If you’ve ever attempted to host a child’s birthday party, you already know it requires the strategic foresight of a military general, the improvisational skills of a street magician, and the patience of a saint. Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a full-on sugar-fuelled carnival, children’s parties are an art… and increasingly, a science.
Around the World in Eight Parties
Children’s birthday traditions vary wildly across the globe. In Mexico, piñatas provide a socially acceptable opportunity for children to whack something with a stick while blindfolded — arguably therapeutic for adults too. In Japan, the first birthday is celebrated with the Erabitori, where a child chooses from symbolic objects like money or a ruler to predict their future (imagine a kid selecting the TV remote — destiny: professional sofa dweller). Meanwhile, in the UK, we specialise in soft-play centres where kids disappear into a ball pit while adults question all their life choices.
Boys vs Girls: Not That Different… Except When They Are
Traditionally, boys’ parties had themes involving dinosaurs, superheroes, or anything that can be described as “epic” or “explosive.” Girls’ parties leaned toward princesses, sparkles, and unicorns (or sparkly unicorn princesses). But trends are shifting: girls want football parties, boys want baking parties, everyone wants slime, and both will enthusiastically fight over the last slice of cake. The modern rule of kids’ parties? Expect nothing. Plan for everything.
Top-Tier Entertainment (That Won’t Make You Cry)
Hiring a magician is a classic move — bonus points if they can keep 20 children hypnotised long enough for you to inhale a cup of tea. Face painters are great too, although be warned: some children will emerge as majestic tigers and others as something resembling a smudged biro sketch.
Other solid options include:
- Animal encounters (fun until someone tries to pocket a guinea pig)
- Craft stations (glitter: the gift that keeps on giving… forever). The Craftertainer based in London come to you and run creative workshops for kids.
- Mini discos (a chance for kids to unleash moves scientifically proven to injure nearby adults)
The Secret Politics of Kids’ Parties
Invite too many children and you’ll need a second mortgage. Invite too few and you risk playground diplomacy issues that rival Cold War tensions. Then there’s the “whole class or not?” debate — the parenting equivalent of picking sides in a gladiator arena. Goodie bags are another political minefield: too generous and you set a precedent, too stingy and you will be silently judged.
Check out some of our charms at Goodordering for some personalised items you can use instead of Goodie bags.
Good Old-Fashioned Party Games
Some games never go out of style:
- Pass the Parcel (number of layers directly linked to parental stress levels)
- Musical Statues (children interpreting “freeze” in deeply creative ways)
- Duck Duck Goose (pure chaos wrapped in nostalgia)
Here you go — a fresh section you can add to your blog (or use separately).
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Kids’ Party Games (Traditional to Modern)
Below is a list of 17 kids’ party games, complete with recommended ages and equipment you’ll need for each. A good mix of classics, modern favourites, chaotic energy and minimal parental breakdowns.
1. Pass the Parcel
Ages: 3–10
Equipment: Wrapped parcel with many layers, small prizes, music
A timeless favourite. Great for building suspense and testing the limits of how long one parcel can take to unwrap.
2. Musical Statues
Ages: 3–10
Equipment: Music, open space
Kids dance like caffeinated octopuses until the music stops. Last one to freeze is out. Hilarious every time.
3. Duck Duck Goose
Ages: 3–7
Equipment: None
A gentle jog around a circle until someone inevitably gets overcompetitive.
4. Simon Says
Ages: 3–9
Equipment: None
A sneaky test of listening skills disguised as fun.
5. Pin the Tail on the Donkey (or any theme version)
Ages: 4–10
Equipment: Poster, blu-tack, blindfold, paper tails
Guaranteed giggles as children confidently stick tails to foreheads.
Hook a Duck
Ages: 3–10
Equipment: Small paddling pool or tub, rubber ducks with hooks, fishing rods or sticks with string/hooks, water, optional prizes
A classic fairground-style game where rubber ducks float around a pool and kids try to “hook” them with little rods. Number or colour-code ducks for extra fun — or mark a few as prize ducks for that sweet moment of triumph. Great for outdoors, easy to set up, and keeps children entertained while adults breathe for 30 glorious seconds.
7. Musical Chairs
Ages: 5–11
Equipment: Chairs, music
A cut-throat classic where friendships are tested.
8. Balloon Pop Race
Ages: 5–12
Equipment: Balloons
Kids must sit on balloons to pop them. Chaos. Loud. Great fun.
9. Scavenger Hunt
Ages: 6–12
Equipment: List of items, bags or baskets
More ‘mission impossible’ than treasure hunt. Great for outdoors.
10. Obstacle Course
Ages: 4–12
Equipment: Cones, hoops, cushions, tunnels, anything around the house
Burns energy like nothing else. Ideal before the cake hits.
11. Limbo
Ages: 5–12
Equipment: Limbo pole or broomstick, music
How low can they go? Very low, apparently.
12. Hot Potato
Ages: 4–10
Equipment: Soft ball or beanbag, music
Similar to pass the parcel but quicker and sometimes more violent.
13. Piñata
Ages: 5-8
Equipment: A piñata and a tree to hang it from. Wiling adults to supervise children with a big stock.
Great outdoor fun. Avoid if you value your lampshades, great for park or outdoor parties.
14. Glow Stick Disco
Ages: 7–12
Equipment: Glow sticks, dim room, music
A modern favourite — especially for tweens who enjoy looking “cool” while dancing like baby giraffes.
15. Lego Speed Build Challenge
Ages: 6–12
Equipment: Lego sets or mixed bricks
Perfect for quieter kids or parties needing a break from running and screaming.
16. Giant Bubbles Station
Ages: 3–10
Equipment: Bubble mix, giant bubble wands, trays
Magical, messy, and fantastic for outdoor parties.
17. Slime Making Station
Ages: 6–12
Equipment: Slime kits or glue, activator, mixing bowls, glitter
Modern, messy, and exactly why your carpet will never be the same again.
The Future: Greener, Cleaner, Kinder Parties
As sustainability trends grow, parents are shifting to eco-friendly options: reusable decorations, plastic-free party bags, plantable invitations and parties centred around nature activities. Expect more outdoor adventures, digital invitations, and shared parties to cut costs and waste. The future is greener, calmer, and hopefully involves less glitter.
After all, the best party is one where everyone has fun — including the adults who survive it.