Party games are a chance for toddlers to move their bodies, interact with friends, and practice following basic commands. That’s why it’s so important to encourage children to play a variety of games when they’re young.
This article is jam-packed with 50 toddler party games, so you’ll never be out of ideas again. Keep reading to learn the game rules, the materials required, and more.
1. Sing-along
This toddler party idea couldn’t be easier. It’s a great no-prep idea for both 2 and 3-year-olds.
All you need to do is choose a simple song (e.g., The Wheels On The Bus, The Alphabet Song, If You’re Happy, Bingo, or Old MacDonald), turn the music on, and encourage the little ones to sing with you.
Plan anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes for this activity, depending on how interested the kids are and their energy level.
2. Balloon Games
Balloon games are an excellent way for 2 and 3-year-olds to practice hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills. Some examples of balloon games include balloon volleyball and balloon waddle races.
To play balloon volleyball, set up a net (inside or outside) and divide kids into two teams. The team must hit the balloon over the net—if it hits the ground, the other team gets a point.
For balloon waddle, toddlers must waddle their way across the room with the balloon between their knees before passing it to their partner. The first team to successfully make it out and back wins a prize.
3. Pass the Package
Wrap a prize in at least a dozen layers of newspaper or wrapping paper. Have children sit in a circle and pass the gift to each other as the music is playing.
When you pause the music, the child holding the package gets to unwrap one layer of paper. The child who unwraps the last layer gets to keep the prize.
A variation of this game that works well for younger children is called pass the balloon. When the music stops, the child holding the balloon gets to choose a prize from the prize bag.
4. Pin the Tail on the Donkey
You can find a toddler-safe (i.e., one that uses stickers instead of tacks) version of this classic game online or in a party store. Attach the game board to a wall and demonstrate how to play.
There are many variations of this game available. Some examples include pin the tail on the cat, pin the horn on the unicorn, and pin the nose on the elephant.
Given the variety of different options, you can customize this game depending on the party theme you’ve chosen. This game could take anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Chalk Art
This game is easy to set up and will keep toddlers entertained for a long time (25 minutes plus). It’s also an awesome summer toddler party idea that will keep kids out of your hair while you prepare the rest of the party.
For more structure, you can give toddlers a task. Examples include drawing a pet, drawing yourself with a funny face, or tracing a friend.
Three-year-olds might also enjoy playing chalk games like Hopscotch, Four Square, or navigating a Chalk Maze.
6. Duck, Duck, Goose
The rules for this classic game are simple, making it a great choice for 2 and 3-year-olds. Start the game by having kids sit in a circle.
Choose one child to go first, they are the “Goose.” They walk around the circle touching the older children’s heads and saying “Duck” until they choose someone to be “Goose.”
The toddler selected as “Goose” must run around the circle and try to catch the original “Goose” before they sit down in the empty space. Then, the game restarts with the new “Goose” walking around the circle.
7. Freeze Dance
Freeze Dance is another simple game that will appeal to toddlers of all ages. It can be played indoors or outdoors, making it a great winter or summer toddler party idea.
Participants start by dancing to some music (pro tip: songs by The Wiggles or CoComelon are crowd pleasers). When the music is paused, kiddos must freeze in their current position.
Anyone who keeps moving after the music stops is out. The winner is the last person on the dance floor.
8. What’s the Time, Mr. Wolf?
Start by selecting a player to be Mr. Wolf. This player stands on the opposite end of the playing area, facing away from the other players.
The players ask, “What’s the time, Mr. Wolf?” Mr. Wolf can either respond by saying the time (e.g., 5 o’clock) or “Dinner time!”
If Mr. Wolf says a time, players must take that number of steps forward. If Mr. Wolf says “Dinner Time,” players must run towards their starting point to avoid getting tagged by Mr. Wolf.
9. Bubble Popping
Believe it or not, most toddlers will spend 10 minutes or more chasing and popping bubbles. Take advantage of their curiosity by purchasing a bubble machine or several bubble wands for the party.
To make the game even more exciting, turn the bubble popping into a competition. For example, you could award each guest with a prize if they break more than 20 bubbles in one minute.
This activity is a great summer toddler party idea and is appropriate for all ages.
10. Musical Bumps
Musical bumps is a toddler-ized version of Musical Chairs and is an excellent indoor or outdoor party activity. What’s more, it requires almost no equipment, making it a super-budget toddler party idea.
To play, you’ll need at least 2 players and some music. Have the group dance and encourage them to be as crazy as possible.
Tell the toddlers to sit down when the music stops playing. Anyone who doesn’t is out of the game until the next round.
11. Scavenger Hunt
Toddlers love exploring their world and finding new things, both of which make scavenger hunts an exciting activity for 2 and 3-year-olds. Another great thing is that they can be played inside or outside.
To play, place a bunch of random objects around the play area. Give toddlers clues to find each object in a specific order.
If you want to simplify the game for younger players, purchase some Toddler Scavenger Hunt Cards. These cards show pictures of objects to be found and make the game easier for little ones to understand.
12. Parachute Games
Parachute games are exciting and promise to keep toddlers entertained for 20 minutes or more. Some possible parachute games include run across and ball toss.
To play run across, have an adult shout out two children’s names. Those children must run underneath the parachute and reach the other side before the parachute falls.
For ball toss, put a beach ball on top of the parachute and have kids work together to bounce it around and keep it afloat.
13. Hide and Go Seek
This classic party game never fails to excite toddlers, so make sure to include it at your next event. Depending on the number of kids, it can fill about 20 minutes.
To play, one person is named “It.” This player counts backward from 30 (have an adult help) while the other kids hide.
When “It” reaches zero, they start looking for the other players. The first player they find is “It” in the next round and the last person to be found is the winner.
14. Follow the Leader
Have kids line up behind an adult or an older sibling while music plays. The leader will guide the kids, incorporating silly moves or sounds as they go.
You can make the game even more fun and challenging by placing some obstacles that kids have to go over, under, or around. Examples include stepping through hula hoops, climbing through cardboard boxes, and walking over a step stool.
This game will likely keep kids occupied for about 10 minutes, but changing the leader or adding more obstacles could extend the playtime.
15. Ball Pit
Fill up a kiddie pool (either hard plastic or inflatable) with colored balls. Invite kids to swim, roll, and dive around.
A variation of this game is to choose a color and have kids pull all the balls of a certain color out. Once they do, they receive a prize.
It’s recommended that you set aside at least 20 minutes for this activity. In addition, it’s better to play outside if possible but inside can work as well.
16. Laser Maze
Transform the inside of your house into a fun laser maze for kids to climb through. This activity is recommended for kids at least 2 years old and will keep kids entertained for 10 to 15 minutes.
Create the maze by attaching streamers in a zigzag pattern across a hallway using painter’s tape. Invite kids to navigate the maze without touching the lasers.
Once kids get the technique down, have them race through and see who’s the fastest. Because this game requires little in the way of materials, it’s an excellent budget toddler party idea.
17. Make a Fort
Challenge kids to make a fort using whatever materials you have on hand. Blankets and empty cardboard boxes are both excellent options.
If using cardboard boxes, provide tape, markers, and paper towel rolls so kids can customize their fort.
This activity will appeal most to 3-year-olds and could fill 30 minutes or more. Given the cozy nature of this activity, it’s an excellent choice for a winter toddler party idea.
18. Fishing for Prizes
Have toddlers practice their hand-eye coordination and win prizes at the same time. To set up the activity, wrap small presents (e.g., toy cars, whistles, erasers) and tape a metal washer to each one.
Make a “fishing line” by attaching a short piece of string to a wooden dowel. Attach a small magnet to the end of the string.
Scatter the presents on the ground (inside or outside is fine) and have children stand on a small stool as they attempt to catch a present. This unique toddler party idea is sure to please everyone at the party.
19. Walk the Plank
Invite toddlers aged 1.5 years and older to test their balance and coordination with this homemade activity. Set up the game by laying a plank of wood on top of some bricks.
Have kids line up and take turns trying to cross from one end to the other without falling off. When a kid makes it to the other side, reward them with a small prize.
Modify this game for younger players by holding their hands as they cross. Depending on the skill of the kids and the number participating, this game could take anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes.
20. Sleeping Lions
Sleeping Lions is the perfect calm-down game for 1.5- to 3-year-olds. To play, choose an adult or an older child to be the hunter.
The remaining kids are lions and must lie down on the floor, eyes closed, as if they were sleeping. As the lions “sleep,” the hunter moves around, trying to make the lions move by telling jokes or making funny noises.
Anyone who moves must stand up and become a hunter. The last remaining lion is the winner!
21. Dress Up
Allow toddlers to get creative by trying on a new identity. For this activity, all you need to do is gather a big bag of hats, scarves, sunglasses, shirts, dresses, and costumes.
Let kids experiment with all kinds of crazy combinations, and be sure to document all of the amazing outfits. If you want to add a bit of structure to this activity, have kids walk the runway and award prizes in categories like “Best Dressed,” “Silliest,” and “Most Original.”
If you’re looking for a top-notch Halloween toddler party idea, this is it. Who knows, your kiddo might just stumble across the perfect costume.
22. Obstacle Course
An obstacle course is a great way for 2 and 3-year-olds to move their bodies and work on their gross motor skills. Setting it up outside will allow for more space, but this activity can also be done inside.
Create a series of obstacles by using pillows, buckets, cardboard boxes, and bean bags. Have an adult or older child demonstrate the correct path and help little ones along the way if necessary.
Plan to spend about 20 minutes on this activity. A variation of this game is to time the participants and award a prize to the fastest kid.
23. Show Jumping
For this game, toddlers will pretend to be horses and jump over obstacles as if they were competing in a show jumping competition.
Encourage kids to get on all fours and navigate obstacles like gates (stools) and puddles (rugs or yoga mats). Depending on the number of obstacles and participants, set aside about 15 to 20 minutes for this competition.
An outdoor setting is preferable, but you can modify your course to make it work inside as well. This activity works for 2- and 3-year-olds.
24. Sand Treasure Hunt
For this outdoor activity, you’ll need either a sandbox or plastic tubs filled with sand. Hide small toys like cars, hair clips, and mini statues in the sand.
Give each child a sand pail and a shovel. Encourage them to dig and find as many prizes as possible.
Toddlers of all ages will enjoy this game however, younger kids may need help digging. Set aside at least 15 minutes.
25. Glue and Paint Sensory Bag
This simple and affordable activity will keep toddlers entertained for at least 20 minutes. To create the sensory bags, you’ll need gallon-size Ziplock bags, glitter glue, and liquid soap.
Pour a cup of liquid soap into each bag, add some glitter glue, then seal the bag. Tape it down on a hard surface and let kids play and experiment.
With just a few ingredients required, this game is a great budget toddler party idea.
26. Building Blocks
The beauty of this activity is that it can be adapted for all ages. For example, 1-year-olds can practice stacking large cardboard blocks, while 3-year-olds can build towers and other structures.
This is a perfect winter toddler party idea and will likely keep kids busy for about 15 minutes.
27. Finger Painting
Help little ones discover their inner artist by setting up a finger painting activity at your next party. Even better, painting encourages cognitive development and strengthens little hands and fingers while improving fine motor skills.
For this activity, you’ll need paper, finger paints, newspapers, and painting clothes for each child. You can also offer unconventional painting supplies like vegetables, cotton balls, and rolling pins.
This activity can fill anywhere from 25 minutes to 35 minutes. It’s an excellent option if you’re struggling to come up with a winter toddler party idea.
28. Pretend to be Animals
Toddlers are fascinated by different animals and their sounds, so why not incorporate that curiosity into a game?
For this game, choose an adult or an older child to be the leader. Have them shout out an animal name and encourage kids to move like the animal and make sounds.
If you’re looking for a Halloween toddler party idea, you can modify the instructions, so kids pretend to be Halloween characters (e.g., ghost, witch, zombie).
29. Pinata
Any game that comes with the promise of candy is sure to hold toddlers’ attention. Another great thing about having a pinata is that you can choose a design that fits in with your party theme.
For this activity, have an adult hold up the pinata and blindfold the first participant. Give the participant a plastic bat and two attempts to hit the pinata before moving on to the next kid.
To avoid accidents, keep an eye out while kids are swinging the bat.
30. Grandma’s Footsteps
For this game, assign someone to be the grandma or grandpa (start with an older kid or adult, so toddlers learn how to play). Grandma or grandpa stands at the far end of the room (or yard) with their back turned to the rest of the group.
The group stands in a line across from grandma or grandpa. Their goal is to sneak up on grandma before she turns around.
When grandma turns around, everyone has to freeze. If anyone is seen moving, they’re out until the next round starts.
31. Memory
This game challenges little ones’ short-term memory and recall. It’s best for older toddlers (ages 2 and 3) and will fill 15 to 25 minutes.
To play this game, put a mix of objects (e.g., toy figures, household objects, pictures) on top of a tray. Cover the tray with a towel, then remove the towel and give the kids a minute to look at the tray before covering it back up.
Children then dictate everything they can remember to an older kid or adult. The one who remembers the most items wins.
32. Donut Challenge
To set up this game, locate a tree branch or a railing where you can hang donuts. Next, thread a string through the center hole of the donut and tie it off so it will hang.
Repeat this step, tying donuts every 2 feet or so until there’s one donut for each guest.
When the kids are ready to play, have them stand next to a donut and put their hands behind their backs.
On the signal, they must try to eat the donut as quickly as possible. When they finish, they should raise their hands up.
33. Under Over
This game requires hand-eye coordination and teamwork, so it’s recommended for ages 3 and up.
The goal of this game is to have players pass an object over their heads and under their legs until they reach the finish line. To set up, have kids line up behind each other.
The first kid in line must pass the object over their head to the kid behind them. That kid then passes the object through their legs to the person behind them.
34. Bean Bag Toss
Purchase a bean bag toss kit online or from a sports store. These kits come with a board that contains several holes and bean bags.
Have toddlers take turns trying to aim the bean bag through the hole. Keep score and award a prize to the highest scorers, or just play for fun.
A variation of this game is to have kids try to score as many points as possible in a given time period.
35. Make a Face
Purchase a face sticker set containing different faces, eyebrows, mouths, eyes, and accessories. Kids ages 2 and 3 can choose different combinations to make hilarious faces that everyone will get a giggle out of.
This is a great quiet, indoor activity and can fit into your party theme based on the kit you choose. Plan on spending about 15 minutes on this activity.
36. Egg and Spoon Race
Give each toddler a plastic egg and a large mixing spoon. Tell them they have to walk to the other side of the room or yard while balancing the egg on the spoon.
If the egg falls out of their spoon, then they’re out. Alternatively, you could send participants back to the starting line if the egg drops.
Hold several practice races until everyone feels comfortable, then challenge kids to a beat-the-clock game or a relay race.
37. Red Light, Green Light
Choose an older child or adult to be the “conductor.” This person will stand opposite the group.
When the conductor says “green light,” all of the players must run toward them. They must stop when the conductor says “red light.”
To make this game more challenging (or sillier), have kids hop on one foot, do lunges, or take monster steps instead of running. The first person to reach the conductor becomes the conductor in the next round.
38. Simon Says
This classic game is perfect for party guests between the ages of 1.5 and 3. Choose an older child or an adult to be Simon and have that person shout out commands like “Simon says touch your nose.”
Children must follow the instructions, except when Simon says a command without “Simon says.” If they do the action without hearing, “Simon says,” then they’re out.
The child who stays in the game the longest is the winner and becomes the next Simon.
39. Balloon Stomp
This game requires a bit of coordination, so it’s best left to the 2- and 3-year-olds. To play, stuff a small piece of candy into a balloon, then blow it up.
Secure the balloon and tie a ribbon around the end. Then tie the ribbon to each child’s leg.
When you say go, kids must run around trying to stomp on other kids’ balloons. If your balloon pops, you’re out, and the kid who stomped gets the candy.
40. Pet Adoption
Pet adoption is an excellent calm activity and can be incorporated into party themes like cats, dogs, zoo, or barnyard.
For this activity, you should purchase several plush animals and arrange them in a basket. Have kids take turns playing with the animals, then let them choose the one they want to take home.
Once everyone has chosen their pet, have an adult fill out a pet adoption certificate complete with the animal’s name, owner’s name, and date of adoption.
41. Make a Train
All aboard for fun! This game can be played by toddlers of all ages and works both inside and out.
Choose an adult or an older child to be the engine and have them walk around the room picking up passengers. Encourage passengers to blow the whistle and make chugging sounds as they move around.
This activity can take anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the play area and the creativity of the participants.
42. Charades
To set up this game, have toddlers shout out animals or characters from TV or movies. Write each idea on a slip of paper and put all of the slips into a bowl.
Choose an adult to act out an example character and have kids guess who they are so they get an understanding of the game. Once everyone understands, divide the guests into two teams.
Select one child to be the actor and tell them they have 2 minutes to act out as many characters as possible while their team guesses. The team with the most correct responses wins.
43. Find Your Match
In this game, each toddler receives a token with a picture on it. Explain to the kids that one other person has the same picture as them and that they must find this person.
To make the game more challenging, you could tell kids that they have to find their match without talking.
Given the complexity of this game, it’s best left to the 3-year-olds. Set aside 10 to 15 minutes for gameplay.
44. Ring Toss
Purchase a ring toss kit complete with plastic cones and rings. Give each kid a few rings and have them practice tossing them onto the cone.
Once everyone has practiced a bit, you have a couple of options. One option is to have each kid try to score as many rings as possible in a given time period.
Another option is to divide kids into teams and see which team scores higher. This game can be enjoyed by toddlers of all ages however, younger ones might need some help from an adult.
45. Frog Race
For this game, have toddlers squat down like a frog and practice leaping around. When everyone feels warmed up, line the kids up along the starting line.
Have the kids race to the finish line as quickly as possible. Possible variations include having a relay race or pairing kids up and playing leapfrog to the finish.
Toddlers of all ages will be able to play this game. Given how much fun kids will have, you can expect to spend at least 15 minutes playing.
46. Look Up and Down
To play this game, have all of the toddlers stand in a circle. An adult then gives the command to look up.
At that point, all of the toddlers should look up towards the sky. It may sound easy, but the catch is that when you tell toddlers to “look up,” they usually look at their friends to make sure they’re following the command correctly.
If two toddlers lock eyes, then they have to shout, “caught you,” and they’re out for the next round. Reserve this game for – and 3-year-olds.
47. Pass the Orange
This silly game encourages toddlers to practice their coordination skills and teamwork. Line the kids up side by side and place an orange in the space between the neck and the chin of the first player.
Instruct children to pass the orange down the line, neck to neck, without using their hands. If the orange drops, then they must start over.
To make this game more challenging, you could add a time element. To make it easier (especially for little ones), use a smaller fruit like a clementine.
48. Indoor Bowling
If your kiddo loves bowling, but a trip to the alley is too expensive, this budget toddler party idea is made for you. To do it, you can either purchase a kid’s bowling kit, or you can use 10 empty water bottles.
Set up the pins or bottles in a triangular shape and have kids practice rolling the ball and seeing if they can knock down pins.
Toddlers of all ages should be able to handle this game but make sure you have an adult on hand to keep kids from throwing the ball or kicking over the pins.
49. Tin Band
Hand out pots, pans, bowls, and kitchen utensils (e.g., wooden spoons and whisks) and let kids create their own band. Encourage toddlers to work together to form unique sounds, and make sure you have earplugs on hand for the adults.
This game is sure to please toddlers of all ages and makes for a super indoor toddler party idea. Depending on your noise tolerance, let kids play for 10 to 15 minutes.
50. Mother May I?
To play this call-and-response game, one player is assigned to be the “mother.” Mother stands at one end of the room and faces the children lined up on the other end.
The children take turns asking, “Mother, may I…?” and making a movement suggestion. For example, “Mother may I take 3 bunny hops forward?”
Mother can reply either “Yes, you may” or “No, you may not, but you may…instead.” When a child reaches Mother, they became the new Mother, and gameplay starts over.
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