10 Best Kids Party Games and Songs for Your Next Party

By Stefan · Co-written by Khalid · 2021-09-16

The best kids party games cost nothing and need almost no setup. This guide has ten that always work, with short rules for each, plus ten songs to run them to and a note on prizes. For more, browse our other party planning guides.

The best kids party games cost nothing and need almost no setup. So they suit every budget, and they rescue any lull in the day. Below are ten that always work, plus ten songs to run them to.

First, a word on choosing. Then the games, the music, and the prizes.

Good kids party games need short rules and a clear winner.

How to choose kids party games

Match the age. For example, Simon Says lands with fives, but bores tens.
Keep the rules short. So explain each game in one sentence, then start.
Keep the game short. Also, stop it while children still want more.
Plan more than you need. Then drop the ones that flop.
Alternate energy. In short, run a loud game, then a calm one.

10 best kids party games

1. Musical chairs

Arrange chairs in a circle, one fewer than the number of players. Then play music while they walk around. When it stops, everyone grabs a seat. So the child left standing is out, and one chair leaves with them.

2. Musical statues

Similar rules, but no chairs. Children dance while the music plays. Then they freeze when it stops. Anyone who wobbles is out. Also, it works in a small room.

3. Pass the parcel

Wrap a small prize in many layers. Then children pass it round while the music plays. However, add a sweet in each layer, or the game ends in tears.

4. Sack race

Use pillowcases instead of sacks. So split guests into teams, then run it as a relay. Besides, it burns a huge amount of energy in ten minutes.

5. Wheelbarrow race

Children work in pairs. One walks on their hands, while the other holds their legs. Then the first pair over the line wins. In fact, it works better than a sack race indoors.

6. Balloon burst

Write a challenge on paper, then seal it inside each balloon. Children keep the balloon in the air while the music plays. So whoever holds it when the music stops pops it, then does the challenge.

7. Pin the tail on the donkey

Print a donkey, blindfold each guest, then spin them once. Also, keep the spin gentle for younger children.

8. Simon Says

One child gives orders. However, the others only follow them if the sentence starts with “Simon says”. So it needs no props at all.

9. Piñata

Hang it high, then let each guest take one swing. Also, keep everyone else well back, because the stick swings wide.

10. Limbo

Two adults hold a broom handle. Then guests pass underneath, and the bar drops each round. In short, it doubles as a dance-off.

Indoor party games for a small space

Indoor party games need less room than you think. So clear one wall, then stick to games that keep children in one place. For example, musical statues, pass the parcel, Simon Says and balloon burst all fit in a living room. Also, sleeping lions buys you five quiet minutes before the cake.

Party games for kids: safety in two lines

Balloons stay a choking risk even when popped, so collect the pieces straight away. Also, if you hire a bouncy castle, check the operator follows RoSPA guidance. Party games for kids should get them moving, which supports the NHS activity guidelines for children. Meanwhile, Sport England publishes research on why active play matters.

Party songs for kids: 10 that fill the floor

Music runs half the games above, so build the playlist first. Then test it once, because volume decides whether children dance or hide.

Artist	Song	Best for
Katy Perry	Roar	Musical statues
Taylor Swift	Shake It Off	Warm-up
Smash Mouth	I am a Believer	Musical chairs
PSY	Gangnam Style	Dance-off
DJ Casper	Cha Cha Slide	Group dance
Black Eyed Peas	Let Us Get It Started	Sack race
Pharrell Williams	Happy	Pass the parcel
Mark Ronson	Uptown Funk	Limbo
Justin Timberlake	Can't Stop the Feeling	Balloon burst
Rihanna	Please Don't Stop the Music	Final dance

Birthday party games and prizes

Prizes keep birthday party games competitive, yet they need not cost much. So buy one bag of small toys, then hand out a prize per game. Also, keep a few spares for the children who win nothing, because a party is not a tournament. Our party bag guide covers what works.

When the venue runs the games for you

Some venues include a host, so the games run themselves. For example, soft play venues in London and party entertainers both cover the entertainment inside the package price. Then you only need the cake and the playlist. Our kids party planner sets out the rest of the countdown.

In short, good kids party games are simple, short and loud. Pick six, plan for four, and keep the music ready.

About the authors

Stefan

Writer — Co Founder at PartyFind

Stefan is a big kid at heart who loves a good celebration! As a Co-Founder and our resident Party Finder expert, he’s the brains behind helping you discover the coolest venues across the UK. Stefan believes every child deserves a legendary birthday, and he’s dedicated to helping parents skip the stress and go straight to the fun.

Khalid

Co-Writer — Co Founder at PartyFind

Khalid is on a mission to make party planning as easy as eating a slice of birthday cake! As a Co-Founder of PartyFind, he uses his tech-wizard skills to build a platform where parents can find the perfect spot for their little ones' big day. When he’s not busy making the website better, he’s looking for new ways to bring more joy to every birthday bash.