Ah yes good old parcel and musical chairs are always the downfall of a party especially with children who dont understand they cant win all the time.
I do games so everyone has equal chances of winning a prize. Such as a present hunt (like and easter egg hunt? Where i hide small prizes around the party where kids can find them throughout the party. That then turns into their gift bag for when they leave. I do things like temporary tattoos, bubbles, lollies and chocolates etc. Everyone gets a prize.

Afew kids playing each of the games below, then rotate.

-Snakes and ladders
-Card games(matching the pairs and snap.)
-Monopoly.
-Simon says.

Yes you will need adults to monitor each of the games. Maybe call them zones 1, 2,3,4 etc, so you know where to send the kids next.

Cut cake, then disco dancing to close the bday.

Statues is a great game, and if everyone gets too excited you can play a version called dead ants. That’s where everyone lies down and pretends to be a dead ant… and the winner is the last person to move! This works particularly well on younger kids, older ones tend to twig faster!

There are so many that are a lot of fun! I think one thing that everyone usually loves is having a piñata. Another idea would be to have a treasure hunt with simple clues or maybe as they are young, little arrows that they need to find and point the right direction. Musical chairs and pin the tail on the donkey are also timeless classics!

I like when pass the parcel is done to ensure everyone gets a turn. There was the game we played at parties as kids where you would have to roll a dice at a certain number, put on some dress up costumes, then eat a block of chocolate with a knife and fork until the next person rolls the number. Silly and fun as a kid

Oh youre not wrong on that one! Theres always ultimately going to be upset kids when it comes to these sorts of games that can ruin the mood and fun of the party. Does it have to be games? Perhaps you can set up little ‘stations’ where kids can do crafting, etc. it keeps them busy and entertained, plus everyone can take home their own creation!

A great version of pass the parcel is passing a balloon around – when the music stops, whoever is holding the balloon gets a chocolate frog and is out. As always, last one “standing” gets a slightly bigger prize. This is so much easier than wrapping a parcel and/or trying to figure out how many layers you need! Kids love it too.

Yes I agree pass the parcel and musical chairs always ends in tears .
I do games so everyone gets something hide and seek hide stuff around the yard like kinder surprises once one has found 1 they have to come back and sit down. Everyone gets a prize.
Play games that are more team focused so a team win’s and hand out cheap medals 🥇. Have a few games so everyone ends up with a medal. Something your son loves soccer, footy, etc. Set up a gaming corner were they can have a quiet time playing games ,I know how hyped up 6 year olds can get but you definitely have to keep them busy plus the party goes quicker . Treasure hunt is good draw up maps and get them work as teams you can dig a hole and put some treasure in like gold chocolate coins in a box . I like statues with music that’s always fun they get to jiggle all there energy out

Love the oldies :
Pass the parcel .
Pin the tail on the donkey .
Musical chairs .
Statues .
Donut eating from string on cloths line .
Apple bobbing .
Drop the hankie .
Wishing you the best of luck.

I am a fan of the oldie but goodies! Things like pass the parcel with stickers, lollies, etc. Musical chairs, pin the tall, etc. But I also like the pinattas, face painting, photo booth, chrome tattoos, silent disco, etc. Perhaps if you pick a theme, you’ll be able to build activist l activities into the theme?

I feel your pain mummy’s. my daughters 6th birthday is coming up and she too asked for pass the parcel but I am not going to do it this year. Musical chairs or musical statues are great fun as is sack race etc. good luck it can be challenging organising birthday parties so this year I took the stress away and have organised an inflatable world experience instead.

I feel your pain mummy’s. my daughters 6th birthday is coming up and she too asked for pass the parcel but I am not going to do it this year. Musical chairs or musical statues are great fun as is sack race etc. good luck it can be challenging organising birthday parties so this year I took the stress away and have organised an inflatable world experience instead.

We have always loved a treasure hunt and it is a good party game because it can be a themed game which makes purchasing treats so much easier. It is a good game for using up excess energy too. Along with traditional games; themed arts and crafts activities can be fun too.

Pin the tail on the donkey ( or whatever theme you are doing) bobs and statues. Or freeze dance and definitely a pinata . You can also use the lollies from this to fill up their take home party bags as well. If youre doing a theme party ie fairy maybe have an area set up for painting fairy doors..

We invested in a party book and it was a wise and fantastic investment. The book contains food and recipes for parties, ideas and recipes for themed cakes, themed gift bags and games to play. It might be a good idea to invest in a good party book that becomes a go to resource when planning a party.

Pinatas are always fun.
A photo of the birthday child on the wall and kids have to shut their eyes and stick on glasses, moustaches, beards etc. Whoever get’s closest wins.
Doughnuts hanging on a string from the clothes line. Hands behind back and the first to eat it all.