Easy birthday party games amp up the fun without demanding extensive supplies, preparation or rules. Make the games enjoyable rather than competitive. Plan cooperative, silly or open-ended games and activities instead of competitive sports and games. No matter how easy the game, plan back-up games and activities in case the guests get bored or the pace lags. Simple activities, such as playing with water, Play-Doh or Legos can fill the gaps between organized games.
Types
Many easy party games involve the traditional format of circle games, like Hot Potato, Who Stole the Cookie from the Cookie Jar or Spud. Partner games, such as Chain Tag or three-legged races, are also popular. Line games include Octopus and Red Rover. Common team games at parties include soccer, kickball, dodge ball and volleyball. Games in which one person is “it” are popular choices. Consider different types of tag, Hide and Seek, or Red Light, Green Light.
Function
Easy party games include everyone at the same time, so that guests stay active and interested. Some potential large group activities include a treasure hunt or a scavenger hunt. Other games requiring minimal planning and simple equipment are jacks, Frisbee, badminton, marbles, jump rope, hula hoops, water balloon fights and relay races.
Benefits
Easy party games often involve silliness, magic or surprises to keep the mood upbeat and the celebration special. Customize a standard game, such as Duck, Duck, Goose by changing it to Birthday, Birthday, Cake. Make hide and seek more interesting by playing it at night with flashlights. Add a surprise to a game of tag by turning on the sprinklers at the end.
Time Frame
No matter how engaging and active the game, young children tend to require new activities every 10 to 15 minutes. Older children may remain more focused on a party game, building towers or sand castles for up to 30 minutes.
Considerations
Vary the pace of party games by alternating types of games and activities. Begin with a high energy game of tag or water fighting, followed by a more focused, structured activity, such as playing hopscotch or painting faces. Involve all the children in a cooperative activity, such as Follow the Leader, making a castle out of boxes or using marshmallows and toothpicks to design super snack structures.
Photo Credit
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