Birthday party plan for ages 7 to 10

For: 10 to 20 children
Length: About two hours including food
Games: 8

This is the golden age for party games. Children of seven to ten love rules, love teams and love to win, and they can wait for a turn. They also have endless energy, so the plan alternates running games with table challenges, and puts the messiest and loudest game just before the food, when a wash is due anyway.

The running order

Time	Game	Notes for the host
0 to 10 min	Fire in the Mountain	A fast opener that mixes the children who do not know each other.
10 to 25 min	Dog and the Bone	Make two teams here and keep them for the rest of the party.
25 to 35 min	Cup Pyramid	Team relay at two tables. Count it for team points.
35 to 45 min	Straw and Rajma	One minute, four players at a time, others cheer.
45 to 55 min	Wrap the Mummy	Three wrappers and one mummy per team. Take the photographs now.
55 to 65 min	Hanging Jalebi Race	Use ring biscuits if you prefer. Then hands washed.
65 to 90 min	Break or activity	Cake and food.
90 to 105 min	Raja Mantri Chor Sipahi	A calm seated game while the food settles; play in groups of four or five.
105 to 115 min	Balloon Stomp	The grand finale, outdoors if possible. Then return gifts.

Timings are a guide. Stop any game while people still want more, and drop one if you are running late.

What to get ready

Chalk or rope for two lines, and a soft "bone"
Paper cups: ten per team
Straws, dry rajma, plates and bowls
Toilet rolls: two per team
A rope, thread and jalebis or ring biscuits
Chits for Raja Mantri
Balloons and string, with spares
A score chart on the wall

Running it smoothly

Keep teams all party long and put a score chart where they can see it. Add points for cheering and for tidying up.
Explain by showing. Play one slow demonstration round instead of listing rules.
Appoint helpers. A child who dislikes rough games makes an excellent scorer or timekeeper.
Prizes: small and the same for the whole winning team; a consolation for the others.

Safety notes

Check food allergies with parents before the jalebi race. Flat closed shoes for Balloon Stomp. Do the running games on grass or a non-slip floor.

The games in this plan

On the day

Keep the party timer and the scoreboard open on your phone, and prepare chits with the chit maker. First time as host? Read how to host party games. See all party plans.