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When you’re throwing a kids party, good ol` fashion games are a must.

Even many adult parties have games, like these hilarious baby shower games, to keep guests entertained.

Young kids won’t just look pretty, sit still and chat. If only…

To make sure the party is a hit and your sanity stays intact, you’d need party games kids actually want to play and will definitely love.

My son’s birthday is around the corner so I’ve done some research for party games kids find hilarious and fun. These are specifically outdoor party games, but if you don’t mind the mess, you could play them indoors too.

In this post, I am sharing my finds with you so you don’t have to spend your precious time researching, but instead be able to focus on the million other things involved in throwing a party.

15 Outdoor Party Games Kids Will Love

1. Cornhole

My son is obsessed with Cornhole. We set it up daily and play a few rounds. His smile and excitement over winning are so worth it. He is also working on handling it well when he loses.

Cornhole is a great game for a birthday party or backyard get-together because it’s easy to set up for many players.

This set I linked is customizable, so you can put your own decals on it. I would also definitely recommend going solid wood because you will get so much more use out of sturdy and durable material.

2. Giant Jenga

Image credit and full tutorial: A Beautiful Mess

The classic indoor game turned into massive outdoor fun!

Following the link above, you can watch the tutorial on how to make your own giant Jenga set. If you’re not much of a DIY person (no problem, me either), then Amazon’s got you covered.

3. Fill The Bucket

Image credit and idea: The Resourceful Mama

Another party game kids love is a game involving water. So naturally, transferring water between buckets, using sponges, is great fun.

4. Minute To Win It Games

Idea and Image credit: Happiness Is Homemade

These Minute To Win It games could be played indoors or out, but they are so much fun I had to include them.

Timed competition? A party game kids appreciate the most.

My favorite out of the collection is placing a sandwich cookie on your forehead and getting it into your mouth by using nothing but your face muscles.

Found the full list on Happiness Is Homemade.

5. Shaving Cream Balloon Fight

Image credit: Pinterest

What kid doesn’t love making a mess without having to clean up much? This game is perfect for a fun game of tag or set up teams and play dodge.

Even minimalist parents, like me, tend to enjoy this low prep activity.

6. DIY Ring Toss

Image credit and tutorial: Mom Endeavors

Another classic that you can now make at home with this handy guide.

Ring Toss can be part of a series of games where teams compete against each other, taking the challenge to the next level.

7. Pass The Water

Image credit and idea: A Girl And A Glue Gun

I so remember playing this game when I was a kid!

Though more often than not we played it with a ball, I think pouring the water over your head and the person behind you catching it is way more hilarious.

8. Donuts On A String

Image credit: Small Fry

Hello! This game is a no-brainer.

My kids would kill for candy or dessert so having to eat a donut off a string while competing against other kids? Bring it on!

9. Water Gun Game

Igame credit and idea: Driven By Decor

I am sure this game has been invented by many people and played many ways, but I love this mom’s take on it.

The way she sat it up is so simple and cheap, yet I know for a fact it would earn “the best party game kids ever played” award.

All you need is a foam block (I found this one), golf tees, ping pong balls and water guns.

10. Limbo

Image credit: In The Playroom

Put on the music and let the games begin.

If you don’t feel like spending money on a limbo stand, just have two adults hold a rope on each end and lower it at every round.

11. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Image credit and printable: Five Little Chefs

Most kids are little adventurers and love going on a hunt for treasures or other items they are instructed to find.

This party game is the most fun in a wooded, natural area instead of a fenced backyard, but you could customize the game to fit your circumstances.

12. Water Balloon Baseball

Image credit: Zucchini Summer

Oh my gosh, water balloons! My kids non-stop beg and beg and BEG for these every summer. It’s my husband’s fault.

Not only did he introduce them to these rapid fill water balloons, he also makes the game even more fun by letting the kids hide outside and shoot behind covers.

In all honesty, I don’t mind. I already mentioned how much I love watching kids play. I think of the water balloon baseball as a 2-in1: have cheap fun when it’s hot and hit the balloon instead of your brother.

13. Use Your Noodle

Image credit: Parents

In this game, the point is that you try to put each ballon in the laundry basket using nothing but a pool noodle.

Kind of makes me wonder about a game of adults vs kids…

14. 3 Legged Race

Image credit: Make It Do

Aaah, an old classic. I kind of like the version in movies, when everybody runs in a potato sack.

Besides being hilarious, this game encourages cooperation and team play too: a win-win in my book.

15. Tug-of-War

Image credit: PlentiFun

Tug-of-war is a great way to create healthy competition between adults and kids. Kids enjoy proving themselves stronger and they actually stand a fair chance if they outnumber you.

Extra Idea: Chocolate Medals For The Winners