Party games for kids
The most popular games for children's birthdays, celebrations, and just for fun.
Whether it's a birthday party, a school festival, or just a rainy afternoon, a few fun party games can save almost any situation. The best ones require little to no materials, work both indoors and outdoors, and are a hit with kids of all ages.
The best thing about classic party games is that you might remember most of them from your own childhood, and they still work just as well for kids today. No screens, no batteries, just a few kids, a bit of space, and clear rules.
We've put together a selection of the most popular party games, ranging from calm rounds to games that really get everyone moving. For many of them, you can find the complete instructions with just one click, plus a few classics that you can jump right into without needing any extra materials.
Classics that are a must-have at any party
You might remember these games from your own childhood, and they work just as well for kids today. They require little material, have clear rules, and are sure to bring good vibes.
Playing Pot Slapping
With your eyes closed and a wooden spoon in hand, you're off to find a hidden pot while the other kids guide you with "warmer" and "colder." It's a classic game that's as simple as it is reliable for creating excitement and laughter.
View instructions → Sack Race
Jump right in and off you go: In the sack race, it’s not just about speed, but especially about balance. If you bounce around too wildly, you might end up on your nose. It’s a game that’s sure to bring lots of laughter, all without the pressure of winning.
View instructions →Journey to Jerusalem
One chair less than the number of players, plus music that can stop at any moment: as soon as it goes silent, everyone has to quickly grab a chair. The one left standing is out, and one chair is removed. A classic indoor game that gets more exciting with each round as fewer chairs remain.
Truth or Dare
Each child takes turns deciding whether to answer an honest question or to complete a fun little task, ranging from a dance to making a funny face. This game becomes more popular as kids grow older and guarantees lots of laughter, as long as the tasks remain suitable for their age.
Whispering Messages
Sitting in a circle, each child whispers a sentence into the ear of the next one until the last child loudly shares what has come out at the end, which is usually quite different. The longer the sentence and the bigger the group, the funnier the result becomes.
Eye Duel: A Fun Group Game
All the kids stand in a circle and look down when someone says 'Ground!' When someone shouts 'Attack!', everyone quickly finds a person to look at directly. If two gazes meet, both players dramatically exit the game. It's a fun game that requires no materials and gets more exciting with each round.
View instructions →
Craft Idea: A Piñata from Old Cardboard
A brightly decorated box filled with sweets and confetti is hung up and takes turns being hit with a stick while blindfolded until it bursts and everything rains down. Crafting it is worth it days in advance, as the anticipation for the big moment is almost as delightful as the moment of breaking it open.
View instructions →The sack goes around
All the kids sit in a circle while one child walks around the outside with a cloth or small bag and quietly places it behind someone. If it's noticed in time, the runner has to hurry on; if not, before the round is complete, there's a fun little task to do.
Chocolate Dice
A whole bar of chocolate is wrapped up on a plate, surrounded by a thick hat, scarf, and gloves, along with a knife and fork ready to go. Players take turns rolling the dice, and only on a six can the child quickly put on the clothes and eat as much chocolate as possible with the knife and fork until the next player rolls a six.
Outdoor Movement Games
When it's time to burn off some energy, these games are just what you need. Perfect for the garden, the park, or a big meadow.
Freeze Dance
As long as the music is playing, everyone dances, spins, and hops. When it suddenly stops, everyone must freeze in place. Anyone who wobbles or giggles is out, and the last dancing hero on the floor wins.
View instructions →
Fire, Water, Lightning
When someone shouts 'Fire', you run to a corner; for 'Water', you head to a hill; and when 'Lightning' is called, you lie flat on the ground. Do everything as quickly as possible after the command. It's a fun movement game that boosts your reaction time and concentration while getting everyone energized.
View instructions →
Hide and Seek Sardines. A Fun Hiding Game
A twist on hide and seek: One child hides while everyone else searches individually. When someone finds the hiding spot, they quietly squeeze in next to the others. In the end, the whole group giggles tightly huddled in a corner until the last child discovers them.
View instructions →
Egg Race in the Woods
Balancing an egg on a spoon while racing to the finish line without dropping it is a fun way to test your skill and focus. The egg-and-spoon race keeps the excitement going right up to the last few meters.
View instructions →Dancing Limbo
Hold a stick or a branch horizontally, and one by one, each child tries to wiggle under it while bending their upper body backward, without touching the stick. After each round, lower the stick a little more until only the most agile ones can get through.
Balloon Foam Party. Foam Fountain from the Balloon
Water and a bit of dish soap turn a balloon into a mini foam cannon after a good shake. When you open it, a thick fountain of foam bursts out. It's a fun experiment that’s especially enjoyable outdoors and is sure to bring lots of laughs.
View instructions →Catch
One child is the catcher and has to try to touch the others. Whoever gets caught becomes the new catcher. It's probably the simplest party classic ever, requires no materials, and works on any lawn, playground, or garden.
Eco-Friendly Water Balloon Fun
On a warm day, a water balloon fight is sure to bring some refreshing fun and lots of laughter, and here’s an eco-friendlier version that creates less waste. A summer classic where everyone ends up wet but happy.
View instructions →Calm moments for a break
Not every game needs to be wild and loud. These ideas are perfect for bringing a little calm between the more energetic rounds.
Click and Go! The Photo Treasure Hunt
Instead of a classic treasure map, the kids get photos of hiding spots and have to find the matching places in the house or garden. It's a calmer treasure hunt that also gives them a chance to practice using a camera.
View instructions →
Play Nature Bingo
On a bingo card, there are things to discover outside. When you find an item, you mark it off until you fill a whole row. It's a quieter game that sharpens your awareness of nature and fits perfectly into a garden party.
View instructions →
Karaoke Singing
With a microphone or a wooden spoon as a substitute, and the kids' favorite songs, the living room turns into a little stage where everyone can be the star of the evening. This is a great way to wind down after the wilder games.
View instructions →
Making Soap Bubbles
With just water and a bit of dish soap, you can quickly create your own bubbles that can be mixed again and again. It's a simple, relaxing activity that even the little ones will love.
View instructions →Monday Painters
One child draws a concept without speaking or using letters, while the others guess what it is. Whoever guesses correctly gets to take the pencil next. It's a calm yet very entertaining game for indoors.
Blind Cow
One child is blindfolded while the others move quietly around the room. The 'blind cow' has to feel someone and guess who it is. It's an old classic that encourages both trust and concentration.
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Do you know of a party game that we absolutely need to add here? This collection will keep growing over time. In the meantime, you can find more ideas for parties and games in our categories or in the free Grubenfuchs app. Have fun playing!