Outside Birthday Party Games for Preschoolers

Running Games

• Many preschoolers will enjoy a simple game of tag. Allow each child a chance to be ̶0;it̶1; and award each child a party favor for participation. Play a game of chase the tails by tucking a piece of crepe streamer into the back of each child̵7;s pants. When you say ̶0;Go,̶1; the children must try to remove other player̵7;s streamers by pulling on them. If a player loses his ̶0;tail,̶1; he is out of the game. The last player remaining with a ̶0;tail̶1; wins the game and a prize.

Hunt Games

• Send the preschoolers on a party favor hunt by hiding their party favors all over the play area. Give each child a party favor bag to collect his goodies. Award an additional prize to the child who finds the most favors. Alternatively, you can correspond the hunt items with the party theme. For example, for a dog-themed party, hide dog bones. The child who finds the most dog bones wins the game. For a princess party, hide tiara and wands for the preschoolers to hunt.

Water Games

• Allow the preschoolers to play water games on a hot summer day. Use a small pin to poke a hole in a balloon and fill the balloon with water. Have the preschoolers stand in a circle and pass the water balloon to one another while singing happy birthday. The player holding the balloon when it runs completely out of water is out of the game. The last player remaining in the game wins a prize. Another idea is to play ̶0;Drip Drip Splash̶1; instead of ̶0;Duck Duck Goose.̶1; Preschoolers will drip a small amount of water on each child̵7;s head as she walks around the circle. When she is ready to run, she must pour the cup of water on the child̵7;s head. That child must try to catch her before she makes it back to her seat. Allow each child to be ̶0;it̶1; and award prizes for participation.

Relay Races

• Organize a caterpillar relay race by dividing the preschoolers into two teams. Mark a starting line and finish line about 30 feet apart. Have each team line up at the starting line. Tell each team to stand in a single file line with their hands on the hips of the player in front of them. When you say ̶0;Go,̶1; they must run to the finish line staying connected the entire time. If they come unconnected, the entire team must start over. The first team to make it across the finish line wins the game. Alternatively, create basic relay races like running, crab walking, running backwards, hopping and skipping. Award prizes to the winners of each race.