29 Fun and Creative Birthday Activities for Kids

Planning a birthday party for kids can be exciting, but figuring out how to keep everyone entertained is a real challenge.

You want fun ideas that are easy to set up, keep the kids moving, and bring lots of smiles. That’s where the right activities come in.

From classic games like musical chairs to hands-on fun like cupcake decorating and slime-making, this list has something for every kind of party—big or small, indoors or outside.

We’ve grouped the ideas into simple sections to make it easy for you to mix and match based on your space and what your child enjoys most.

Each activity is short, simple to run, and doesn’t require a ton of materials. If you’re looking for ideas that bring kids together and keep the fun going, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into the list!

Classic Party Games

These games are easy to run, need very little setup, and always get kids laughing. Perfect for filling time and breaking the ice.

1. Musical Chairs

Musical Chairs is a fast-paced game that keeps kids moving, laughing, and competing. It helps with listening skills and adds lots of excitement to the party. The suspense of the music stopping keeps everyone on their toes.

How to play: Arrange chairs in a circle, one fewer than the number of players. Kids walk around the chairs while music plays, and when it stops, they race to sit.
Best for ages: 5–10
Indoor/Outdoor: Both
What you’ll need: Chairs and a way to play music

2. Pin the Tail on the Donkey

This classic party game brings lots of giggles as kids try to place the tail in the right spot while blindfolded. It’s fun, lighthearted, and works well with any party theme. The challenge of doing it blindfolded adds to the fun.

How to play: Blindfold the player, spin them gently, and have them try to pin a tail on a poster. Closest to the correct spot wins.
Best for ages: 4–9
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
What you’ll need: Donkey poster, paper tails with tape or pins, blindfold

3. Duck Duck Goose

A simple game that gets kids up and moving in a circle. It’s perfect for younger kids and burns off energy without needing any props. The thrill comes from running fast and not getting tagged.

How to play: Kids sit in a circle while one walks around tapping heads saying “duck.” When they say “goose,” that child jumps up and chases them around the circle.
Best for ages: 4–7
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor preferred
What you’ll need: Open space

4. Simon Says

Simon Says is great for helping kids listen and follow instructions in a fun way. It’s silly, active, and works for large or small groups. The game can be as easy or tricky as you like.

How to play: One child (or adult) gives commands starting with “Simon says.” Players only follow the command if it begins that way—if not, they stay still.
Best for ages: 5–10
Indoor/Outdoor: Both
What you’ll need: No supplies needed

5. Freeze Dance

Freeze Dance combines music with quick thinking and movement. Kids dance freely while the music plays and must freeze instantly when it stops. It’s perfect for high-energy fun.

How to play: Play upbeat music and let the kids dance. Stop the music randomly—anyone who moves is out or does a silly challenge.
Best for ages: 4–9
Indoor/Outdoor: Both
What you’ll need: Music player

Creative & Crafty Fun

If your party crowd enjoys creating things, these craft stations are a great way to keep little hands busy and minds engaged.

6. DIY Slime Station

Slime is always a hit at kids’ parties, and giving children the chance to make their own takes the fun to another level. They can choose colors, glitter, and textures, making each slime personal. It’s a great sensory activity that doubles as a take-home favor.

How to play: Set up a table with glue, activator, and mix-ins. Guide kids step-by-step as they create their own slime to take home.
Best for ages: 6–10
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
What you’ll need: Glue, baking soda, contact solution, bowls, spoons, glitter, food coloring

7. Face Painting

Face painting lets kids become whatever they imagine—superheroes, animals, or fairy tale creatures. It adds magic to the party atmosphere and makes for fun photos. Even watching others get painted keeps the excitement going.

How to play: A face painter or adult paints simple designs on kids’ faces one at a time.
Best for ages: 3–10
Indoor/Outdoor: Both
What you’ll need: Face paint, brushes, wipes, mirror

8. Make-Your-Own Party Hats

Decorating party hats gives kids something fun to do and something festive to wear. It encourages creativity while keeping hands busy, especially at the start of the party. Every hat turns out different, which kids love showing off.

How to play: Give each child a plain party hat and a tray of decorations. They design their hat however they like.
Best for ages: 3–7
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
What you’ll need: Paper hats, glue sticks, stickers, markers, pom-poms

9. Rock Painting

Painting rocks lets kids mix art with nature. They can make simple patterns, tiny creatures, or even painted messages. This calm activity is also perfect for party keepsakes or party bag fillers.

How to play: Give kids a few smooth rocks and paint supplies. They paint patterns, animals, or whatever they like.
Best for ages: 5–10
Indoor/Outdoor: Both
What you’ll need: Smooth rocks, acrylic paint, brushes, water cups

10. Friendship Bracelet Making

Making bracelets is a quiet, social activity that works well with small groups. Kids enjoy picking out thread colors and patterns and can exchange bracelets with friends. It also gives them something meaningful to take home.

How to play: Provide strings and beads or threads. Show kids how to braid or knot the threads to make bracelets.
Best for ages: 6–10
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
What you’ll need: Embroidery thread or beads, scissors, clips or tape

Outdoor Activities

For kids who love to move, these outdoor games add excitement and keep the fun going from start to finish.

11. Water Balloon Toss

Cool and fun, this game adds a splash of excitement to any outdoor party. Kids work in pairs to toss balloons and avoid getting soaked. It’s simple to set up and always ends in laughter.

How to play: Kids pair up and toss a water balloon. After each round, they step farther apart until the balloon breaks.
Best for ages: 5–10
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
What you’ll need: Water balloons, buckets of water

12. Sack Race

This game brings bouncy fun and is a perfect throwback activity. Kids jump to the finish line while trying to stay balanced inside the sack. It’s a hilarious challenge that gets everyone cheering.

How to play: Line kids up in large sacks. On “go,” they hop to the finish line—first one there wins.
Best for ages: 5–9
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
What you’ll need: Burlap sacks or pillowcases

13. Obstacle Course

Obstacle courses let kids climb, crawl, and leap their way through challenges. It’s great for friendly competition or just active play. You can use basic items to build a fun and creative setup.

How to play: Set up a course with cones, tunnels, and hurdles. Kids race through it one at a time or in teams.
Best for ages: 6–10
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
What you’ll need: Cones, pool noodles, tunnels, jump ropes, hula hoops

14. Bubble Blowing Station

Bubbles always bring joy, and this activity works especially well for younger kids. They can blow, chase, and pop bubbles as they float through the air. It’s simple, gentle fun that never goes out of style.

How to play: Set out trays of bubble solution with different wands. Let kids play freely or have bubble contests.
Best for ages: 3–7
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
What you’ll need: Bubble solution, bubble wands, trays

15. Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts make kids feel like explorers. With a simple list and some hidden items, you can create a fun and engaging game for all ages. It encourages movement, thinking, and teamwork.

How to play: Give kids a list of items to find. They search the area and mark off or collect each item on their list.
Best for ages: 6–10
Indoor/Outdoor: Both
What you’ll need: Printed lists, small hidden items, small bags or baskets

Indoor Play Ideas

Don’t worry about the weather—these indoor options are fun, flexible, and perfect for smaller spaces.

16. Indoor Treasure Hunt

A treasure hunt keeps kids entertained and curious as they follow clues around the house. It builds excitement with every step and ends in a fun surprise. Great for rainy-day parties or limited space.

How to play: Hide small items or clues around the room. Kids follow the clues until they find the final “treasure” prize.
Best for ages: 5–9
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
What you’ll need: Clue cards, hidden objects, treasure box or small prizes

17. Pillow Fort Building

Let kids work together to build a fort using pillows, blankets, and imagination. It gives them a cozy space to hang out and adds a relaxed vibe to the party. It’s perfect for quiet downtime or storytelling.

How to play: Provide pillows, blankets, and chairs. Let kids design and build their own fort or work together to make one big structure.
Best for ages: 4–8
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
What you’ll need: Pillows, blankets, chairs, and space

18. Mini Bowling

Mini bowling brings the fun of an arcade game to your home. It keeps kids moving and adds a little friendly competition. It’s easy to set up and works in any open hallway or living room.

How to play: Set up plastic pins and use a soft ball to knock them over. Each child takes turns aiming for a strike.
Best for ages: 4–9
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
What you’ll need: Mini bowling set or plastic bottles and a soft ball

19. Board Game Station

Board games are great for small groups and give kids a break from active play. Choose age-appropriate games with simple rules and fun visuals. It’s a calm, focused activity that helps with sharing and teamwork.

How to play: Set up a table with 2–3 different games. Kids can rotate stations or choose their favorite to play in groups.
Best for ages: 5–10
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
What you’ll need: Board games (e.g., Candy Land, Guess Who, Uno)

20. Dance Party with Lights

Turn down the lights, turn up the music, and let kids dance like crazy. Add some glow sticks or disco lights to make it feel like a real party. This is a great way to burn off extra energy and end the day with fun.

How to play: Play music and let kids freestyle dance or follow along with silly moves. Add games like freeze dance or dance-offs.
Best for ages: 5–10
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
What you’ll need: Music player, lights, glow sticks (optional)

Food-Related Fun

Mixing food and fun is always a good idea. These activities let kids get creative while making their own tasty treats.

21. Cupcake Decorating

Kids love sweet treats—and decorating their own cupcakes makes it even better. It gives them a hands-on food activity and lets them get creative with toppings. Plus, they get to eat their masterpiece!

How to play: Set up a decorating station with plain cupcakes and a variety of frostings and toppings. Let each child design their own.
Best for ages: 4–10
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
What you’ll need: Cupcakes, frosting, sprinkles, spoons, napkins

22. Make-Your-Own Pizza

Kids get to be chefs for the day by making their own mini pizzas. It’s a delicious, interactive activity that fits into lunch or dinner. Great for picky eaters, too.

How to play: Provide personal pizza bases and toppings. Kids build their own and adults help bake them.
Best for ages: 6–10
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
What you’ll need: Pizza crusts, sauce, cheese, toppings, baking trays

23. Cookie Decorating

A sweet and simple activity that combines creativity with treats. Kids love spreading icing and adding candy decorations to cookies. It’s a perfect mix of quiet focus and fun.

How to play: Set out plain cookies, frosting, and decorations. Each child decorates a few to eat or take home.
Best for ages: 4–9
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
What you’ll need: Sugar cookies, frosting, candy toppings, plates

24. Ice Cream Sundae Bar

This cool treat station lets kids build their dream dessert. It’s fun, quick, and a great way to wind down the party. Everyone gets exactly what they like.

How to play: Offer bowls of ice cream with a variety of toppings. Kids scoop and decorate their own sundaes.
Best for ages: 5–10
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
What you’ll need: Ice cream, bowls, spoons, syrups, sprinkles, candies

Themed & Special Ideas

These activities give your party that something extra—great for adding variety or surprising the birthday kid.

25. Magic Show

Kids are amazed by simple magic tricks and love trying to guess how it’s done. A magic show adds excitement and works well for larger groups. You can hire a magician or learn a few tricks yourself.

How to play: Set aside time for a magic performance. Keep tricks simple and visual to hold attention.
Best for ages: 4–9
Indoor/Outdoor: Both
What you’ll need: Magician or DIY trick supplies, table or stage area

26. Puppet Theater

Puppets bring stories to life in a way kids find funny and engaging. They can watch a show or even make up their own. It’s great for encouraging creativity and storytelling.

How to play: Use a puppet stage or large box with cut-out front. Put on a short puppet show or let kids take turns.
Best for ages: 4–8
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
What you’ll need: Puppets, puppet stage (or DIY with a cardboard box)

27. Costume Parade

Let kids dress up and show off their favorite characters. This works well with themed parties and builds confidence. Add music and cheers to make it extra fun.

How to play: Have kids walk a “runway” or around the yard in their costumes. You can vote on fun categories like silliest or most colorful.
Best for ages: 3–8
Indoor/Outdoor: Both
What you’ll need: Costumes (brought from home), music, space to walk

28. DIY Photo Booth

Kids love taking goofy pictures with friends, and a photo booth makes it extra special. Props and fun backgrounds add to the silliness. It also gives parents great memories to keep.

How to play: Set up a backdrop and table with props. Kids can pose alone or in groups using a phone or camera.
Best for ages: 5–10
Indoor/Outdoor: Both
What you’ll need: Backdrop, props (hats, glasses, signs), camera or phone

29. Science Experiment Station

Add some excitement with easy science experiments that wow the crowd. Kids get to see cool reactions and even try a few themselves. It’s educational, interactive, and very memorable.

How to play: Set up 1–2 simple experiments like baking soda volcanoes or color-mixing. Let kids take part step-by-step.
Best for ages: 6–10
Indoor/Outdoor: Both
What you’ll need: Safe experiment supplies (vinegar, baking soda, cups, food coloring)

Conclusion

With the right mix of games, crafts, and food fun, any birthday can turn into a great memory.

The best part? Most of these ideas are easy to set up, budget-friendly, and flexible for different age groups.

From silly races in the yard to decorating their own cupcakes or building a pillow fort, kids love getting involved.

These activities let them move, create, laugh, and play together. It’s less about having a perfect setup and more about giving kids the space to enjoy themselves.

What’s your favorite party game or activity?

Drop a comment below and let us know what worked best at your child’s birthday—we’d love to hear your ideas too!