30 Games Ideas for 12th Birthday Party in 2025
Planning a 12th birthday party can be both exciting and challenging. To make it special and fun, choosing the right games is key.
So, in this article I’ll share 30 game ideas that will keep the birthday kid and their friends entertained and happy.
Let’s begin!
12th Birthday Game Ideas
1. Escape Room
In an escape room game kids solve puzzles and find clues to “escape” a room within a set time. It promotes teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity.
To set up, choose a theme, create a storyline, and scatter clues and puzzles around the room. Printable escape room kits are available online, making setup easy.
Kids work together, following clues and solving puzzles to reach their goal. This engaging game keeps them entertained and intellectually stimulated.
2. Fortnite Party
A Fortnite-themed party includes activities like Nerf gun battles, Capture the Flag, and themed snacks like V Bucks cookies and Slurp Juice. You can set up different stations resembling the game’s environments.
Kids can wear Fortnite-inspired costumes and engage in friendly battles, mimicking their favorite game. The theme adds excitement and familiarity, making it a hit among young gamers.
3. Treasure Hunt
This game involves kids following a series of clues to find hidden treasures. First, create clues that lead from one spot to another, ultimately guiding them to the final prize.
This game can be set up indoors or outdoors and tailored to the party’s theme. Provide each team with a set of clues and watch as they race to solve the riddles and find the treasure.
This activity encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and excitement as kids uncover each hidden clue.
4. Climbing Wall
Renting a portable climbing wall or visiting a local climbing gym offers an adventurous and physical challenge. Kids can take turns climbing and racing to the top, with safety gear and supervision.
This activity builds confidence, strength, and coordination. It’s an exhilarating way for kids to expend energy and enjoy a unique experience.
5. Charades
Charades is a classic party game where kids act out words or phrases without speaking while their team guesses.
Use a printable list of words or phrases to make it easier. Split the kids into teams and take turns acting out the words.
The team with the most correct guesses wins. This game is hilarious and fosters creativity and teamwork.
6. Jewelry-Making Party
A jewelry-making party allows kids to design their own bracelets, necklaces, or rings using beads and charms.
Set up a table with a variety of supplies and let the kids’ creativity flow. This hands-on activity is engaging and allows kids to express their style.
Each guest can take home their creations as a personalized party favor. It’s a fun, interactive way to keep kids entertained while they craft something beautiful and unique.
7. City Scavenger Hunt
A city scavenger hunt involves kids exploring the city in teams, finding specific items or landmarks based on a list.
Provide a time limit and money for snacks. This game combines adventure and competition, as kids race against the clock to complete their lists.
It promotes teamwork, problem-solving, and navigation skills. Ensure adult supervision for safety and structure.
8. Karaoke Party
Set up a karaoke machine or use a phone app to create a fun, interactive karaoke session. Prepare a playlist of popular songs and let the kids sing their hearts out.
Add a stage area with a microphone for a real concert feel. This activity encourages kids to express themselves and have fun with friends.
Provide snacks and drinks to keep the energy high. A karaoke party is a hit for music-loving kids and guarantees a lot of laughs and memories.
9. Wear-them-out Party
Plan an outdoor adventure with activities like wall climbing, horse riding, or water rafting. This energetic party keeps kids active and entertained all day.
Pack food and drinks for breaks. This type of party is perfect for adventurous kids and ensures they have a blast while staying physically active.
10. Star Wars Party
Transform your space into a Star Wars galaxy with decorations and themed games. Kids can dress up as their favorite characters and engage in lightsaber battles.
Set up games like “Pin the Bun on Leia” and “Stormtrooper Target Practice.” Serve Star Wars-themed snacks and cake.
This immersive experience is perfect for young fans and offers a mix of imaginative play and physical activity.
11. Video Game Tournament
Hosting a video game tournament is an exciting way to engage 12-year-olds who love gaming. You’ll need to set up multiple gaming stations with popular games suitable for their age.
You can organize the event in a knockout format or round-robin to ensure everyone gets a chance to play. Keep the excitement high with leaderboards and live commentary.
Provide snacks and drinks to keep the energy up, and offer small prizes for winners to make the event more competitive.
12. Gardening Party
A gardening party lets kids enjoy nature and get their hands dirty in a fun way. Provide pots, soil, and a variety of seeds or small plants.
You should start with a brief introduction on how to plant and take care of their mini gardens. Let the kids decorate their pots with paint and stickers to add a personal touch.
This activity is both educational and enjoyable, as children learn about plants and how to care for them. At the end of the party, each child gets to take home their planted pot.
13. Trampoline Party
First, rent or buy a few trampolines and set up different stations for various activities like bounce-offs, dodgeball, and slam dunk contests.
Ensure safety by using net enclosures and padding, and have adults supervise the activities. This party is perfect for burning off energy and provides endless fun as kids jump and play.
You can also add some simple games like Simon Says or relay races to keep the excitement going.
14. Pottery Party
You should set up a pottery station with clay, tools, and pottery wheels if available. Start with a demonstration on how to shape and mold the clay.
Let each child create their own pottery piece, such as a bowl or a figurine. After the pottery is shaped, provide paints and brushes for decorating their creations.
This activity sparks creativity and allows kids to take home a unique piece of art they made themselves.
15. Sports Day
Organize a sports day to keep kids active and entertained. Set up a variety of sports activities such as relay races, basketball shootouts, soccer, and tug of war.
Divide the kids into teams and have them compete in different events. Keep score and award small prizes to the winners to motivate participation.
This event promotes physical fitness and teamwork while providing a fun and competitive atmosphere.
16. Pool Party
You should organize fun water games like Marco Polo, relay races, and water volleyball. Decorate the pool area with colorful floats, beach balls, and themed decorations.
Ensure safety with adult supervision and flotation devices for kids who need them. Provide poolside snacks and drinks to keep the kids fueled for fun.
This party idea is perfect for cooling off and having a blast in the water, creating lasting memories of fun and laughter.
17. Pizza-Making Party
A pizza-making party is a delicious and interactive activity that kids will love. Set up a pizza station with various toppings, sauces, and cheeses.
Provide pre-made dough or let the kids make their own. Each child can create their own pizza masterpiece by adding their favorite toppings.
Bake the pizzas and have a taste test to see whose pizza is the most creative. This activity is fun and teaches kids some basic cooking skills.
18. Nature Hike and Picnic
Plan a nature hike followed by a picnic for an outdoor adventure. Choose a scenic trail that is suitable for kids and pack a picnic lunch with healthy snacks and drinks.
During the hike, encourage the kids to observe their surroundings and discuss interesting plants or animals they see.
After the hike, settle down in a beautiful spot for a picnic. Bring along some games like frisbee or badminton to play after eating.
19. Photo Booth and Fashion Show
You should set up a DIY photo booth with fun props and decorations for a memorable photo session. Provide costumes and accessories for a fashion show where kids can strut their stuff.
Create a mini runway and let each child have their moment to shine. Capture the fun with plenty of photos that can be printed or compiled into a digital album.
20. Nerf Battle
Create an epic Nerf gun battle in your backyard. Set up an obstacle course with various hiding spots and barriers. Divide the kids into teams and equip them with Nerf guns and plenty of foam darts.
You can introduce different game modes like “Capture the Flag,” “Zombie Invasion,” or “Protect the Captain” to keep things interesting.
Ensure safety by providing eye protection and setting clear rules for fair play. This high-energy activity is sure to be a hit.
21. Lip Sync Contest
In this game each child picks a song, then takes turns performing it while mouthing the words and putting on a show.
This game can be set up with a playlist of popular tunes, a microphone, and an area designated as the stage.
The contest is judged based on enthusiasm, creativity, and how well they sync with the music.
22. Ping Pong Shake
The Ping Pong Shake game involves kids strapping a tissue box filled with ping pong balls to their waist. The objective is to shake their bodies to get all the ping pong balls out of the box as quickly as possible.
This game is hilarious to watch and play, requiring lots of energy and movement. Each participant takes a turn, and the one who empties the box the fastest wins.
23. Balloon Pop
In the Balloon Pop game, balloons are filled with small pieces of paper containing questions or challenges. The balloons are then scattered around the playing area.
Each child takes turns trying to pop a balloon without using their hands; typically by sitting or stomping on it.
Once the balloon pops, they must complete the task or answer the question written inside.
This game is full of surprises and keeps everyone engaged, as kids never know what challenge they’ll face next.
24. Donut Challenge
This game involves hanging donuts from strings at mouth height. The kids’ task is to eat the entire donut without using their hands.
This game can get messy but is loads of fun as kids try to nibble and maneuver the swinging donut into their mouths.
It’s simple to set up and guarantees lots of laughs and hilarious moments. You can have multiple rounds with different types of donuts or even make it a timed challenge.
25. Grape in Flour
In this game a grape is placed on top of a mound of flour on a plate. Kids take turns slicing away the flour with a knife, trying not to topple the grape.
If the grape falls, the person responsible must retrieve it with their mouth, usually resulting in a face full of flour.
This game is both challenging and funny, perfect for adding a bit of suspense and messiness to the party.
26. Popcorn Catch
In Popcorn Catch, pairs of kids stand a few steps apart. One child throws popcorn pieces while the other tries to catch them in their mouth.
This game requires coordination and quick reflexes, and it’s amusing to watch the kids’ reactions as they try to catch the popcorn.
You can add variations by increasing the distance or setting a time limit for added excitement.
27. Auction Party
In the Auction party game one child receives play money to bid on wrapped gifts. The items are auctioned one by one, and the highest bidder wins the gift.
This game teaches kids about strategy and the value of money while keeping the excitement high as they compete to win their desired items.
The unpredictable nature of the auction and the thrill of winning make it a fantastic addition to any birthday celebration.
28. Glow in the Dark Party
In the Glow in the Dark party game kids can wear glowing accessories and play various games under the black light. Activities can include glow-in-the-dark dance contests, ring toss, or tag.
The vibrant and neon ambiance adds a magical touch to the celebration, making it an unforgettable experience.
29. Spa Party
A Spa Party is a relaxing and pampering experience where kids enjoy mini-facials, manicures, pedicures, and hairstyling. You should set up different stations with face masks, nail polish, and hair accessories.
Each child gets a turn at the stations, indulging in self-care activities. This party theme is perfect for winding down and having a calming, enjoyable time.
30. Movie Marathon
A Movie Marathon party involves setting up a cozy area with comfy seating, blankets, and pillows, where kids can watch their favorite movies back-to-back.
You’ll need to provide plenty of snacks like popcorn, candy, and drinks to keep everyone happy. Choose a mix of popular films to ensure everyone is entertained.
This type of party is perfect for a relaxed and enjoyable gathering, where kids can unwind and bond over their favorite flicks.
