20 Toddler Birthday Party Activities That’ll Actually Keep Them Busy (and Not Destroy Your House)
Planning a toddler birthday party is always an adventure, right? Here are some birthday party ideas to consider, starting with a fun guest list . Sometimes you just want something fun, easy, and a little bit magical for your little one, but your brain hits a wall for ideas.
We’re here with a list of party games and activities where kids dance and that’ll keep the kiddos happy and entertained, so you can actually enjoy the day too.
Let’s be honest, toddler parties are their own brand of wild (but in the cutest way). We want you to stress less and laugh more with your party guests —because really, it’s all about making memories together.
1) Musical Chairs with favorite nursery rhymes
Musical chairs is a classic game that is a fun game for a reason! We just grab some chairs, enjoy a slice of birthday cake crank up our favorite nursery rhymes, and let the laughter and a little chaos roll.
Even the shyest kiddos jump in when the music starts, making it one of the best outdoor party games . Nursery rhymes like “Wheels on the Bus” make it extra silly—and honestly, we’re singing along too.
If you want some inspiration, check out this adorable Birthday Musical Chairs game for a cute twist that could also inspire great party favors .
2) Toddler-friendly sack race with colorful sacks
No birthday party’s complete without a little friendly competition and fun activities like face painting . Sack races are a classic, but for tiny humans, let’s keep it simple with soft, colorful sacks just their size.
These sacks come in bright colors and fit little legs perfectly. Grab a set like these toddler sack race bags so everyone can bounce, giggle, and maybe tumble a bit while enjoying fun things .
Those wobbly hops will have us cheering and cracking up right along with them, especially after a slice of birthday cake !
3) Simple game of Twister with big dots
Who doesn’t love a good game of Twister, which can also be enjoyed by older kids ? We make it extra fun for toddlers by tossing big, colorful dots right on the floor.
We lay out four rows of big circles (bonus points for bright colors!) and let the kids go wild. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can DIY a Giant Yard Twister Board and take it outside, allowing the kids to play freely .
No rules needed—just fun music, giggles, and a pile of tangled-up toddlers.
4) I Spy Treasure Hunt around the backyard
Let’s grab little magnifying glasses and get our spy on for an exciting scavenger hunt ! We set up a simple I Spy Treasure Hunt in the backyard to keep the kiddos busy and moving.
All you need are a few small toys, some colorful clues, a dash of imagination, and some fun temporary tattoos. Printables make it even easier—there are fun ones online, like this backyard scavenger hunt list that you can use for your next party .
The best part? Watching the toddlers light up when they find each “treasure” (and, let’s be honest, probably a stick or two).
5) Decorate paper crowns with stickers and glitter
There’s no such thing as too much glitter or party hats —especially at a toddler birthday party. We break out the paper crowns, dump a pile of stickers on the table, and let our tiny crafters go wild.
Little ones love mixing gems, stars, and all the sparkly things, and they also enjoy playing with hula hoops . No stress if the glitter spills (it always does). For some inspo, check out these paper crown decorating ideas.
6) Bead bracelet making with chunky beads
Let’s break out the chunky beads and make some magic for our pirate themed party ! Kids get to pick their colors, string the beads, and show off their awesome new bracelet.
This activity is super hands-on and keeps little fingers busy. If you want ideas, check out this bracelet tutorial with chunky beads. Messy? Sure. Adorable? Absolutely.
7) Plant little pots kids can paint and take home
Let’s get those little hands messy with some cute plant pot painting, just like they would in a bounce house ! We set out mini terracotta pots, a rainbow of paints, and let the kiddos go wild.
After the paint dries (or mostly dries), we help everyone plant seeds or tiny flowers. Each child takes home a pot they made—a sweet, colorful memory for their shelf where the children sit . For more ideas, check out this planting project party.
8) Bubble blowing contest with giant bubble wands
Bubbles are toddler magic, aren’t they? Let’s amp it up with a bubble blowing contest using giant wands.
We see who pops the biggest, wobbliest bubbles in the yard—cue all the giggles and happy chaos. Making your own giant bubble wands is a breeze, and kids love picking their favorite shapes, especially when a bubble machine is involved . For more ideas, check out these fun bubble activities.
9) Mini dance party with toddler-friendly tunes
Kiddos love to get their wiggles out, so why not crank up the fun with a mini dance party? All you need is some toddler-friendly music—think The Wiggles or KIDZ BOP Kids—for instant smiles and silly moves.
Let’s roll out a playlist, clear the floor, and let those tiny feet go wild. Bonus points for bubbles or scarves for dramatic flair. If you want ideas, check out this Kids Dance Party for inspiration!
10) Popcorn and movie time chill-out corner
Let’s be real—sometimes we ALL need a break, not just the toddlers! Setting up a popcorn and movie chill-out corner is a party lifesaver.
We grab a cozy blanket fort, dim the lights, and pass around popcorn for an instant movie magic moment. A DIY popcorn bar is super easy, and the kids love choosing their own toppings (honestly, so do we).
For inspiration, check out these movie night ideas.
11) Tiny raincoat dress-up fun around the yard
Toddlers and puddles go together like peanut butter and jelly, but we also love indoor party games for a fun alternative . We toss mini raincoats on the kids and let them parade around the yard—instant giggles.
Add some silly rain boots for extra fun. Little ones love to stomp, splash, and twirl in their colorful outfits.
This one is perfect for a rainy day party. No pressure to be Pinterest-perfect—just cute chaos and a lot of laughter.
12) DIY slime station with safe, edible slime
Let’s be real—kids and slime go together like cake and candles! Setting up a DIY slime station with safe, edible slime is a genius way to keep toddlers busy during the toddler birthday party.
We can use easy recipes at home. Just mix up stuff like marshmallows, corn starch, and food coloring—no scary chemicals needed.
Little ones stretch, squish, and (yep) even taste it, because it’s totally safe. For extra inspo on slime stations, check out this guide on how to set up slime stations.
13) Parachute play with soft balls
Okay, friends, parachute play with soft balls is seriously toddler gold. We just grab colorful party hats and a big colorful parachute, toss some light balls or beanbags in the middle, and players stand around to shake, lift, and wiggle it together.
Kids giggle like wild things as the balls bounce and roll everywhere! If you need ideas, check out these easy parachute games for little ones.
No rules. Just chaos, fun, and a serious case of the giggles for everyone involved until the music stops .
14) Storytime puppet show led by parents
Okay, hear us out—storytime with puppets is way more fun when parents are the stars! We grab some animal or silly character puppets, pick a favorite book, and go for it.
Nobody expects Broadway, so let’s just lean into the giggles. Not sure how to start? We love tips from this guide on using puppets.
The kids are always entertained when we let our voices get weird or have the puppets be super dramatic. Let’s not stress—just get silly together!
15) Parachute games with colorful fabric
We seriously can’t have a kids’ birthday without busting out the parachute! Kiddos grab the colorful handles, lift together, and whoosh—total rainbow magic.
Everyone gets to join in, running under or shaking the parachute for big giggles. Some days, we play color-finding games or just make waves for pure chaos.
If you want more fun ideas, check out these parachute games for kids.
16) Animal charades with easy, fun animals
Let’s get wild, mamas! Animal charades is the ultimate way to burn off that cupcake sugar rush.
We write down silly animal names like elephant, dog, or lion, along with their favorite animals nd the kids take turns acting them out. It’s totally hilarious to watch our little ones try to “roar” or flap their arms like birds.
Check out this list of easy animal charades ideas to get started.
17) Sensory bin play with rice and small toys
Rice bins are where the magic happens, friends. We dump about a bag of rice into a big tub for little kids , toss in a bunch of scoops, cups, spoons, and some tiny toys, and let the kiddos go wild with creativity.
This is a calm, hands-on activity that keeps toddlers busy and happy. If you want a little inspo, check out these fun rice bin sensory play ideas.
Let’s be real—yes, we’ll be vacuuming rice for days, but the giggles are so worth it!
18) Simple ring toss with bright rings and cones
Okay, so picture this—we set up a rainbow of cones in the backyard, scatter around some bright plastic rings, and let the kiddos go wild.
Ring toss is so easy to set up as part of our party theme , and we love that toddlers can jump right in with zero instructions. Plus, it totally works for all ages, so we can join the game too!
We can even make our own game with recycled bottles. Or try a ready-made colorful ring toss set for extra pop.
19) Water play with cups and buckets outside
Let’s grab those old plastic cups, a few buckets, and just let the kids go wild in the yard. Seriously, it’s that easy!
All we do is fill up some buckets and let the little ones scoop, dump, and pour to their heart’s content. We all know magic happens when toddlers get messy.
If you want to add more fun, toss in some measuring spoons or sponges—total game changer. For more ideas, check out these fun water play activities for toddlers.
20) Craft a simple paper plate mask
Okay, moms and dads, it’s time to break out the paper plates! This is one activity where mess is guaranteed, but so are giggles.
We just give the kiddos some markers, stickers, or scraps we have lying around, and let them go wild. Scissors, glue, and maybe a few feathers (if we’re feeling extra fancy)—that’s all it takes.
Need some inspiration? Check out these fun ideas for paper plate masks.
How To Set The Mood For A Toddler Birthday Bash
Bringing a toddler’s party to life with a clear birthday party theme is all about fun, color, and keeping our sanity. There’s no need for Pinterest-level perfection—just a little planning and creativity goes a long way.
Choosing A Fun Theme That Actually Works For Toddlers
We all know themes are cute, but here are a few ideas to keep it simple and clear for toddlers. Pick something they actually recognize from their favorite shows, colors, or animals.
Dinosaurs, rainbows, or anything with wheels are usually a big hit with this crowd. Think about what makes our kid light up.
If all they want to talk about is farm animals, grab some cow print plates and plastic pigs—done! No need to make everything match, either.
A mashup theme is totally valid when it makes our toddler happy. Here’s a quick cheat sheet for easy toddler themes:
Popular Themes | Why Kids Love Them |
|---|---|
Dinosaurs | Big, fun, rawr noises |
Bugs | Lots of crawling toys |
Unicorns | Pretty and magical |
Construction | Trucks, dirt, and fun |
Farm animals | Sounds and plushies |
And hey, if all they want is “blue,” don’t sweat it—just go wild with every blue thing we can find. Our tiny guests won’t care about the details, they’ll just be excited to party.
Decorations That Make Magic Without Breaking The Bank
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by those over-the-top party setups online, but let’s keep it real! Dollar store finds, DIY banners, and even stuff we already have at home work wonders.
A few big helium balloons, bright tablecloths, and some cute plates are all we really need. Streamers taped around doorways or furniture add instant celebration vibes.
If we’re outside, nature does half the decorating for us—think sidewalk chalk, bubbles, or a picnic blanket. Let’s not forget lighting!
Twinkle lights make any space feel special, even if it’s just our living room. We can even let the toddlers help with some of the decorations—stickers, paper chains, and coloring sheets head straight onto the walls.
When in doubt, choose something easy and fun. If it looks a little messy or homemade, so what? We’re going for happy chaos, not magazine spreads.
For more tips, check out these budget-friendly ideas for toddler birthday parties.
Party Prep For Grown-Ups: Keeping Your Sanity Intact
Okay, fellow party warriors, we all know toddler parties are adorable but can get real wild, real fast—every child tends to do their own thing .
Let’s talk about ways to keep things running smoothly so we can all actually enjoy the day (yeah, it’s possible!).
Simple Game Setups That Don’t End In Chaos
We don’t need complicated setups, trust us.
Toddlers love games that are fast, super easy, and don’t need tons of explaining. Think: colorful bean bag toss, freeze dance, or bubbles.
These are not only fun but also really easy to set up. You won’t have to chase after little ones who refuse to follow rules, which—let’s be honest—nobody wants to do.
Keep the supplies simple. Have a basket with game materials ready to go before the party starts.
If we get stuck, active, noncompetitive games save the day—like a toddler obstacle course or a parachute game.
The key: nobody’s keeping score, so nobody has a meltdown if they don’t “win.” Less drama, more giggles. That’s the dream, right?
Let’s stay flexible. If a game flops (hey, it happens), we move on.
Sometimes just having a dance party or handing out some stickers does the trick. It’s all about reading the room and going with the flow.
Organizing Snack And Activity Stations Like A Pro Parent
Instead of herding everyone into one spot, let’s try setting up small stations. One for snacks, another for a simple craft, and one for free play.
This way, kids bounce around without the usual crowding or chaos. Parents actually get a second to breathe.
For snacks, toss out bite-sized options like cheese cubes, fruit, and crackers. Wipes at every table are a must—crumbs and toddlers just happen.
If there’s an activity, put all the supplies right at that station. Coloring sheets, sticker pages, or a playdough setup? Absolute gold.
Honestly, having an arrival activity (like coloring or stickers) gives everyone something to do the second they walk in (thanks for the tip, party planning experts).
Label everything! Cute signs or just sticky notes work, and they help the grown-ups figure out what’s what.
An easy setup means less chaos to manage—and way more time to snap pics of those frosting-covered faces.
