Are you gearing up for your little one’s birthday bash? If your child is turning four, you’ll want to ensure the day is filled with laughter and fun. The right party games can keep the kids entertained and create unforgettable memories. Here’s a list of ten fantastic party games for 4 year olds that will have them giggling and playing all day long!
Key Takeaways
- Keep games simple and engaging for young children.
- Incorporate prizes to avoid tears and ensure everyone feels included.
- Mix indoor and outdoor games to suit your party location.
- Involve music and movement to keep the energy high.
- Classic games are always a hit and easy to organise.
1. Pass The Parcel
Pass the Parcel is a classic party game that’s always a hit, especially with four-year-olds. It’s simple to understand and gets everyone involved. The anticipation builds with each layer unwrapped!
Here’s how you play:
- First, you’ll need a small gift. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy – a toy car, some stickers, or even a small packet of sweets will do. For a wide range of prizes, check out party favours.
- Wrap the gift in multiple layers of wrapping paper. Between each layer, you can add a small treat like a sweet or a sticker. This ensures that every child gets something as they play.
- Get the children to sit in a circle. Play some music, and have them pass the parcel around. When the music stops, the child holding the parcel gets to unwrap one layer. Then, start the music again, and repeat until the final layer is unwrapped and someone wins the main prize.
To make it fair, make sure every child gets a turn to unwrap a layer. You can subtly control when the music stops to ensure this happens. It’s all about making sure everyone has fun and feels included.
For a themed twist, consider using wrapping paper related to their favourite film or video game. You could even include small, themed gifts between the layers. This is a sure-fire way to get the kids excited about this classic party game. If you need help with the party, Magic Stuart can help.
2. Musical Bumps
Musical Bumps is a super simple game that always gets the kids giggling. It’s like musical statues, but instead of freezing in a pose, they have to sit down as fast as they can when the music stops. Honestly, the scramble for a spot is half the fun! It’s a great way to burn off some energy and get everyone involved, even the shy ones. Plus, it requires practically zero prep – just some music and a bit of space.
Here’s how we usually play:
- Start the music and let the kids dance around.
- Stop the music suddenly.
- Everyone has to sit down on the floor as quickly as possible.
- The last one to sit down is out (optional, if you want to avoid any tears!).
- Repeat until you have a winner, or just play for fun!
We sometimes use cushions instead of chairs to make it a bit easier for the little ones to get down quickly. It also saves on space if you’re having the party in a smaller room. The key is to keep the music upbeat and the atmosphere light-hearted.
For a fun twist, you could even play themed music to match the party. If you’re having an entertainment in Derby party, play some sea shanties! Or, if it’s a superhero theme, use the soundtracks from the movies. The possibilities are endless!
3. Duck Duck Goose
This is a classic for a reason! It’s super simple and gets everyone involved. The kids sit in a circle, and one person walks around, tapping each head and saying "duck". Then, they choose someone to be the "goose" and that’s when the chase begins!
Here’s how it goes:
- Everyone sits in a circle, facing inwards.
- One person is ‘it’ and walks around the outside of the circle.
- As they walk, they tap each person’s head, saying "duck".
- Suddenly, they tap someone and shout "goose!"
- The ‘goose’ has to jump up and chase the ‘it’ person around the circle, trying to tag them before they sit down in the ‘goose’s’ spot. If the ‘goose’ tags the ‘it’ person, the ‘it’ person is ‘it’ again. If the ‘it’ person makes it back to the spot, the ‘goose’ becomes the new ‘it’.
It’s a good idea to set some ground rules before you start, like no running inside if you’re playing indoors, and making sure everyone knows to be gentle when they tap. This helps avoid any accidents or upset feelings.
It’s a great way to burn off some energy and get the kids laughing. You can even adapt it slightly; maybe instead of ‘duck’, you say the name of an animal, and instead of ‘goose’, you say the sound that animal makes. For example, "cow, cow, cow… moo!" This adds a bit of a silly twist. If you’re looking for a children’s party experience, this game is a must-have. It’s also a good idea to consider unique third birthday ideas to make the party even more special.
4. Treasure Hunt
A treasure hunt is always a winner! It gets the kids moving and using their brains a little bit. Plus, the promise of treasure at the end is super exciting for them. You can adapt this to fit any theme, from pirates to fairies, making it a versatile choice for any party.
Here’s how to make it a success:
- Plan the route: Think about where you’ll hide the clues. Keep it age-appropriate – not too difficult, but not too easy either. A mix of indoor and outdoor locations can add to the fun.
- Write the clues: Make the clues simple and visual. Use pictures or rhymes to help the little ones understand them. For example, a picture of a tree could lead to a clue hidden under a tree in the garden. You could even use children’s party entertainment to help with this.
- Hide the treasure: The treasure doesn’t have to be expensive. It could be a bag of sweets, some small toys, or even just a certificate for being a great treasure hunter. Make sure there’s enough for everyone to share.
Remember to supervise the children closely during the treasure hunt to ensure their safety and prevent any arguments over the clues or treasure.
For a simpler version, you could hide lots of small toys around the room or garden and give each child a bag to collect them in. At the end, they can trade their treasures for a small prize. This is a great way to keep them entertained and engaged.
Another fun idea is to wrap small treats in coloured tissue paper and hide them. Allocate each child a colour, and they must only hunt for treats wrapped in their assigned colour. This adds an extra element of challenge and fairness.
5. Balloon Pop
Okay, so this one is always a hit, and it’s super simple. You just need balloons – lots of them! There are a few ways to play, which keeps it interesting. It’s a great way to burn off some energy, and honestly, the kids just love popping balloons. Plus, the clean-up is pretty easy, just gather up the bits of rubber afterwards.
One variation involves writing challenges or forfeits on small pieces of paper, popping them inside the balloons before inflating them. Once a balloon is popped, the child has to complete the challenge. It could be anything from singing a song to doing an animal impression. Another way to add to the fun is to hide small prizes inside some of the balloons. This adds an element of surprise and excitement as the kids scramble to pop them. You can even use coloured balloons to match your party theme!
I remember one party where we did this, and one of the kids had to pretend to be a monkey. It was hilarious! Everyone was laughing, and it really got everyone involved. It’s these little moments that make parties memorable.
Here are a few ways you can play:
- Classic Stomp: Kids simply stomp on the balloons to pop them.
- Sit and Pop: Kids have to sit on the balloons to burst them – this one is always funny.
- Relay Race: Divide the kids into teams and have them race to pop all their team’s balloons. The first team to pop all their balloons wins. You can even add a twist by making them balloon animals to take home after the game.
Safety first: Make sure to supervise the kids closely, especially with the younger ones, to prevent any accidents with the balloon pieces.
6. Simon Says
This is a super simple game that’s always a hit! One person is ‘Simon’, and they give instructions that the others have to follow, but only if the instruction starts with ‘Simon Says’. If Simon says, ‘Simon says touch your toes,’ everyone touches their toes. But if Simon just says, ‘Jump up and down,’ anyone who jumps is out!
It’s great because it gets everyone listening and moving, and it’s easy to adapt. You can even theme it! If you’re having a pirate party, it could be ‘Captain Says’. Or for a fairy party, try "Tinkerbell Says" fairy party. The possibilities are endless, and it’s a brilliant way to burn off some energy. It’s also a good way to encourage friendly competition without anyone getting too upset, as you can easily play without actually eliminating anyone. Just play for fun!
It’s a good idea to start with really simple instructions, like ‘Simon says touch your head’ or ‘Simon says clap your hands’, and then gradually make them more complicated. You can also add in some silly actions to make it even more fun, like ‘Simon says pretend to be a monkey’ or ‘Simon says walk like a penguin’.
7. Freeze Dance
This one’s a classic and always a hit! Freeze Dance is super simple to set up and gets everyone moving. Just put on some music and let the kids dance their hearts out. The catch? When the music stops, they have to freeze in whatever pose they’re in. Anyone who moves is out – or, if you want to keep it less competitive, just play for fun! It’s a great way to burn off some energy and get some giggles going. You can even get the grown-ups involved; trust me, the kids will love seeing you try to hold a silly pose. It’s also a great opportunity to hire children’s party entertainment to keep the party going.
I remember one time, my niece was so into the music that when it stopped, she was mid-air doing a jump. She froze like that, eyes wide, and everyone burst out laughing. It’s those unexpected moments that make these games so memorable.
Here are some tips to make it even more fun:
- Use a playlist with a variety of music styles to keep things interesting.
- Encourage silly poses – the more ridiculous, the better!
- Have someone be in charge of stopping and starting the music at random intervals.
- Consider adding props like hats or scarves for extra silliness. You can find entertainers in Alfreton who can bring props.
Musical statues, as it’s sometimes called, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s amazing how much fun you can have with something so simple!
8. Pin The Tail On The Donkey
This is a proper classic, isn’t it? You can’t go wrong with a bit of Pin the Tail on the Donkey. It’s simple, silly, and always gets a good laugh, especially when the blindfolds come out. The aim of the game is simple: pin the tail as close as possible to the right spot on the donkey.
It’s super easy to adapt this game to fit any party theme. Got a dinosaur-mad kid? Pin the horn on the triceratops! Princess party? Pin the crown on the princess! The possibilities are endless. You can buy ready-made kits, but honestly, it’s just as easy (and cheaper) to make your own. All you need is a big picture, some tails, and a blindfold. Stuart Magic can help you with party entertainment ideas.
Here’s how to play:
- Draw or print a big picture of a donkey (or whatever animal/character you’ve chosen).
- Make some tails out of card.
- Blindfold each child in turn, give them a spin (not too many, we don’t want anyone getting sick!), and let them try to pin the tail.
- The one who gets closest wins a prize! Or, you know, everyone gets a prize because they’re all amazing. You can even adapt it to a 40th birthday party theme.
Make sure you’ve got plenty of space and that there aren’t any sharp objects around. Safety first, people!
9. Obstacle Course
An obstacle course is a fantastic way to burn off some energy and get those little ones moving! It’s all about creativity and using what you have on hand to create a fun and challenging course. You don’t need fancy equipment; think cushions, blankets, tunnels made from chairs and sheets, and even some garden toys. The key is to make it age-appropriate and safe, of course.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Crawl under a table draped with a blanket.
- Step over a line of cushions.
- Throw a beanbag into a bucket.
- Walk along a line of masking tape.
Remember to supervise the children closely to prevent any accidents. You can also time each child to add a competitive element, but make sure everyone gets a prize for participating! It’s all about having fun, and an obstacle course is a surefire way to do just that.
For a bit of extra fun, why not theme the course? You could have a jungle adventure, a superhero training ground, or even a space mission. Let their imaginations run wild! And if you’re planning a party in Long Eaton, consider how the space you have will affect the course’s design party entertainers can also help with this.
Also, remember that the age of the children will influence the complexity of the course. For 4-year-olds, keep it simple and focus on fun rather than difficult challenges. As children get older, you can make the course more challenging birthday entertainment.
10. Limbo
Limbo is a classic party game that’s always a hit, and it’s super easy to set up. All you need is a stick (a broom handle works perfectly) and some music. Two people hold the stick, and the kids have to try and walk under it, bending backwards. Each round, the stick gets lower and lower. The winner is the last one who can limbo under the stick without falling over!
It’s a great way to get everyone moving and laughing. You can even play some fun, upbeat music to get everyone in the party mood. It’s amazing how much fun kids can have with such a simple game. Plus, it’s a good way to burn off some of that birthday cake energy!
Limbo is a fantastic game because it requires no special equipment and can be adapted to fit any space. It encourages flexibility, coordination, and a good sense of humour. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone cheering and laughing.
Here are a few tips to make it even more fun:
- Play some themed music to match your party.
- Let the kids take turns holding the stick.
- Have some small prizes for the winner.
And if you’re looking for someone to help with the party, consider hiring a professional children’s party entertainer in Loughborough. They can take care of all the entertainment, so you can relax and enjoy the day.
Remember to include themed decorations, a delicious birthday cake, and fun party bags to make the celebration even more memorable.
In the world of entertainment, sometimes we find ourselves in a state of limbo, where ideas float around but nothing seems to take shape. If you’re looking to bring some magic to your next event, don’t hesitate! Visit our website today to discover how we can help make your party unforgettable. Let’s turn that limbo into a lively celebration!
Wrapping Up the Fun
So there you have it, ten fantastic games that will keep your little ones entertained at their birthday bash. These activities are simple to set up and perfect for four-year-olds, ensuring everyone has a great time. Remember, the key is to keep things light and fun, so don’t stress too much about the details. Just enjoy the laughter and joy that comes with celebrating another year of your child’s life. With these games, you’re sure to create some unforgettable memories for both the kids and yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good party game for a 4-year-old’s birthday?
Pass the Parcel is a classic game that kids love. It involves wrapping a gift in layers of paper and passing it around while music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the parcel unwraps a layer.
How many games should I plan for the party?
It’s best to plan for about 3 to 5 games, depending on how long the party lasts. This way, you can keep the kids entertained without running out of time.
What if the kids don’t want to play the games?
That’s okay! Some children may prefer to play on their own. Make sure to have some toys, art supplies, or a bubble station available for them to enjoy.
Are there any games that require special equipment?
Most of the games listed, like Duck Duck Goose and Freeze Dance, don’t require any special equipment. Just use items you already have at home!
How can I ensure everyone gets a prize?
Prepare small prizes like stickers or sweets in advance. You can also give prizes to everyone at the end of the games to avoid any disappointment.
What should I do if the kids get restless?
If the kids seem restless, switch to a quieter activity like a craft or storytime. Keeping a variety of activities planned can help maintain their interest.