Montessori Mom

Classic Party Games Kids Will Love

Some of the best party games are the ones that have been around for generations — simple, hands-on activities that get children laughing, moving, and working together. These games develop coordination, focus, creativity, and social skills, all while keeping the fun going strong. As a Montessori teacher, I've found that children thrive when activities are well-prepared and offer just the right level of challenge. Here are some of my favorite party games that are easy to set up and always a hit with kids.

Paper Bag Piñata

This is an easy and wonderfully fun activity to do outside or in a garage. Children love making the piñata just as much as they love breaking it open!

Materials

• A large paper grocery bag (the biggest you can find)
• Glue
• Tissue paper, construction paper, or any colorful paper
• String
• Prizes such as wrapped candy, small plastic toys, bouncy balls, and fun erasers
• A plastic bat

How to Make It

Staple the bag at each corner, leaving a small opening in the middle to drop the prizes in later. Punch a hole in each of the two top corners, leaving about an inch of paper on the outside edge of the bag for reinforcement.

With scissors, fringe the colored paper into strips, leaving about one inch uncut at the top of each sheet. Glue the uncut edge onto the paper bag — don't glue the fringes themselves. Layer the fringed paper to cover the entire bag. Then cut out eyes, wings, fins, or whatever your imagination sees! You can transform the bag into a favorite animal, a flower, an insect, or a silly clown.

Fill the bag with prizes, staple the top closed, and thread the string through the holes. Hang the piñata up high. Each player can wear a blindfold or not, depending on the age of the children. I don't spin young children — safety first! Let each child take three hits to start. When the toys and candy spill out, make sure each child gets the same number of treats so everyone shares in the joy of the goodies.

Dancing Contest

This creative movement game always brings out big smiles and lots of laughter. It combines art and music in one joyful activity.

Materials

• A big watercolor marker
• An old broomstick
• A large sheet of newsprint, Manila, or white paper (tip: you can sometimes get an end roll of unused newsprint from a local newspaper for free)
• Strong tape, such as duct tape

How to Play

Using duct tape, attach the marker to one end of the broomstick, leaving about two inches of the pen tip sticking out. Lay the paper on the floor and tape it down securely so it won't slide around.

Hum a tune or turn on the music. Standing up, each child takes the long pen and draws a design on the paper while dancing to the rhythm. Everyone is a winner in this game — the artwork is always wonderfully unique and expressive!

Peg Drop

This classic game is perfect for developing hand-eye coordination and concentration. It's simple to set up and endlessly entertaining for young children.

Materials

• A clean, empty milk bottle (if plastic, add sand or salt to the bottom to keep it stable)
• About 10 clothespins (pegs)

How to Play

Place the bottle on the floor and have each child stand directly over it. The child tries to drop the pegs, one at a time, into the bottle opening. See who can get the most pegs in! If standing over the bottle is too challenging for younger children, they can kneel instead. You can also adjust the height for different ages to keep the challenge just right.

Penny Toss

Children love this target game, especially when they get to help create the target themselves. It's a wonderful combination of art and active play.

Materials

• A small cardboard box, such as a shoebox
• A sharp knife or small sharp scissors (for adult use)
• Plain or colored paper, markers, paint, crayons, or other decorating supplies
• Glue
• Pennies

How to Make and Play

Draw big eyes and a wide mouth on the lid of the box. Decorate the box with any art materials you like — glue on designs, use recycled items, or create a collage. Make it into a fun and colorful face: a clown, an animal, a bug, or anything the children imagine! Secure the lid well with tape or glue.

Stand the box against a wall and have each child take turns tossing pennies into the openings. For younger children, let them stand close. For older kids, increase the challenge by moving further away.

Comical Portraits

This drawing game is guaranteed to produce peals of laughter. It's a wonderful way to practice observation skills — and learn not to take ourselves too seriously!

Materials

• Drawing paper
• Pencils

How to Play

Have the children pair off into partners. Give each child a sheet of paper (with a magazine underneath for a firm surface) and a pencil. Each child draws their partner without looking at their paper — they look only at the person and move the pencil as best they can.

To make it even more hilariously difficult, have the children place the paper on their laps under the table, where it's impossible to peek. When everyone is finished, have the children show and tell about their portraits. This will really make everyone laugh!

Recommended Materials

If you're looking for ready-made party games to complement these DIY activities, here are a couple of great options:

• 2-in-1 Giant Tic Tac Toe and Can Toss Game — A fantastic outdoor party game that combines strategy and active tossing fun.
• Soft Bowling Set for Kids — A safe, soft bowling set that's perfect for younger party guests and develops coordination skills.

Related Articles

• Birthday Party Ideas — More inspiration for planning a memorable celebration for your child.
• Costumes — DIY costume ideas that are perfect for themed parties.
• Drink Recipes — Fun and kid-friendly party drink recipes.