13 Birthday Party Games That Would Be Shut Down Today
These 13 birthday party games were once popular but would likely be considered unsafe, inappropriate, or outdated by today's standards.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Many children’s birthday party games from past decades would not be acceptable today. Some were physically risky, while others involved themes or behaviors that are now considered inappropriate or unsafe. This list reviews 13 examples of games that would raise concerns if played at a modern party.
1. Blindfolded Tag
EJ Fox on Wikimedia Commons
This game involved running around while blindfolded, trying to catch other players. It often led to children running into furniture, walls, or each other. Injuries such as cuts, bruises, and even concussions were not uncommon. Today, this would be seen as too dangerous for indoor or unsupervised play.
2. Musical Chairs with Pushing
Artaxerxes on Wikimedia Commons
In the 1990s and early 2000s, some versions of musical chairs encouraged aggressive behavior. Children would push or shove each other to get a seat. Minor fights and injuries happened regularly. Most parents and schools would now avoid this version because it promotes unsafe competition.
3. Candy or Coin Hunt in Balloons
Kampus Production on Pexels
In this game, children popped balloons with their bodies or sharp objects to find candy or coins inside. Balloon pieces could be a choking hazard, and sharp tools added extra risk. Popping sounds also triggered fear in some kids. Safety concerns have made this game much less common.
4. Sack Races on Concrete
Pabvigar on Wikimedia Commons
Sack races were often done in backyards or driveways, not always on grass. Falling while inside a sack often led to scraped knees or worse. Without padding or supervision, injuries were likely. Today, games like this would usually be limited to soft, open areas or avoided altogether.
5. Bobbing for Apples
Caleb Zahnd on Wikimedia Commons
This game involves multiple children putting their faces into the same bowl of water to grab apples with their mouths. Hygiene issues were often ignored. Sharing water in this way is now considered unsanitary, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s rarely used at modern parties for health reasons.
6. Pin the Tail on the Donkey (with Real Pins)
Official Navy Page on Wikimedia Commons
Earlier versions used actual pins or thumbtacks rather than stickers or Velcro. This created a clear risk, especially with blindfolded children walking around. Poking or scratching accidents were common. Most modern versions have replaced the sharp items with safe alternatives.
7. Piñatas with Sticks in Small Spaces
JEDIKNIGHT1970 on Wikimedia Commons
Breaking a piñata in small rooms or crowded yards caused accidental hits. Children were often blindfolded and swinging hard while others stood nearby. Injuries to bystanders were frequent. Most parents today use piñatas with pull strings or enforce strict spacing.
8. Truth or Dare
BRFZ1 on Wikimedia Commons
This game was often played without adult supervision and sometimes led to inappropriate dares. Peer pressure and embarrassment were common. In mixed-age groups, it could cross into unsafe territory. It’s now generally discouraged at children’s events.
9. Chubby Bunny
Chad Brassil on Wikimedia Commons
Children stuffed marshmallows into their mouths while saying “chubby bunny.” The goal was to fit as many as possible. This game posed a real choking hazard, and there were reports of serious incidents. It has been banned at many schools and youth centers for safety reasons.
10. Balloon Sit Relay
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
This game had children race to sit and pop balloons by force. It encouraged aggressive motion and sometimes caused falls. Balloon pieces also presented choking risks for younger kids. Many parents now skip this game due to both injury and cleanup concerns.
11. Sleeping Beauty Game
Ron Lach on Pexels
One child lies down and pretends to be asleep while others try to “wake” them by saying or doing silly things. In some versions, touching or kissing was encouraged. This kind of physical contact is now considered inappropriate in group settings. It’s no longer seen as a suitable children’s game.
12. Spin the Bottle (Kiss Version)
Julie Jordan Scott on Wikimedia Commons
Some birthday parties allowed this game even among pre-teens. It often involved kissing or close physical contact, which many now find inappropriate for young children. It created peer pressure and awkward situations. Most parents would not allow it today.
13. Ride the Human Horse
Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels
One child acted as a horse while another rode on their back during races or relays. This could lead to back injuries, falls, or collisions. The child carrying others was often put in an uncomfortable or unsafe position. This game has been replaced with safer alternatives or removed entirely.