There’s something undeniably magical about classic kids’ party games. No fancy gadgets, no complicated rules — just laughter, energy, and a little chaos. From Pass the Parcel to Duck Duck Goose, these timeless favourites have a way of bringing children together, sparking creativity, and creating memories that last far longer than the sugar rush. Simple, silly, and endlessly fun, they remind us that the best celebrations don’t always need bells, whistles, or glitter explosions (though a bit of glitter never hurts).
Below is a list of 17 kids’ party games, complete with recommended ages and any equipment you’ll need for each. A good mix of classics, modern favourites, chaotic energy and minimal parental breakdowns.
1. Pass the Parcel
Ages: 3–10
Equipment: Wrapped parcel with many layers, small prizes, music
A timeless favourite. Great for building suspense and testing the limits of how long one parcel can take to unwrap.
2. Musical Statues
Ages: 3–10
Equipment: Music, open space
Kids dance like caffeinated octopuses until the music stops. Last one to freeze is out. Hilarious every time.
3. Duck Duck Goose
Ages: 3–7
Equipment: None
A gentle jog around a circle until someone inevitably gets overcompetitive. Children sit in a circle while one child walks around, tapping heads and saying “duck” for each. At a chosen “goose,” the tapped child jumps up and chases the walker around the circle. If the walker reaches the empty spot first, the goose becomes the next tapper.
(here is a more detailed description on how to play Duck Duck Goose)
4. Simon Says
Ages: 3–9
Equipment: None
A sneaky test of listening skills disguised as fun.
5. Pin the Tail on the Donkey (or any theme version)
Ages: 4–10
Equipment: Poster, blu-tack, blindfold, paper tails
Guaranteed giggles as children confidently stick tails to foreheads.
5. Hook a Duck
Ages: 3–10
Equipment: Small paddling pool or tub, rubber ducks with hooks, fishing rods or sticks with string/hooks, water, optional prizes
A classic fairground-style game where rubber ducks float around a pool and kids try to “hook” them with little rods. Number or colour-code ducks for extra fun — or mark a few as prize ducks for that sweet moment of triumph. Great for outdoors, easy to set up, and keeps children entertained while adults breathe for 30 glorious seconds.
7. Musical Chairs
Ages: 5–11
Equipment: Chairs, music
A cut-throat classic where friendships are tested! Children walk or dance around a circle of chairs while music plays. When the music stops, everyone must quickly sit — but there’s always one fewer chair than players. The child left standing is out. Remove a chair each round until one lucky winner remains. Simple, chaotic, and fun!
8. Balloon Pop Race
Ages: 5–12
Equipment: Balloons
Kids must sit on balloons to pop them. Chaos. Loud. Great fun.
9. Scavenger Hunt
Ages: 6–12
Equipment: List of items, bags or baskets. You can download templates you can edit from the internet, or hand draw one yourself and photocopy it.
More ‘mission impossible’ than treasure hunt. Great for outdoors and park parties.
10. Obstacle Course
Ages: 4–12
Equipment: Cones, hoops, cushions, tunnels, anything around the house
Burns energy like nothing else. Ideal before the cake hits.
11. Limbo
Ages: 5–12
Equipment: Limbo pole or broomstick, music
How low can they go? Very low, apparently.
12. Hot Potato
Ages: 4–10
Equipment: Soft ball or beanbag, music
Similar to pass the parcel but quicker and sometimes more violent. Children sit or stand in a circle, passing a soft ball or “potato” while music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the potato is out. Continue passing and removing players until only one remains. Fast-paced, silly, and guaranteed to make everyone giggle!
13. Piñata
Ages: 5-8
Equipment: A piñata and a tree to hang it from. Wiling adults to supervise children with a big stock.
Great outdoor fun. Avoid if you value your lampshades, great for park or outdoor parties.
14. Glow Stick Disco
Ages: 7–12
Equipment: Glow sticks, dim room, music
A modern favourite — especially for tweens who enjoy looking “cool” while dancing like baby giraffes.
15. Lego Speed Build Challenge
Ages: 6–12
Equipment: Lego sets or mixed bricks
Perfect for quieter kids or parties needing a break from running and screaming.
LEGO games are perfect for group fun at a birthday party, combining creativity, teamwork, and friendly competition. Kids can race in speed builds, work in teams to stack the tallest tower relay, hunt for hidden pieces in a LEGO treasure hunt, create imaginative objects in a mystery build, or collaboratively tell a story with a LEGO story builder. Suitable for ages 5–12, these games need little more than a mix of bricks, some mini-figures, and a timer or two for added excitement.
16. Giant Bubbles Station
Ages: 3–10
Equipment: Bubble mix, giant bubble wands, trays
Magical, messy, and fantastic for outdoor parties.
17. Slime Making Station
Ages: 6–12
Equipment: Slime kits or glue, activator, mixing bowls, glitter
Modern, messy, and exactly why your carpet will never be the same again.
The Future: Greener, Cleaner, Kinder Parties
As sustainability trends grow, parents are shifting to eco-friendly options: reusable decorations, plastic-free party bags, plantable invitations and parties centred around nature activities. Expect more outdoor adventures, digital invitations, and shared parties to cut costs and waste. The future is greener, calmer, and hopefully involves less glitter.
After all, the best party is one where everyone has fun — including the adults who survive it.