🎉 12 Easy DIY Party Games for Kids (Backyard & Indoor Options Included)
- Rynn C
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
No bounce house? No problem. These fun and budget-friendly games will keep kids entertained for hours!
Planning a kids’ party and need fun, easy-to-set-up activities that won’t break the bank? Whether you’re hosting a backyard birthday bash or an indoor celebration, these 12 DIY party games are simple, creative, and guaranteed to keep kids moving, laughing, and engaged.
From classic challenges with a twist to Pinterest-worthy setups using supplies you already own, these games are perfect for ages 3–10 and adaptable to almost any party theme.
Let’s get into it!
🏡 Backyard DIY Party Games
These outdoor games work best when you have a little space and good weather.
1. Balloon Pop Relay
What you need: Balloons, chairs, and space to run.
How to play: Kids race to sit and pop a balloon before tagging the next player. Great for team-based fun!🔍 Keywords: balloon relay game, DIY balloon game, kids party activities
2. Pool Noodle Obstacle Course
What you need: Pool noodles, cones, hula hoops, duct tape.
How to play: Bend pool noodles into arches, weave them through cones, and time the course.🎯 Great for foam or water-themed parties!
3. Sponge Toss (Wet or Dry!)
What you need: Buckets, large sponges, water (optional)
How to play: Toss sponges at a target—or each other—for laughs and splashy fun.✅ Perfect summer party game.
4. Giant Tic Tac Toe
What you need: Painter’s tape or chalk, 9 plates or bean bags.
How to play: Create a huge grid and let kids play in teams—can be themed for holidays, princesses, or superheroes.
5. Treasure Hunt
What you need: Toy prizes, clues, small containers.
How to play: Hide treasures around the yard and give kids clues to follow.💡 Pro Tip: Use a pirate theme for extra excitement.
6. DIY Mini Golf Hole
What you need: Cardboard, cups, pool noodles.
How to play: Build your own mini putting challenge—get creative with ramps and tunnels!
🏠 Indoor DIY Party Games
Need to move the party inside? These games are safe, low-mess, and just as fun.
7. Cup Stack Challenge
What you need: Plastic cups, table.
How to play: Kids compete to build (and knock down) the tallest tower in under 60 seconds.
8. Freeze Dance
What you need: Bluetooth speaker, music playlist.
How to play: When the music stops, kids freeze—last one moving is out!💃 Great icebreaker at the start of any indoor party.
9. Cotton Ball Scoop
What you need: Bowl, cotton balls, spoon, blindfold.
How to play: Blindfolded kids scoop as many cotton balls as they can into a bowl in 30 seconds.
10. Don’t Drop the Balloon
What you need: Balloons.
How to play: Keep the balloon in the air without using hands. Add challenges like hopping or spinning for added chaos!
11. DIY Bean Bag Toss
What you need: Cardboard box with cutouts, bean bags or socks.
How to play: Decorate a box with animal or monster faces, assign points to each opening, and toss away.
12. Musical Chairs with a Twist
What you need: Chairs, music.
How to play: Swap out chairs for pillows, or have kids complete a funny task when eliminated (like animal sounds!).
📝 Tips for Making DIY Party Games Even Better
🧃 Keep kids hydrated between activities—especially in the heat
⏱️ Don’t overpack the schedule—4–6 games is plenty
🥇 Add small prizes for winners (stickers, glow sticks, candy)
🪄 Match games to your party theme (pirates, space, animals, etc.)
🎈 Need Help Planning a Bigger Event?
Looking for something bigger than DIY? Check out our local party vendors:
🫧 Foam Palooza Atlanta – giant foam parties for outdoor play
🫧 Big Idea Bubbles – interactive bubble shows
⛳ Mini Golf Anywhere ATL – portable mini golf for home events
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