Planning a children’s party can be both exciting and challenging. You want to ensure that every child has a fantastic time, and nothing brings more joy to a party than engaging, fun-filled games. If you're hosting a children's party, these 15 great party game ideas from Memorable Parties will make sure your event is the talk of the town.
1. Musical Chairs
Musical Chairs is a timeless classic that never fails to entertain. Set up a circle of chairs, one less than the number of children, and play lively music. When the music stops, children must quickly find a seat. The child left standing is out, and one chair is removed each round until only one child remains. This game is perfect for children aged 5 and up, ensuring laughter and friendly competition.
2. Treasure Hunt
A Treasure Hunt is an exciting way to keep children engaged and active. Hide small treasures or themed party favours around your venue. Create a simple map or a series of clues to guide the children in their quest. For a London twist, incorporate landmarks or famous spots into your clues, making the hunt both fun and educational.
3. Sleeping Lions
This is a great game to introduce between two more energetic games to introduce a bit of calm. Watch as your pride of lions, the children, transform into motionless silent cute slumberers. The aim of the game is to remain motionless even with the party hosts walking around, and perhaps telling jokes. Anyone who itches, wriggles or giggles is out – reward each child with a sweet as they leave the game. The winner is the one who stays still the longest. It is key here to not run the game for too long so that bystanders get bored.
4. Pin the Tail on the Donkey
This traditional game is a hit with younger children. Blindfolded participants attempt to pin a tail on a picture of a donkey. For a London-themed party, consider customising the game with iconic London characters, such as "Pin the Hat on the Beefeater" or "Pin the Crown on the King."
5. Balloon Pop Relay
For a game full of energy and excitement, try the Balloon Pop Relay. Divide the children into two teams. Each child must run to a chair, sit on a balloon to pop it, and then run back to tag the next teammate. The first team to pop all their balloons wins. This game is ideal for outdoor parties or venues with plenty of space.
6. Duck Duck Goose
Duck Duck Goose is a simple yet exhilarating game that’s perfect for younger children. The children sit in a circle while one child walks around, tapping others on the head, saying "duck." When they tap someone and say "goose," that child must jump up and chase the "goose" around the circle. If they catch the goose before they sit in the empty spot, the goose continues. If not, the chaser becomes the new goose.
7. Limbo
Add a bit of physical fun with a Limbo game. All you need is a limbo stick (a broom handle works fine) and some lively music. Children take turns leaning backward to pass under the stick without touching it. After each round, the stick is lowered slightly. The last child to successfully limbo under the stick wins. This game is great for all ages and can be adapted to fit any party theme.
8. Sack Race
A Sack Race is a fantastic way to get kids moving and laughing. Provide each child with a sack or pillowcase to stand in and mark out a racecourse. On "Go," the children must hop to the finish line. This game is especially fun for outdoor parties in London’s parks.
9. Simon Says
Simon Says is a classic game that tests children’s listening skills. One child, or an adult, plays "Simon" and gives commands starting with "Simon says." The children must only follow the commands that begin with those words. If "Simon" gives a command without saying "Simon says" and a child follows it, they are out. The last child standing wins.
10. Musical Statues
Play some upbeat music and let the kids dance. When the music is paused, each child must freeze like a statue. If anyone is caught moving, they’re out (make sure to give out small prizes e.g. a sticker or a sweet, as kids leave the game so that everybody is happy). This one is lots of fun for younger kids but tougher for those under 4 years old.
11. Egg and Spoon Race
An egg-and-spoon race is a sporting is where the children must balance an egg (we suggest hard boiled if you are going to use real ones) or a similarly shaped item, table tennis balls will do, upon a spoon and race with it to the finishing line. The winner is the first child to cross the line.
12. Pass the Parcel
Pass the parcel is a classic party game in which a parcel is passed from one person to another. A prize is wrapped in several layers of wrapping paper or reusable fabric bags of different sizes. Usually, each layer is of a different design so they can be easily distinguished. Smaller prizes or mottos may be placed between some or all other layers of wrapping. During the game, music is played as the parcel is passed around. When the music is stopped, whoever is holding the parcel removes one layer of wrapping and claims any prize found under that layer. The music is then restarted, and the game continues until every layer is removed and the main prize claimed. Of course, as the party host you are in control of the music so you can ensure everyone is a winner and the child whose birthday it is wins the main prize.
13. Wheelbarrow Races
Played in pairs, wheelbarrow races are lots of fun. The first person is the wheelbarrow – they start with their hands on the ground and their legs stretched out behind (stomach down) The second person is the driver, they lift and hold the legs of the wheelbarrow. To move forwards, the wheelbarrow ‘walks’ their hands across the ground while the driver follows behind, holding their legs and steering the wheelbarrow (the child in front). First team across the finish line are the winners.
14. Over and Under Race
Divide the children into even teams of 6 or more members. Teams stand in a line. Each team will require a small ball. The person standing at the front of the line starts with the ball and on ‘Go,’ that person passes the ball over their head to the person behind, who passes it between their legs to the next person in line, who passes it over their head, and so on.
Once the team has moved the ball all the way to the person at the end of the line, then that person carries the ball as they run to the front of the line. They become the new front child and begin the under and over passing process down the line of team members again. This is repeated until the entire team have had a turn at being the line leader and the initial leader is back in the front position. The first team to achieve this is the winning team.
15. Piñata
End the party with a bang by bringing out a piñata. Fill it with sweets and small toys, then let the children take turns trying to break it open while blindfolded. Piñatas can be themed to match your party, whether it’s a London bus, a famous landmark, or a beloved character.
We hope that you find our list of party ideas useful. At Memorable Parties, we specialise in creating unforgettable children's parties that are both fun and stress-free for parents. From personalised game ideas to complete party planning and execution, we take care of every detail to ensure your child’s special day is a roaring success. Whether you’re hosting in a private venue, at home, or in one of London’s beautiful parks, our team is here to make your party truly memorable.
Choosing the right games can make or break a children's party. These 15 great party game ideas are sure to keep your little guests entertained and leave them with memories they’ll cherish. If you need help planning or executing your next children’s party in London or the surrounding counties, don’t hesitate to reach out to Memorable Parties. Contact us here. We’re here to make your event one that everyone will remember!
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