My wife and I have hosted our fair share of birthday parties for our four kids. After planning celebrations for toddlers through tweens (and watching plenty of adult parties play out), I’ve learned that the best party games strike a balance between tried-and-true classics and exciting new trends that get everyone talking.
The secret to a memorable birthday party isn’t just the decorations or the cake, it’s choosing games that match your guests’ ages and energy levels while keeping everyone engaged. This guide covers everything from preschool party games through adult celebrations, mixing timeless favorites with viral games that are trending in 2025.
Preschool & Young Kids (Ages 3-6)
Musical Chairs
Setup Time: 5 minutes | Players: 4+ | Space: Indoor or outdoor
This classic never gets old, and for good reason. Set up chairs in a circle (one fewer than the number of players), play music, and have kids walk around the chairs. When the music stops, everyone scrambles for a seat. The player left standing is out, and you remove one chair for the next round.
Pro tip: Use upbeat, age-appropriate music and consider having small prizes for all participants, not just the winner, to keep younger kids from getting upset.
What you’ll need:
- Chairs (stackable ones work great)
- Music player with party playlist
- Optional: Small prizes for participants
Find a good party speaker here:
Pin the Tail on the Donkey
Setup Time: 5 minutes | Players: 3+ | Space: Indoor
A timeless favorite that now comes in countless variations—from Pin the Horn on the Unicorn to Pin the Lightsaber on Yoda. Hang the poster at kid height, blindfold each player, give them a gentle spin, and let them try to place the piece in the correct spot.
Parent hack: Use painter’s tape instead of pins for younger kids, and hang the poster on a door or smooth wall for easy setup.
What you’ll need:
- Pin the tail game set (or make your own)
- Soft blindfold
- Tape or sticky tack
Duck, Duck, Goose
Setup Time: 1 minute | Players: 6+ | Space: Outdoor or large indoor space
Kids sit in a circle while one child walks around tapping heads saying “duck, duck, duck…” until they say “goose!” The goose chases the picker around the circle trying to tag them before they can sit in the goose’s spot.
Why it works: This game combines anticipation, running, and simple rules that even 3-year-olds can follow. It’s perfect for burning off energy before cake time.
Freeze Dance
Setup Time: 2 minutes | Players: 3+ | Space: Any open area
Play music and have kids dance freely. When you pause the music, everyone must freeze in place. Anyone who moves is out (or in a gentler version, just has to do a silly pose).
Modern twist: Use trending kids’ songs from movies or shows they love. My kids go crazy for anything from Encanto or the latest Disney movie.
What you’ll need:
- Music player with upbeat playlist
- Open space for dancing
Find a good party speaker here:https://amzn.to/4occVxj
Elementary Age Kids (Ages 7-11)
Scavenger Hunt
Setup Time: 15-20 minutes | Players: 4+ | Space: Indoor or outdoor
Create a list of items for kids to find, or use riddles that lead to specific locations. You can theme it around the birthday child’s interests (superhero items, nature objects, etc.).
What you’ll need:
- Printed clue cards or lists
- Small bags for collecting items
- Prize for the winning team
Find some pre-made scavenger hunt sets here:
Capture the Flag
Setup Time: 10 minutes | Players: 8+ | Space: Large outdoor area
Divide kids into two teams, each with a “flag” (bandana, cone, or glow stick for nighttime). Teams hide their flags in their territory and try to capture the opposing team’s flag while defending their own.
Safety note: Set clear boundaries and establish a safe “jail” area for tagged players. This game is perfect for backyard parties with plenty of space.
What you’ll need:
- Two flags or colored items
- Cones or markers for boundaries
- Glow-in-the-dark version for evening parties
Minute to Win It Challenges
Setup Time: 10 minutes | Players: Any number | Space: Indoor or outdoor
Set up 5-8 quick challenges that kids must complete in one minute. Examples include stacking cups, moving cookies from forehead to mouth without hands, or balancing feathers.
Why kids love it: These games are quick, varied, and everyone gets a turn to shine at different challenges. Plus, they’re hilarious to watch.
What you’ll need:
- Plastic cups
- Cookies (Oreos work great)
- Timer
- Various household items for challenges
The Name Game (Celebrity)
Setup Time: 5 minutes | Players: 6+ | Space: Indoor
This game has different names everywhere, but the concept is genius. Each player writes 3-5 names of famous people, characters, or family members on slips of paper. Teams take turns describing the names for their teammates to guess. Round one: describe with unlimited words. Round two: only two words. Round three: charades only.
For tweens: Let them include YouTubers, TikTokers, and video game characters they all know. It keeps the game current and engaging.
Teens & Tweens (Ages 12-17)
Among Us IRL
Setup Time: 10 minutes | Players: 6-15 | Space: Large indoor or outdoor space
Taking inspiration from the viral video game, this real-life version is trending hard in 2025. Write roles on papers (mostly Crewmates, 1-2 Impostors). Crewmates complete simple tasks like puzzles or stacking cups while Impostors secretly try to “eliminate” them by tapping shoulders.
Teen appeal: This taps into their gaming culture while getting them active. My 11-year-old daughter and her friends played this at her last party for nearly an hour.
What you’ll need:
- Role cards (make your own)
- Simple task items (cups, puzzles, index cards)
- Space with some hiding spots
PowerPoint Night (Viral 2025 Trend)
Setup Time: Varies (guests prepare at home) | Players: 5-12 | Space: Indoor with screen
This has exploded on social media as one of the most talked-about party activities for teens. Each guest creates a short 3-5 slide presentation on a funny, random, or roasting topic and presents it to the group.
Example topics:
- “Ranking Every Fast Food French Fry”
- “Why My Friend [Name] Would Survive a Zombie Apocalypse”
- “The Definitive Ranking of [Teen’s Favorite Show] Characters”
Tech setup: Connect a laptop to your TV or use a projector. Teens love this because it combines creativity, humor, and friendly roasting.
What you’ll need:
- Laptop and display screen
- HDMI cable or casting device
- Comfortable seating area
Find some portable projectors here:
Werewolf / Mafia
Setup Time: 5 minutes | Players: 8+ | Space: Indoor seating area
In this social deduction game, most players are innocent villagers while a few are secret werewolves. During the “night” phase (eyes closed), werewolves silently choose a victim. During the “day” phase, all players discuss and vote on who they think is a werewolf.
2025 update: New role variations like Doctor (can save one person), Detective (can investigate one person), and Bodyguard keep the classic game fresh.
Heads Up!
Setup Time: Instant | Players: 4+ | Space: Any space
Using the app or just paper cards, one person holds a phone (or card) to their forehead displaying a word or phrase that everyone else can see except them. The group gives clues while the player tries to guess before time runs out.
What you’ll need:
- Heads Up app (paid) or DIY cards
- Timer
Codenames
Setup Time: 5 minutes | Players: 4+ | Space: Table seating
This word-based strategy game has become a modern classic. Two teams compete, with each team’s “spymaster” giving one-word clues to help teammates identify their team’s agents on the grid.
Why it’s perfect for birthday parties: It accommodates large groups, requires strategy and teamwork, and sparks hilarious moments when clues go wrong.
What you’ll need:
- Codenames game set
- Large table or flat surface
Exploding Kittens
Setup Time: 5 minutes | Players: 2-5 (up to 10 with expansions) | Space: Table seating
This wildly popular card game combines strategy and humor. Players draw cards hoping to avoid the Exploding Kitten card while using action cards to sabotage opponents or protect themselves.
Why it’s trending: Quick rounds (15 minutes), easy to learn, genuinely funny card descriptions, and expansions that add new chaos.
What you’ll need:
- Exploding Kittens card deck
- Optional: expansion packs for larger groups
Adults (18+)
Cards Against Humanity (Adult Version)
Setup Time: 2 minutes | Players: 4+ | Space: Table seating
The judge reads a question or fill-in-the-blank phrase, and everyone else submits their funniest card anonymously. The judge picks their favorite, and that player wins the round.
Important note: This game gets very inappropriate—only for adult audiences who appreciate dark humor.
What you’ll need:
- Cards Against Humanity game set
- Comfortable seating arrangement
Two Truths and a Lie
Setup Time: Instant | Players: 4+ | Space: Any
Each person shares three statements about themselves—two true, one false. Everyone else votes on which statement they think is the lie.
Why it works for adult parties: No materials needed, great for groups where people don’t know each other well, and always produces surprising revelations.
Jackbox Party Pack 2025
Setup Time: 5 minutes | Players: 2-8+ | Space: Indoor with screen
This digital party game bundle includes five different games (trivia, drawing, word games, etc.). Players use their phones as controllers by visiting the game’s website and entering a room code.
Tech advantage: Easy setup, everyone uses their own device, no physical game pieces to lose. Perfect for modern gatherings where everyone has their phone anyway.
What you’ll need:
- Gaming console, computer, or streaming device
- TV or projection screen
- WiFi connection
- Players’ smartphones
Timeless Classics That Work for Any Age
Charades
Setup Time: 5 minutes | Players: 4+ | Space: Open area
The ultimate party game that’s been entertaining people for generations. Act out movies, books, songs, or phrases without speaking while your team tries to guess.
Modern variation: Use category-specific charades like “Netflix Shows,” “TikTok Trends,” or “Family Inside Jokes” to keep it relevant.
Telephone / Whisper Down the Lane
Setup Time: Instant | Players: 6+ | Space: Any
The starting player whispers a phrase to the next person, who whispers what they heard to the next person, and so on around the circle. The last person announces what they heard—usually hilariously different from the original.
Sound variation: Play music in the background to make it more challenging and chaotic.
Pictionary
Setup Time: 5 minutes | Players: 4+ | Space: Indoor with drawing surface
Teams take turns drawing clues for their teammates to guess within a time limit. No words or numbers allowed in the drawings.
What you’ll need:
- Whiteboard or large paper pad
- Markers
- Timer
- Pictionary cards or make your own
Hot Potato
Setup Time: 2 minutes | Players: 5+ | Space: Circle seating
Pass an object around a circle while music plays. When the music stops, whoever is holding the object is out. Continue until one player remains.
Modern twist: Use a phone with a random timer app so nobody knows when it will go off. Creates more suspense than stopping music manually.
What you’ll need:
- Small object to pass (ball, beanbag, or actual potato)
- Music player
Pro Tips for Choosing the Right Games
After years of hosting parties for different ages, here’s what I’ve learned:
For young kids (3-6): Keep games short (5-10 minutes), simple rules, no complicated elimination. Focus on movement and energy release.
For elementary ages (7-11): Mix active games with thinking games. They can handle longer rounds and more complex rules. Competition is okay but don’t make it too intense.
For teens (12-17): Give them games that feel “cool” and social. They want to look good in front of peers. Games involving phones or technology go over better than “kid stuff.”
For adults: Provide options for different energy levels. Some guests want active games, others prefer sitting and talking. Have 3-4 game options ready.
Multi-age gatherings: Stick with classics everyone knows (charades, scavenger hunts, Pictionary) or games with simple rules. Avoid anything too babyish for older kids or too complex for younger ones.
Party Game Supply Checklist
Based on dozens of parties I’ve hosted, here’s what to keep in your party supply bin:
Must-haves:
- Portable Bluetooth speaker for music
- Timer (phone works fine)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Deck of cards
- Blindfold (soft bandana works)
- Prizes for winners (small candy, stickers, gift cards)
Nice-to-haves:
- Party game box sets (Jenga, Exploding Kittens, Codenames)
- Outdoor games (cornhole, giant Jenga)
- Craft supplies for creative games
- Extension cord for outdoor electronics
Final Thoughts
The best birthday party games balance nostalgia with novelty—giving guests the comfort of familiar games while introducing exciting new activities they’ll remember. Don’t stress about having elaborate setups or expensive game systems. The games that create the best memories are usually the ones where everyone is laughing together, whether it’s a classic like Musical Chairs or a trending game like PowerPoint Night.
At my daughter’s last birthday party, we started with Among Us IRL, moved to a scavenger hunt, and ended with Freeze Dance. Total cost for activities? About $15 in supplies we already had. The kids still talk about that party months later.
Remember: the goal isn’t perfection—it’s creating moments where your guests feel included, entertained, and connected. Choose 3-5 games that match your group’s energy, have backup options in case something flops, and most importantly, have fun yourself. Kids and adults alike can tell when the host is stressed versus when they’re genuinely enjoying the celebration.
Happy party planning!
Leave a Reply