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.

noel-mifsud

Written by Noel Mifsud

Last Updated: October 15, 2024  |  9 min Read

best-party-games

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.

Affiliate disclosure: As Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases.

Podcast Edition (5 mins): Listen Now

Best Original Party Games For Kids Aged 5 To 11

1. Magnet Hunt

Fine motor skills, problem-solving & attention to detail
5-11 years
3 (low): icebreaker game
3-10 players or more
10-15 minutes
Magnet wands, small metal chips

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.

best-party-games

2. Color Dash

Agility, reaction time, quick thinking & interaction
5-10 years
7 (high): icebreaker/active game
5-12 players
10-15 minutes
Colored mats or fabric pieces (at least four different colors)

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

Movement, coordination, memory, recognition & interaction
5-10 years
4 (low): icebreaker game
4-10 players or more
5-10 minutes
Children’s shoes (or decoy shoes for added fun)

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

Light movement, hand-eye coordination & agility
5-11 years
5 (medium): active game
3-10 players
10-15 minutes
Bubble machine, music player

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.

bubble-machine

5. Monster Foot Relay

Balance, core strength, stability, concentration & body control
6-11 years
7 (medium/high): active game
6-12 players (in teams)
10-20 minutes
Monster feet plastic balancing stilts (1 pair per team)

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.

best-party-games

6. Balloon Zoo Race

Hand-eye coordination, quick reflexes & light competition
5-10 years
6 (medium): active game
4-10 players
10-15 minutes
Balloons (one per child), markers to draw animal faces on the balloons.

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

Leg strength, coordination, agility & teamwork
5-11 years
8 (high): active game
4-10 players (in pairs)
10-15 minutes
Cones, cushions, or soft objects to create an obstacle course

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

Speed, agility, coordination & strategic thinking
5-11 years
7 (high): active game
5-12 players
10-20 minutes
Fabric strips or ribbons to act as tails, clips or velcro to attach tails

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

Full body coordination, problem-solving & spatial awareness
5-11 years
4 (medium-low): calming down game
4-12 players (in teams)
10-15 minutes
String or yarn to create the “spider web,” chairs or poles to secure the string

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

Agility, reflexes, spatial awareness & strategic thinking
6-11 years
8 (high): active game
4-12 players
15-20 minutes
Large inflatable balls, cones, chairs, or boxes

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!

Discover More Party Games

Find original and exciting party games in these age-appropriate sections...

Preschool Party Games

preschool-party-games

Is keeping your little ones entertained at a party a challenge? We've got you covered! Our preschool party games section is bursting with age-appropriate activities perfect for short attention spans and boundless energy.

Kids' Party Games

kids-party-games

Our 5-11 year old party game section is a treasure trove of engaging activities designed to keep this energetic bunch entertained. We go beyond the basics, offering original themed party games and creative twists on classic games.

Teen Party Games

teen-party-games

We ditch the boring stuff in favor of fast-paced challenges that test reflexes, strategic cooperative games that build teamwork, and brain-bending activities, in our section for tweens and teens.

0 Comments

Related Posts

10 Unique Lilo and Stitch Party Games Your Kids Will Love!

10 Unique Lilo and Stitch Party Games Your Kids Will Love!

10 Unique Lilo and Stitch Party Games Your Kids Will Love!Planning a Lilo and Stitch-themed party for your child? Get ready to bring the magic of Hawaii and the excitement of outer space right to your backyard! We've crafted a list of unique and engaging games perfect...

10 Festive Mexican Games For Kids And Adults

10 Festive Mexican Games For Kids And Adults

10 Festive Mexican Games For Kids And AdultsLooking to spice up your next party with some vibrant, family-friendly fun? Dive into our handpicked selection of 10 Mexican-themed party games, perfect for kids and adults alike. From energetic icebreakers to lively...

Thrilling Bounce House Games For A Kids’ Party

Thrilling Bounce House Games For A Kids’ Party

Thrilling Bounce House Games For A Kids’ PartyWelcome to our incredible bounce house party! We’ve got an exciting lineup of games planned that will make this event truly unforgettable. Your kids will not just bounce—they will be going on a thrilling adventure filled...

Great Party Games For Large Groups

Great Party Games For Large Groups

Great Party Games For Large GroupsHosting a party for a large group can be so exciting, but it can also be a bit daunting when it comes to keeping everyone entertained. That’s where party games come in! They’re the perfect way to break the ice, get people laughing,...

Dinosaur Party Games That Are Dyno-Mite!

Dinosaur Party Games That Are Dyno-Mite!

Dinosaur Party Games That Are Dino-Mite!If you're looking for a wild and exciting way to bring the world of dinosaurs to life at your next kid’s party, you're in the right place. I'm sharing all the dinosaur party games we prepared for our own children’s...

16 Space Party Games That Are Out Of This World

16 Space Party Games That Are Out Of This World

16 Space Party Games That Are Out Of This WorldLooking to throw an out-of-this-world birthday party for your little astronaut? And you’re asking what your guests will be doing at the space themed party? I have compiled a list of original space party games to keep your...

30 Winter Party Games: Adding Fun To The Chill!

30 Winter Party Games: Adding Fun To The Chill!

30 Winter Party Games: Adding Fun To The Chill!If you're looking to amp up your winter gatherings, whether you're surrounded by snow or not, I'll be sharing some creative party games and friendly competitions, that will bring warmth and cheer to your celebrations. ...

54 Exciting Christmas Party Games For All The Family

54 Exciting Christmas Party Games For All The Family

54 Exciting Christmas Party Games For All The FamilyBeing a parent during the holidays is pure magic! Nothing beats the joy of scheming up Christmas party games that light up our kids' faces and make memories we'll cherish forever. Written by Noel MifsudLast Updated:...

14 Exciting Pirate Themed Games You Would Want For A Kid’s Party

14 Exciting Pirate Themed Games You Would Want For A Kid’s Party

14 Exciting Pirate Themed Games You Would Want For A Kid's PartyWelcome aboard, party planners and parents! If you're all about turning a regular kids' gathering into an epic adventure, you’re in for a treat! Today I'll be sharing a treasure trove of 14 thrilling...

Tie Dye Party Games: Adding A Splash Of Fun

Tie Dye Party Games: Adding A Splash Of Fun

Tie Dye Party Games: Adding A Splash Of FunA tie dye birthday party is a dynamic and artistic celebration that brings people together to create vibrant and colorful masterpieces. However, based on our experiences, we've observed that while some guests will swiftly...

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This