Classic kids’s social gathering video games dying out as youngsters say they’re ‘cringe’
Research shows kids are shunning a number of traditional children’s party games in favour of bouncy castles and modern entertainment – here are the classic party games disappearing from celebrations
Blind man’s bluff, limbo and wink murder are the games dying out at children’s parties. A survey of 1,000 children aged between six and 11 and their parents showed only 16% of the youngsters have ever played wink murder. Sleeping lions and musical bumps also featured low on the list of traditional games they have experienced.
Instead, youngsters 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 one of their concerns is finding enjoyable games that all the children will want to play, which are inexpensive and require minimal preparation.
The survey was commissioned by Capri-Sun, which has introduced a 20-pouch party pack featuring 14 interactive games, aimed at assisting parents in bringing simple fun to children’s parties.
A spokesperson from the drinks 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 over think it – children won’t remember the tiny details in the same way a parent does, only how it made them feel.”
The research also revealed that among the traditional party games, hide and seek (73%), pass the parcel (66%) and musical chairs (64%) are the top three most played.
Children who expressed interest in trying these games said it was because their friends would also like to (65%), they sound amusing (48%) and they enjoy trying new things (47%).
However, the main reasons for avoiding less popular games like wink murder, sleeping lions and blind man’s bluff were ‘they sound dull’, ‘cringe’ and they didn’t like the name.
According to the survey, the best games include prizes or rewards (47%), and 24% love it when everyone can play at once.
Parents typically spend three months preparing for parties – with 14% starting their planning five to six months ahead. While 39% of parents find party preparations thrilling, 30% consider it stressful and 23% worry about the costs.
As such, organising a budget-friendly celebration was a priority for 28%, with 42% of parents suggesting children’s parties are pricier nowadays. A quarter also insisted they’re far more complex than they once were.
Despite this, 44% said their youngsters enjoy contemporary games and activities just as much as the sort of traditional party games mums and dads recall from their own childhood.
The spokesperson from Capri-Sun, which has drinks that can also be personalised for each party guest, said: “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.”
THE 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
