11 First Birthday Party Games For Little Guests
11 First Birthday Party Games For Little Guests
You’ve made it through months of no sleep and changed thousands of diapers (and counting!). Now it’s time to party! But first, you’ll need to do a little planning. After all, a first birthday party is a milestone event you’ll want to make special.
Having a party for your baby’s first birthday isn’t just a fete for them—it’s to celebrate one whole year of new parenthood. So, invite your friends and your baby’s playdate pals, and let the sippy cups flow!
Food, games, music, and decorations are all part of a successful celebration. Today’s article will focus on the perfect activities for a first birthday party. Having games and entertainment for your smallest partygoers will ensure that everyone—including the parents—has a good time. Luckily, there are plenty of 1st birthday party games to keep both parents and kiddos happy.
Tips for Hosting a Birthday Party for a Baby
Before we take a closer look at games for 1st birthdays, here are some quick tips for hosting the celebration.
- Determine a date for the party.
- Select a theme for the party.
- Decide on entertainment for the party.
- Gather appropriate supplies for the party, including decorations, balloons, and cake.
- Send invitations to family, friends, and neighbors.
- Ask other children to come as guests of honor (to share in the celebration).
- Plan refreshments for the party.
- Have a practice run with some of the activities and games you have plann
Top 11 Party Games For 1 Year Olds
Parents know that you can entertain a baby with something as simple as a cardboard box, but for a birthday fiesta, let’s have some real fun! Check out our list of 1st birthday party entertainment ideas that will take your baby’s celebration to the next level.
First Birthday Party Games: Outdoor Activities
If you can utilize the outdoors for your baby’s shindig, all the better! Keeping your party mostly outdoors is ideal to control the cute chaos of a toddler’s birthday party.
1. Get Artsy With Spin Art
Add an art project like spin art to your party, and you’ve got an activity and a party favor all in one! Guests of all ages will love making spin art with baby-safe paints. It’s just the right amount of crafty and messy, and it’s definitely fun! (P.S. Once you try it at home, experience what a spin art session is like at Spin Art Nation.)
2. Crank Up The Bubbles
Get a bubble machine, make sure its batteries are charged, and let it work its magic. Babies love bubbles, so if you’re searching for fun first birthday games that will entertain them for much longer than you think, this is it! It’s a clean activity that any parent can appreciate.
3. Get Sensory With A Water Table
On warm days, a water table can be used to create games for a 1st birthday party. Babies love playing in the water, and using utensils, cups, and strainers in the water is a million times more fun! Throw in some friends and cake, and you’ve got a party.
4. Ring Toss
Add some super simple entertainment to the first birthday party games for girls with a fun game that anyone can play! Print out some pictures of favorite characters (e.g., Minnie Mouse or Paw Patrol), and paste them on the rings. Give each guest a ring and have them toss it on the picture. You can give guests the opportunity to get three tries, or you can let them play until they get it right.
First Birthday Party Games: Indoor Activities
You don’t need to have a lot of space in order to have a fun first birthday party indoors. Here are some first birthday game ideas that you can do inside.
5. Balloon Fest
This activity couldn’t be easier, but it has a huge impact! Blow up a lot of balloons using a pump, so you don’t make yourself dizzy. Get balloons in a variety of sizes and colors. Blow them up, and just let them bounce around your home during the party. What starts out as party decor will end up being one of the most entertaining activities of the day!
6. Ball Pit
Fill an inflatable pool or kiddie corral with lightweight plastic balls for a first birthday party game that will blow their minds. You can even add a little slide and watch the little ones have the time of their lives. If you’re worried about the balls going everywhere–that’s part of the fun!
7. Say Cheese With A Photo Booth
Make a cut-out for guests to pose with, or have fun props to use in photos! Either use an Instax camera or have a way to print or email the photos soon after the party. Party guests can get their photo taken with the birthday boy or girl and have a fun memento from the party. It’s also a good way to collect images to use for holiday gifts for friends and family.
8. DIY Obstacle Course for Babies
A DIY obstacle course for babies is so much fun! Just find some items in your house that can be used as obstacles (think throw pillows and playmats, Whatever you choose, have fun creating your own unique design. Babies who are just learning to crawl, or even those who are literally taking baby steps, will have fun with this activity.
Keeping Toddlers Busy And Entertained With Toys
These 1st birthday games will allow children to explore and learn while they have a great time!
9. Set Out Plenty of Walkers
If you’ve got a dance floor full of crawlers and cruisers, provide them with fun walkers and pushers during the party. Babies who are exploring their mobility will love this first birthday party game.
10. Let The Music Play
Set out a variety of kid-friendly musical instruments–xylophone, drums, and maracas, and let them make music! As far as games for first birthdays go, this one is definitely not the quietest—but it sure is fun. Just be sure to put a time limit on the activity and be prepared to transition to something else a little quieter.
11. Bring The Playground
Create a fun and safe play area with tunnels, slides, and play mats. Parents will be able to relax at the party, knowing that their babies are safe and having fun at the same time. Providing appropriate play equipment is a great way to entertain your guests.
First Birthday Fun for Everyone
The first birthday is a significant milestone, and it’s worth celebrating! With this list, you should find the inspiration to have a fun, festive party. Pick the activities you think your baby will enjoy the most, send your invites, and get ready for a memorable first birthday party.
And don’t forget the cake!
