Birthday Party Games to Keep Those Kids Happy

It's your child's birthday. Twelve of his friends will be here to celebrate (ie destroy your house) in just a few hours. Need entertaining tips? Read on for birthday party games that are sure to keep those kids busy and happy (and out of your pantry).

If you only have time or money to buy one prop for the birthday party, make it balloons. Never underestimate the versatility of the balloon. Let's take a look at some fun and easy balloon birthday party games.

Balloon Buzz: Have the players stand in a circle and place a target in the middle. Each player receives a different color balloon and blows it up (to whatever size he desires). Players release their balloons at the same time, and the player whose balloon lands closest to the target receives a small prize. Continue playing until everyone has received a prize. Kids of all ages will enjoy watching the balloons buzz all over the room; older kids will experiment with filling the balloon with different amounts of air to make it land closer to the target.

Balloon Bash: Divide the children into two teams and form them into lines. Give each child one inflated and tied balloon. The first player in each line carries his balloon across the room/yard/finish line, and then must sit on his balloon to pop it. He then runs back and tags the next player of his team, who does the same thing. Play continues until all the balloons are bashed. TIP: to save time inflating all the balloons, challenge the kids to inflate them. Make it a game and they will inflate all the balloons you need for the whole birthday party in no time flat.

Balloon Room: Throw small toys and candy (think piñata type) on the floor of a small room. Inflate numerous balloons (the more the better), and cover the floor with them so that the candy and toys are hidden under the balloons. Let the children into the room and have them search for the hidden treasure. TWIST: hide small candies inside some of the inflated balloons. Allow children to pop the balloons and find the prize hidden inside.

If balloons aren't you're thing, there are plenty of other birthday party games that will keep the party goers happy. Don't be afraid of classic birthday party games that you remember from your childhood. They are classic for a reason.

Musical Chairs: Set up a line of chairs, totaling one fewer than the number of players. Start the music. As it plays, the kids walk (or run) around the chairs. When the music stops, everyone sits in chair. One player will be left standing; he is eliminated. Remove one chair from the line, and continue playing until only one person is left. This game is great for wearing the kids out before a quiet(er) activity like opening presents.

Simon Says: Form the kids into a line at one end of the room/yard. An adult stands across from them and is "Simon." Give the kids simple commands, prefacing most of them with "Simon says." If the command is prefaced by "Simon says" the children are to do it, if not, they should not do it. If someone incorrectly follows a command that wasn't prefaced by "Simon says," he is eliminated. The last child left following Simon's command is the winner. TWIST: if the birthday boy is old enough, have him be "Simon." He'll enjoy watching his friends follow his commands.

No matter which games you choose to play, be sure to give plenty of prizes. It's not a birthday party without goody bags, candy, and prizes. They don't need to be expensive, they just need to be numerous. If you notice a child who seems bored or cranky, find a way to give him a prize. Don't forget the birthday boy, too! If the birthday party games aren't working, move on to presents and cake. Have fun!