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5 Party Games for Toddlers and Preschoolers

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5 Exciting Party Games for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Planning a party for toddlers and preschoolers can be both thrilling and challenging. As a parent, you want to ensure that the celebration is memorable and filled with fun activities. Classic party games are a surefire way to keep the little ones entertained. Whether it’s a birthday bash, a holiday gathering, or just a playdate, these games have stood the test of time and are beloved by kids around the globe. Below, you’ll find five engaging games that are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, guaranteed to bring smiles and laughter to any party.

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5 Party Games for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Musical Chairs: A Classic Favorite

How to Play:

  1. Setup: Arrange chairs in a circle, making sure there is one less chair than the number of players.
  2. Play: Start the music and let the children walk around the chairs. When the music stops, everyone must quickly find a chair to sit in.
  3. Eliminate: The child left standing is out of the game. Remove another chair and restart the game.
  4. Continue: Keep playing until only one child remains with a chair.

Musical Chairs is a timeless game that never fails to entertain. For a twist, consider using musical bobs or statues for younger toddlers. Your kids will love this game so much, they’ll want to play it at every party!

Children playing party games with chairs, smiling and having fun at a party.

The Eggs and Spoon Race: A Fun Challenge

How to Play:

  1. Setup: Line up the children and give each one a spoon with an egg balanced on it (hard-boiled eggs work best).
  2. Race: On “go,” the kids race to the finish line, trying not to drop their egg.
  3. Rules: If an egg falls, the child must stop, pick it up, and place it back on the spoon. They can also run back to the starting point to continue the race.

The Eggs and Spoon Race is both exciting and challenging, offering a great way for children to test their balance and coordination. You can avoid the mess by using an egg and spoon kit, ensuring a cleaner and more enjoyable experience.

Family enjoying an outdoor egg race, participating in 5 party games for toddlers and preschoolers.

The Sack Race: Jump into Fun

How to Play:

  1. Setup: Provide sacks for the children to hop in. Burlap sacks or large pillowcases are ideal, and you can even get a sack race kit that includes medals.
  2. Race: Have the kids stand inside the sacks, and on “go,” they must hop towards the finish line.
  3. Win: The first individual or team to cross the finish line wins the race.

The Sack Race is sure to bring lots of giggles and excitement. The material of the sack should be comfortable for the children, as their delicate skin can be easily irritated.

Children enjoying sack races in the yard, part of 5 fun party games for toddlers and preschoolers.

The Treasure Hunt: A Quest for Fun

How to Play:

  1. Setup: Hide wrapped sweets, lollipops, or small toys around the party area.
  2. Hunt: Give the children clues or just let them search for the hidden treasures.
  3. Complexity: For older kids, you can create a more intricate hunt with tokens or painted rocks, and have different levels to find.

Treasure hunts are universally loved and can be customized to fit the party’s theme and the children’s ages. Consider using adorable Treasure Hunt cards from MollyBees or free printables from Home Schools Share to make the game even easier.

Kids having fun with a treasure hunt, part of 5 engaging party games for toddlers and preschoolers.

The Wheelbarrow Race: Teamwork at Its Best

How to Play:

  1. Setup: Form pairs of children. One child in each pair will act as the “wheelbarrow,” supporting themselves on their hands, while the other will be the “driver.”
  2. Race: The driver holds the wheelbarrow’s legs and directs them towards the finish line.
  3. Win: The first pair to cross the finish line wins.

The Wheelbarrow Race encourages teamwork and coordination, making it a fantastic addition to any party.

Final Thoughts

Party games are the heart of any children’s celebration. They not only entertain but also help in social development and coordination. Choosing the right games will ensure that your party is a hit and that the children leave with smiles on their faces. For more party planning ideas and to get the best game supplies, check out my Amazon affiliate link.

By Author Julee

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About Julee: Julee Morrison is an experienced author with 35 years of expertise in parenting and recipes. She is the author of four cookbooks: The Instant Pot College Cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens, The Complete Cookbook for Teens, and The Complete College Cookbook. Julee is passionate about baking, crystals, reading, and family. Her writing has appeared in The LA Times (Bon Jovi Obsession Goes Global), Disney's Family Fun Magazine (August 2010, July 2009, September 2008), and My Family Gave Up Television (page 92, Disney Family Fun August 2010). Her great ideas have been featured in Disney's Family Fun (Page 80, September 2008) and the Write for Charity book From the Heart (May 2010). Julee's work has also been published in Weight Watchers Magazine, All You Magazine (Jan. 2011, February 2011, June 2013), Scholastic Parent and Child Magazine (Oct. 2011), Red River Family Magazine (Jan. 2011), BonAppetit.com, and more. Notably, her article "My Toddler Stood on Elvis' Grave and Scaled Over Boulders to Get to a Dinosaur" made AP News, and "The Sly Way I Cured My Child's Lying Habit" was featured on PopSugar. When she's not writing, Julee enjoys spending time with her family and exploring new baking recipes.
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