30 Best First Birthday Party Games
Planning your little one’s first birthday party is a momentous occasion filled with joy and excitement.
To make this milestone truly memorable, we’ve curated a list of the 30 best first birthday party games that will entertain the youngest guests and delight the adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering at home or a larger celebration, these games are perfect for creating moments of laughter, bonding, and sheer delight.
Join us as we explore fun-filled activities that will make your child’s first birthday party an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Smash Cake Fun
Let the birthday boy or girl dive into their own personal cake to make a mess and have fun.
Bubble Bonanza
Set up a bubble machine or have adults blow bubbles for the little ones to chase and pop.
Musical Toys
Play musical toys instead of chairs, where kids dance around toys placed in a circle and grab one when the music stops.
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Pin the Tail on the Donkey
A classic game modified for toddlers with simpler rules and larger, safer pins or stickers.
Bean Bag Toss
Use soft bean bags to toss into buckets or large bowls for simple and safe fun.
Toy Hunt
Hide small toys or treats around the party area for children to find.
Balloon Chase
Tie helium balloons with strings just long enough for toddlers to grab and let them chase them around.
Ball Pit Play
Set up a small ball pit where babies can crawl and play with colorful balls.
Storybook Corner
Create a cozy area with pillows and soft toys for storytelling sessions.
DIY Art Station
Provide non-toxic paint and paper for babies to create their own masterpieces.
Animal Parade
Have children dress up as animals and march around to fun music.
Sensory Play Station
Set up sensory bins filled with safe, age-appropriate materials like rice, pasta, or soft toys for tactile exploration.
Water Play
Set up a shallow water play area with toys like plastic cups, funnels, and small water-safe toys.
Obstacle Course
Create a simple obstacle course using cushions, tunnels, and soft play mats for crawling or toddling through.
Nursery Rhyme Karaoke
Play nursery rhyme videos and encourage toddlers to sing along or dance.
Puppet Show
Perform a simple puppet show with bright, colorful puppets.
Giant Bubble Play
Use a large bubble wand or rope to create giant bubbles for kids to chase and pop.
Mini Treasure Hunt
Hide small treasures like stickers or small toys around the party area for toddlers to find.
DIY Music Instruments
Provide safe, homemade musical instruments like shakers made from plastic bottles filled with rice or beans.
Decorate Onesies
Set up a station where kids can decorate plain onesies with non-toxic fabric markers or stickers.
Baby Olympics
Set up mini versions of Olympic events like a mini hurdles course, tiny basketball hoop, or small soccer goals.
Glow-in-the-Dark Dance Party
Dim the lights and use glow sticks or glow-in-the-dark toys for a fun dance party experience.
Finger Painting
Provide washable finger paints and large sheets of paper for toddlers to explore their creativity.
Feather Tickling
Use feathers to tickle babies gently, which can be a source of giggles and laughter.
Baby Yoga
Lead a simple baby yoga session with gentle stretches and movements suitable for toddlers.
Stacking Cups
Use colorful stacking cups for babies to build towers or knock them down for endless fun.
Mini Chef
Set up a safe cooking station with play dough or simple ingredients for babies to “cook” and explore textures.
Bubbles in a Bowl
Use a large bowl filled with bubble solution and let toddlers dip wands to create bubbles.
Gentle Parachute Play
Use a large parachute or bed sheet to gently float over babies and toddlers for a calming sensory experience.
Nature Exploration
Set up a small nature exploration area with safe items like leaves, pinecones, and soft grass for babies to touch and explore.
