Many inside party games involve food; imaginative ways of eating it or preparing it, that will kids love- the messier the better! The Chocolate Game is one that even I remember playing at parties. (It must have been around FOREVER!!) There are team games that allow children to work together- some quite active while others require more brain power, Charades as an example.

Crafts can be a good way to start a party, children can decorate a party hat or loot bag/ favor bag. It allows for children to arrive at different times and they can mingle with each other without the pressure of going straight into a game with children that they may not know.

Individual- Individual games can come in many shapes and sizes and may or may not produce a winner. For younger children a clapping or singing game while sat in a circle will delight, while older kids will have fun with The Chocolate Game or No Paws Allowed . Traditional favourites like musical chairs and a treasure hunt can be played indoors or outside.

Teams- Indoor team games can involve a quiz or miming game to really allow children to settle down. More active options like Hat and Scarf or Clothes Swap have children jumping in and out of clothes as part of different challenges.

Crafts-A craft activity can give children something special to take home- a hat decorated to the theme of the party, a necklace or model that can be kept as a reminder of the day long after the birthday cake has been eaten.