Kids Birthday Party Activities | Fun Ideas for Home & Events

Valinda Voogt
Sep 10
5 min read

Updated: Sep 15

A kids’ birthday party is one of the highlights of the year. They get to invite their friends, receive presents, and most importantly: enjoy an entire afternoon filled with fun. But for parents, organizing a party can sometimes be a real challenge. How do you make sure the kids are entertained and that everything runs smoothly? The answer lies in the activities you choose.

The right activities for a kids’ party provide structure, excitement, and memories that will be talked about for weeks to come. In this guide, you’ll find plenty of inspiration: from creative workshops to active games and complete themed parties. This way, you can easily put together a program that perfectly matches your child’s age and interests.

Why activities make the party

A party without activities can quickly become chaotic. Of course, kids love to play together, but with a few well-chosen activities, you can add direction and make sure everyone joins in. Whether you’re hosting the party at home or at a venue – activities are the key to success.

On top of that, organized activities create a truly special feeling: this isn’t just another playdate, it’s a birthday to remember. Whether you choose a creative workshop, a sporty treasure hunt, or a relaxing ending with popcorn and a movie, the activities bring the right balance and atmosphere.

Inspiration: popular kids’ party activities

There are endless possibilities. Below you’ll find an overview of the most popular categories with examples you can use right away.

Creative activities

Kids love crafting and creating. With a creative activity, they not only have fun during the party, but they also take home a unique keepsake.

Face painting party - Let the children transform into their favorite animal or hero. A butterfly, tiger, or Spiderman – the options are endless. At Mia’s Magic you can book a complete face paint and glitter party where every child shines.
Glitter party - During a glitter party, kids create a beautiful face gem, complete their look with sparkling biodegradable glitter, and finish it off with a dazzling glitter tattoo.
Unicorn party - An activity children absolutely love: decorating their own hairpiece with shiny clips and charms. Combine this with face painting featuring a real unicorn horn, and you’ve got a magical party.
Craft projects - Think of making a personal party crown, decorating T-shirts, or cupcake decorating. These DIY projects are easy to set up and always a hit with kids.

Active games

For children with lots of energy, active games are the perfect solution. They break the tension, get everyone moving, and guarantee plenty of laughter.

Classics: musical chairs, tag, or tug-of-war are always a hit.
Indoor activities: keep the balloons in the air, play a quiz, or create your own mini escape room.
Outdoor activities: organize a treasure hunt in the neighborhood, a water balloon fight, or a life-sized board game. Perfect for summer parties!

Theme parties

A themed party makes a birthday extra special. You can decorate the whole event around the theme, add matching games, and of course, face painting.

Mermaid party: During a mermaid party at Mia’s Magic, children first create their own face gem, then decorate a hairpiece, and finally get transformed into beautiful mermaids with face paint.
Superhero party: Have all the kids painted as their favorite superhero and set up a course where they can test their “superpowers.”
Princess party: Craft crowns, play a princess quiz, and finish with a fun dress-up moment.

Calm Activities

A party doesn’t always have to be loud and busy. Especially for younger children, it’s nice to include some calmer moments.

Watching a movie with popcorn – perfect to end the day in a relaxed way.
Story time or reading corner – a short activity that helps children wind down.
Game afternoon – board games or card games are fun and encourage teamwork.

Tips to Keep Activities Running Smoothly

A good program is important, but how do you make sure the party runs smoothly and without stress?

Choose age-appropriate activities

Ages 5–6: short, simple games and plenty of guidance.
Ages 7–9: creative workshops and scavenger hunts work really well.
Ages 10–12: more challenging activities such as quizzes or escape games.

Alternate between active and calm

Kids often have lots of energy but can also get overstimulated. Balance an active game with a calmer moment, such as crafts or watching a movie.

Prepare materials in advance

Make sure everything is ready before the children arrive. This prevents stress and keeps the flow of the party going.

Limit the number of main activities

Two to three bigger activities are usually enough. An overloaded program can cause chaos instead of fun.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kids’ Party Activities

How long does a kids’ party usually last?

On average, a children’s party lasts 2 to 3 hours. For younger kids, 2 hours is often enough, while older children can enjoy longer activities such as a treasure hunt or workshop.

How many activities should I plan for a kids’ party?

Two to three main activities are usually sufficient. Combine this with some free playtime and perhaps a calm ending like a movie or a simple craft.

What activities are suitable for a kids’ party at home?

Popular choices include craft projects, face painting, games like musical chairs or a quiz, and creative workshops such as cupcake decorating. A glitter bar or face painting workshop makes it extra festive.

How much does it cost to hire activities for a kids’ party?

The costs vary depending on the activity and provider. At Mia’s Magic, you can already book a face painting or glitter party for an affordable price, including all materials.

How can I keep children of different ages entertained at one party?

Choose activities that are fun for all ages, such as face painting or glitter. You can also create small variations: simple crafts for younger children and more challenging options for older kids.

What if a child doesn’t want to participate in the activity?

Always provide a quiet alternative, such as drawing or free play. Forcing participation often backfires; children usually find their own way back to the group.

Are face painting and glitter activities safe for children?

Yes, as long as child-friendly products are used. At Mia’s Magic, we only work with biodegradable glitter and skin-friendly face paint that meets European cosmetic regulations.

Conclusion: Make Activities the Heart of the Party

A children’s party truly becomes unforgettable with the right activities. Whether you choose creative workshops, energetic games, or a full theme party, the possibilities are endless. By alternating and keeping a good balance, you keep kids entertained and happy.

Do you want to organize a stress-free party full of magic and glitter? At Mia’s Magic, we create a complete experience that children will remember for a long time. From a mermaid party and unicorn party to a sparkling glitter party or a creative workshop where kids learn face painting – everything is possible.

Get in touch today and book a party your child and their friends will be talking about for weeks!