Planning a birthday party for a 5-year-old can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming. After all, keeping energetic kids entertained is no small feat! But guess what? With the right selection of games, you can make the day unforgettable for the little ones and keep things running smoothly.
But where do you start when it comes to birthday games? It’s not just about fun; it’s about games that are easy to set up, engaging, and perfect for this age group. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into 17 awesome birthday games that will keep those 5-year-olds smiling, laughing, and completely engaged throughout the party.
1. Duck Duck Goose
Who doesn’t love a good round of Duck Duck Goose? This classic game is always a hit with younger children. The rules are simple, yet the game is packed with excitement and energy.
The kids sit in a circle, and one child is “it.” They walk around, tapping each kid on the head, saying “duck” until they choose a “goose.” The chosen goose has to chase “it” around the circle and try to tag them before they sit down. It’s fast, fun, and perfect for kids who love a little chase.
2. Musical Chairs
Another timeless favorite that never fails to entertain. This game combines movement, music, and a little competition, making it ideal for a group of 5-year-olds.
Arrange chairs in a circle, one less than the number of players. As the music plays, the children walk around the chairs. When the music stops, everyone scrambles to sit down. The one left standing is out, and the game continues until only one child remains.
3. Treasure Hunt
There’s something magical about a treasure hunt, especially when little ones are involved. This game is perfect for keeping kids engaged as they follow clues and search for hidden treasures. The excitement of finding a surprise makes this game unforgettable.
Hide small prizes or toys around the yard or inside the house, giving them clues or even a simple treasure map to follow. The thrill of hunting for treasure is something every child loves. Make the prizes something fun and party-themed to add even more excitement.
4. Simon Says
Looking for a game that’s easy to set up but guaranteed to entertain? Simon Says is your answer. It’s a game that challenges both the mind and body, making it great for kids who love a bit of a mental challenge.
One person (an adult or confident child) takes on the role of Simon and gives out commands, but the trick is to only follow the command if it starts with “Simon says.” If Simon doesn’t say it, and someone follows the command, they’re out. The last child standing is the winner.
5. Sack Race
What’s a birthday party without a little competitive fun? The sack race is perfect for that. All you need are some burlap sacks or large pillowcases, and you’re ready to go! Kids always enjoy the challenge of hopping their way to victory.
The kids stand in their sacks, and on the word “go,” they hop their way to the finish line. You can even turn it into a relay race if you have a bigger group. It’s a fantastic way to burn off energy while providing plenty of laughs.
6. Wheelbarrow Race
Another racing game that always gets giggles is the wheelbarrow race. It’s not just about speed; it’s about teamwork too. In this game, kids pair up, with one acting as the wheelbarrow and the other as the driver.
The “wheelbarrow” gets into a push-up position while the “driver” holds their legs and helps them walk forward using their hands. The first pair to reach the finish line wins! The teamwork required makes this game especially fun and challenging for 5-year-olds.
7. Limbo
Limbo is another game that will have everyone laughing—and stretching! The objective is simple: see who can bend backward and pass under the limbo stick without touching it.
Two people hold a long stick (like a broom handle), and each round, the stick gets lower. The kids take turns trying to go under the stick, bending as far as they can. The last one to pass under the lowest height wins. It’s fun, active, and best of all, great for flexibility!
8. Red Rover
Red Rover is a game full of excitement and anticipation. It’s a simple game that only requires an open space and two teams. The teams hold hands and face each other from opposite sides.
Each team takes turns calling out, “Red Rover, Red Rover, let [child’s name] come over!” The chosen child runs toward the opposing team, trying to break through their chain of hands. If they succeed, they take someone back to their team. If not, they join the opposing team. The game continues until one team has all the players.
9. Water Balloon Toss
Is there anything more fun than water balloons at a birthday party? The water balloon toss is the perfect way to cool down and have fun at the same time. The anticipation of a balloon popping adds to the excitement!
In pairs, kids toss a water balloon back and forth, taking a step back after each successful catch. The goal is to keep tossing without breaking the balloon. It’s hilarious to see the surprise on their faces when the balloon bursts!
10. Water Squirter Battle
For even more water fun, try a water squirter battle! Armed with water pistols and a lot of energy, kids can run around and try to soak each other. It’s a surefire way to keep them cool and entertained during a summer birthday party.
Set up buckets of water for easy refilling so the fun doesn’t have to stop. The more kids involved, the better! It’s an endless cycle of water fights that will have everyone laughing and soaked in no time.
11. Sandbox Treasure Hunt
In this game, small toys or treasures are hidden in a sandbox, and kids use shovels or their hands to dig for them. The goal is to find as many treasures as possible within a set time.
This game is perfect for outdoor parties, offering a fun and sensory-rich experience. Kids will love the excitement of discovering hidden surprises buried in the sand!
12. Hula Hoop Relay
Hula hoops aren’t just for spinning! In this relay game, kids must pass a hula hoop over their bodies while holding hands in a line. It’s a challenge that requires coordination, teamwork, and a lot of laughter!
The goal is to get the hula hoop from one end of the line to the other without letting go of each other’s hands. It’s a wiggly, giggly game that will have the kids working together and enjoying every minute.
13. Egg and Spoon Race
The egg and spoon race is another classic that never disappoints. Each child gets a spoon and an egg (or a small ball if you want to avoid the mess), and they must balance it while racing to the finish line.
If the egg falls, they have to stop, pick it up, and try again. It’s a fun way to test balance and patience—and it always brings out some laughs!
14. Pin the Tail on the Donkey
This game has been around for ages, but it’s still a favorite among younger kids. You can easily adapt it to fit any theme, like pinning the crown on a princess or the tail on a dinosaur. The anticipation of getting it right keeps everyone excited!
The kids are blindfolded and spun around before trying to pin the object in the right spot on the poster. The one who gets closest to the correct spot wins. It’s a simple yet fun game that kids love.
15. Simon Says
Simon Says isn’t just a game; it’s a brain workout! Kids love following the commands and seeing if they can outsmart “Simon.” It’s a test of both listening and speed, and it’s always a hit with little ones.
You can make the commands as silly or as tricky as you want. Whether it’s “Simon says touch your toes” or “Simon says walk like a robot,” the kids will be laughing while trying to keep up. It’s great for keeping their attention and testing their listening skills.
16. Paper, Scissors, Rock, Run
In Paper, Scissors, Rock, Run, two teams face each other and secretly choose between paper, scissors, or rock as a team. They meet in the middle, reveal their choices, and the losing team must run back to their home base while the winners chase them.
Any tagged player joins the winning team. It’s a fun combination of strategy, excitement, and physical activity that kids will love!
17. Tug of War
Tug of War is a classic game that’s perfect for energetic 5-year-olds. Split the kids into two teams, and have them pull on opposite sides of a rope, with the goal of pulling the other team across a designated line.
This game builds teamwork and strength, while creating lots of excitement and friendly competition. It’s easy to set up and always a crowd favorite at outdoor parties!
Conclusion
And there you have it 17 fantastic birthday games for 5-year-olds that will guarantee a day of fun, laughter, and great memories. Whether you’re planning an indoor or outdoor party, these games are versatile enough to fit any setting or theme.
With a mix of classic favorites, physical challenges, and some water fun, you’ll have all the kids engaged and entertained from start to finish. So, which games will you try at your next party? Whatever you choose, one thing’s for sure: the kids will be talking about this birthday bash for weeks to come!