[For Kids] Popular party games. Fun games that get everyone excited
There are times when you want to liven things up with fun games, like at a birthday house party or a kids’ club event.
So in this article, we’ve gathered a bunch of party games for children!
We’ll introduce many options—from games you can play without any props, to simple card games, and even games that use sweets kids love.
If you’re looking for party games that kids will enjoy, be sure to use this as a reference.
Let’s make the party the kids are looking forward to even more exciting!
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[For Kids] Popular Party Games: Fun and Exciting Games (41–50)
late hand in rock-paper-scissors
A normal rock-paper-scissors game is too easy! In that case, try playing “after-the-fact rock-paper-scissors.” The leader plays as usual by saying “Jan-ken-pon” and showing rock, paper, or scissors.
The participants must then respond after seeing it and beat that hand.
Because you have to instantly recognize what the leader showed and choose the winning hand, it’s trickier than it sounds.
A few people will slip up and lose or end in a tie.
Try turning it into a knockout format or speeding it up to increase the difficulty and have fun!
Lyrics Shiritori Game
A fun game where you play shiritori using song lyrics.
Sing a line from a song, then continue with lyrics from another song that start with the last character of the previous line.
It’s great for everyone from kids to adults—you’ll recall familiar tunes and discover new ones.
Not only for people who love singing, it’s also a chance to encounter songs you don’t know.
Perfect for karaoke, parties, and school activities.
Even those who aren’t confident singers will naturally smile—simple yet surprisingly deep.
Put your musical knowledge and creativity to use and have fun playing!
Intro Quiz
These days, even toddlers and young children often watch videos on tablets and the like, and many of them probably listen to a variety of music.
For kids who love music, how about an intro quiz they’ll recognize right away? There are videos that compile only the intro sections of popular songs from anime theme songs and music shows, which you can use as-is to enjoy as a quiz.
You could also make it more challenging by having adults try singing the intros themselves.
Nanjamonja
If you’re hosting a Christmas party with lots of kids, the card game “Nanjamonja” is highly recommended.
It’s a game where you basically have to speak out loud, so it’s sure to liven up the room.
You might also be amazed by the kids’ imagination.
The cards feature mysterious creatures that could be seen as ghosts or monsters.
The person who flips a card gives that creature a name.
When the same card appears again, you have to say that name, so it also has a bit of a memory-game vibe like Concentration with playing cards.
Finger Smash
The game known as “Yubi-suma,” whose name is said to have become widespread thanks to the variety show SMAP×SMAP, has long been played by children under names like “Issē no se” or “Issē no de,” so many people may have heard of it in their childhood.
All participants form a circle and extend both fists in front of them so that thumbs can be raised.
In time with a chant, players call out how many thumbs in total they think will be raised among all participants.
If a player’s prediction is correct, they lower one fist; the person left with a fist at the end loses.
With these simple rules, it’s a handy party game you can play anytime.
Beef Tongue Game
All you need are your hands! This is a beef-tongue rhythm game you can enjoy with no props.
Start with both hands together.
After someone says “gyu” (cow), the next person claps once to say “tan” (tongue).
Go clockwise in time with the chant “gyu-tan gyu-tan gyu-tan tan,” and on the second, third rounds and so on, increase the number of “tan” claps you add at the end.
If you say “gyu” at the wrong time, clap at the wrong moment, or fall off the rhythm, you’re out! The rules are simple, but when you actually play, you’d be surprised how easily you panic.
It’s a game you can start right now, so give it a try!
Atama-Oshiri Game
Let’s have some fun with words! Here’s an idea for the Head-and-Tail Game.
Let’s try the Head-and-Tail Game that’s also popular on TV shows.
While you dance to the music, the first and last letters of a word will be shown.
If you can answer with a fitting word within 10 seconds, you clear the round.
It seems your score is the number of letters that go between the first and last letters.
Keep the rhythm, stay flexible, and think of lots of different words.
It could be a great party game that everyone—from kids to adults—can enjoy.
Bamboo shoot, bamboo shoot, nyokki-ki!
Start with the chant: Take-no-ko, Take-no-ko, Nyokkikki! Everyone stands by in a circle, and then pops up like a sprouting bamboo shoot, calling out “1-nyokki,” “2-nyokki,” and so on.
If two people speak at the same time, they’re out! The rules are simple, but timing your voice while reading the room can be pretty nerve-racking.
The more players there are, the harder the game gets, so why not try it when you have a big group? You might need plenty of penalties ready!
Tasting Game
@bokugahero Guessing food while blindfolded is way too hard!After-school childcareSannomaru Tsubame After-School Program#Admissions Open
Original song – I'm a hero – I'm a hero
Make your event exciting and heart-pounding! Here are some ideas for a tasting game.
Some of you might be wondering what kind of game it is.
In this game, two or three children sit in chairs, put on blindfolds, and the game begins.
You feed them small, bite-sized pieces of snacks or foods, and they try to guess what they are.
It’s best to check in advance for any foods the children dislike or allergies they may have.
Also, be careful to avoid any risk of choking.
Werewolf game
A casual twist using boxes! Here’s an idea for a Werewolf game.
The classic Werewolf game has various roles and somewhat complex rules, right? But this box-based version is simple and easy to enjoy, making it perfect for events like kids’ gatherings! All you need are four cardboard boxes with hand-sized holes and three items to place inside the boxes.
Only one person gets an empty box, and the key is to read the room and act in a way that doesn’t reveal you’re the werewolf.
Give it a try!