The best games for children's birthday parties

4. September 2025 | Reading time: approx. 9 minutes

Classics that should never be missing

Some games have been popular for generations and have not lost their fascination to this day. They are easy to explain, require hardly any materials and work in any group.

Journey to Jerusalem
An absolute classic. Chairs are set up in a circle and there is always one less player. While the music is playing, the children run around the chairs. As soon as the music stops, everyone has to sit down as quickly as possible. Anyone who doesn't get a chair is eliminated. A simple, fun game that creates excitement.

Pot knocking
One child is blindfolded, spun around in a circle and then crawls off with a wooden spoon in their hand. There is a pot somewhere, with a small surprise or sweet underneath. The child is directed with loud calls such as "warm" or "cold". As soon as the pot is found and hit with the spoon, the reward belongs to the seeker.

Sack race
The children climb into large sacks and hop along a marked course. The first to reach the finish line wins. This game is great fun, especially outside in the garden.

Blind cow
One child is blindfolded and has to catch the others. The other children sneak, run or make noises so that the blind child can find them. A wonderfully chaotic game that never gets old.

Egg race
Each child is given a spoon with a raw or hard-boiled egg on it. The aim is to cover a distance without the egg falling off. The first to finish wins. For indoors, table tennis balls can be used instead of eggs.

Outdoor games in good weather

A children's birthday party outdoors offers countless possibilities. Activity games are particularly popular here and can often be implemented with little effort.

Treasure hunt or scavenger hunt
Probably the most popular outdoor activity. You can hide clues in the garden, in the park or on a short walk. Riddles, small tasks or puzzle pieces lead the children step by step to the treasure. A box of sweets, small prizes or themed gifts can be used as treasure.

Water and ball games
In summer, water games provide refreshment. Classic games include throwing water bombs, transporting sponges or relay races with buckets. Ball games such as soccer, dodgeball or "ball over the string" are also great fun and are suitable for different age groups.

Rope pulling
A thick rope, two teams and off you go. A simple game that strengthens team spirit and makes for lots of laughter.

Obstacle course
Build a small obstacle course with boxes, cones, boards and ropes. The children have to climb, balance, jump or crawl. Whoever makes it wins - or they all make it one after the other and cheer together.

Catching games
Catching is a timeless classic. Variants such as "Fire, water, storm" or "Change trees" are particularly popular. To make sure it doesn't get boring, it's always worth changing the rules slightly.

Indoor games for bad weather

Not every birthday takes place in the sunshine. Fortunately, there are lots of games that are also great fun indoors and won't turn your home into a mess.

Stop dance
The music is playing and everyone is dancing. As soon as the music stops, everyone has to stand still as if petrified. Anyone who moves is eliminated. A simple, energetic game that makes for lots of laughs.

Balloon games
Balloons are an all-rounder. Whether it's dancing with balloons in pairs, trying to keep the balloon in the air for as long as possible or blowing it through a course - the ideas are endless. Children love playing with balloons and funny situations arise.

Dress-up games
A large suitcase with old clothes, hats, scarves and glasses makes for creative moments. The children can dress up and put on a little fashion show or role play. This is a great activity, especially for children of primary school age.

Craft or creative activities
Creative games are also fun. How about a painting competition, a craft challenge or building small paper airplanes that are then tested? This provides variety and is also a quiet moment in between.

Games of skill
You can also start small competitions in the home. Can throwing, skittles games or marble runs provide variety and are quick to prepare.

Games for different age groups

Choosing the right games depends heavily on the age of the children. While younger children need simple rules and short procedures, older children love more complex challenges and creative elements. The better the games are tailored to the respective age group, the more fun they will be and the less stress there will be for you as the host.

Preschoolers / kindergarten children (3-6 years)

At this age, children are full of energy, but their attention span is still quite short. They like games with clear, simple rules and need a quick sense of achievement. Classics such as pot knocking, egg races or sack races work wonderfully. Catching games or "stop dancing" are also ideal, as they combine movement with clear signals. Small craft activities, such as making colorful masks or painting a picture together, are ideal for quieter phases. It is important that the games do not last too long and that the children quickly understand what needs to be done.

Primary school children (6-10 years)

Children at this age are curious, want to try things out and already have more patience. Here you can offer more varied games that also include small challenges. Treasure hunts and scavenger hunts are absolute highlights, as solving puzzles and finding clues is particularly fun in a group. Relay games, ball games and skill competitions also go down well. At this age, children also love role-playing games, quizzes or small competitions such as can throwing. It is important that you make sure there is a good mix of movement and rest, as energy levels need to be lowered from time to time.

Tweens and teenagers (aged 11 and over)

The older children get, the more their play behavior changes. Teenagers often no longer want to play "like little kids", but look for games that allow them to be independent and have a say. Escape games are a great idea here because they require brains, team spirit and creativity. Party games such as "Who am I?", karaoke or pantomime are also great fun for this age group, as they are all about humor and togetherness. Sports-oriented games such as soccer, volleyball or a small obstacle course also go down well if there is enough space. Sometimes a games evening with board games, console games or a short movie quiz is enough for teenagers. It is important that you take them seriously and give them space so that they don't feel like they are being forced to play "children's games".

Mixed age groups

Siblings or friends of different age groups often come together at a children's birthday party. In such cases, games where everyone can contribute in their own way are helpful. For example, in a treasure hunt, an older child can read the riddles and younger children look for the hiding places. Cooperative games in which everyone wins together rather than one person alone are also a good choice. Games such as "keep the balloon in the air" or simple movement stations in the garden can easily be designed so that every child has a role to play.

Party games with extra fun

Party games create a good atmosphere and loosen up the group. They are ideal for in between.

Quiz games
A quiz matching the birthday theme is always a highlight. Whether animals, fairy tales or sport - you can adapt the questions to the age of the children. Small teams make the whole thing even more exciting.

Chocolate eating contest
There is a bar of chocolate on a plate with a knife and fork next to it. The children roll the dice in turn, whoever rolls a six gets to go first. But first they have to put on their hats, scarves and gloves. This makes for lots of laughs, because it's not so easy to eat the chocolate like this.

Who am I?
Each child is given a piece of paper with the name of a character or animal stuck to their forehead. They have to find out who they are by answering yes and no questions. A game that is particularly funny for older children.

Pantomime
One child pantomimes a term and the others have to guess. Animals, professions or well-known figures are suitable. The game encourages imagination and provides lots of funny moments.

Karaoke competition
Great fun for older children or teenagers. With a microphone or improvised stage area, children can sing their favorite songs. Brave performances are rewarded with applause.

Cooperative games

The children don't always have to compete against each other. Sometimes it's better to create something together.

Giant course
A large course is set up in such a way that the children can only complete it as a group. For example, they have to help each other over obstacles or carry something together.

Joint puzzle
A large puzzle can be solved in small teams. Whoever finishes their piece first brings it to the whole area. At the end, everyone has completed the picture together.

Group relays
Relay teams can also be cooperative if the aim is not to beat the others, but to complete a task together. For example, transporting water together until a bucket is full.

Games with little material and preparation

There is not always a lot of time for elaborate preparations. Fortunately, there are many games that can be started immediately.

I see what you don't see
A classic that works indoors and outdoors. One person describes an object, the others guess.

Whisper mail
One child whispers a word or phrase into their neighbor's ear. They pass it on. The last child usually ends up with a very funny version.

Clapping games
Simple clapping rhymes or clapping patterns are especially great for younger children. They encourage rhythm and concentration.