A List of the Trendiest Party Games for Your Kid’s Birthday

Planning your child’s birthday party can be an exciting adventure, but finding the right games to keep young guests entertained is often the key to success. In today’s world of tech-savvy kids and creative trends, the traditional party games have gotten a fun makeover. Whether you're throwing a garden party, hiring a funfair stall, or hosting a bash at home, these trendy games will have kids laughing, playing, and creating memories to treasure. Best of all, they come with built-in opportunities for giving out awesome prizes!

1. Prize Claw Machine Challenge

Nothing says "cool", like a mini prize claw machine. These can now be rented or bought for home parties and filled with small toys, sweets, and trinkets. As game experts like Expoplay.co.uk can attest, each child gets a turn to try their luck, making it a game of both excitement and skill. This arcade-style experience brings the thrill of winning to your living room and makes a great centrepiece activity.

Prize tip: Stock it with glow-in-the-dark bracelets, stickers, and mini puzzles for a budget-friendly reward system.

2. Emoji Bingo

Put a modern spin on classic bingo with emoji-themed cards. Kids love the familiarity of emojis, and the game is easy for even younger guests to follow. You can download printable emoji bingo sheets online or create your own using stickers. It’s a calm, engaging game that gives everyone a fair shot at winning.

Prize tip: Hand out emoji-themed erasers, keychains, or temporary tattoos to winners.

3. Treasure Hunt with a Twist

Scavenger or treasure hunts are always a hit—but now you can level up by turning it into a “spy mission” or “space explorer quest.” Write clues that lead to hidden prize stations around the party space, and use walkie-talkies or printed maps to build suspense. Group the children in teams to encourage collaboration and fun.

Prize tip: Have a treasure chest at the end filled with gold chocolate coins, medals, or mystery grab bags.

4. Spin-the-Wheel Game Booth

Inspired by funfair stalls, a prize wheel can add a game-show element to your child’s birthday party. Kids take turns spinning the wheel to land on different fun tasks or rewards. You can mix silly dares (like "sing your favourite song") with prize sections for added excitement.

Prize tip: Offer small plush toys, bouncy balls, or party-themed stationery based on the wheel results.

5. DIY Carnival Game Stations

Funfair-style booths are trending for kids' parties. Think ring toss, bean bag knockdown, and duck pond fishing. These games are simple to set up in a garden or event space and can be run with the help of parents or older siblings. Kids win points or tokens at each station, which they can exchange for prizes at the “reward shop” at the end.

Prize tip: Use colourful display baskets filled with items of varying point values so children can choose what they want with their tokens.

6. Balloon Pop Trivia

Write questions or challenges on slips of paper, then place them inside balloons before inflating. Kids take turns popping balloons and completing the task inside—whether it's answering a trivia question, making a dance move, or telling a joke. It's energetic, noisy, and fun, with a surprise element every time.

Prize tip: Give a small prize for every popped balloon challenge completed, like stickers, sweets, or novelty rings.