Donuts are more than just a delicious treat — they can also be the star of any party! Whether you’re planning a birthday bash, a family gathering, or a fun get-together with friends, incorporating donut-themed games can bring a unique, sugary twist to your event. While our competitor covered some fun donut games, we’re taking it a step further by providing not only the popular games but also a wider variety of ideas, enhanced game instructions and tips for making the most of your donut-themed event.
Our aim is to make sure you have all the information needed to plan an unforgettable donut party. From classic party games to creative new activities, we’ve curated 20 of the best donut-themed games that are guaranteed to keep your guests entertained. Let’s dive in!
Donut Party Games – The Classics with a Twist
Here, we’ll take some traditional donut-themed party games and add a few twists to enhance the fun and make them more inclusive for all ages.
1. Donut on a String (With Variations)
Traditional yet exciting, but with a twist!
This game involves players trying to eat a donut off a string without using their hands. However, we’ve added an extra layer of challenge to keep things fresh:
- Variation 1: For younger kids, use mini donuts for an easier, age-appropriate version.
- Variation 2: Try a blindfolded version for older players. This can add laughter as players fumble to find the donut without their sight.
- Variation 3: Speed round! Set a timer to see who can eat the donut the fastest without dropping it.
2. Donut Relay Race
Incorporating movement and teamwork, the donut relay race is always a crowd-pleaser. The original game has teams of players balancing a donut on a spoon. To up the excitement:
- Twist 1: Add obstacles, like cones or hoops, for players to navigate through while balancing their donut.
- Twist 2: Use powdered donuts to add an extra messy element, making it even harder to keep the donut from falling.
Donut Games for All Ages – Expanding the Fun
It’s important to have games that cater to everyone at the party, from little kids to adults. Below are a few enhanced versions of donut games that will engage all age groups, keeping the fun level high for everyone.
3. Donut Hole Toss
While our competitor mentioned the basic version of this game, we’ve enhanced it with more variations and scoring ideas to add excitement:
- How to Play: Set up several plastic bowls at varying distances, each bowl having a designated point value. Players throw donut holes into the bowls, trying to rack up the most points.
- Advanced Version: Incorporate different-sized bowls and add bonus rounds with extra points if players land multiple donut holes in a row. You can even try glow-in-the-dark bowls and donut holes for a nighttime twist!
4. Pin the Sprinkle on the Donut
A cute variation of the classic “Pin the Tail on the Donkey,” this game works great for younger children but can be fun for older guests with a few adjustments:
- Twist for Adults: Add a competitive edge by creating teams and seeing who can place their sprinkle closest to a pre-marked “golden sprinkle” spot. Introduce a prize for the team that wins!
5. Donut Stack Challenge
In this simple but entertaining game, players race to stack as many donuts as they can within a certain time frame.
- Twist: Use a variety of donut sizes (from mini donuts to full-sized ones) and introduce challenges like stacking with one hand only or using chopsticks to handle the donuts. You can even add a rule where the donuts must be balanced on a wobbly surface, like a small board or cushion!
6. Donut Decoration Contest
This activity doubles as a creative game and a sweet treat! Provide plain donuts and a variety of toppings (sprinkles, icing, candy) and let players create their own donut masterpieces. Once finished, they can be judged on creativity, design, or even taste.
- Variation: Host a “blind decoration” round where contestants decorate their donut blindfolded for a hilarious twist!
7. Donut-Themed Bingo
Bingo is always a crowd favorite, but we’re taking it up a notch with this donut-themed version. Instead of standard numbers and letters, create bingo cards with different donut flavors, toppings and shapes.
- Bonus: You can have donut-themed prizes for the winners or allow the winner to choose from an assortment of fresh donuts as their reward.
Donut Games for Larger Groups – Keeping the Energy High
When you’re hosting a larger party, it’s important to include games that keep everyone involved and excited. Here are some ideas that work perfectly for big groups.
8. Donut Piñata
A piñata is a must-have for any party and a donut-shaped piñata filled with goodies is no exception. This is a game both kids and adults can enjoy.
- Twist: Instead of using a regular bat, try using a large “donut stick” for players to swing with. Also, fill the piñata not just with candy but with donut-themed toys, mini donut keychains and other creative treats to surprise everyone.
9. Donut Walk
A twist on the traditional cake walk, the donut walk is a great way to keep larger groups entertained. Here’s how you can level it up:
- How to Play: Set up numbered spaces in a circle and play music. When the music stops, players step onto a numbered space. Draw a number and the player standing on that number wins a donut prize.
- Advanced Idea: Instead of just one winner per round, assign different donut flavors to various numbers. Players can win different types of donuts or even multiple winners for more excitement.
10. Donut Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is a perfect way to keep guests active and engaged.
- How to Play: Hide donut-themed items (like donut plushies, mini donut toys, or even small donut treats) around the party area. Guests can work individually or in teams to find as many items as they can within a time limit.
- Twist: Add “golden donuts” hidden in harder-to-find spots for bonus points or a special prize.
11. Pass the Donut (Musical Donut Game)
While this game is similar to “musical chairs,” the twist is that you use a donut plush toy instead of chairs!
- How to Play: Guests pass the donut around the circle as the music plays. When the music stops, the person holding the donut is eliminated. Keep going until there’s only one winner left.
Donut-Themed Games for Kids – Keeping It Simple and Fun
While many donut games can be adapted for all ages, here are some specific ones that are perfect for younger children, keeping them engaged without requiring too much setup or supervision.
12. Donut Memory Game
This simple, educational game is perfect for preschoolers or early elementary-aged kids. It helps improve their memory skills while keeping the donut theme front and center.
- How to Play: Create matching cards with different types of donuts. Lay them face down and kids take turns flipping over two cards to find matches. The player with the most matches wins.
- Variation: Add a competitive twist by timing the rounds and seeing who can find all their matches the fastest.
13. Donut Hole Spoon Race
Perfect for small kids, this race is a smaller and easier version of the donut relay.
- How to Play: Players balance a donut hole on a spoon and race to the finish line without dropping it.
- Tip: For extra fun, you can create different “racetracks” with various obstacles or turns to make the game more challenging.
14. Donut Ring Toss
In this fun twist on the classic ring toss, kids try to toss mini donuts or donut-shaped rings onto poles or sticks.
- How to Play: Use donut-shaped pool toys or even large foam donuts and toss them onto poles at different distances. The further the pole, the more points it’s worth.
- Bonus: You can also use real donuts (with a hole in the center) to make it an edible game—players can eat the donuts they successfully toss onto the poles!
15. Donut Decorating Contest (Kids Edition)
While we covered this activity for all ages, here’s how to make it kid-friendly:
- How to Play: Set up a donut decorating station with kid-friendly toppings like rainbow sprinkles, colored icing and small candy pieces. Allow kids to decorate their own donuts and have a judge pick the most creative or colorful designs.
- Bonus: Give every child a small award, such as “Most Colorful,” “Most Creative,” or “Best Use of Sprinkles,” to ensure everyone feels included.
Donut Puzzles and Games for Quiet Fun
Not every game has to be high-energy. Sometimes, a few quieter activities are great for winding down the party or engaging guests who prefer a more relaxed environment. These donut-themed puzzles and games are perfect for that.
16. Donut Jigsaw Puzzles
Puzzles are a fantastic way to keep guests entertained and donut-themed jigsaw puzzles add a sweet touch to the fun.
- Options:
- 300-Piece Donut Puzzle: Ideal for younger kids or beginners.
- 500-Piece Donut Puzzle: A bit more challenging, perfect for older children and adults.
- 1000-Piece Donut Puzzle: Great for serious puzzle enthusiasts who want a real challenge.
17. Go Nuts for Donuts Card Game
This is a strategic, fast-paced card game that’s perfect for families or groups of friends.
- How to Play: Each player takes turns bidding on different types of donut cards. The goal is to collect the most valuable donuts while trying to block your opponents from getting the ones they need. This game requires a good balance of strategy and fun, making it perfect for all ages.
18. Donut-Themed Bingo
Bingo never goes out of style, but with donut-themed boards, it adds an extra layer of excitement.
- How to Play: Create bingo cards with donut varieties or toppings instead of numbers. The first player to complete a row or column wins a donut-themed prize!
19. Donut Hole Tic-Tac-Toe
For a quick and easy game, set up a giant tic-tac-toe board using donut holes as the X’s and O’s.
- How to Play: Use a large board on the ground (or table) and let players take turns placing donut holes to form three in a row. This simple game is fun for kids and adults alike and the winner gets to eat their donut holes as a prize!
20. Busy Busy Bake Shop
This educational game helps kids develop fine motor skills while also having fun with a donut theme.
- How to Play: The objective is to get four donuts in a row while avoiding the sneaky mouse that tries to run off with the donuts. It’s a simple game but packed with educational value and entertainment for younger guests.
Conclusion
Donut games are the perfect addition to any party, combining the fun of competition with everyone’s favorite sweet treat. Whether you’re planning a birthday celebration or just looking for some unique and exciting activities, these 20 donut-themed games are sure to bring a smile to every guest’s face. From high-energy relay races and scavenger hunts to quieter activities like jigsaw puzzles and tic-tac-toe, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So grab your donuts, set up your games and let the sweetness unfold!
