Planning a 6-year-old’s birthday party? You’re probably knee-deep in the invite list, dreaming up a fun birthday party theme, and wondering how to entertain a bunch of young guests without losing your mind. Whether you’re throwing a party for the whole class or just a few friends, the key to a great time is having simple, age-appropriate activities that keep the kids moving, laughing, and having a good time.
Here’s a list of fun birthday party activities for 6-year-olds, including classic party games, easy crafts, and creative outdoor fun. Bonus points: most of these ideas are budget-friendly and simple to set up, even if you don’t have much time.
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1. Scavenger or Treasure Hunt
A scavenger hunt is a fun and flexible activity that works for almost any birthday party theme. It keeps younger kids engaged, burns energy, and is easy to set up indoors or outdoors.
Quick Setup Guide:
- Pick a Theme:
Match it to your party.
Unicorns: Hunt for rainbow gems
Dinosaurs: Search for hidden eggs
Pirates: Follow clues to a chocolate coin treasure - Create 5–7 Simple Clues:
Use rhymes or pictures that lead kids from one spot to the next.
Unicorn example: “Where shoes go to sleep, your next clue you’ll keep!” (Shoe bin)
The last person to find the treasure can ring the bell for cake time. - Choose How to Play:
Play as a group, in small teams, or one at a time. To make it feel extra magical, add glittery clue cards or a fun starting point sign. - End with a Reward:
The finish line prize can be a goody bag, stickers, or unlocking access to the ice cream bar or cupcake wars decorating table.
It’s a great idea for birthday party games, especially when you want something exciting but still easy to organize.
2. DIY Craft or Art Station
Crafts are an excellent idea for this age group. They’re fun, low-key, and double as party favors, perfect for balancing out the louder birthday party games.
How to Set It Up:
Cover a table with butcher paper or a plastic cloth and set out 1–2 simple crafts with easy-to-reach supplies. Kids can jump in anytime, making it perfect for small groups or free playtime.
Theme Ideas:
- Unicorns/Princesses: Decorate crowns or color castles
- Dinosaurs: Make dinosaur masks or paint mini figures
- Cupcake/Ice Cream: Color wooden cupcakes or decorate aprons
- Animals: Create pet masks or paw print art
- No Theme: Bead bracelets, watercolor, scratch art
Quick Tips:
- Keep it simple and mess-friendly
- Rotate young guests through in small groups
- Add their craft to their party bags as a fun take-home treat
It’s a flexible birthday party activity that works just as well indoors or outdoors and gives everyone a chance to catch their breath between bounce-house chaos and birthday cake time.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, I’ve shared a couple of party ideas that include easy, kid-friendly crafts:
Check out my Simple Race Car Themed Toddler Birthday Party and The Best Stoney Clover DIY Craft for a Birthday Party for fun and creative ways to include crafts at your next celebration.
3. Musical Chairs & Other Classic Party Games
You cannot go wrong with the classics—musical chairs, relay races, and Duck, Duck, Goose are still total hits for this age group. These games are perfect for kids’ birthday parties because they’re familiar, easy to explain, and work for both younger children and older children, as well as small groups.
Game Ideas with a Fun Twist:
Musical Chairs
Set up chairs (or pillows) in a circle and play some fun music—bonus points if it matches your birthday party theme. When the music stops, the first person to grab a seat stays in the game.
Duck, Duck, Goose (or Theme Remix)
Classic game, endless possibilities. Try “Unicorn, Unicorn, Dragon” or “Cupcake, Cupcake, Cookie.” Kids love a fun twist.
Red Light, Green Light
Kids line up at a starting point and race to the finish line, only moving on a “green light.” It’s a hit indoors or outside and great for younger kids.
Balloon Relay
Each player races with a balloon—on a spoon, between knees, or overhead—to the finish line and tags the next person.
Why It Works:
- No supplies needed (or very little)
- Kids already know the rules
- Works well for mixed ages
- Easy to add to any party schedule
4. Obstacle Course or Relay Races
A DIY obstacle course or relay race is a great idea for high-energy fun that works indoors or outdoors. It’s perfect for younger children who need to move their bodies and for older children who like a challenge.
How to Set It Up:
Use things you already have or buy cheaply:
- Hula hoops to jump through
- Buckets or cones to zigzag
- Water balloons or beanbags to carry
- Painter’s tape for a balance beam
- A blanket tunnel to crawl through
Relay Race Variation:
Split kids into small groups. The first player runs the course, then tags the next person. The last person finishes at the finish line.
Why It Works:
- Encourages teamwork and movement
- Customizable to your birthday party theme
- Works great at home or at a local park
- Helps burn energy before cupcakes
5. Soft Play or Bouncy Castle Zone
If your child’s birthday party is outdoors or you have a lot of kids coming, a soft play setup or bouncy castle is a great way to let kids play freely.
What You’ll Need:
- Rent a small bouncy castle (many offer weekend deals)
- Use foam mats, big blocks, and squishy toys for a DIY soft play corner
- Add a shady chill zone with books, stuffed animals, or pillows
Why It Works:
- Easy entertainment, no instructions needed
- Safe space for younger kids
- Great in between games or while waiting for food
- Keeps kids moving without needing direct supervision
6. Cupcake Wars or Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Who doesn’t love dessert and a little creativity? A cupcake decorating table or ice cream sundae bar is a fun twist on snack time.
How to Set It Up:
Let kids build their own treat using:
- Sprinkles, crushed cookies, gummy bears
- Whipped cream, peanut butter, caramel drizzle
- Optional chef hats or aprons (super cute photo op)
Turn it into a mini challenge by letting kids present their creations to the birthday child or a panel of judges (aka you and your partner).
Why It Works:
- Combining dessert and activity
- Kids love the freedom to choose
- Works for all age groups
- Easy to set up indoors or outside
7. Temporary Tattoos & Face Painting
Looking for a low-effort but high-impact idea? Temporary tattoos or face painting are always a hit with kids of all ages.
What You’ll Need:
- Themed temporary tattoo packs
- Water, sponge, mirror
- Optional face paint crayons for cheeks or hands
Even if you’re not an artist, simple options go a long way—rainbows, hearts, superheroes, and stars are always crowd-pleasers.
Why It Works:
- Quick and low-mess
- Keeps kids entertained during transitions
- Doubles as a party favor
- Adds a little flair to photos
8. Indoor Games for a Rainy Day
If the weather isn’t cooperating (or you just want to stay inside), these fun indoor games are perfect for a living room or smaller space.
Game Ideas:
Balloon Relay: Kids run with balloons in silly ways (knees, spoons, overhead). This activity is great for small groups and children with short attention spans.
The Chocolate Game: Roll a die and when you get a six, put on oven mitts and try to eat a chocolate bar with a knife and fork. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly competitive.
Board Games Corner: Set up games like Uno, Candy Land, or Spot It. These are great for calming things down and keeping little ones engaged.
Why It Works:
- Great backup plan
- Requires little setup
- Perfect for small groups or downtime
- Works with mixed age groups and energy levels
Don’t Forget the Essentials
Before you go full Pinterest-mom mode, make sure to:
- Finalize your invite list
- Choose activities that match your space and age group
- Prep party bags or favors ahead of time
- Let the birthday child have their “own cake” moment—sparkler optional, but highly encouraged
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