Games and How to Play Them

Keep guests busy at your next kids' birthday party: Turn them loose outside, then gather them for these great, active games.

Birthday party games that get kids moving are a boon for guests, hosts, and guests' parents. These games require little to no equipment, just a little space and a lot of enthusiasm.

No winners or losers, only lots of good, clean, active fun with these birthday party games that get kids moving, but not competing with each other.

Plan some relay races for your block party, birthday bash, or family reunion. With just a little advance prep, you can entertain the troops with these relay races suitable for kids and adults. Some can be done indoors and some require no props, and almost all can be adapted to fit the theme of your party or gathering.

Sidewalk chalk is inexpensive and kids love it. But have you ever thought about using sidewalk chalk to promote active play? Try these sidewalk chalk games to get kids moving on your driveway, sidewalk, or playground.

A question for the ages! How can you help kids stay busy and active inside, without wreaking havoc on your home?

Solo play needn't mean sedentary play. With these active games for kids to play by themselves, kids get some of the physical activity they need every day without having to find a play partner. Suggest these games for kids to play alone when your child needs some physical play but has no one to play with.

Go beyond 20 Questions and the License Plate Game. Sometimes you need road trip games that get kids up and moving, whether at a rest stop, a gas station, or a local park or campground. These simple ideas help the whole family burn energy and blow off steam before hitting the road again.

Kickball is a game that will have every player kicking, running, and laughing, regardless of age, ability, and even weather. Kickball is easy to (re-)learn and it's a perfect family workout.

Keep whines away during a hike or walk with kids by playing walking games. These easy activities help children pass the time when you are taking a family hike or simply walking to school or the playground.

Art activities for kids don't have to be sedentary affairs. Some art activities lend themselves to large motor skill-building. Readers share their favorite art activities for kids (that also encourage physical activity).See submissions

There are some simple and fun ways to turn outdoor play into active indoor games for kids! This is a great way to motivate kids to play more...

Kids are guaranteed to move, and giggle, when you send them on a search for clues in a treasure hunt game. Try it for a party, special occasion, or just a rainy day. Older kids can even be enlisted to set up a treasure hunt game for littler siblings or cousins.

Capture the flag is a favorite backyard game that offers players a good mix of fitness and fun. Play capture the flag outside with two to four teams of any size.

Sock tag is just one of the dozens of versions of tag or chase! It's lots of fun for a group, requires little equipment, and will really get kids running and moving. Plus, see below for a variation on Sock Tag called Dragon's Tail Tag.

Stop and Go is an outdoor ball game for kids that resembles Ultimate Frisbee (which in turn is a takeoff on American football). In Stop and Go, each team tries to get the ball to their goal line while also preventing the opposing team from doing the same.

Pirates' Treasure is a variation on Capture the Flag that swaps beanbag "treasure" for colorful flags. The Pirates' Treasure game gets kids running, jumping, and throwing as they try to grab all the treasure for their own team.

Parents and grandparents may remember this one from childhood. To play the 7-Up game, all you need is a smooth, flat surface (a wall or a floor) and a bouncy ball, such as a tennis ball. You can even play 7-Up inside. Best of all, kids can play the 7-Up game alone—no need to recruit an opponent or teammate.

Did your soccer party get rained out? Keep this game in mind for any indoor party, especially a soccer party theme or a winter or holiday party. If it's a winter party, call it "Snowball Soccer"!

Try two versions of a classic gift stacking game for your party. This game is fun for mixed-age groups, can be played indoors or out, and works for birthday parties and holiday parties--any event where you have wrapped gifts. Which stacking game is your favorite?

The dreidel game is a staple of Hanukkah celebrations everywhere, but here's a new spin on an ancient favorite. Play the game with a life-size, human "dreidel"! Here's how to play the human dreidel game and several variations.

A winter holiday party need not be limited to presents and cookies. Your party is also an opportunity for fun, active, kids' holiday games that get everyone into the spirit of the season. What are your favorite kids' holiday games?

Keep kids splashing with organized pool games suggested by Mat Luebbers, About.com Guide to Swimming.

Have you planned a relay race for a child's birthday party or other gathering? Do you remember a favorite relay race from childhood, or even adulthood? What relay race is the most fun or funny? Share your favorite relay race or read others' suggestions.

What do you do when you have a houseful of party guests—indoors? Indoor party games for kids can save the day. What are your family's favorites?