100 Party Games for Children

By P S Quick

Party games have been played and enjoyed by children for years. This book contains some favourites that have been played for centuries as well as some with modern twists and ideas of how to adapt games for a variety of ages and interests.
There are also new games that are linked to modern times. Some games are more suitable for outdoor areas rather than a confined indoor space but most can just be adapted slightly to suit the venue. There are also a variety of games such as quiet games, active games, treasure hunts, team games, balloon games and a selection of others.
The games include both competitive and non competitive games. Most people today recommend that the majority of games are non competitive so that children do not become disappointed or upset. Team games can encourage children to work together and support each other if a child is challenged and not coping with the activity. Although a winner might be declared it is usually a good idea to have a small prize for everyone.
Awarding points for games is one way of avoiding constantly giving out small presents. Points can be collated and then everyone given a party bag when it is time to go home so that no one leaves empty handed. It could also be agreed at the beginning of a party that prizes can be shared such as a box of small treats as a prize for a treasure hunt.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AUK Academic
• Release date: Dec 23, 2014
• ISBN: 9781785380945

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Icebreaker Games

Although almost every child loves a party some lack confidence in meeting new people or being in a different environment such as another child’s home or a village hall. Icebreakers help children to overcome their shyness and get them in the mood for a party so they can really enjoy themselves.

Children learn to listen, chat and share their ideas while they get to know each other and bond as part of the group.

Make the Pair

Before the party think of pairs of words that belong together and write each word on separate pieces of card or paper. For example: the words knife and fork, salt and pepper or shoes and socks. For younger children it would also be useful to have pictures in case they cannot read.

As the children arrive pin one card on their backs without letting them see the word. Explain this is for a later game then ask them to sit against a wall so that the others cannot see the words either. Children could spend this time looking at a book while they wait for the other guests to arrive.

When everyone has arrived explain that children need to find the other half of their pair. They can ask questions about what is on their back such as Am I living? Do I wear these? Younger children could just ask what the picture on their back is or what the word says.

Children then try to find their partner and sit down together until everyone has matched the pairs.

Bounce the Ball

This game needs a large space such as a hall or outside area. It is an excellent way of introducing children who do not know each other.

Ask the children stand in a circle and each say their name before the game begins. Then one child calls out the name of another child while bouncing the ball in the middle so that the child named runs in to catch it. This child then calls out the name of another child and bounces the ball for them to catch. Once a child has caught the ball they cannot catch it again so they should sit down after they have had their turn.

The game can be varied by throwing or rolling the ball instead of bouncing. Balls of different sizes and materials can be used. Beanbags may be more suitable for younger children. The game can be made more challenging by having more than one ball or beanbag being thrown at the same time.

A Great Wind Blows

Arrange enough cushions in a circle so that every child except one can sit down. The child without a cushion stands in the middle of the circle and makes a true statement in the form:

A great wind blows for anyone who has an older brother or something similar. The statement could be a favourite food, a place visited on holiday or anything else. The important thing is that the person is making a statement that matches their own criteria.

Any child for whom the statement is also true then jumps up from their cushion and tries to find another cushion but it must not be an empty cushion next to where they are sitting. The child in the middle also runs to an empty cushion so that the person left without a cushion becomes the person in the middle.

Instead of beginning a sentence with the words A great wind blows the child in the middle could call out Hurricane. If this happens then everyone must stand up and find another place.

The game can also be played with an adult outside the circle giving instructions.

Line up, Line up

Divide children into teams of about six then ask them to sit down in groups, ensuring there is a little space between each group.

Either an adult or a child is chosen to be the task master who gives instructions. These should be as many different ways as possible for the group to line up. For example:

Line up, line up from the shortest to the tallest.

Line up, line up from the youngest to the oldest.

Line up, line up in alphabetical order.

Line up, line up in birthday month order.

Children then line up as directed. Praise can be given for the first team to