15 Fun Party Games for 8 to 12 year olds

Birthday party games are hilarious for 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 year olds, because they really get into the birthday party spirit; provided you choose the right games of course! With this in mind, it’s a good idea to let your child help plan their party games, as they will be the best judge of what will work, and what won’t.

This age group can cope with the idea of winners and losers, so classic party games can start to be a bit more competitive if you choose. However I still recommend a few fun games where everybody wins, or perhaps a slightly biased judge who will help even the scores if necessary.

Here are a few great party game ideas for 8 to 12 year olds to get you started. If you’re looking for more ideas to help get your party going, don’t forget to check out our birthdays section.

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15 Fun Party Games for 8 to 12 year olds

1. Birthday Carnival Games

Carnival games, such as Race Bags, Egg Spoon Relay Race, and Ring Toss, are always a hit with kids (and adults). They offer the perfect entertainment for your birthday party. I recently celebrated my daughter’s 9th birthday indoors and came across this carnival game kit—it was an absolute lifesaver. The kit includes a variety of classic carnival games that kept the children entertained for hours.

Setting it up was a breeze: simply lay out the mats, assemble the stands, and let the fun begin. The kids jumped right into the action, competing in relay races, trying their hand at ring toss, and laughing through the bean bag toss. The best part? The kit is versatile enough for both indoor and outdoor use, so it works in any weather.

The variety of games meant there was something for everyone, and it was so easy to switch between activities. By the end of the day, the kids were still full of energy, and I had several mums asking where they could get the same kit for their own parties. It truly made the party a success and took a lot of stress off my shoulders.

General Tips for Carnival Games:

• Adapting for Party Size: Got a big group? Set up multiple stations so kids can rotate between games—this keeps everyone busy and minimizes waiting. For smaller parties, consider making each game longer or adding more rounds so everyone gets a good amount of playtime.
• Prizes and Rewards: Everyone loves a prize, but it’s important that no one feels left out. Give out small prizes for participation, or create a “carnival ticket” system where kids collect tickets at each game and exchange them for a prize at the end. It’s all about keeping the smiles coming!

2. Cut the Flour Cake

This has to be one of the most hilarious games we’ve ever played!

Make a flour cake, or a flour castle, by tightly packing a bowl with flour, and turning it upside down like a sandcastle. You can do this ahead of time.

Choose a smaller bowl that you can overfill right to the top with flour. Then really pack the flour in tightly into the bowl so it stays together, by pressing hard with your hands to pack it in.

Use a chopping board, or baking tray, or similar to place over the bowl. Then flip it over quickly, and it should stay in place. You may also want to put some newspaper down on the floor, or play the game on a large table.

Once you’re ready to play, ask your guests to sit in a circle on the floor, and then place the flour cake in the middle. Or put the cake up on a table, and ask your guests to stand in a line. Each guest gets a butter knife to play with.

Now, carefully place a delicious looking lolly, or chocolate, on the top of the cake, right in the centre. Make sure everyone sees you place the lolly, so they really want it! Then explain that everyone will take turns cutting a slice, but they must not let the lolly or chocolate fall.

The kids can take a large slice, or small slice, or even just a sliver, it’s up to them, and they can cut the cake in any direction they want. Whoever cuts the cake last and causes the lolly to fall must now eat it using only their teeth. The ‘winner’ gets a face full of flour, and a raucous round of laughter!

The really strange thing about this game, is they’ll all want to have another go and get that lolly! Just repack your bowl, and have another round.

To make it harder you could get your guests to cut the cake with the butter knife between their toes (for older kids obviously!), or with a blindfold on, which can be hilarious too!

3. Sweet Sucker

This classic party game is a real crowd-pleaser, combining fun, competition, and a bit of sugar-fueled excitement. Sweet Sucker is a great way to break the ice, get the kids laughing, and encourage a little friendly rivalry—all while challenging their coordination. Here’s how to get it going and make it even more memorable!

What You’ll Need:

• Small finger bowls (two per child)
• Straws (one per child)
• A few packs of small sweets, like mini M&M’s, Pebbles, or Skittles

How to Play:

1. Set Up the Stations: Place two bowls in front of each child—one filled with small sweets and the other empty. Make sure there’s enough space between the bowls so the kids have to reach a bit (especially for older kids, a little distance can make the challenge even more exciting).
2. Ready, Set, Suck! Give each child a straw, and explain the goal: they must use the straw to suck up a sweet and transfer it from the full bowl to the empty one—without touching it with their hands! On your signal, the race begins. Kids need to keep the sweets stuck to their straw long enough to drop them into the empty bowl. It’s all about steady breathing and coordination!
3. Time It or Race It: You have a few options for gameplay here:
   • Timed Challenge: Set a timer (one or two minutes works well) and see how many sweets each player can transfer before time runs out. The player with the most sweets wins a prize!
   • First to Finish: For a more competitive spin, give each child the same number of sweets and see who can transfer them all the fastest. Make sure to cheer them on—and maybe have some consolation sweets ready for the kids who don’t win, to keep things fun and friendly.

Tips for Success:

• Adjust for Age: For younger kids, keep the bowls closer together so it’s a bit easier. For older kids, you can spread the bowls farther apart or even place them on opposite sides of a table, requiring the players to move back and forth.
• Switch Up the Sweets: You can use different types of small treats to change things up. Mini marshmallows work well for younger kids as they’re easier to pick up, while harder candies make it trickier for older ones.
• Add a Team Element: If you’re dealing with a larger party, split the kids into teams. Each child takes a turn transferring sweets, and the team that transfers all of theirs first wins. This way, kids can cheer each other on, making it even more engaging.

Variations to Keep Things Fresh:

• Obstacle Version: Place some soft obstacles (like stuffed animals) between the two bowls so kids have to navigate their sweets around them. This adds an extra layer of fun and challenge.
• Balancing Act: For older kids or to make it more difficult, have them balance on one foot while transferring the sweets. This adds a hilarious element of wobbling and giggling.
• Themed Sweets: If your party has a theme—say, a unicorn party—use sweets that match the theme, like pastel-colored candies. This little touch can make the game feel extra special.

Party Size & Location Adaptations:

• Small Gatherings: If you’re hosting a small group, you can let each child have multiple rounds, changing up the type of sweets or increasing the distance between bowls each time.
• Larger Parties: To keep things organized, set up multiple Sweet Sucker stations and let kids compete in smaller groups. You can then have a “winners” round where the fastest from each group face off for the ultimate title.
• Indoor or Outdoor Play: This game works great both indoors and outdoors. If you’re inside, consider putting down a tablecloth to catch any rogue sweets. Outdoors, it’s fun to spread out on the lawn, which also gives the kids plenty of room to move around.

Sweet Sucker is a simple game, but it’s guaranteed to bring lots of laughter and a little bit of sugar-fueled fun to your party. It’s the perfect mix of silly and competitive—just make sure you have enough sweets for everyone to snack on once the game is over!

4. At My Birthday I Want …

If you’re after a game that’s equal parts memory workout and endless laughs, “At My Birthday I Want…” is the one! This game combines imagination and a team spirit with just the right amount of challenge to keep kids fully engaged. It’s simple to play but hilariously tricky as the list grows longer and longer, making it ideal for 8- to 12-year-olds with quick minds and endless energy.

How to Play:

1. Gather the Troops: Have everyone sit in a cozy circle, with the birthday kid kicking off the game by saying, “At my birthday, I want…” followed by their most desired (or wackiest!) party wish. Maybe it’s pizza, or perhaps it’s a pet giraffe—anything goes!
2. Add to the Wishlist: The next player repeats the birthday kid’s wish and adds their own. For example, “At my birthday, I want pizza… and a unicorn.” As the game continues around the circle, each child has to remember and recite the entire growing list of party wishes before adding their own spin to it.
3. Challenge the Brainpower: With every round, the list grows, stretching those memory muscles! Each child must remember every single wish from the previous players and keep the chain going. The fun comes from seeing how bizarre or unexpected the list becomes. You might end up with a birthday list that includes roller skates, a rocket ship, and a llama in sunglasses!

Game Variations:

1. Last Player Standing: For a competitive twist, make it a memory showdown. Each time a child forgets an item or messes up the order, they’re out. Continue until only one memory champ remains, claiming victory as the official birthday wishlist master!
2. Add Team Prizes: Want to add some extra motivation? Place a prize in the center of the circle each time they successfully complete a round without mistakes. When the game ends, split the winnings, making sure each child gets a prize.
3. Themed Twist: Tailor the game to a party theme for an added challenge. If it’s a superhero party, each child must add a new superpower or superhero gadget to the list. For an animal-themed party, they could add different animals or habitats they’d like to have at their ultimate birthday bash.

Tips:

• For Large Groups: If you have a big party crowd, split them into two or three smaller circles to keep the game moving. Then, at the end, the groups can compare lists to see which group came up with the silliest or longest list.
• Playing Indoors vs. Outdoors: If you’re inside and want to keep noise levels manageable, give each player a quick signal to indicate they’re ready for their turn, or assign an adult or older child to be the “referee” to ensure smooth turns.
• Add a Prize for Participation: To keep everyone’s spirits high, prepare small treats or stickers for each round completed without a memory slip. This ensures no one feels left out if they’re the first to make a mistake.

This game is perfect for warming everyone up and getting kids laughing right from the start. It’s also an excellent opportunity for kids to use their imaginations while creating a memorable “wishlist” for the birthday kid. Expect to see the group begging to play again as they try to one-up each other’s wacky birthday requests!

5. Chocolate Game

This game brings out everyone’s inner chocoholic and tests both speed and patience in the sweetest way possible! “The Chocolate Game” is a hit for parties because it mixes delicious rewards with just the right amount of chaos as kids race to claim their next mouthful. It’s a timeless favorite and practically guarantees giggles all around.

How to Play:

1. Set Up the Goodies: In the center of a circle, place a block of chocolate, a knife, a fork, a pair of mittens (or oven gloves for extra challenge), a scarf, and a funny hat. Make sure the chocolate is unwrapped and ready for action!
2. Rolling for Chocolate: Each child takes turns rolling a dice. Whenever someone rolls a six, it’s their cue to rush into the center, don the dress-up items (scarf, hat, mittens), and start cutting the chocolate block, one piece at a time, using only the knife and fork. No hands allowed!
3. Speed Munching: Once they’ve successfully cut a piece, they can eat it—but only as long as no one else rolls a six! As soon as another player rolls a six, they must stop, take off the dress-up items, and pass them over to the next player. It’s a fast and furious chocolate relay that keeps everyone on their toes.

Game Variations:

1. Freeze the Chocolate: To add an extra challenge, pop the chocolate in the freezer for a few hours before the party. This makes each piece harder to cut, intensifying the anticipation and making it even more rewarding when they finally get a piece!
2. Double Dice Twist: Have two dice in play to increase the odds of rolling a six, creating rapid-fire chocolate-eating turns. This version adds even more excitement as kids race to be the next to cut into the chocolate.
3. Team Relay Style: For a bigger group, divide into teams. Each team sends a representative to roll the dice, and when they roll a six, they quickly start eating while the rest of their team cheers them on. The first team to finish their chocolate block wins!

Tips for Adapting:

• For Indoors or Outdoors: This game can get a little rowdy as kids cheer each other on, so if you’re indoors, consider a quiet area or room with space for a circle. Outdoors, create a ‘chocolate zone’ so that everyone knows where to gather.
• Adjusting the Dress-Up Challenge: For younger kids, consider only using the mittens or scarf, as they may struggle with putting on multiple items quickly. Older kids might love the added challenge of the full dress-up ensemble, especially with extra silly accessories like a giant pair of sunglasses or a clown nose!
• Have Spare Chocolate: Be ready with extra chocolate bars on hand, just in case some kids don’t get as many turns, or if there’s any leftover chocolate that didn’t make it to everyone. It’s always better to have a little more to keep everyone satisfied!

This game is a fantastic ice-breaker and a great way to get kids laughing and interacting with each other. By the end, you’ll likely have a few chocolate-smeared smiles and loads of happy memories!

6. Who Am I?

The beauty of “Who Am I?” lies in its simplicity and creativity. This game is a guessing extravaganza, perfect for keeping kids entertained as they try to figure out their secret identity with a flurry of “yes” and “no” questions. The kids love it because it’s sneaky, interactive, and a bit of a detective challenge—all rolled into one.

How to Play:

1. Prepare the Identities: Before the party, write down different names, animals, or objects on sticky notes. If you’ve got a theme (like superheroes, animals, or fantasy creatures), use it to make things even more exciting. Popular choices include everything from “unicorn” and “pirate” to “Harry Potter” or “pop star.”
2. Stick and Go: When it’s time to play, stick a note on each child’s back or forehead without letting them see it. Each child is now on a mission to figure out “Who Am I?” by asking the other players yes-or-no questions.
3. The Guessing Begins: They’ll go around the room, asking questions like “Am I a superhero?” “Do I have wings?” or “Am I something you eat?” Other kids can only respond with “yes” or “no,” making the guessing both strategic and challenging.
4. Victory!: When a player thinks they know who they are, they can take one final guess. If they’re correct, they’ve won bragging rights (and maybe a small prize if you’re feeling generous). The game continues until everyone has figured out their identity or until they’re all happy with the laughs.

Game Variations:

1. Themed Identities: For a twist, tailor the identities to your party’s theme—like animals for a jungle party or celebrities for a glam bash. Themed clues add an extra layer of fun and make it easier for the kids to guess within a category.
2. Speed Round: For a quicker version, add a time limit. Each child gets, say, three minutes to guess who they are. They’ll have to think fast and use those yes-or-no questions wisely. This speeds up the game and keeps the energy high.
3. Guess Your Neighbor: Here, kids have to guess the identity of the person next to them instead of their own. This can lead to some hilarious moments, as players try to give clues that don’t make it too easy—or too hard.

Tips:

• For Larger Parties: If you have a lot of players, break them into small groups. Each group can have their own theme (like movie characters, animals, or historical figures), and the group that finishes first wins a prize.
• Indoor vs. Outdoor: This game works just as well inside or out, but be sure there’s enough room for players to mingle and ask each other questions. If space is tight, designate a few “question zones” to help kids circulate.
• Make It Cooperative: For younger kids or those who need a little extra help, consider playing as a cooperative game where everyone tries to help each player guess their identity. It’s less competitive but still loads of fun.

“Who Am I?” is a perfect party game because it’s adaptable, gets kids talking, and makes for tons of laugh-out-loud moments as players piece together clues. Plus, the thrill of “aha!” moments when they guess correctly? Priceless!

7. Balloon Bulls Eye

Balloon Bulls Eye is a mix of balloon antics and a bit of friendly competition, guaranteed to keep everyone laughing and moving! This game combines aim, timing, and just the right amount of balloon chaos. It’s especially perfect for kids who love a bit of action but without the need for running around too much.

How to Play:

1. Set Up the Target Zone: Lay out a target area in the middle of the playing space using tape or a blanket (you can even draw one on a large poster board if you’re inside). The target can be a single dot or a series of circles like a dartboard, with the center as the “bulls-eye.”
2. Hand Out the Balloons: Give each child a balloon to blow up, but here’s the catch: they have to hold the balloon’s neck shut rather than tie it in a knot. This way, they can let it go at just the right moment.
3. Aim, Release, and Score: On the count of three, everyone releases their balloons and watches them zoom toward the target area. The goal? To see whose balloon lands closest to the bulls-eye! It’s all about timing and direction, and the unpredictable flight paths of the balloons make this game hilariously suspenseful.
4. Tally Points: Give points based on where each balloon lands. You could do three rounds, with kids competing to rack up the most points, or play elimination style, with the furthest from the target sitting out each round until you have one ultimate balloon bullseye champion.

Game Variations:

1. Obstacle Course Bulls Eye: Add obstacles around the target area (like chairs or cones) to make the game even trickier. Kids will have to think twice about when and where to let their balloon go, adding a little more challenge and a lot more laughs.
2. Balloon Relay: If you have a larger group, divide them into teams and make it a relay race. Each player releases their balloon one at a time, aiming for the target. The team with the most balloons closest to the bulls-eye wins!
3. Target Prizes: For a prize twist, place different prizes or treats on the target zone. If a balloon lands on or close to a specific prize, that child wins it! This variation works especially well with smaller groups and adds an extra layer of excitement.

Tips:

• For Indoor Play: This game can get noisy with the sounds of balloons zooming around, so make sure you have a large, open space or even consider a garage or basement if you’re playing indoors.
• Adjusting for Party Size: For larger parties, you can create multiple smaller targets or set up separate “bulls-eye” zones to avoid overcrowding. This way, everyone gets a fair shot without too much waiting.
• Adding a Twist for Older Kids: To make it a bit harder for the older ones, ask them to release their balloons while sitting down or from a specific angle, like backwards or through their legs. It’ll up the challenge and the laughs!

Balloon Bulls Eye is fantastic because it’s unpredictable and ridiculously fun, with balloons bouncing in every direction and kids competing to land the perfect shot. You’ll be amazed at the creative ways they come up with to master their balloon releases, and the best part? It’s entertaining for everyone watching, too!

8. Spin the Bottle

Spin the Bottle is a hilarious and suspense-filled game, perfect for kids with a brave appetite and a sense of adventure! This twist on the classic spin-the-bottle game combines food, fun, and a dash of courage as kids spin their way to a surprise snack. It’s a game of chance, laughter, and occasionally squirm-worthy reactions!

How to Play:

1. Prepare the Food Plates: Set up a circle of plates on the floor, with one plate for each child. On each plate, place a different food item. Some should be delicious (think chocolate or strawberries), and some should be, well… a bit unusual, like pickles, olives, or a slice of lemon. Make sure there’s a mix of “yummy” and “yikes!” options to keep things exciting.
2. Gather Around and Spin: Have the kids sit in a circle around the plates with an empty bottle in the center. Each child takes turns spinning the bottle, and when it lands on a plate, they must try the food on that plate. This is where the bravery comes in—the goal is to taste whatever the bottle points to, no matter what!
3. Eat or Retreat: If a child isn’t keen on eating what the bottle lands on, they can “tap out” of the round. You can even add a small “challenge” instead if they opt out, like doing a silly dance or singing a song, just to keep everyone laughing!
4. Last Foodie Standing: Continue spinning and tasting until there are only a few players left who haven’t tapped out. The last one willing to brave whatever’s on their plate is crowned the ultimate “Spin the Bottle Food Champion” and wins a prize (ideally not food-related)!

Game Variations:

1. Make It Sweet and Silly: If you want to keep it sweet and avoid any “yucky” foods, go for a variety of treats like fruit, marshmallows, gummy worms, and sprinkles. Each item could be different, but all delicious, for a lighter, no-surprises version of the game.
2. The Mystery Round: For an added twist, include a “mystery item” under a bowl or cover. If the bottle lands on it, the player must try it without knowing what it is first! This could be something funny like popcorn or something unusual like seaweed snacks to surprise them.
3. Double Trouble: For a large group, have two bottles and two plates for each round. Players must spin both bottles at once and take a bite of whatever items the bottles land on together! Imagine chocolate and pickles, or grapes and cheese—this variation leads to some funny taste-test reactions.

Tips:

• Outdoor-Friendly: If you’re playing outside, use paper plates and avoid overly messy foods to keep cleanup simple. You might also want to stick to foods that are easy to pick up and eat, so there’s no need for utensils.
• Adjust for Food Sensitivities: Always check with parents beforehand for any food allergies or dietary restrictions. You can swap out items to suit all the kids, or even have a completely “safe” menu with just fun, unexpected tastes.
• For Smaller Groups: To keep things fair, let each player have two chances to spin. You can even let them spin a third time if they’re particularly brave and want to give it another go with a different item.

“Spin the Bottle” with a foodie twist is perfect for a party atmosphere, as it mixes laughter, a bit of suspense, and just the right amount of friendly challenge. The kids will love seeing each other’s reactions and might even discover a new favorite (or least favorite!) snack along the way!

9. Musical Chairs (with Variations)

Musical Chairs is a timeless classic for a reason: it combines music, movement, and a bit of friendly competition. The game is filled with laughter, strategy, and the suspenseful moment when the music stops, leaving everyone scrambling for a seat. It’s a must-have at any birthday party and brings together kids (and adults!) for endless rounds of high-energy fun.

How to Play:

1. Set Up the Chairs: Arrange a circle of chairs, with one less chair than the number of players. If you have 10 kids, set up 9 chairs. Position them with the seats facing outward, so they’re easy to sit on in a hurry.
2. Start the Music: Get the kids to walk, dance, or skip around the circle of chairs as the music plays. The catch? They must keep moving until the music stops—no hovering or trying to stake out a specific chair!
3. The Chair Scramble: When the music suddenly stops, it’s a race to find a seat. The player left standing is out for that round, and one chair is removed. This continues until only one chair—and one winner—remains.
4. Crowning the Winner: The last child sitting is declared the Musical Chairs Champion! Award a small prize or simply heap on the applause. Either way, they’ll be proud of their victorious scramble.

Game Variations:

1. Reverse Musical Chairs: Want to keep everyone playing? In this version, instead of getting “out” when left without a chair, players join hands to make a “snake” around the circle. They keep dancing around the remaining players until the final round, creating a supportive and fun environment for everyone.
2. Freeze Dance Twist: For added excitement, combine Musical Chairs with Freeze Dance. When the music stops, not only do players need to find a seat, but they must also freeze in place. Any player who moves (even a tiny flinch!) after freezing is “out” for the round.
3. Team Musical Chairs: If you have a large group, split them into teams and play several rounds at once. Each team competes separately, with winners from each team advancing to a final showdown of Musical Chairs for the ultimate champion!

Tips:

• Indoor vs. Outdoor: If you’re indoors, make sure you have enough space for kids to move comfortably around the chairs. For outdoor play, consider using folding chairs or picnic benches to create the circle.
• Choosing the Right Music: Upbeat, energetic songs work best. Choose music that the kids love and that will keep them moving. For a fun twist, mix in some “surprise pauses” to throw them off guard and add to the suspense.
• For All Ages: This game is easily adaptable for different age groups. For younger kids, let them move at a slower pace, like tiptoeing or skipping. For older kids, you can speed things up by making the chair circle smaller or even adding an extra obstacle they have to hop over to reach the chairs.

Musical Chairs is a fantastic way to inject energy and laughter into any party. The thrill of racing to grab a chair before it’s too late is universally fun, and each round brings a new burst of excitement. Plus, it’s a game that brings everyone together, from the most competitive to the shiest players, for a shared moment of pure party joy!

10. Pop Corn Shoe Drop

This fun and active game is a great way to get the kids moving. To play, divide the players into two teams and give each team a pair of shoe cups and a bag of popcorn. Have the players put on the shoe cups and fill them with popcorn.

On the signal, the first player on each team has to carefully race to the other end of the playing field, dropping as little popcorn as possible, to dump their popcorn into a bowl. They then run back to their team and tag the next player. The first team to get all of their popcorn into the bowl wins.

To make the popcorn shoes, use a large needle or pen to make a hole in the bottom of plastic or paper cups. Place a paperclip or similar inside the cup and tie a rubber band around it. Now just stretch the rubber band over each kids’ shoe, with the cup facing upward.

Ensure the players have enough room to run without bumping into each other. And you may want to give them a practice run first, with empty popcorn cups, to get a feel for it.

11. The Doughnut Challenge

This fun and messy game challenges kids’ coordination. To play, hang a clothesline across the room and tie lengths of string  at intervals along the line. Tie a doughnut to the end of each string.

Have the players line up behind a doughnut. On the signal, players run up and try to eat their doughnut without using their hands. The player who finishes their doughnut without letting it fall first wins.

You can even string multiple lines across the room, and have players play in teams. This works really well with mini doughnuts, which are very cheap to buy from the supermarket. Each team, of say 3-4 players, lines up behind their line of doughnuts. In a relay fashion, players run up and try to eat their doughnut, without using their hands, and then run back and tag the next in line. The team that finishes all their doughnuts first wins.

To prevent the doughnuts from falling off while the players are trying to eat them, tie them really securely to the strings.

Have a towel or wet wipes on hand to wipe up any spilled doughnut crumbs and to wipe the players’ faces and hands after they finish eating.

12. Scavenger Hunt

Kids of all ages love scavenger hunts, especially when they’re in pairs or small groups.

Split the partygoers into pairs or small groups and give each group a list of things to find and tasks to complete. Keep the items simple, like a stone, a 20-cent coin (they may need to ask an adult for help with this), someone’s shoe, or something quirky in the garden or house.

There are two ways to play: either the first team back wins, or each item gathered in a set amount of time is worth a certain number of points.

Kids need to show proof of their finds. A fun and modern way to do this is for the kids to take selfies with themselves and the items. If the kids are too young to have phones, adults can help them. This also makes a hilarious party photo album that’s easy to put together.

Another option is to create a visual checklist that the kids can use to mark off each item as they find it. They can include a description of the item for evidence.

If you’re looking to make the scavenger hunt even easier to organise and more engaging, consider using the Find and Seek Scavenger Hunt Game.

I used it for my daughter’s birthday, and it was a hit with the kids. The game comes with pre-made cards that feature different items to find, making it super easy to set up. The kids were thrilled with the variety of challenges, and it took the pressure off me to come up with ideas. It’s perfect for both indoor and outdoor play, and it adds an extra layer of fun to the party.

13. Water Balloon Pop

This is definitely one for birthday parties in the warmer months. There’s nothing better than a game of water balloon toss to cool you off if the weather is good! Team up in pairs, and each team gets a full water balloon.

Line up facing your partner, a few feet apart. For younger kids, you can even start close enough to hand it over on the first throw. On the signal, toss the balloon to your partner, they must catch it without popping it! If the balloon pops, your team is out.

The last team with an intact balloon wins! Or, if all the balloons get popped, the winning team or teams, are the ones who threw it the longest before it popped.

If you are like me and dread the usual mess and hassle of filling balloons one by one, the Bunch O Balloons kit will save your the day. You simply attach the bunch to the hose, and they all fill up at once—no tying required! The kids had an absolute blast, and I didn’t have to worry about running back and forth to refill. Plus, the balloons themselves are sturdy enough to last through some serious water battles.

14. Tug of War

Tug of war is a classic outdoor game that is perfect for kids of all ages. It is a test of strength, teamwork, and strategy.

To play, divide into two teams and line up facing each other, with a rope in the middle. Each team grabs the rope with one hand and holds on tight. On the referee’s signal, start pulling! The first team to pull the other team across the centre line wins.

Tug of war may seem like a simple game, but it requires more than just strength to win. Teams need to work together and coordinate their efforts in order to be successful. They also need to use strategy to their advantage, such as by positioning themselves in a way that gives them more leverage.

Even before the game begins, kids have to flex their cognitive skills. They need to think about how to best balance their team and how to position themselves on the rope. They also need to develop a strategy for how they are going to pull.

Tug of war is a fun and challenging game that is a great way to get some exercise and bond with friends and family. It is also a great way to teach kids about the importance of teamwork and strategy.

15. Cookie Face

Cookie Face is a fun and silly game that kids of all ages will love. It’s also a great way to get them moving and laughing.

To play, simply place a cookie on the forehead of each player and set a one-minute timer. The players must then try to get the cookie to their mouth without using their hands. They can only use their facial muscles to move the cookie.

If a player touches the cookie or drops it, they are out. The winner is the first player to get the cookie to their mouth.

This game is great for parties, picnics, and other gatherings. It’s also a fun way to get your kids to eat their healthy snacks. Just try using rice cakes or dried apple pieces instead of cookies for a healthier option.

Here’s a tip: have a camera ready to capture the funny faces the players make!

More birthday party ideas for 8 to 12 year olds

You’ll find that some of the games we have in Party games for 5-7 year olds and also Party games for teenagers can be adapted to suit this age group. Just adjust the rules, time and intensity to suit.

You also find some more awesome ideas in our Traditional Birthday Party Games article.

And for loads more expert party planning advice, check out our School age: Birthdays section.

Before you go…

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