Let’s face it: planning a girl’s birthday party can be a real challenge.
As a parent, you want to make sure your little one has the time of their life, but finding the perfect idea that will keep them and their friends entertained can be tough.
But fear not, because I’ve got you covered.
As a former camp counselor and a mom who has thrown countless birthday parties for my own kids, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve.
In this post, I’m going to share with you 50 of the best ideas for a girl’s birthday party, so you can plan an event that your child will never forget.
By choosing simple, classic games and activities that resonate with you and your child, you can ensure a good time for everyone.
If you’re racking your brain trying to think of what girls love to do at birthday parties, you’re in the right place!
Here are 50 fun games and birthdays party themes for your next celebration.
Note: If you’re having a slumber party, check out these top ideas for sleepover activities. >>
1. Donut Making Party
A donut-making party is a great idea for a girl’s birthday party!
Decide if you want to have it at home or rent a space like a community center or bakery.
To make donuts, you’ll need flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, eggs, and oil for frying.
If you decide to make cake donuts, you’ll need a donut baking pan. (We used these.)
You’ll also need toppings like sprinkles, chocolate chips, or frosting.
Set up stations for mixing, rolling, cutting, and decorating the donuts. Make sure each station has all the necessary ingredients and supplies.
Show the kids how to make the dough, roll it out, cut it into shapes, and fry it. Make sure to emphasize safety rules, like keeping their hair tied back and not touching hot oil.
Once the donuts are cooked, let the kids have fun decorating them with their favorite toppings. Encourage them to get creative and make unique designs.
Finally, sit back and enjoy the delicious treats! Don’t forget to take pictures and send the kids home with a few donuts as a party favor.
If you don’t want the hassle of a baking party, you can host a Donut Decorating bar with plain donuts, different frosting options, sprinkles, and other decorations.
2. Movie Night
There’s nothing better than a classic movie party with your closest friends. This can be part of a sleepover or an “undernight” (when the party guests get picked up before bedtime).
Choose a movie the birthday girl loves or another favorite movie that the girls will enjoy.
To make it memorable, have everyone lay out their sleeping bags or blankets, pop some popcorn (you can add candy like gummy bears to the popcorn to make it even more special), and turn out all the lights! This is an especially great option for a small group.
Variation: Outdoor Movie Night! Snuggle up on an outdoor blanket and watch a movie outside.
As an alternative, call your local movie theater to see if they rent out theaters for birthday parties. Your guests will feel like real VIP’s!
3. Photo Booth and Props
Girls love taking selfies and photos together!
Choose a location for the photo booth. It should be a well-lit area with enough space for people to take photos.
Set up a backdrop for the photo booth. This can be a simple colored sheet or a decorated background that fits the party’s theme.
Decorate the area around the photo booth with balloons, streamers, and other decorations that fit the party’s theme.
Create a table with props such as hats, glasses, mustaches, and other fun accessories. You can also include signs with phrases or emojis.
Assign someone to take photos using a camera or a smartphone. You can also set up a tripod if you have one.
Encourage guests to take photos in the photo booth using the props and backdrop.
Consider creating a hashtag for the party so that guests can share their photos on social media.
After the party, gather all the photos and create a photo album or collage to share with guests.
Note: Some cities have selfie museums popping up which could be another fun idea!
4. Cookie Decorating
For your next birthday celebration, make it sweet!
All you need are some basic sugar cookies (store-bought or homemade), some frosting, sprinkles, googly eyes and any other decorations that suit your fancy.
Spread out the tablecloth, child-safe knives, spatulas, and spoons, and let the kids have at it.
We recommend buying 2-3 cookies for each child on your guest list so that the activity takes longer and the kids can perfect their cookie-decorating skills.
Variation: You can also decorate cupcakes or get giant white birthday cake and have everyone take part in decorating it.
If you are up for a more elaborate baking party, be sure you have all the ingredients and supplies on hand for each party guest. Consider buying each little baker their own chef’s hat!
5. Blindfolded Makeup
A blindfolded makeup game can be a fun activity for a girl’s birthday party.
Set up a table with a mirror, makeup products, and brushes. Make sure there is enough space for each participant to work.
Have each participant pair up with a partner, and give each pair a blindfold to put on one partner.
The blindfolded partner will be the one who will receive the makeup application. The other partner will apply makeup on the blindfolded partner’s face.
The person who is applying makeup must direct the blindfolded partner on what to do, such as “close your eyes,” “pucker your lips,” or “smile.”
Give each pair a set amount of time to apply makeup, such as five minutes. When time is up, have each pair remove the blindfold and reveal their masterpiece.
Take pictures of each participant’s makeup look and share them with the group.
Reward the best makeup look with a prize, such as a gift card or a makeup kit.
Remember to keep the makeup game fun and light-hearted. Make sure each participant is comfortable and having fun throughout the game.
6. Make Your Own Pizzas
A pizza party can be a fun and interactive way to celebrate a birthday girl.
Choose the pizza toppings you want to offer. This can include a variety of vegetables, meats, cheeses, and sauces.
Be sure to purchase pizza crusts or make them from scratch ahead of time.
Set up a pizza-making station with all the toppings and crusts, and make sure there are enough utensils and plates for everyone.
Then have the guests create their own pizzas by adding their preferred toppings.
Once the pizzas are assembled, bake them in the oven according to the crust instructions.
Serve the pizzas once they are done baking, and let the guests enjoy their delicious creations.
For dessert, consider making or ordering a pizza-shaped cake or cupcakes.
You can provide goodie bags for the guests to take home, filled with pizza-themed items such as pizza cutters, oven mitts, or aprons.
7. Spa Party
Bust out the bottles of nail polish, face masks, and sliced cucumbers!
Throwing a spa party for your little girl and her friends can be a fun and relaxing way to celebrate.
Choose a location for the party, such as your home or a spa that offers kid-friendly services.
Set the mood by creating a relaxing atmosphere with calming music, dim lighting, and scented candles or essential oils.
Plan spa treatments such as facials, pedicures, or manicures that are appropriate for children.
To reduce the mess, purchase stick on nails. They’re so easy to apply and kids love them.
Set up a DIY face mask station where the guests can create their own face masks using ingredients such as yogurt, honey, and fruit.
Provide spa robes, headbands, and slippers for the guests to wear during the treatments.
Serve healthy snacks and drinks such as fruit smoothies or cucumber water.
Provide goodie bags for the guests to take home, filled with spa-themed items such as bath bombs, nail polish, or lip balm.
You could also buy hair chalk and colored hair spray for a funky twist.
9. Mocktail Party
Set up a mocktail bar with a variety of non-alcoholic drinks such as soda, fruit juices, and sparkling water.
Provide a variety of mix-ins such as fruit slices, mint leaves, and simple syrups.
Set up glasses, straws, and any other necessary kitchen tools.
Create a menu of mocktail recipes that the guests can choose from.
Provide instructions on how to make each mocktail or assign a bartender to assist with the mixing.
Encourage guests to get creative and experiment with their own mocktail combinations.
Provide garnishes such as fruit slices or sugar rims for the glasses.
Consider adding a “mocktail of the day” or “mocktail contest” to encourage guests to try new drinks and vote on their favorite.
Make sure to have plenty of ice and a trash can nearby for easy clean-up.
10. Birthday Party Games
Never Have I Ever
If you have played this fun game before, you know that it’s a great icebreaker for people of all ages. It can help you get to know the people you’re playing with, whether they be friends, family, or strangers.
Here’s a list of the 250 best never have I ever questions for kids, suitable for people of all ages.
Truth or Dare
Truth or Dare is a classic game to help everyone get to know each other better, or it can be played among close friends to bond even more.
It’s great for older kids, but can be played with younger kids as well.
One player asks another player if they want a “Truth” or a “Dare.” If they say “Truth”, you can ask them anything and they have to answer truthfully. You can come up with a question on your own or find a list online.
Examples of Truth Questions:
1. “When is the last time you lied?
2. “What is the most embarrassing music you listen to?
3. “What is your biggest regret?”
If they choose Dare, you get to dare them to do something silly or embarrassing!
Examples of Dares:
1. Do a free-style rap for the next minute.
2. Act like a chicken until your next turn.
3. Talk in a British accent until your next turn.
4. Do 20 pushups.
5. Dump out your purse, backpack, or pockets and do a show and tell of what’s inside.
Important Note:
It’s important to stay safe both emotionally and physically. Set clear expectation for your party guests.
Name That Tune
Name that tune is a simple game for kids who love music. Put together a playlist of your child and their friend’s favorite songs. Then divide the kids into two teams and play quick snippets of each song.
Have the kids write down their answers and see who gets the most points. Plan a fun music-themed prize for the winner, and perhaps a consolation prize for the other team.
You can also play “Hum That Tune” where party guests try to hum a song for their teammates to guess.
Would you Rather?
Playing “Would You Rather” is a great way to spark discussion and laughter, and get to know each other better. It’s fun to pose questions that require the other person to choose between two great options, but sometimes it’s even more fun to make them choose between two terrible options.
Use your imagination or google the term “Would You Rather Questions”, and choose a few that appeal to you.
Here are some examples:
“Would you rather live in a house shaped like a circle, or a house shaped like a triangle?“
“Would you rather only be able to walk backwards or only be able to walk on all fours?“
“Would you rather eat a slug or take a bath with a spider?“
Need some help coming up with questions? This book on Amazon has some ideas for you.
Board Games
Bust out the board games from the cabinet and make a night of it! Kids this age love games like Monopoly, Pictionary, Taboo, Trivial Pursuit, and more.
Just serve up some snacks, put on some music, and let them have some fun together.
11. Piñata
Busting open a piñata is always a fun idea for a birthday party, and it’s not just for little kids!
You can buy a piñata at any party store, or even Walmart. The guest of honor goes first, and all the kids will love trying to break it open so that all the candy will fall out.
Depending on the number of children on your guest list, you may want to get more than one piñata.
One fun twist is to fill the piñata with something other than candy, such as Pokemon Cards or small figurines.
Bonus? The candy they collect in bags are built-in party favors!
12. Tie-Dye Party
A tie-dye party is a great way to throw a bright and colorful birthday party. And the kids will have an automatic party favor to take home and wear for years to come.
Order a tie-dye kit ahead of time and ask the kids to bring a white t-shirt or other clothing items. You’ll also need rubber bands and rubber gloves.
Google around for simple instructions on different pattern designs.!
Once you’ve created your masterpiece, make sure to care for it correctly.
Here are step-by-step instructions for how to wash your tie-dye shirt for the first time.
14. Freeze Dance
Bring a speaker outside and blast your favorite music. When the music stops, everyone freezes! You can also play musical chairs, where everyone has to sit down in a chair when the music stops. Take one chair away each round.
Here are our top 100 Best Kids Dance Songs >>
15. Flashlight Tag
At your next party, bring out your flashlights and play flashlight tag, shadow charades, catch the light, or flashlight limbo, or have a flashlight disco party!
16. Hula Hoop Fun
Use a hula hoop to play human ring toss, or just have some fun spinning the hula hoop around your waist! Get the Wham-O Original Hula Hoop Set of 3 Sizes, to fit your kids of all ages (and you!).
17. Sidewalk Chalk Mural
For a cool-looking geometric chalk mural, place masking tape on the ground, fence, or any surface you are working on your chalk mural. Create geomatric shapes similar to a stained glass window. Color in the shapes. When you lift the tape up, you’ll have a beautiful geometric mural.
18. Petting Zoo
You can either transport the kids out to a local petting zoo, or contract an animal keeper to bring one to your home. This is great for kids who are animal lovers.
19. Glow Stick Dance Party
One of the best things about being a kid is letting loose and dancing up a storm.
Give everyone a set glow sticks, turn out the lights, and put on their favorite music!
Here are top 100 Best Kids Dance Songs >>
20. Twister
Twister is a fun game for this age group, and it’s a sure hit for a birthday party. The game caller shouts out the body part and what color it needs to be placed on. The last person standing wins!
You can order the classic game or create a giant outdoor Twister game on your lawn using paint. See it on sheknows.com.
21. Limbo
The classic game of Limbo is one of the most fun party games there is. Put some limbo music on the speaker, and grab a pole, stick, or shower rod. Let the limbo games begin! The entire party will love this activity.
Want to level up? Get some island-themed party decorations, since the game of limbo originated in Caribbean island of Trinidad.
22. Cupcake Wars
Pre-bake some plain cupcakes and let the kids compete with each other for the best-decorated cupcakes, just like in their favorite baking shows! The winning team can earn a baking-themed prize. The best part? It’s built-in party food!
23. Karaoke Party
Fire up the karaoke machine and let the kids be silly! This pairs well with a glow stick dance party, movie night, and sleepover party or undernight.
24. Face Painting
There’s no question about it – seven year olds absolutely love face painting. For your party, you can either hire a face painter or do it yourself. Order some non-toxic face paint and watch a few Youtube videos to get started.
25. Treasure Hunt or Scavenger Hunt
If you’re feeling motivated, organize a simple treasure or scavenger hunt for your party goers. If you have a birthday party theme, it’s a good idea to have the scavenger hunt go along with it. For example, if it’s a Harry Potter party, it could be a Marauder’s Map theme.
26. Backyard Campout
Who says your child’s birthday party has to be complicated? Take it back to simpler times with a backyard campout. Have everyone bring their tent and sleeping bag and campout in the backyard. Bonus points for a campfire, flashlight tag, and s’mores.
Younger children who haven’t slept outside before may get spooked, so chat with parents beforehand.
27. Paint & Sip
Turn your own home into a Paint & Sip Art Studio! Provide a canvas, paint, and fruit juices or soda so your party guests can paint and sip to their hearts content. They’ll have so much fun, and you can provide a new paintbrush or watercolor set for party favors.
Variation #1: Plein Air Painting
Grab some paper and paint, and paint in the great outdoors! Your backyard or a local park is the perfect spot for this simple activity. Paint the trees, grass, and flowers that you see around you. Paint your house. Art easels make this activity even more fun.
Variation 2: Mud Painting
Mud painting is a great way to do a painting activity on a budget. Grab some containers you don’t care much about, some plain paper, and a handful of old paintbrushes. Outside, scoop a healthy amount of dirt into each container, and then add a small amount of water and good amount of food coloring. If you don’t have food coloring, this will be lots of fun with plain old mud. Some recipes call for dish soap to help prevent stains in clothes, but it’s also optional. You’re ready to mud paint!
28. Balloon Stomp
A Balloon Stomp is a high-energy game where everyone tries to pop balloons that have been tied around each person’s ankles. The last person standing wins!
29. Magic Show
For a magic themed party, bringing in a magician is a great idea. Be sure to read reviews from other parents to make sure they’re a good performer. A magic show is a sure hit at any child’s birthday party!
30. Tipi Tents
Tipi tents at sleepover parties are all the rage right now. Local companies usually offer themed tents and everyone gets their own special space to hang out and sleep. Tipi tents will definitely make the party memorable!
31. Mad Science Experiments
Do you have a child who would love a mad scientist party theme? Here’s a list of 75 super-simple, mind-blowing science experiments – all great ideas for your next party.
32. Bouncy House
Bounce houses are always a great time. You can rent one to put in your backyard or a local park, add some delicious food items and fun music, and you’ve got a poppin’ party! The birthday boy or girl will love it.
33 Water Balloon Games
On a hot summer day, water balloon games are the perfect way to cool off. Here are 21 fun water balloon games you’ll all love. Afterwards, serve some ice cream!
34. Ninja Bootcamp Obstacle Course
This age group loves a good challenge. Grab some cones, hula hoops, outdoor blankets, small stools, and any other equipment you could use for an outdoor obstacle course. Time each other running through. Who can do it fastest? This is a simple, fun way to get active.
35. Build a Fort
I have yet to meet a child who doesn’t love to build a blanket fort. And a sleepover party is the perfect time to do it. Bust out every blanket and pillow in your house and let you kids have at it!
36. Friendship Bracelets
Buy some lanyard or multi-colored string and have the kids make friendship bracelets. There are all kinds of tutorials online or kits a your local craft store.
37. Hot Cocoa Bar
This is an especially good idea during the colder months. Buy some hot cocoa, whipped cream, and fun toppings like sprinkles, marshmallows, and chocolate shavings. Everyone will love this sweet and special treat.
38. Relay Races
Penguin Race
For a fun relay race, set up two cones or markers on either side of the yard. Each racer has to place a ball (the “egg”) between their legs. See how many laps they can complete in one minute. If they drop the “egg” they have to do 5 jumping jacks!
Egg & Spoon Race
Place a small object like a marble or egg on a spoon, and set up two cones or markers on either end of the yard. The first person has to try to get from the start to the finish line with out dropping it, then come back and tag the next person in line. Use objects from around the house, or use the cute and colorful Hey! Play! Wooden Egg and Spoon Race Game from Overstock.com.
39. Slip n’ Slide n’ Grab
When you can’t have a pool party, a slip n’ slide is the best way to get wet and wild! Better yet, place random objects along the slip n slide. Try to grab them as you slide down! Any 8-year-old boy or girl would love to have a slip n’ slide birthday party.
40. Frisbee Toss
Hone your frisbee throwing skills. Grab a bucket or laundry basket, and have each birthday guest try to toss the frisbee in from varying lengths across the yard.
41. Cornhole
This classic game will be a fun activity for your next party. Split the kids up into teams of two and start a tournament!
42. Three legged Race
Tie the left leg of one person to the right leg of another person and see how fast you can get across the yard!
43. Horseshoes
Horseshoes is a great game that all ages can play. Just toss the horseshoe to try to get a ringer around the stake! Get this safe-for-kids Hey! Play! Rubber Horseshoes Set from Overstock.com.
44. Potato Sack Races
Use sleeping bags or potato sacks to race across the yard in this field day favorite! You can get classic double burlap potato sacks on Overstock.com.
45. Giant Jenga
Stack up the wooden blocks and remove the one by one. Don’t let the tower fall! We like this set from Hey! Play! on Overstock.com because the pieces are large, but they aren’t so giant that they would hurt someone when they all come crashing down.
Alternative: If you don’t have a giant Jenga game, or want a budget friendly game option, you can opt for a giant Memory Game. Use a Sharpie to write two of each letter or number on large pieces of cardboard. (Or, with a little imagination, you could make more creative memory cards.) Then lay all the cardboard facedown in your yard and play a giant game of Memory!
46. Tag
Stuck in the Mud Tag
Players pick someone to be “it.” They get five seconds to run away from whoever is “it.” The “it” person must run and tag everyone to win the game. When the “it” person tags a player, the player gets stuck in the mud and can’t move. To save players who are stuck, other players can crawl through their legs to free them.
Freeze Tag
One player is It. When a player is tagged, they must remain frozen in place. They can be unfrozen if they’re tagged by a non-It player.
Tunnel Tag
One player is It. When a player is tagged, they must remain frozen in place, with their legs wide apart, creating a tunnel. They can be unfrozen if a non-It player crawls under the leg tunnel.
Bandaid Tag
One player is It. When a player is tagged they put a hand (as a “band-aid”) over the spot where It touched them. When they are tagged a second time, they places the other hand on the new spot. When they are tagged a third time, they becomes It.
47. Water Blob
Get a clear plastic tarp and fold it in half. Duct tape the three open sides so that they are completely shut. Leave a small opening to fill up the blob with water. Once it’s filled, close it up with duct tape. Everyone will love sliding, jumping, and laying on your new water blob.
48. Ice Skating
In a cold weather climate, ice skating is the perfect birthday party activities for boys. You could even start up a hockey game!
49. Sledding
Another cold weather favorite is sledding. Head to a local park with a big hill and bring your favorite sleds. Grill out some hot dogs or bring hot cocoa to warm up afterwards.
50. Escape Room
A birthday party at an escape room is sure to be epic! They are given a time limit and have to work together to crack clues and escape whatever imaginary situation they’ve been put in.
From all of us here at Milwaukee With Kids, happy party planning, and happy birthday to your little girl!
We hope you loved these birthday party ideas and that your child’s party is a lot of fun. Here’s wishing them a very special day.
Related Posts:
50 Creative Birthday Party Ideas for Your 3-Year-Old
50 Outdoor Birthday Party Ideas for Your 4-Year-Old
50 Fun Birthday Party Activities for Your 5 Year Old
50 Fun Activities for Your 7 Year Old’s Birthday Party
50 Fun Activities for Your 8 Year Old’s Birthday Party
50 Fun Activities for Your 10 Year Old’s Birthday Party
50 Best Ideas for Your 10 Year Old Girl’s Party
50 Fun Activities for Your 11 Year Old’s Birthday Party
50 Best Birthday Activities for a 12 Year Old
50 Best Birthday Party Activities for a 13 Year Old
50 Fun Activities for a Girl’s Birthday Party
50 Fun Activities for a Boy’s Birthday Party
50 Best Birthday Party Activities for Kids
50 Best Sleepover Activities for 11 Year Olds
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
