Party Games for Kids: Modern Twists on Classic Birthday Fun

Published on:
May 27, 2025

Planning a kids' party in Singapore can be exciting, but keeping the little ones entertained? That's where the real challenge begins. Kids crave play, laughter, and the freedom to run wild with their imaginations. Whether you're organising a casual home celebration or a large-scale event at a venue, the secret to a memorable party lies in the games.

At The Carnival Fair, we make party planning effortless with our wide range of party games for kids. From interactive carnival booths to hands-on classics and modern arcade favourites, our kid-approved options are designed to keep young guests entertained, engaged, and laughing from start to finish.

To help you plan a party that everyone will rave about, here are our top kid-friendly games that guarantee fun for children of all ages.

Party Games for Kids: Modern Twists on Classic Birthday Fun

1. Inflatable Bouncy Castle

Inflatable Bouncy Castle

A staple at any kids' party, a bouncy castle rental brings instant joy. With colourful themes and safe, cushioned play areas, children can jump, tumble, and burn off energy in a controlled environment. Whether a small backyard setup or a large outdoor celebration, these inflatables are always a hit with toddlers and primary schoolers alike.

2. Animal Kiddie Rides

Add an adorable touch to your party with animal kiddie rides. These motorised plush animals are irresistibly cute, safe, and easy to ride. Perfect for both indoor and outdoor venues, they're a crowd favourite among younger kids who want to cruise around with their friends.

3. Carnival Ring Toss

Simple, fun, and endlessly replayable, the ring toss game helps kids build coordinat

ion while having a blast. It's ideal for parties where you want to create that nostalgic carnival atmosphere, and it works great in game booth setups or prize-based challenges.

4. Arcade Claw Machines

Arcade Claw Machines

Add a spark of excitement with our kid-friendly claw machine rental. Loaded with plush toys and small prizes, these machines are perfect for encouraging patience and precision. Kids will be hooked on trying to catch their favourite toy—and it doubles as a prize station too!

5. Gashapon Capsule Machines

For something a little different, gashapon machines are an easy win. These colourful capsule toy dispensers let kids twist the dial and discover a mystery prize, creating that element of surprise they love. They're also compact, making them a flexible fit for tighter party spaces.

6. Plinko Game

For a classic with a twist, the Plinko carnival game is a fun way for kids to test their luck. As they drop a disc and watch it bounce through pegs into different slots, they'll stay engaged with the anticipation of where it will land. It's visually exciting and perfect for booth-style setups.

7. Basket Toss

Easy to play but surprisingly competitive, basket toss is great for developing hand-eye coordination. Players aim to shoot balls into baskets—sounds easy, but the right challenge keeps kids coming back again and again. This game suits children across a wide age range and works well for team-based fun, too.

8. Balloon Sculpting Station

Turn your party into a festival of colour with balloon sculpting. Our talented balloon artists create fun shapes and characters on the spot, from swords and crowns to animals and cartoon favourites. It's fun to add personalised flair to each child's party experience.

9. Air Hockey Table

Air Hockey Table

A mini arcade moment comes to life with our air hockey table rental. Perfect for older kids, it encourages fast reflexes and friendly competition. The compact size makes it easy to fit into indoor venues and is always a magnet for groups of kids looking for a quick challenge.

10. Face Painting Booth

Give your young guests the ultimate party glow-up with our face painting service. From superheroes to animals to floral designs, kids can transform into whatever they imagine. All paints are skin-safe, and artists work quickly, so no one's waiting long in line.

11. Can Toss Carnival Game

Introduce a bit of controlled chaos with the can toss game, where kids aim to knock over stacked cans with a soft ball. It's easy to understand and just challenging enough to feel rewarding. Plus, it's a great way to incorporate prize giveaways throughout the party.

12. Magician

Magician

Elevate your entertainment with a roving magician that walks through the party performing spontaneous tricks and gags. Kids love the surprise element, which helps fill any downtime between other activities. These performers interact directly with children, keeping engagement levels high.

13. Fishing Game Booth

The fishing game is a gentle, skill-based booth where kids try to catch floating "fish" with magnetic rods. It's calm, colourful, and especially popular with preschool and lower primary-age children who enjoy games at their own pace.

14. Interactive Sand Art Station

Unleash creativity with an interactive sand art booth. Kids get to create their own colourful artwork by filling in adhesive designs with fine coloured sand. Not only is it mess-free and supervised, but it also doubles as a lovely take-home souvenir.

15. Whack-a-Frog

This adorable version of the classic whack-a-mole game—whack-a-frog—lets kids hammer light-up frogs as they randomly pop up. It's safe, interactive, and a guaranteed giggle-inducer that encourages focus and fast reactions.

How to Choose the Best Modern Games for Your Party

How to Choose the Best Modern Games for Your Party

Match Games to Age Group:

  • For toddlers and young kids: Focus on sensory and imaginative play such as sand art stations, balloon sculpting, and bouncy castles to encourage safe, open-ended fun.
  • For older children: Incorporate more interactive and skill-based games like air hockey, basket toss, or claw machines that offer a bit of friendly competition and reward.

Consider Your Venue Size:

  • Small venues: Choose compact, vertical, or tabletop games such as gashapon machines and simple carnival booths to maximise space without sacrificing fun.
  • Spacious venues: Go for zone-based setups with multiple inflatable stations and booth-style games that encourage free movement and longer play.

Plan for Game Flow:

  • Rotate children between various fast-paced, engaging activities to keep energy high and boredom low. A mix of solo, team, and prize-based games maintains a dynamic party flow.

Let Experts Curate for You:

  • The Carnival Fair specialises in building tailored game packages—from single highlights to full themes—ensuring age-fit, space-friendly, and stress-free setups designed around your party needs.

Sample Game Setups Based on Party Size

Choosing the right mix of games becomes much easier when you tailor your setup to the number of kids attending and the size of your space. Below, we've broken down suggested party layouts by group size—each designed to maximise fun while keeping things organised and stress-free.

Small Parties (10–15 Kids)

Less is more for intimate gatherings at home or in a small venue—but that doesn't mean boring. Choose compact, interactive activities that keep kids engaged in a safe, manageable environment.

  • Bouncy Castle (Small Size) – A must-have that doesn't overwhelm the space.
  • Sand Art Station – Offers a quiet, creative outlet with take-home souvenirs.
  • Animal Kiddie Rides – One or two can entertain little ones in rotation.
  • Can Toss Game – Small footprint, big fun, and ideal for friendly competition.
  • Balloon Sculpting – Keeps kids smiling while giving them something to bring home.

Medium Parties (16–30 Kids)

With a larger group, variety becomes more important to avoid crowding and ensure every child has something they enjoy. This setup is great for function rooms or covered outdoor areas.

  • Inflatable Bouncy Castle (Medium Size) – Gives kids room to play safely.
  • Claw Machine – Adds a prize element that kids will line up for.
  • Fishing Game Booth – Slows things down with a calm, focused activity.
  • Basket Toss & Plinko – Rotational games that support light competition.
  • Face Painting Booth – Offers one-on-one attention and a fun transformation.

Large Parties (30+ Kids)

Big parties need thoughtful zoning and a diverse game lineup to maintain energy levels and crowd control. These are perfect for community centres, schools, or large private venues.

  • Large Bouncy Castle + Air Hockey Corner – A mix of active and skill-based fun.
  • Multiple Game Booths (Ring Toss, Can Toss, Plinko) – Organise in carnival-style rows for easy access.
  • Arcade Zone (Claw Machines, Whack-a-Frog, Gashapon) – Keeps older kids engaged and offers a techy edge.
  • Fringe Entertainment (Magician, Balloon Artist) – Keeps the whole area buzzing with roving performers.
  • Creative Zone (Sand Art & Face Painting) – A quieter corner for younger guests or those needing a break.

Each of these setups is available through The Carnival Fair's curated packages, and our team will handle everything from delivery to teardown so you can focus on enjoying the moment.

Conclusion On Party Games For Kids

Planning a memorable kids' party doesn't have to be overwhelming. With the right mix of modern, interactive games—all of which are part of The Carnival Fair's extensive offerings—you can create a fun, safe, and stress-free experience for everyone involved. From compact setups for small groups to full-scale carnival-style layouts, today's party games blend creativity, colour, and energy into every celebration.

At The Carnival Fair, we go beyond just equipment rental. We offer curated game selections, free delivery, setup, and teardown, plus professional support to make sure every detail is taken care of. 

Whether you're hosting a home-based gathering or a large-scale kids' event, our team is here to help you bring the fun to life, without the hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions On Party Games For Kids

What Are the Most Popular Party Games for Kids Right Now?

Some of the current favourites include claw machines, whack-a-frog, and creative setups like sand art stations and balloon sculpting. These games balance interactivity and fun while keeping things safe and kid-friendly.

Are the Games Suitable for Different Age Groups?

Yes. The Carnival Fair offers various options tailored to various age groups. Younger kids tend to enjoy soft play items like bouncy castles and craft stations, while older children love more challenging activities like basket toss, arcade games, and claw machines.

How Much Space Do I Need for These Games?

We cater to all venue sizes. For small parties, tabletop and compact games like toss or animal kiddie rides work well. We can build out full carnival game zones and inflatables for larger events to suit more expansive venues.

Does The Carnival Fair Handle Setup and Teardown?

Absolutely. One of our key advantages is stress-free planning. We provide free delivery, setup, and teardown, so you can enjoy the party while we handle the logistics.