindfolded, children take turns trying to pin a ‘tail’ onto a donkey poster. This classic improves hand-eye coordination and is a hilarious challenge for children and adults at the party.
4. Pass the parcel: Wrap a small prize in multiple layers of paper. As music plays, children pass the parcel around, and whoever is holding it when the music stops gets to unwrap a layer. Perfect for younger children, this game teaches patience and the joy of anticipation.
5. Balloon games: Simple activities like a balloon toss or trying to keep balloons from touching the floor are perfect for energetic kids aged five and over. They improve coordination and encourage teamwork.
6. Simon says: A brilliant game for listening skills, one person calls out actions starting with “Simon says…”. If they call out an action without the magic phrase, anyone who does it is out!

Get little legs moving with even more fun-filled physical activities for kids.

Interactive party activities

Let your little guests’ creativity run wild with interactive group activities. These hands-on party ideas are a wonderful way to channel party excitement into something imaginative and collaborative. They’re designed to keep little hands and minds busy, giving every child the chance to create something they can be proud of. These activities are fantastic for developing fine motor skills, encouraging creative expression, and fostering teamwork. Plus, the finished creations often double as a wonderful, personalised party favour to take home!

1. DIY craft station: Set up a table with colourful paper, markers, stickers, and maybe some glitter (if you don’t mind the cleaning up!). Explore our full range of arts and crafts to help you get started.
2. Friendship bracelet making: Lay out a selection of colourful threads, beads, and charms, and let the kids create friendship bracelets for their best pals.
3. Cupcake decorating: Children aged five and above will love designing their own tasty treats, creating a sense of independence. All you need is some plain cupcakes, different coloured icing, and plenty of sprinkles.
4. Group painting: Roll out a large sheet of paper or canvas, provide some washable paints, and let them go wild creating a giant masterpiece.
5. Build your own party bag: Offer a selection of small toys, sweets, and stationery on a table and give each child a bag. This makes sure that everyone goes home happy with a unique party bag to treasure.

Related: Indoor Games For Siblings.

Treasure hunts

This is one of those kids’ birthday party ideas that guarantees excitement. A treasure hunt keeps children completely captivated as they work together to solve clues and find the hidden prize. It’s a fantastic way to get kids moving and thinking, blending physical activity with a fun mental challenge, while boosting social skills and problem-solving abilities.

Though they may sound complicated, treasure hunts can be simple to set up. Start by choosing a theme that matches your party and decide whether you want the hunt indoors or outdoors. Write out a series of clues – pictures can be more suitable for younger children, or riddles for older kids. Then, hide each clue, leading to the next with a final “treasure” at the end. To encourage teamwork, divide the children into small groups. Explain the rules clearly before you shout, “Go!”

Role play games

Role play is great for kids’ imaginations, letting them become anyone they want to be! These activities are a way to let kids explore different stories and characters, from brave superheroes to graceful princesses. Role play is more than just fun; it’s a powerful tool for child development. It helps children build empathy by stepping into someone else’s shoes, develops their communication and storytelling skills, and boosts their confidence as they act out different scenarios. Here are some party-friendly ideas:

1. Dress-up: Fill a box with fancy dress costumes, hats, and props, and let children create their own characters.
2. Puppet shows: Create a simple stage from a cardboard box and use puppets to tell a story.
3. Princess/superhero training stations: Combine physical play and imaginative scenarios! Set up fun challenges like an obstacle course.

Carnival-style games

Bring all the fun of the fair to your back garden with some brilliant carnival-style games. These simple and engaging activities are always a crowd-pleaser, creating a lively atmosphere of friendly competition and shared laughter. They are fantastic for helping children develop a range of skills in a playful environment, from improving hand-eye coordination to sharpening problem-solving abilities and encouraging teamwork.

1. Ring toss: Set up some bottles and challenge the kids to throw hoops over them.
2. Obstacle courses: Design a course in the garden using cushions to jump over and blankets to crawl under. Even better, get their imaginations going by labelling the ground as lava or creating imaginary sharks in the water.
3. Guess the number of sweets in a jar: A simple but exciting game; The child with the closest guess wins the jar!
4. Piñata: Taking turns to hit the piñata is a brilliant way to burn off energy and ends with a fun scramble for shared treats.

Find outdoor party toys perfect for your own mini carnival and discover more garden-friendly summer activities to keep the kids entertained.

Themed parties

Bring your child’s favourite universe to life with a themed party. Choosing a theme not only personalises the event to the birthday boy or girl, but can make planning easier, making every detail feel connected and extra special. Whether they’d love a building competition at a LEGO party, everything pink-and-sparkly in a Barbie world, or swinging through the city at a Spiderman superhero academy, a theme ties everything together. You can match your games, decorations, cake, and even party bags to the chosen world, turning a simple celebration into an unforgettable story where your child gets to be the star.

Related: How to Host a Toy-Themed Movie Night: A Fun Guide for Parents.

Creating a wind-down space

Amongst all the excitement, creating a “wind-down space” is one of the most thoughtful kids’ party ideas you can have. This calm-down corner provides a much-needed sanctuary for children who might feel a little overwhelmed. It gives them a place to relax and recharge, encouraging self-regulation and fostering quiet social interaction.

For younger children aged 3-5, set up a cosy spot for story time with picture books or a simple colouring station with crayons and themed sheets. Or for older kids, put out some puzzles, card games or LEGO where they can quietly build and interact with each other.

Party games by age

Planning the perfect children’s party is all about choosing the right games to match the energy and attention span of your little guests. To make your planning even easier, here’s a handy guide to our favourite age-appropriate party games to ensure everyone has a fantastic time.

By tailoring the kids’ birthday party activities to your audience, you can create a truly special day filled with laughter, fun, and magical memories for the birthday star and all their friends.

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