Planning a birthday party for your little ones can be both a thrilling and daunting experience. As parents, we want to ensure that our kids have the time of their lives on their special day. However, creating exciting and affordable ideas can feel like a Herculean task. 

That’s where DIY birthday party games for kids come in! These games are a fantastic way to keep your kiddos entertained and active without draining your wallet. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or an indoor shindig, fear not! 

We’ve covered you with ten DIY birthday party games that are guaranteed to be a hit with your little ones. So, get ready to dive into the world of DIY birthday parties, and let’s make some unforgettable memories together.

1. Pin the Tail on the Donkey

Cut out a large donkey shape from a piece of paper. Make a number of small paper tails and attach pieces of sticky tape to them. Blindfold the players in turn and spin them around. Guide their hand towards the donkey and let them attempt to pin the tail onto it. Whoever gets the tail closest to the correct spot wins the game!

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2. Balloon Pop

Fill up balloons with small treats or toys and hang them from the ceiling or a tree branch. Kids can take turns trying to pop the balloons to reveal the prizes inside. This game is great for younger kids, who will love the surprise of what is inside each balloon. It can also be a fun way to get kids to work together as they help each other reach the balloons that are hung higher up. Parents can even join in on the fun and add a reward for whoever pops the most balloons. This is one of our favorite DIY birthday party games for kids.

3. Musical Chairs

This classic game never gets old and is a tried-and-true way to get the kids up and moving. Set up chairs in a circle in the center of the room, one fewer than the number of players. Start some upbeat music, and when the music stops, the players must find a seat. The player left without a chair is out. Keep taking away a chair until there is only one player left who is declared the winner.

4. Scavenger Hunt

Hide small prizes or treats around the party area and give the kids a list of clues to follow. The first child or team to find all the prizes wins. This game works great outdoors but can be modified to work indoors too. Give each team a list of clues that leads them to the hidden items. For example, “Look under the table for a surprise.” The clues should lead the teams to different places in the area. At the end of the hunt, give everyone a prize for participating. This game requires some preparation beforehand. However, it’s sure to be a hit with the kids!

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5. Freeze Dance

Start the music and have the children dance. When the music stops, it must freeze in place. Anyone caught moving after the music stops is out. The last child dancing wins. You can add variations to the game, such as having each child freeze in a certain pose or having them run to a designated spot and freeze. You can also make it into a team game by having the kids freeze in groups. Have fun and enjoy the laughs!

6. Pass the Parcel

Wrap a small prize in layers of wrapping paper. Start the music and have the children pass the parcel around a circle. When the music stops, the child holding the parcel can unwrap one layer. Keep passing the parcel until the final layer is unwrapped and the prize is revealed. This game is fun and exciting for all ages, and it’s easy to set up and play.

7. Simon Says

Choose one child to be “Simon” and have them give commands for the other children to follow. If “Simon” says “Simon says” before giving a command, the children must follow it. If “Simon” gives a command without saying “Simon says” first, the children should not follow it. Any child who follows an incorrect command is out. The game ends when only one child remains.

Variations:

  • Simon has a time limit: “Simon” must give commands quickly, and any children who don’t respond in time are out.
  • Simon Says Dance: Commands involve dancing instead of traditional movements.
  • Reverse Simon Says: All commands must begin with “Don’t do”. Any child who follows an incorrect command is out.
  • Simon Says Freeze: When “Simon” says “freeze”, all players must freeze in place until “Simon” says “move”. Any player who moves before the command is given is out.

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8. Bean Bag Toss

Set up a target (like a cardboard box or a hula hoop) and give the children bean bags to throw at it. Assign points to different target sections and see who can score the most points. This game is great for teaching children hand-eye coordination and can be adapted to any age. It’s also a great way to get outside and enjoy the sunshine!

9. Obstacle Course

Set up an obstacle course using items like cones, hula hoops, jump ropes, and boxes. Time the children as they complete the course and see who can finish the fastest. Have them jump over the cones, weave in and out of the hula hoops, hop through the jump ropes, and crawl under the boxes. This is a fun way to help children stay active while having a good time. Make it competitive by offering prizes for the fastest finishers, or just let them enjoy the challenge of completing the course as quickly as they can.

10. Water Balloon Toss

Pair the children up and give each pair a water balloon. Have them stand a few feet apart and toss the balloon back and forth, taking a step back after each successful toss. The pair that can toss the balloon the farthest distance without breaking wins. Alternatively, you can also have the pairs stand in a line and toss the water balloon to each other. The last person in line wins if they catch the balloon without it breaking.

Conclusion: Before You Go

And there you have it! 10 DIY birthday party games for kids that are sure to be a hit with your little ones. With some creativity and basic supplies, you can create an unforgettable experience that your kids will remember for years. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures and videos to capture all the fun! So, what are you waiting for? Get planning and have a blast!