Birthday Party Games for Kids of All Ages

Pin the Tail on the...Whatever: This birthday party game is an oldie but a goodie. Themed nurseries have given way to themed parties, and the tired old donkey can be revitalized in countless ways to make this birthday party game fit whatever your theme may be. Does your son love trucks? You can pin the wheels on the dump truck, or add boulders to the bulldozer for a birthday party game he won't forget. If your daughter loves princesses or fairies, she can try to pin a tiara on a princess or wings on a fairy.

Balloon Races: Another birthday party game with flexibility, balloon races can be whatever you make them to be. Relays keep all children engaged and active, without that boring waiting on line that usually ends in mayhem, plus it builds team spirit and camaraderie and can even break up arguments. The focus on this birthday party game isn't on the birthday boy or girl, but rather on groups. Over and under, in which children pass the balloon at turns over one's head and under another's legs while they stand in a line will make the kids giggle with dizziness. In around and around, two stand back to back and pass the balloon in around their waist to the other child...surprisingly difficult and sure to evoke giggles. Use your imagination and think of things you tried as a child, and this birthday party game can last as long as the kids are still having fun.

Who Am I?: Good for big groups or for small, intimate ones, this birthday party game involves figuring out who knows the most about the birthday boy or girl. Two lists are made, cut up and jumbled. On one, facts about the birthday boy or girl are true...on the other, they are made up. During the birthday party game, participants guess which are true and which are false. This birthday party game is especially fun for the early birthdays...or the very late ones.

Jeopardy: Much like Who Am I, this birthday party game involves trivia about the birthday boy or girl. Participants are given a series of answers and are expected to figureo out what question is being asked. For example, "Sanders High School" could be the answer for the question "What school did the birthday boy go to for high school?" This works better as a birthday party game for teens and older people, due to the limited amount of information about young toddlers, but could also work for elementary and middle school children. Allowing the birthday boy or girl to be the questioner ensures nobody is bored.

Guess the Gift: This birthday party game makes opening gifts fun for everyone. The concept is simple: guests try to guess what presents are before they're opened. Whoever guesses the most correct wins a prize.

Birthday party games are a good way to keep the crowd moving and active. The more standing around and waiting in line, the less likely kids (and adults) are to have fun, so birthday party games should involve as many people as possible. Common board or car games can be modified into birthday party games: Catch Phrase, 20 questions, I spy are all good bets. Although a giant ball pit and a clown are great fun, a simple birthday party with some great birthday party games can keep party expenses down or liven up a dull one.