How to Select Children's Party Games

Selecting children's party games can be stressful.  You want to ensure your child and the guests will have fun, but there are so many options.  The type of games played should depend largely on the ages and interests of the party guests.

Your child's birthday party is one of the biggest days of the year for them.  It may also be one of the most stressful days of the year for you!  There is so much to plan and organize and so many aspects to juggle to keep the party running smoothly.  Picking out the games for kids to enjoy is a big part of the challenge. 

Ages of the children attending the party:

A game that your child loved and his last party might be considered "babyish" this year.  Will there be mixed ages of children?  Look for games that can be adapted to make it easier or harder based on the child's age.  For example, younger children can stand closer during ring toss and older children can stand further back.

Interests of the birthday child and their guests:

Does the party have a theme you can base games around?  If your daughter loves cheerleading, divide the group to create their own cheers.  If your son is into cars, design your own "pin the tire on the car" came with poster board. 

Level of involvement required:

You do not want games that are so complicated that children get frustrated learning how to play.  At the same time, it should be challenging enough to keep their interest.

Supplies needed:

Make sure you have everything needed ready to go when you start.  Have the supplies for each game separated into individual bags or baskets.

Cleanup required:

Consider the possible mess the game could create.  Does that fit in with your expectations for cleanup?

Keep it simple.

Games might not be needed at all.  Providing guests with a bin of legos, fashion dolls, sidewalk chalk, jump ropes, hula hoops, bubbles or balls might be all you need for your child and friends to have a fun party.