You’ve got a bunch of little kids coming over and need to know the best party games for toddlers?
This is your go-to guide for setting up the perfect event, whether it’s a birthday, holiday party, or a simple play date. With this 3-step system and over 20 ideas to choose from, everyone will be laughing, playing and enjoying themselves all day long.
So you’ve decided to host your three-year-old’s birthday party at your house.
You’ve picked out a theme, planned an amazing menu, and started crafting decorations. Then, it suddenly hits you…
What are the kids actually going to DO at your party?
Coming up with party games for toddlers (ages 2 to 4) is possibly the hardest part of hosting an at-home party for young children.
Sure, it’s easier to come up with themes and fun decorations for little kids parties. After all, the younger they are, the more influence you have on those decisions.
But the attention spans of 2 to 4 year olds are extremely short, and kids in that age range aren’t quite ready for most structured party games.
Furthermore, 2 to 4 year-olds are usually accompanied by their parents. We’re all so busy these days, that your child’s birthday party is a fantastic time to get to know the parents in your child’s preschool class.
But, if you are acting as party director for a dozen children during the entire party, you won’t have time to do that.
The easy three step sytem for planning toddler party games
The most important thing you can do, is to keep it simple.
The more structured and planned out your party activities are, the more stressed you will be. Keep your activities short, simple, and easy for little kids to navigate.
In order to do that, I like to follow this simple plan:
- Plan open ended activities
- Set up a few activity stations, and
- Consider adding one or two structured games
This system will keep the party fun and light-hearted, without turning you into a ball of stress.
Ready to learn more? Let’s go.
20+ Party Games for Toddlers
Step 1: Open Ended Activities
Since our kids all have summer birthdays, investing in an inflatable pool was one of the best things we ever did. All we have to do is set it up and tell the guests to wear their swimsuits. Then, we just let the kids play and have fun.
But that option isn’t always available.
Summer storms can definitely dampen the best-laid plans for outdoor birthday parties. (corny pun totally intended) And winter birthday parties are notoriously difficult to plan.
Here are a few fun ideas for open-ended party games that are sure to be a hit:
Water Play
Safe water play such as toddler-friendly pools, slip and slides, and sprinklers are not only fun, they helps the little ones release all that extra energy.
Sponge Water Bombs
Sponge water bombs are a fun way to include water play if you don't want to use big equipment like the items above - and they can last all summer long!
Create a Mini Sports Arena
Grab toddler-sized sports equipment and set it all up in your backyard. Then let the kids have fun and pretend they're the pros.
Obstacle Course
You don't need an expensive multi-pack to set up an obstacle course for toddlers. Just grab a few of these kid-safe stepping stones and logs. Maybe add in a play tunnel or a ball pit, and let them jump through a hula hoop. They'll love it!
Bubbles
Whether you let the kids try to create their own bubbles, or use a bubble machine (our kids love our bubble machine), toddlers just can't get enough of this soapy fun.
Keep the Balloon Up
We all know this 'game' from our childhood. Blow up a bunch of balloons and tell the kids to keep them in the air. Don't be surprised though if toddlers are more likely to sit on top of the balloons. In the end, it's all about having fun.
Use what you've already got
When all else fails, you can open up the playroom (or your child's bedroom), and simply let the kids play with the toys you already have. That's what we did when this 3rd birthday party got completely rained out - and it was a blast.
Step 2: Toddler Friendly Activity Stations
Even with large-motor and open-ended activities, it’s always good to have at one or two activity stations.
While some toddlers won’t use them at all, others will enjoy having a short break from the mayhem. And shy kids often appreciate having a place they can go to quietly play as they warm up to the party.
Activity stations don’t have to be complicated, either.
Some Fantastic Activity Stations for Toddlers Include:
Coloring Table
This one is almost a no-brainer. Print out some theme-related coloring pages, and grab all those extra crayons, markers, and colored pencils you have lying around.
Arrange it all in a pretty display on a table at your party, and let the kids release their inner Picasso.
Puppy Adoption Center
My son was obsessed with Paw Patrol as a toddler, so setting up a puppy adoption center at a puppy themed party just made all the sense in the world.
Click "Continue Reading" to grab your free puppy adoption certificate and to see more dog-themed party games.
Themed Party Crafts
It's always a fun idea to tie your activity stations to the theme of the party.
For example, one of the best stations we set up was a table for kids to make their own 'jellyfish'. All I needed to do was scrounge up some leftover craft supplies and some disposable bowls. Easy, cheap, and fun.
What supplies do you have lying around that could fit your party theme?
Go Fishing
How's this for fun? Let the kids go 'fishing' in a baby pool. Just make sure to check out the tips in the party post so you don't end up with frustrated toddlers.
Reading Tent or Nook
This is one of my favorite recommendations...and it's as simple as a quiet place for kids to go when they're feeling overwhelmed.
I can't tell you how many times we needed to offer a safe space for the little ones who just needed a few moments away from all the noise and chaos of a birthday party.
Add a some pillows, stuffed animals, and a few picture books, and you're ready to go.
Play Doh Station
Kids can play with play doh for hours...especially when you have a bunch of fun tools like these to cut, mold, and form realistic and interesting shapes.
Dress Up Station
Dress up isn't just for princesses. These days you can find dress up clothes for firefighters, scientists, superheroes, and so much more!
Bingo Dotter Pages
This was a recommendation from my son's preschool teacher...and she's spot on with it. Kids love to play with bingo dotters, and thankfully these bingo dotters are washable, too.
Glue and Paint Sensory Bag
The fun thing about this activity is that it's not messy at all. You can even theme it to go with your party by using your party's theme colors.
Emoji Paper Plate Craft
How cute is this idea? Let the kids turn paper plates into their own emojis!
That said, knowing how toddlers paint...I would probably pre-paint the paper plates and have the face pieces available for the kids to glue on with glue sticks at the party. This way your guests won't have to carefully drive home a craft covered in wet paint.
How to Make a Giant Floor Maze for Kids
Here's a fun idea for when you're stuck indoors...Create a giant maze on your floor! I love how there are little snack station prizes along the way too.
Step 3: Consider Adding One or Two Structured Party Games
We’ve all been to those parties where an ambitious parent planned party games for kids that were too young to understand what was going on.
I still remember attending a party for a 3-year-old where an enthusiastic mother insisted that all the children play Pin the Tail on the Donkey.
It took 20 minutes just to get the kids settled enough to start the activity. None of the kids knew what they were supposed to do. And most were bored while waiting for their turn. It wasn’t disastrous, but it wasn’t worth the effort, either.
Don’t be that parent.
When it comes to toddlers, structured games are completely optional. And if you do choose to include some, only do one or two games, and make sure you keep any them age-appropriate.
Children ages 3 and older can enjoy quick, high-energy party games for toddlers.
The important words here are "quick" and "high-energy". Make sure to choose games that the kids all play at the same time. This keeps the games more engaging for toddlers who are already impatient just from the excitement of the party.
In other words, save the turn-taking games for older kids.
Red Light, Green Light
This is a sneaky little party game that helps toddlers learn to follow the rules...all while having a blast!
Simon Says
Here's another fun party game to encourage rule-following with a little extra listening practice in there too.
Duck, Duck, Goose
This classic party game is perfect for toddlers in that it’s quick, easy to set up (no supplies necessary!) and everyone will enjoy it.
Pretend to Be Animals
Here's another recommendation from my 3-year-old's preschool teacher: Turn on some fun songs and have the kids pretend to be different animals. I've linked to a YouTube song that she recommends that pretty much takes all the guesswork out of it for you, too!
At age 4, start introducing more structured party games:
It's still best at this age to include party games that involve the whole group. But around age four, little kids are better able to follow structured activities.
Here are a few that we've found successful:
Scavenger Hunts
The lovely thing about scavenger hunts is that all you need is a list of stuff for the kids to find. No clues or anything else.
Tip: Make sure scavenger hunts for pre-readers and toddlers include pictures so they know what to find.
Touchdown Tango | Easy Football Party Activity for Kids
This game is a fun addition to any sports themed party game. I've even got a printable that you can download to go with it!
Zoo Rescue: Fun and Easy Game for Little Kids
Hosting an animal or safari-themed party? Then zoo-rescue is a fun way to keep the kids entertained. Make the game work even harder and use it as a way for the kids to get their party favors.
Hot Potato
You can use an actual potato, or you can get this silly plush potato that sings while everyone tries to avoid getting fried!
Treasure Hunts
Create a quick map, come up with some clues, and let the kids search your house for a fun hidden treasure.
Freeze Dance
This party game is a must for all parties, especially toddlers! It’s the perfect party way to get everyone up and moving.
Now, It’s Your Turn
As you can see, there are LOTS of party games for toddlers that you can do right in your own home. And they don’t have to take all your time and energy during the actual party. But, I don’t want you to plan too many of these activities, either.
Here’s how to put these ideas into action:
- Plan one big, open-ended party activity that your toddler guests can do from the moment they arrive
- Put together 2 activity stations, at least one of which is a quiet spot for shy kids to warm up, and
- For older toddlers, include one classic party game that will be held right before the cake is served.
And there you have it, the kids will have fun, you can mingle with the other parents, and you can spend your party planning time working on the decorations and food that won’t get used later.
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Which of these games is your favorite?
Do you have any other recommended party games for toddlers? Let us know in the comments below!
Jen says
You are brilliant. I remember my first toddler centered party was a disaster. I should have had this then 🙂
relentlesslypurple says
These are great ideas for toddlers! My 3yo would love some of these 🙂 #FamilyFunLinky
Debbie Denyer says
This is such good advice! I ran a Frozen themed party for my eldest when she was little. In hindsight I made the games too complicated for the little ones to understand. We did a relay race where you had to pick up snowballs (pom poms) and carry them on your spoon to the other side of the hall, whilst going through obstacles. Half the relay team wandered off whilst they were waiting! I should have just turned it into a snowball fight where you have to throw snowballs at each other! After having run a lot of children’s parties for my own kids and for my business I’ve learnt that the simple ideas work much better! #familyfunlinky
Tammymum says
Oh what a great list and great ideas. I have a friend who runs a playgroup and often has half terms parties etc so I will be sure to share this with her. Thank you for joining us at #familyfun xx
Whitney@confessionsofparenting says
Hi Leslie! Toddler parties can be a bit overwhelming, but you have some great ideas. Everything looks so fun! I smiled when I read your tip to keep it simple. We moms can’t help ourselves. Thank you!
Alice | Letters to my Daughter says
Great ideas, my daughter’s birthday party is tomorrow! I’ve got a pass the parcel ready but otherwise am just planning to let them play. #brillblogposts
Crystal says
These are great ideas! It can be hard to think of fun games that will interest little ones and not be too difficult for hem.
Alicia Owen says
Great ideas! That is such a hard age to plan games for, especially because their abilities can vary so much, even when they’re close in age!
Theresa says
Fun ideas for kids parties. I remember when we’d have little kids parties. I can’t believe my youngest is turning 16 this spring! Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight party. Sharing & pinned to my kids party board.
angie says
love the activity station idea, keep those little hands busy is a great idea
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The Pramshed says
There are some fab ideas here, and I would also say try not to do too much, and keep it simple. Thanks for linking up at #fortheloveofBLOG. Claire x
Alice V-DIYerfy says
These are great ideas and I totally agree that the games should be “open-ended” and not very competitive. They won’t even know they’re competing so those kinds of games shouldn’t even be attempted. Plus toddlers can be so finicky and hard to get to follow directions.
Claire Rocks says
Amazing! you have just saved my life! I have pinned this for future birthday parties. thanks
Michele Morin says
Fun! Fun! Fun!
I learned (the hard way) that it’s better to have collaborative focus instead of a single winner for every game. They just can’t handle losing!
Leslie says
OMG, so true!
Julie says
We used to play one called hedgehogs where the kids all curl up on the floor (in a yoga child’s pose!) and then you cover one with a cloth or blanket. The others all then stand up and try to work out who is under the blanket. Sounds easy but is actually quite funny and very exciting for the person under the blanket. You do have to repeat until they’ve all had a turn under the blanket though!
We also used to play sleeping lions, but this one is more just a break for the adults. The kids all lie down and are ‘sleeping lions’. If you move you are out! You can often get a good 5 mins of rest before you have to get going again, depending on how competitive the kids are!
Greg Escaper says
These 20 ideas are perfect, and I will try to implement most of these ideas in one of my kids’ birthday parties that I am holding soon. The kids who come to this party will have a fantastic time at this party.
Sedna says
The others all then stand up and try to work out who is under the blanket. I have pinned this for future birthday parties. I remember when we’d have little kids parties. smiled when I read your tip to keep it simple.