As the host of a birthday party, you're expected to entertain the kids from the moment they arrive until the time their parents pick them up. Other than time spent cutting the cake, eating refreshments and unwrapping gifts, the rest of the time is free for games. The Amazing Moms website recommends being flexible in game selection and moving on to something else if the game isn't well received.
Guess Who
As soon as the party guests arrive, tape or pin a picture of someone famous on the back of their shirts. This can be cartoon characters, movie stars or singers. Instruct the guests to walk around the room and ask questions about who they are. The only answers someone else can give are "yes" or "no." This game is an ice breaker that can help even shy children get into a party mood.
Pass the Mystery Gift
Before the party, wrap a gift in layers with a slip of paper containing a message between each layer. Start the music and have party guests pass the gift. When the music stops, the person holding the gift removes a layer of wrap and does what the slip of paper says. They might have to hop on one foot a certain number of times; eat a cracker and whistle after swallowing it; count backward from twenty; or act like a favorite zoo animal. The Party Game Ideas website also recommends having the kids complete math challenges or answer trivia questions. Give sa mall prize to each person who does what the slip of paper states. Start the music again and repeat until the gift is completely unwrapped. The person who removes the last layer of wrap wins the gift.
Twin Pop
You'll need half as many balloons as you have guests. Before the game, pair off the party guests and give them a balloon to share. Have each pair of guests stand back to back with their partners. Place a balloon between them. After you give them the signal to begin, their goal is to pop their balloon by pressing their backs together. The pair that pops the balloon first wins the game.
Wrap the Mummy
Divide the children into teams of two or three. Each team gets a roll of toilet paper and designates one person on the team as the "mummy." After the cue to start, the team members are to wrap the mummy in toilet paper until there is no more paper left. The first team to complete this task is the winning team.
