25+ Best Party Games for Kids (Indoor and outdoor)

Kids’ parties are all about creating lasting memories and ensuring a fun-filled time for everyone involved. Delicious food is one key aspect of a great party, but when it comes to kids, engaging games and activities are what make or break a party. We’re sharing an extensive list of mostly low-prep party games for kids, from the old classics tested through generations to modern games.

*this post contains affiliate games*

Whether you’re hosting a birthday celebration or having a classroom party, having a repertoire of easy-to-set-up kids’ party games is a surefire way to keep the little ones entertained. We’re sharing both the game ideas and how to play them or set them up.

Best Games for Kids Parties

These games work with groups of all sizes and there is a good variety of both loud high-energy games as well as word games that can be played in a living room of an apartment building without disturbing the neighbors.

While these games are safe to play, accidents can always happen so adult supervision is always required when doing group activities.

Related: would you rather game questions

1. Musical Chairs

This is a great game as it can be played both indoors and outdoors. Musical Chairs is a classic game that never fails to entertain children of all ages. Set up a circle of chairs, one less than the number of participants, and play music while the kids walk around the chairs. When the music stops, everyone must find a chair to sit on. The player left standing is eliminated, and one chair is removed for the next round. The game continues until only one player remains, who is crowned the winner.

2. Freeze Dance

Freeze Dance is a high-energy game that gets children moving and grooving to their favorite tunes. Play lively music and have the kids dance their hearts out. However, as soon as the music stops, they must freeze in their positions. Anyone caught moving after the music stops is out of the game. Resume playing the music and continue the cycle until only one dancer remains.

3. Simon Says

Simon Says is a classic game that tests children’s listening skills and ability to follow instructions. You can be the one to give instructions or you can designate one child as “Simon” who will give instructions to the rest of the group, starting each command with “Simon says.” The players must follow the instructions only if “Simon says” precedes the command. If a player performs an action without hearing “Simon says,” they are out. The last player remaining becomes the new “Simon.”

4. Pin the Tail on the Donkey

Pin the Tail on the Donkey is another beloved party game that has stood the test of time. Hang up a poster of a donkey without its tail, blindfold one child at a time, spin them around gently, and have them try to pin the tail on the correct spot. We recommend using velcro or double-sided tape instead of actual pins for safety reasons when it comes to this game.

5. Duck, Duck, Goose

Duck, Duck, Goose is a classic game that guarantees laughter and anticipation. Have the children sit in a circle while one child walks around, gently tapping each seated player’s head, saying “duck” with each tap. Eventually, they choose one player as the “goose” and tag them on the head. The “goose” then chases the tapper around the circle, trying to tag them before they can sit down in the vacant spot. If the tapper is caught, they continue as the tapper.

6. Hot Potato

Hot Potato is a fast-paced game that keeps children on their toes while providing plenty of laughter. Gather the kids in a circle and pass a small object, such as a soft ball or plush toy, around while music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the “hot potato” is out. Remove one player from the circle and continue the game until only one player remains. The anticipation and quick movements in this game make it an exciting choice for any kids’ party, enhancing hand-eye coordination and reaction time.

To make things fair, the person who plays and stops the music should be turned away from the group.

7. Scavenger hunt

A Scavenger Hunt is a thrilling and interactive game that encourages exploration and problem-solving. Create a list of items or clues for the children to find within the party venue or outdoor area. Divide them into teams or let them participate individually. The kids must search for the items on their lists and mark them as they find them. The first team or participant to complete the scavenger hunt successfully wins.

If kids have smartphones, you can take photos of the items as they find them for the find to count.

8. Treasure Hunt With Clues

This game does require quite a bit of beforehand planning but it’s a huge hit with kids. It’s best for smaller groups, with larger groups it’s best to divide them into teams with each having its own unique route. A treasure hunt is an exciting game that combines adventure, problem-solving, and teamwork. Create a series of clues or a map leading to hidden treasures around the party venue or backyard.

Make a plan for all the steps and write down clues on pieces of paper (there are many ideas for clues online). Kids will need to decipher the clue to progress to the next one. For example, you can give them a clue like “I keep your food cold”, a clue that will lead the kids to the fridge. Inside the fridge the kids would then find the next clue (like “I show your favorite cartoons” for TV) and so on. You can make the game short or long, with simple clues or harder ones. The last step is the treasure.

9. The sack race – one of the most active party games for kids

The Sack Race is a timeless favorite that brings a healthy dose of friendly competition. Organize a race where children hop from start to finish inside large burlap sacks or pillowcases. The first person to reach the finish line wins the race. This game provides entertainment and exercise, promoting balance, coordination, and a sense of camaraderie among the participants. Ensure the race area is clear of obstacles and establish rules for safety, such as no pushing or shoving.

10. Three-legged race

The Three-Legged Race is a classic game that requires teamwork, coordination, and balance. Pair up the children and tie the inside legs of each pair together. Mark a start and finish line and have the pairs race while keeping their legs connected. The first pair to cross the finish line wins. This game fosters cooperation, and communication, and builds trust between teammates as they work together to navigate the race course.

11. Wheelbarrow races

Wheelbarrow Races add a playful twist to the traditional race format and are sure to bring lots of laughter and excitement to a kids’ party. Divide the children into pairs, with one child acting as the “wheelbarrow” and the other as the “driver.” The driver holds the legs of the wheelbarrow partner while they move forward, mimicking the motion of a wheelbarrow. Mark a start and finish line and have the pairs race to see who can reach the finish line first.

12. Limbo

Limbo is a game that adds a touch of flexibility and excitement to any kids’ party. Use a long pole or broomstick as the limbo bar and play some upbeat music. The children must take turns passing under the bar without touching it or falling. After each round, lower the bar slightly to increase the difficulty. Any player who touches the bar or falls is eliminated. The last player remaining, who successfully limbos under the lowest bar, is declared the winner.

13. Tug of War

Tug of War is a thrilling game that brings out the competitive spirit in children. Divide the kids into two teams and give them a long rope. Mark a center point on the ground and have the teams stand on either side. On the start signal, the teams must try to pull the rope towards their side. The team that successfully pulls the other team past the center point wins.

14. Memory Market

This is a great indoor game and it requires no preparation at all. You can use a prop to make it more fun (like a shopping basket) but it’s not necessary.

Have the kids sit in a circle and start the game. The first person says, “Today I went to the market and bought (random item)…”. The next kid repeats what the first person said, and adds their own item. For example, the first kid would say, “Today I went to the market and bought apples”. The second kid would say “Today I went to the market and bought apples and pie. The third child would repeat it all and add their own item to the list and so on. If a kid makes a mistake and leaves an item off the list they are out. The winner is the child who memorizes the longest list.

Tip: have someone write down the items as kids name them.

15. Balloon Between Knees Race

Divide the children into teams and create a relay race course with a start and finish line. Each team is given a balloon. On the start signal, the first player of each team must run with the balloon between their knees to reach the finish line while keeping the balloon from falling off. Once they reach the finish line, they can run back and pass the balloon to the next player in line.

16. What am I? – one of the easiest indoor party games for kids

What am I is a fun party game for kids that can be played anywhere and with any number of kids. Prepare notes with different names of items, animals, historical figures, or celebrities (whatever is age appropriate for the kid’s age group). Sit the kids in a circle and stick the note on their forehead (others will see what is on the note, but the child with the note won’t see what is on their note).

Pick a child that goes first. Kids are only allowed to ask yes/no questions about what they are. If the answer to their question is yes, they can proceed with another question, if the answer is no, they will have to wait their next turn and the game moves to another child.

Example: the note says chicken. The kid asks “Am I an animal?”. Yes. They can ask another question. They ask “Am I a bird”. Yes. They can ask another question. “am I a duck?” No. It’s the next child’s turn.

This game doesn’t have one winner, everyone wins when they figure out what they are.

17. Bingo

When it comes to calmer and quieter party games for kids, bingo is always a great choice. It is a timeless and enjoyable game that can be easily adapted for a kids’ party. Create bingo cards with pictures or words that match the party theme, such as animals, superheroes, or princesses. Distribute the bingo cards to each child and provide small tokens or markers to cover the called items. A designated caller randomly selects items and announces them aloud. The children mark off the items on their cards until one of them achieves a winning pattern, such as a straight line or a full card.

18. Bean bag toss

Bean Bag Toss, also known as Cornhole, is a popular game that challenges children’s aim and accuracy.

Set up a target board with various-sized holes and assign point values to each hole, alternatively, you can also set up buckets at different lengths. Give each child a set of bean bags and have them take turns tossing the bean bags toward the target. The player who accumulates the highest score wins.

Balls or water balloons are great alternatives for bean bags.

19. Up and Down Pass the Ball

Divide the kids into teams, ideally, each team should have the same number of kids. Line them up and give each team a ball. When the game starts the first kid in the line raises the ball above their head and passes it to the kid behind them, the second kid needs to pass the ball between their knees (and the next one above their head).

You can end the game when the last kid in the line gets the ball or you can have the last kid run to the front of the line with the ball to start another round.

20. Hot, Hot, Cold Treasure Hunt

Hot, Hot, Cold Treasure Hunt is a thrilling and interactive game that challenges children’s perception and deduction skills. Choose a small item to hide, such as a toy or a treat, within a designated area. The child chosen to search for the hidden item leaves the room while the remaining children decide on a starting point. When the searcher returns, the group guides them towards the hidden item by shouting “Hot!” when they are close and “Cold!” when they are far away. The searcher must follow the group’s directions to locate the hidden treasure. They can also use different levels of “hot” and “cold” to indicate if the item is closer – like “getting warmer”, “blazing hot”, or “magma hot”.

21. Capture the Flag

This game will get rid of all excess energy. Capture the Flag is an exhilarating and strategic game that is perfect for outdoor parties or larger play areas and with the rise in popularity of this type of video game, kids will love playing the real-life version. Divide the children into two or three teams and establish two territories with a clear dividing line. Each team has a flag, or even better, a couple of flags, placed in their territory.

The objective is to cross into the opposing team’s territory, capture their flag, and bring it back to their own territory without getting tagged by the opposing team. Players who are tagged by the opposing team are sent to a designated “jail” area and can only be freed if a teammate successfully reaches the jail without getting tagged.

22. Pass the Parcel – one of the most loved party games for kids

Pass the Parcel is a classic kids’ party game that adds anticipation and excitement to any gathering. Wrap a small gift in multiple layers of preferably old recycled paper. Keep on adding layers of wrapping paper and hide a new gift every few layers (instead of an actual gift you can wrap a card with the gift name on it for easier wrapping). Gather the children in a circle and play music while they pass the parcel to the person next to them. When the music stops, the child holding the parcel unwraps one layer. The process continues until the final layer is unwrapped, revealing the prizes along the way.

23. Kim’s Game

Another classic kids’ party game, Kim’s game tests the memory skills of the players involved. Kim’s Game is a challenging and memory-enhancing game that tests children’s observation skills. Gather a collection of small objects, such as toys or household items, and place them on a tray. Show the tray to the children for a brief period, allowing them to observe the objects. Then cover the tray.

There are two ways to go about this game. You can either have the kids write down as many items as they can remember and the child with the most correct items wins. Or you can cover the tray and remove one item from the tray and show the items to the kids again asking them to identify the missing object.

24. Trivia Showdown

Trivia Showdown is an exciting and educational game that puts children’s knowledge to the test. Prepare a list of age-appropriate trivia questions covering various topics, such as science, history, sports, or pop culture.

Divide the children into teams or let them participate individually. The game host asks the questions, and the participants must buzz in or raise their hands to provide the correct answer. Award points for each correct response, and at the end of the game, declare the team or participant with the highest score as the winner.

25. Treasure Map

This game is handy if your party is in a location that has easy to recognize landmarks (or furniture). Draw a map and have the kids deciper where the treasure is hidden. Or, you can divide the kids into teams and have them each hide and make a treasure map for one another.

26. Obstacle course race

This game does require some ahead-of-time planning but it will be a hit at any party. Create a fun and challenging obstacle course using various items such as cones, hula hoops, tunnels, and balance beams. Divide the children into teams and have them race through the course, completing each obstacle. The first team to finish the course wins.

27. Blindfolded Maze Challenge

Set up a maze simple maze in a designated area – you can use masking tape or spray chalk paint to make the maze (avoid using objects that could lead to kids tripping). Divide the kids into teams. Choose one child to be blindfolded in each team and navigate through the maze with the help of their teammates’ verbal guidance.

The other children take turns providing instructions, such as “step forward two steps,” “turn left”… The blindfolded child must rely solely on their teammates’ directions to navigate the maze and reach the finish line.

You can either set up different mazes for each team or have all kids use the same one – either time them to see which team finishes the maze the fastest or have the team which manages to get all their teammates through the maze first win (having the child that steps on the line of the maze return to the start).

28. Telephone – one of the funniest party games for kids

Telephone is a fun group kids’ party game that will bring out many giggles. Line up the kids. Write down a fun sentence – if possible include a not-so-common word or a tongue twister (for example – A smelly bunny ate a big bowl of quinoa). Whisper the sentence into the first child’s ear. The child needs to relay (by whispering) the sentence to the next child all the way to the last one who needs to say it out loud. There is no repeating the sentences as they are passed down, what you hear (or don’t hear) needs to be passed down to the next child. More often than not, the end sentence will be nothing like what you have written down on your note.

29. Ballance the bucket (or a cup) – one of the best cooperative party games for kids

This is one of the funnest teamwork party games for kids, best played outdoors. You can make it a cooperative only game or competitive game by spliting the kids into groups. You need rope/string and a bucket or a cup. Fill a bucket with water and tie a rope securely to the handle. Each child holds onto a different end of the rope, spreading out around the bucket. The goal is to transfer the bucket from one point to another without spilling the water, or spilling as little as possible. The children must communicate and work together to maintain balance and steady the bucket as they move. Either the team that successfully transfers the bucket without spilling the water wins or you can have them transfer a certain amount of water (filling another bucket) until they win.