Best Original Party Games For Kids Aged 5 To 11

Looking for fresh, original games to liven up your child’s party? Tired of the usual musical chairs or pass the parcel? This list of 10 unique and exciting games is designed to engage kids in new, fun ways. These games are easy to set up, suitable for ages 5 to 11, and offer a mix of icebreakers, active challenges, and calming-down activities.

Last Updated: October 15, 2024  |  9 min Read

Find detailed breakdowns for each game, including the benefits they offer, the intensity level of physical exertion, age appropriateness, suggested playtime, number of players, and the materials needed.

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1. Magnet Hunt

Objective: Collect as many magnetic chips as possible within the time limit.

Setup: Hide small metal chips around the party area. Give each child a small, magnetized wand.

How to Play: Children have 5 minutes to find as many hidden metal chips using their magnet wand. They can only use the wand to attract the items; no hands allowed! The player who collects the most objects wins.

2. Color Dash

Objective: Avoiding being caught by the chaser.

Setup: Create four zones using different colored mats or pieces of fabric, each a different color.

How to Play: One child is selected as the “chaser,” who calls out a color. All the other children must run to the color zone that was called. The chaser tries to tag anyone before they reach the correct color zone. If tagged, they become the new chaser.

3. Shoe Shuffle

Objective: Be the first to find and wear your own shoes.

Setup: All children remove their shoes and mix them up in the center of the room.

How to Play: When the host shouts “GO,” the kids must race to find their own shoes, put them on, and tie them (if applicable). The first child to complete this task wins. For added fun, mix in some decoy shoes!

4. Bubble Blast Freeze

Objective: Pop the most bubbles without moving when the music stops.

Setup: You need a bubble machine and upbeat music.

How to Play: Turn on the bubble machine and let the children pop bubbles while the music plays. When the music stops, everyone must freeze. If a child moves during the freeze, they’re out for the round. The last child standing after several rounds is the winner.

5. Monster Foot Relay

Objective: Be the fastest team to complete the relay using Monster Feet Plastic Balancing Stilts

Setup: Get these Monster Feet Plastic Balancing Stilts for the children to stand on and walk.

How to Play: Divide the children into teams. Each player must stand on the monster feet and race from one point to another, then pass them to the next teammate. The first team to complete the relay wins.

6. Balloon Zoo Race

Objective: Transport your “animal” to the zoo without losing it.

Setup: Inflate balloons and draw different animals on each one with markers. Designate an area as the “zoo.”

How to Play: Each child is given an animal balloon and must transport it to the zoo by keeping it in the air using only their hands. If their balloon touches the ground, they must start over. The first child to get their animal to the zoo wins.

7. Leapfrog Obstacle Race

Objective: Be the fastest team to complete the leapfrog obstacle race.

Setup: Create an obstacle course with soft objects (cones, cushions, etc.). Divide the children into teams of two.

How to Play: Each team takes turns leapfrogging over one another through the obstacle course. One child crouches down while the other leaps over, then they switch roles after each leap. The challenge is to navigate the obstacles while leapfrogging. The first team to complete the course wins!

8. Dragon’s Tail Chase

Objective: Be the last “dragon” standing without losing your tail.

Setup: Attach a long fabric “tail” or ribbon to the back of each child’s clothing using a clip or velcro, or by simply asking them to tuck it in the trousers or skirt.

How to Play: All the players are “dragons” and must try to grab the tails of others while protecting their own. If a child’s tail is grabbed, they are out for that round. The last child remaining with their tail still intact wins.

9. Spider Web Tangle

Objective: Untangle yourself and your team from the “spider web” without touching it.

Setup: Create a “spider web” by crisscrossing string or yarn between three or four chairs, poles or trees (depending if you’ll be playing outside or indoors), leaving enough gaps for kids to crawl through.

How to Play: Divide children into teams. Each team must make its way through the web without touching the string. If someone touches the web, the whole team has to go back to the start. The first team to make it through the web without touching it wins.

10. Boulder Chase

Objective: Avoid being hit by a “boulder” while running through the obstacle course.

Setup: Create an obstacle course with cones, chairs, or boxes. Use large inflatable balls as the “boulders.”

How to Play: Children must navigate the obstacle course while “boulders” (balls) are thrown to them from the sides. They need to dodge the boulder while jumping over or crawling under obstacles. If they get hit by the boulder, they have to start over. The first child to complete the course without being hit wins.

Final Thoughts About The Best Party Games

With these 10 unique games, your child’s party will stand out from the usual crowd. No need for the typical party fare—these fresh, engaging activities will keep kids entertained, active, and having fun from start to finish.

Easy to set up and suited for a range of ages, these games offer the perfect mix of excitement and challenge. Say goodbye to predictable party games and hello to a celebration filled with laughter, creativity, and unforgettable moments!