Putting Together Activities for a Party From Start to Finish

The worst party activity I attended was a scavenger hunt with twenty clues for eight kids. The first clue took ten minutes. The kids lost interest after the third clue and went to play in the yard. The host spent an hour setting up a hunt that lasted twelve minutes. A party activity should be simple, fun, and age-appropriate. If it takes longer to set up than to play, it is too complicated.

Activities for a party are games, crafts, or experiences designed to entertain guests during a celebration, ranging from simple games to elaborate experiences. The best party activities match the age, group size, and energy level of the guests. The worst are over-planned and under-played.

The short answer: pick one or two activities that match the age and energy of the group. The BAD CHOICES party game works for teens and adults. The birthday party decoration kit sets the stage.

Activities for Kids (Ages 4 to 10)

The Craft Station

A craft that produces something the kid wants to keep: a friendship bracelet station, a tie-dye shirt station, or a painting station. The activity is the craft. The favor is the craft.

The Simple Game

Musical chairs, freeze dance, or a balloon pop. The games are simple, fast, and free.

The Piñata

A piñata filled with candy. The activity is the piñata. The flaw: a piñata requires supervision.

Activities for Teens (Ages 11 to 17)

The Gaming Party

One TV, one console, games that support four or more players. The activity is the gaming.

The Movie Night

A movie the teen wants to watch. Set up a snack bar. Dim the lights.

The Party Game

The BAD CHOICES party game is a conversation card game. The flaw: the humor is edgy.

The Outing

An escape room, an arcade, a bowling alley, or a trampoline park. The venue is the activity.

Activities for Adults (Ages 18+)

The Game Night

Board games, card games, or a party game. The activity is the games.

The Dinner Party

A seated dinner with conversation. The activity is the conversation.

The Activity Party

A cooking class, a wine tasting, or a craft night. The activity is the experience.

What to Avoid

Avoid the activity that takes longer to set up than to play. Avoid the activity that only one person can do at a time. Avoid the activity that is too competitive for the group. Avoid the activity that requires more supplies than you have time to buy.

The Verdict

The right party activity matches the age, group size, and energy level of the guests. For kids: a craft or a simple game. For teens: a game or an outing. For adults: a game or a conversation. The most common mistake is over-planning an activity that takes an hour to set up and twelve minutes to play. Keep it simple. One or two activities are enough.

FAQ

What are good activities for a party? For kids: a craft station, a simple game, or a piñata. For teens: a gaming party, a movie night, a party game, or an outing. For adults: a game night, a dinner party, or an activity party.

How many activities should I plan for a party? One or two. More than two and the party feels rushed. One activity with free time is better than three activities with no time to talk.

How long should a party activity last? 20 to 30 minutes for kids. 30 to 60 minutes for teens. 60 to 90 minutes for adults. After that, the energy drops.

What should I avoid for party activities? Activities that take longer to set up than to play, activities that only one person can do at a time, activities that are too competitive, and activities that require too many supplies.

What is the best party activity for adults? A game night with board games or a party game like BAD CHOICES. The activity is the games and the conversation.

What is the best party activity for kids? A craft station. The activity is the craft. The favor is the craft. It keeps kids occupied and gives them something to take home.

Should I have a schedule for party activities? A loose schedule, not a rigid one. Start with the activity, then food, then free time. Do not schedule every minute.

References

• Play Party Plan, “47 of the Most Fun Outdoor Games,” playpartyplan.com
• The Bash, “Party Games,” thebash.com
• SignUpGenius, “40 Fun Ideas for Block Parties,” signupgenius.com