Classic children's party games such as blind man's bluff, limbo, and wink murder are disappearing from celebrations, as modern youngsters label them 'cringe' or 'boring.' A survey of 1,000 children aged six to 11 and their parents revealed that only 16% of children have ever played wink murder. Sleeping lions and musical bumps also ranked low on the list of traditional games experienced.
Modern preferences
Instead, children now prefer free play on bouncy castles or with inflatable games (63%), being entertained by a performer (55%), or watching films (50%). A total of 68% of parents admitted that finding enjoyable, inexpensive, and low-prep games that all children will want to play is a major concern.
The survey, commissioned by Capri-Sun, which recently launched a 20-pouch party pack with 14 interactive games, aims to help parents bring simple fun to children's parties. A spokesperson for the brand said: 'Perhaps parents need to learn some new games as well as show their little ones what they used to play when they were young. The trick is not to overthink it – children won't remember the tiny details in the same way a parent does, only how it made them feel.'
Top traditional games still played
Despite the decline, some traditional games remain popular. The top three most played games are hide and seek (73%), pass the parcel (66%), and musical chairs (64%). Children expressed interest in trying these games because their friends would also like them (65%), they sound amusing (48%), and they enjoy trying new things (47%).
However, less popular games like wink murder, sleeping lions, and blind man's bluff were avoided because 'they sound dull,' 'cringe,' or children disliked the name. According to the survey, the best games include prizes or rewards (47%), and 24% love it when everyone can play at once.
Party planning stress
Parents typically spend three months preparing for parties, with 14% starting five to six months ahead. While 39% find party preparations thrilling, 30% consider it stressful, and 23% worry about costs. Organizing a budget-friendly celebration was a priority for 28%, with 42% saying parties are pricier nowadays. A quarter also insisted they are far more complex than in the past.
Despite these challenges, 44% said their children enjoy contemporary games and activities just as much as traditional ones from parents' own childhoods. The Capri-Sun spokesperson added: 'Parents need as much help as they can get when it comes to party planning. They want to keep things low cost but kids are wanting venues booked with fun activities. With not all parents quite knowing how to get the traditional party games off to a flying start it can be stressful – when you just want them to have as much fun as possible and to keep the party atmosphere going.'
Top 15 most played games at children's parties
- Hide and seek
- Pass the parcel
- Musical chairs
- Musical statues
- Simon Says
- Duck, Duck, Goose
- Party dancing competitions (e.g., best dancer)
- Pin the tail on the donkey
- Balloon popping (sitting on balloons)
- Musical bumps
- Sleeping Lions
- Limbo
- Blind man's bluff
- Musical corners
- Wink Murder
