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You’ve picked a theme for your kid’s birthday party, whipped up a gorgeous cake, and wrapped the perfect gift. Now, the challenge is how to keep dozens of kids entertained for a few hours. As a mom of two, I’ve been there and can honestly say that it’s the party games that often make or break the event. Fortunately, there are tons of fun ways to keep everyone entertained.
Active games like Pass the Potato or Hide & Seek will help them burn off some energy, while activities like birthday Bingo or Giant Uno can help them focus. Our picks include games for indoors and out for kids of all ages, and we made sure add classics like a piñata and the ol’ egg & spoon race, too. No matter which one you choose, it's game on, so make sure you have a few prizes to hand out.
More appealing than throwing an actual hot potato at each other, this sweet, smiling stuffed potato shouts out funny phrases as kids pass it around. The goal: Don’t get caught holding the potato when it “explodes.” Ages 3+
A quick game of Bingo that uses sight words with pictures will be a hit with preschool-aged kids. There are 25 cards here, and everyone will have so much fun yelling “bingo!” when they get five in a row. Ages 3+
You're sure to score a strike on the big day with this large-and-in-charge inflatable bowling set all the littles will love. The mega-sized pins are over two feet tall. Ages 3+
Two times the spots on this bigger, better Twister mat means exponentially more fun, since more kids can play at the same time. Spin the wheel and cue the chaos! Ages 6+
Yes, there is a safe version of axe throwing out there for your kiddos—just take a look at this set. The axes and stars are made of foam and plastic which stick easily in the bristle target. Ages 4+
Older kids may have seen this one on TikTok, so impress them by breaking out a Popdarts tournament at their birthday party. The orange Popdart serves as the target, and everyone else tries to throw their darts to get the closest. It’s a fast-paced game, so everyone will get a turn. Ages 3+
Everyone will have the best time with this one, mostly because they’ll all look so silly wearing the oversized granny pants. See how many balls a player can catch in the pants, turn it into a race, or create an obstacle course with the flags. Ages 4+
This popular game tests their reflexes, as the sticks are randomly dropped and kids have to think fast to catch them. It’s easy to set up and reload and has adjustable drop speeds. This set allows two partygoers play against each other at the same time. Ages 3+
We love this blank-slate spinning wheel as a creative way to hand out game prizes or party favors. Once you buy all the goodies, you can write each prize on a different color of the wheel and let the kids spin it to win it. All ages
This game will be a hit at the birthday party, but we bet you’ll want to take it to the beach or park too. Two teams of two players take turns throwing the cones into the net, earning a point for each square they occupy. Land on your opponent’s cone and take their point; land on your own and double your score. Ages 8+
Kids can play the traditional way, or you can adapt it for the littlest partygoers by letting them hold the wooden egg in a small bowl. If adults are playing, level the playing field by making them hold the spoon in their mouth (which will definitely make the kids laugh!). Ages 5+
This children's birthday party game gets funnier the more turns they take. The donkey is a classic, but there are so many silly versions these days (sunglasses on a pineapple, anyone?) that you can choose to fit any party theme. Ages 3+
Go big or go home with this seriously cool Jenga game that stacks to more than five feet tall. This one is best for older kids who can quickly get out of the way when it comes tumbling down. Ages 12+
This game ingeniously turns a fun childhood pastime into a board game. It comes with slip-resistant stepping stones that you can use indoors or out, challenge cards, a game spinner, and instructions. Ages 3+
Chances are you don't have a bunch of big burlap bags sitting around your house, but you don't need to thanks to this handy potato sack race kit. Up to six kids can race at the same time. Ages 5+
Cornhole is always a surefire hit with both parents and kids at the birthday bash. This kit is easy to set up, folds flat for storage, features water-resistant boards and bags, and comes with eight bean bags. Ages 6+
Not only is Tug of War an absolute blast for kids to play, it teaches them that teamwork makes the dream work and brains (in the form of strategy) can often beat brawn. This one comes in 20, 40, or 60-foot lengths. Ages 3+
Because sometimes bigger really is better! A supersized version of the card game families can't get enough of, Giant UNO is great for birthday parties because as many as 10 kids can play. Ages 7+
Here’s an easy way to keep everyone moving: Make it a dance party! Just Dance turns today’s most popular songs (think Lady Gaga and Chappell Roan) into a game. All they have to do is copy the dance moves on the TV. It works with an XBox or the Nintendo Switch system. Rated E for everyone
We don't know what's simpler—the set-up or the rules. And unlike horseshoes, the wood and rope rings are easy for little hands to throw. It’s small, so this one can easily be played indoors too. Ages 4+