Planning a party for kids can be both exciting and, let’s be honest, a little stressful too. You want it to be memorable, full of laughter, and packed with fun. But let’s face it—keeping a group of energetic kids entertained without breaking the bank can be a challenge. The good news? You don’t need to hire expensive entertainers or spend a fortune on games. With a little creativity and a few household items, you can put together some pretty awesome DIY party games for kids.
Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a family get-together, or just an afternoon of fun, this list of 23 DIY party games will help you make the day truly special. From creative challenges to classic twists, these games are designed to keep kids laughing, moving, and entertained for hours. Ready to dive into some fun, simple-to-set-up games that you and the kids will love?
Let’s explore these 23 DIY party games that are guaranteed to make any kids’ gathering unforgettable!
1. Balloon Pop Relay
Balloons are always a hit at kids’ parties. They’re colorful, they’re bouncy, and for this game, they’re also super fun! Split the kids into two teams and give each team a set of balloons. Each player will run across to a designated spot, sit on a balloon, and pop it before running back to tag the next teammate. The first team to pop all their balloons wins.
This game creates loads of laughter and is a great way for kids to burn off some energy. Just make sure you have enough balloons because they’ll definitely want to play it again!
2. Pin the Tail (or Something!)
Put your own twist on the classic “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” game. Instead of a donkey, use a favorite cartoon character, a unicorn, or even a dinosaur. And instead of a tail, it could be anything—like pinning a horn on a unicorn or a hat on a pirate.
Create or print out a large picture, make some removable items (like tails, hats, or horns), and blindfold each child one at a time. Spin them around and let them try to pin the item in the right place. Kids love the silliness of this game, especially when their pins end up nowhere near the target!
3. Treasure Hunt
A treasure hunt is always a crowd-pleaser. Create a treasure map or hide clues around your house or yard, leading the kids from one spot to another until they find the final treasure. The treasure can be anything from stickers to small toys or even candy.
This game keeps kids engaged and encourages teamwork if they work in groups. You can even make the clues themed—pirates, fairies, superheroes—whatever fits your party vibe. It’s a great way to keep the excitement going throughout the event.
4. DIY Ring Toss
To create a fun ring toss game, gather a few empty bottles and some rings. You can make rings using paper plates by cutting out the centers, or use any plastic rings you already have. Place the bottles at varying distances and challenge the kids to toss the rings over the bottle tops.
This game is simple yet entertaining and helps improve hand-eye coordination. It’s also satisfying for kids when they manage to land a ring, and you can make it more challenging by increasing the distance as they improve.
5. Musical Freeze Dance
Musical freeze dance is a fun way to get everyone moving. Play some energetic music and let the kids dance. When the music stops, they must freeze in place. Anyone caught moving after the music stops is out, but make it fun by encouraging them to strike dramatic poses when they freeze.
Kids love dancing to their favorite songs, and the anticipation of when the music will stop adds excitement. It’s a great game for getting out some energy while keeping things light-hearted.
6. Sack Race
A sack race is a must-have if you have a backyard. You can use pillowcases or burlap sacks and have the kids jump from the starting line to the finish line. Sack races are a timeless party favorite because of the laughter that erupts as kids stumble, hop, and sometimes fall over trying to win.
It’s an excellent way to introduce a little competition without it being too serious, and it’s also great exercise. This game will have everyone cheering and laughing together.
7. Obstacle Course
Setting up an obstacle course is easier than it seems, and it’s always a huge hit at parties. Use pool noodles, cones, jump ropes, and cushions to create challenges like crawling under, jumping over, or balancing on something. Kids can run the course one at a time while everyone else cheers them on.
You can even time each child and award a small prize to the fastest one. The best part is that there are endless variations, which keeps it fresh and exciting. It’s a great way to get creative and use what you have around the house.
8. Paper Plate Ping Pong
Paper plate ping pong is perfect for indoor parties. Grab some paper plates, glue on popsicle sticks as handles, and use a balloon as the ping pong ball. Kids can use their homemade paddles to hit the balloon back and forth. It’s easy to play indoors without worrying about breaking anything.
This game is simple, affordable, and lots of fun. It’s also a great option when space is limited, and the lightweight balloon makes it ideal for younger kids who might struggle with heavier balls.
9. Guess the Animal
Guess the Animal is an adorable guessing game for younger kids. Write down different animals on slips of paper and have each child pick one without showing it to anyone. They then have to act out the animal while the others guess what it is.
It’s entertaining to watch kids try to imitate animals, and they get very creative. It’s also a great way to break the ice and help shyer kids come out of their shells by making everyone laugh.
10. Water Balloon Toss
A water balloon toss is the perfect game for a warm day. Pair the kids up and give each pair a water balloon. They start close together, tossing the balloon back and forth, and take a step backward with each successful catch. The goal is to see how far apart they can get before the balloon bursts.
It’s messy, fun, and the kids love it—especially if they end up soaking wet! It’s also a great way to cool down and add a bit of friendly competition.
11. Cookie Face Race
For the Cookie Face Race, have the kids lie down or tilt their heads back. Place a cookie on their forehead and challenge them to get it into their mouth using only their facial muscles—no hands allowed!
Watching kids scrunch up their faces as they try to maneuver the cookie into their mouths is hilarious. It’s harder than it looks, which adds to the fun and gets everyone laughing.
12. Hula Hoop Contest
Hand each kid a hula hoop and see who can keep it spinning the longest. You can add variations to make it more interesting—like hula hooping with one arm up or while spinning in a circle.
This game is great for getting kids active and helps them burn off some of their energy. It also encourages friendly competition and keeps everyone engaged.
13. Sponge Relay
In the sponge relay, you’ll need two buckets per team—one filled with water and one empty—and a large sponge. The goal is to transfer water from the full bucket to the empty one using only the sponge. Split the kids into two teams, and have them race to fill their bucket first.
This game is great for hot days, and it’s an excellent way for kids to work together. The splashing makes it a lot of fun, and it’s a refreshing way to cool off during the party.
14. Limbo Challenge
Limbo is a classic party game that never gets old. All you need is a long stick or broom and some music. Hold the stick horizontally and have the kids take turns leaning backward and going under the stick without touching it or falling.
With each round, lower the stick a bit more to make it more challenging. Kids love seeing how low they can go, and it’s always a lot of fun for everyone involved, with lots of cheering and laughter.
15. Mummy Wrap
Split the kids into pairs and hand each pair a roll of toilet paper. One child wraps the other up like a mummy as quickly as possible. The goal is to be the first to completely wrap their partner from head to toe.
The results are always hilarious, and kids love getting silly with toilet paper. Plus, it’s easy to set up, and the only supplies you need are inexpensive and readily available.
16. Marshmallow Tower
Hand each child a handful of marshmallows and some toothpicks. The goal is to build the tallest tower they can using only marshmallows and toothpicks. This game encourages creativity and problem-solving while also being fun.
It’s incredible to see the different structures kids come up with. It’s also a great quiet-time activity if you need to bring the energy level down a bit during the party.
17. Cup Stack Challenge
Give each child a set of plastic cups and see who can stack them into a pyramid the fastest. You can add variations, like stacking with one hand or unstacking as quickly as possible.
This game is simple but engaging, and it helps improve their fine motor skills. It’s also easy to set up and clean up, making it a convenient choice for any party.
18. Balloon Stomp
Tie a balloon to each child’s ankle with a piece of string. The goal is to stomp on everyone else’s balloon while keeping their own intact. The last child with an unpopped balloon is the winner.
Balloon stomp is full of excitement and laughter, and it’s great for getting kids moving. Just be sure to have extra balloons on hand—they’ll definitely want to play again.
19. Pass the Parcel
Wrap a small prize in multiple layers of wrapping paper. Have the kids sit in a circle and pass the parcel around while music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the parcel gets to unwrap one layer. Keep going until the final layer is unwrapped, revealing the prize.
This game builds anticipation and excitement, and it’s a great way to include everyone. It’s also easy to tailor the prize to fit the theme of your party, adding an extra personal touch.
20. Simon Says
In Simon Says, the designated “Simon” gives instructions that the others must follow—but only if they begin with “Simon says.” If Simon doesn’t say “Simon says” first, anyone who follows the instruction is out.
It’s a great way to keep kids listening and paying attention, and they’ll love trying to catch each other making mistakes. It’s also simple to play and can be done anywhere with no supplies needed.
21. Spoon and Egg Race
Hand each child a spoon and a plastic egg (or a hard-boiled egg if you’re brave!). The goal is to race from the starting line to the finish line without dropping the egg. You can add obstacles to make it more challenging or make them balance the spoon in one hand while keeping the other behind their back.
This game is a classic for a reason—it’s simple, fun, and always leads to plenty of giggles when the eggs inevitably fall to the ground.
22. Three-Legged Race
Pair the kids up and tie one of each of their legs together. They must work together to walk (or hobble) to the finish line without falling. The first pair to cross the finish line wins.
Three-legged races are perfect for promoting teamwork and communication, and they’re sure to result in laughter as pairs try to coordinate their steps. It’s an easy game to set up and is always a big hit.
23. Charades
Charades is a fantastic game that requires no preparation and can be adapted to any theme. Write down different actions or characters on pieces of paper, and let the kids take turns acting them out while everyone else guesses.
Kids love the chance to be silly and show off their acting skills, and it’s a great way to encourage creativity. It’s also a wonderful way to build confidence, especially for those who may be a bit shy.
Conclusion
Hosting a kids’ party doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. With these 23 DIY party games, you’ve got a treasure trove of fun ideas that are easy to set up, require minimal supplies, and, most importantly, keep the kids entertained and smiling. From relay races to creative guessing games, these activities are sure to make your party a huge hit.
The next time you’re planning a party, remember—it’s not about spending a fortune or having the perfect setup. It’s about creating moments of joy, laughter, and connection. So grab some balloons, gather the kids, and let the fun begin!