Planning a children's party in London doesn't have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you're hosting at home, in a hired hall, on in your garden, there are plenty of children's party games you can run yourself that will keep everyone entertained.
If you're organising a kids' birthday party in London, these simple, low-cost games are perfect for keeping children engaged - no complicated setup required.
Why Simple Party Games Work Best For London Parties
When planning a children's party in London, space and time can sometimes be limited - expecially if you're hiring a venue or hosting indoors.
That's why the best party games are:
- Easy to explain
- Quick to set up
- Suitable for small or large spaces
- Inclusive for mixed age groups
Simple games also pair perfectly with professional entertainment like face painting or a bubble show, giving your party a great balance of structure and free play.
1. Musical Statues
A must-have at any children's birthday party in London.
How to play:
- Play music while the children dance
- Stop the music randomly
- Everyone freezes
- Anyone who moves is out (or does a silly action)
Perfect for: indoor parties and hall venues
Needed: A speaker and good playlist!
2. Pass the Parcel
A classic party game that never fails - ideal for kid's parties across London venues and homes.
How to play:
- Wrap a prize in multiple layers
- Children pass it while music plays
- Each stop = unwrap a layer
Top tip: Add sweets or stickers between layers to keep everyone involved.
3. Pin the Tail (Themed Version)
Perfect for themed children's birthday parties in London
Ideas:
- Superhero parties → pin the badge
- Princess parties → pin the crown
- Animal parties → pin the tail
Christmas parties - pin the nose on Rudolph
Great for: Smaller spaces and younger children
4. Sack Race (Outdoor London Parties)
If you're hosting in a garden or park, this is a fantastic energy burner.
How to play:
- Children hop in sacks to the finish line
Perfect for:
- Garden Parties
- Park parties in London
- Summer birthdays
5. Egg and Spoon Race
Another outdoor favourite that works brilliantly for London children's parties.
Tip: use ping-pong balls instead of eggs to avoid mess - especially in hired venues.
6. Simon Says
Ideal for keeping children focused in smaller London venues or indoor spaces.
Bonus: No equipment needed at all
7. Treasure Hunt
A great option for indoor or outdoor children's parties in London.
How to play:
- Hide clues or small prizes
- Let children search in teams
Works well in:
- Homes
- Community halls
- Gardens
8. Mini Disco & Dance Games
Turn your party into a mini disco!
Ideas:
- Dance competition
- Freeze dance
- Best moves awards
This works especially well alongside entertainment like a bubble show, where children can dance, chase and pop bubbles as part of the fun.
What happens at a bubble show? - Kat's Krafts
Tips for Running a Children's Party in London
Planning a party in London comes with its own challenges, so here are some helpful tips:
- Plan 4-6 short games (5-10 minutes each)
- Consider your space limitations
- Have small prizes or stickers ready
- Keep things flexible - children's energy can vary
For larger groups or if you want a more relaxed experience, many parents choose to combine DIY games with professional entertainment like:
Final Thoughts
Running your own children's party games in London is a fantastic way to create a fun, memorable celebration without stretching your budget.
With a mix of classic games and a bit of creativity, you can keep children entertained from start to finish. And if you'd like to make the day even more special, you can always add professional entertainment alongside your DIY games for the perfect party balance.