You’re planning a Toy Story birthday party, and let me tell you – nothing beats watching kids’ faces light up when they step into Andy’s room come to life. I’ve hosted countless themed parties over the years, and Toy Story consistently delivers the most engaged, giggling group of little ones you’ll ever see. From converting your backyard into Star Command headquarters to watching shy kids suddenly burst into Jessie’s signature yodel, these 14 activities will keep every guest entertained. But here’s what most parents don’t realize about the secret ingredient that makes these games truly unforgettable…
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Training Course
Metamorphosing your backyard into Star Command headquarters doesn’t require a NASA budget—just some creativity and household items.
Set up an intergalactic obstacle course using pool noodles as laser beams to crawl under, hula hoops as portals to jump through, and cardboard boxes as asteroid fields to maneuver around. I’ve found that adding sound effects from your phone makes everything more authentic.
Create an alien flight simulator by having kids spin around a baseball bat ten times, then attempt to “fly” through the course. Trust me, the giggles are worth it. Award each participant with official Space Ranger badges—plastic sheriff stars work perfectly.
Complete the transformation with Toy Story decorations that turn your space into Andy’s room, featuring character cutouts and themed banners that make every young Space Ranger feel like they’ve stepped into the movie.
Woody’s Wild West Roundup Game
While Buzz gets all the high-tech gadgets, Woody’s rootin’ tootin’ charm brings its own brand of party magic that’ll have kids hollering “There’s a snake in my boot!”
Alter your party space into Andy’s room meets the Wild West by setting up a lasso station using rope or jump ropes tied into lassos.
The cowboy lasso toss becomes instantly engaging when you arrange stuffed animals or cardboard cutouts as targets. Kids take turns roping their “cattle” while you cheer them on.
Don’t forget a western themed photo booth with cowboy hats and bandanas for those perfect Wild West memories.
Complete the Wild West experience by encouraging young party guests to come dressed in Toy Story costumes featuring cowboy boots, vests, and sheriff badges to fully embody their favorite characters.
Pin the Badge on Sheriff Woody
Since every great sheriff needs their badge, this Toy Story twist on the classic party game modifies Pin the Tail on the Donkey into a Wild West escapade that’ll have kids giggling as they stumble around blindfolded.
You’ll need a large poster of Sheriff Woody (or create your own woody’s wanted poster design) and several paper badges. Each child gets blindfolded, spun around three times, then attempts to pin their badge closest to Woody’s vest.
Make it extra fun by letting kids wear a buzz lightyear disguise game mask instead of traditional blindfolds. The closest badge wins a small prize!
For an even more immersive experience, consider setting up a Toy Story backdrop behind your Woody poster to create the perfect photo opportunity when kids take their turns.
Toy Story Treasure Hunt Adventure
Every successful toy rescue operation requires a good scavenger hunt, and this Toy Story excursion will metamorphose your party area into Andy’s room where toys have concealed special surprises throughout the residence.
This toy story clue game works brilliantly because you’re fundamentally creating mini-adventures. Hide small toys or themed trinkets around your space, then craft clues referencing movie moments. “Where Buzz first learned he couldn’t fly” might lead kids to your staircase.
The toy story scavenger hunt becomes even more engaging when you include character-specific challenges at each location, like doing Buzz’s karate chop or Woody’s cowboy swagger before claiming their prize.
For younger children celebrating their first birthday milestone, simplify the hunt by using picture clues instead of written ones and place treasures in easily accessible, safe locations at their eye level.
Rex’s Roaring Dinosaur Stomp Dance
After collecting all those treasures, your little adventurers will be ready to release some energy with Rex’s signature moves. This dinosaur stampede reenactment gets everyone moving like prehistoric creatures.
Start by teaching kids Rex’s basic stomp—heavy steps with arms bent like tiny T-rex limbs. Add his worried waddle and signature tail swish for authentic character movement.
Then crank up energetic music for the main event. Kids roar loudly while stomping around your party space, mimicking Rex’s roaring antics perfectly. The nervous dinosaur’s clumsy charm translates beautifully into giggles as children accept their inner prehistoric beast with enthusiastic, silly movements.
This activity works especially well as part of gentle Toy Story themes that cater to the developmental needs and energy levels of younger children.
Slinky Dog Obstacle Course Challenge
While the kids are still buzzing from their dinosaur dance, it’s the perfect time to channel that energy into Slinky Dog’s wiggly, wobbly world.
Create a slinky dog agility course using household items and pool noodles. Set up tunnels to crawl through, cones to weave around, and ropes to wiggle under—just like Slinky himself would traverse.
I love turning this into a slinky dog obstacle race where kids move in pairs, holding hands while maneuvering through each station. They’ll giggle uncontrollably trying to stay connected while conquering every challenge.
Time each team and award fun prizes for creativity, teamwork, and pure silliness. After all the active fun, you can transition into a special breakfast celebration with Toy Story themed pancakes to keep the party magic going strong.
Bo Peep’s Lost Sheep Search Game
Once those little legs have conquered the obstacle course, it’s time to slow things down with a gentler expedition that’ll tap into their detective skills.
This finding lost sheep game metamorphosizes your party space into Bo Peep’s meadow. Hide small white stuffed animals or sheep cutouts throughout the area—behind chairs, under tables, even in plain sight. Give each child a shepherd’s crook (pool noodles work perfectly) and send them on their mission.
The beauty of searching for missing sheep lies in its flexibility. You can adjust difficulty based on age groups, creating easier spots for younger kids while challenging older ones with trickier hiding places. This activity pairs beautifully with feminine Toy Story decor featuring Bo Peep’s gentle pastel colors and sweet shepherd theme.
Pizza Planet Alien Bowling
Set up green plastic bottles as pins and craft adorable alien faces using stickers or markers. The real magic happens when you teach simple alien bowling techniques—like the “claw grip” where kids hold the ball with three fingers, mimicking the aliens’ famous gesture.
Pro tip: Become an expert in these alien bowling tricks by encouraging kids to say “The claw chooses!” before each roll. It’s pure entertainment gold.
This activity perfectly complements other Toy Story themed games and creates an immersive party experience that brings the beloved movie to life.
Mr. Potato Head Mix and Match Relay
This classic relay race converts everyone’s favorite spud into the star of high-energy competition. You’ll divide guests into teams and scatter Mr. Potato Head pieces at opposite ends of your party space. Each player races to grab one piece, returns to their team, then tags the next runner.
The first team to completely assemble their potato wins! I’ve found this game works brilliantly as a warm-up for your potato head costume contest later. Pro tip: set up a potato head image booth nearby where kids can snap silly images with their completed creations afterward.
Jessie’s Yodeling Contest
Nothing brings out the cowgirl spirit like a good old-fashioned yodeling competition inspired by everyone’s favorite pull-string cowgirl.
Set up a makeshift stage where kids can showcase their best yodel-ay-ee-oo sounds. You don’t need perfect yodeling competition techniques – encourage silly voices and creative interpretations. Award prizes for categories like “Most Creative Yodel” and “Loudest Cowgirl Call.”
For extra fun, provide simple jessie’s costume creation materials like red bandanas, yellow shirts, and cowboy hats. Trust me, watching kids belt out yodels while dressed as Jessie creates hilarious memories that’ll have parents laughing for years.
Andy’s Toy Box Musical Chairs
After all that energetic yodeling, you’ll want a game that builds anticipation while giving everyone a chance to participate. Andy’s Toy Box Musical Chairs puts a Pixar spin on the classic game that’ll have kids strategizing their next move.
Set up chairs in a circle, one fewer than your guest count. When the toy box music starts, everyone walks around pretending to be their favorite character. The moment it stops, they scramble for seats.
Here’s my twist: eliminated players become “Andy’s helpers,” controlling the music and cheering. This chair movement strategies approach keeps everyone engaged until the final winner emerges.
Toy Story Character Charades
Charades gets an instant upgrade when you add beloved Toy Story characters to the mix. You’ll watch kids light up as they act out Woody’s signature moves or Rex’s nervous T-rex waddle.
Create cards featuring main characters like Buzz, Bo Peep, and Forky. Include action prompts for reenacting iconic scenes—think “To infinity and beyond!” poses or Slinky Dog’s stretching antics. The physical comedy alters itself when someone attempts Mr. Potato Head’s detachable parts routine.
Pro tip: Combine this with character costume contests by having actors wear simple props. A cowboy hat converts anyone into Woody, while cardboard wings make perfect Buzz Lightyear gear.
Build Your Own Toy Story Craft Station
Every successful Toy Story party needs a hands-on craft station where kids can channel their inner Andy and create their own beloved toys.
Set up tables with clay, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, and paint for diy character figurines. Kids love molding their own Buzz Lightyear or Woody versions – trust me, the wonkier they look, the more proud they’ll be.
Don’t forget personalized gift boxes decorated with stickers and markers. These become perfect take-home containers for their creations.
Pro tip: cover everything with plastic tablecloths. You’ll thank me later when cleanup takes minutes instead of hours.
Toy Story Movie Trivia Challenge
Test your party guests’ Toy Story knowledge with a trivia challenge that’ll separate the true fans from the casual viewers. Create questions covering all four movies, from basic character names to obscure details only dedicated fans would remember.
Mix easy questions like “What’s the cowboy’s name?” with tougher franchise trivia about voice actors or Easter eggs. I’ve found that balancing difficulty levels keeps everyone engaged – younger kids can answer simple ones while older guests tackle complex movie character knowledge questions.
Prepare prizes for different categories: most correct answers, funniest wrong answer, and best Buzz Lightyear impression during questioning.
Conclusion
You’ve got everything you need to launch an unforgettable Toy Story celebration that’ll have kids buzzing with excitement. These activities work whether you’re hosting five kids or fifteen – just pick the games that fit your space and crew. Remember, the real magic happens when you see those little faces light up pretending to be their favorite toys. Now get out there and make some infinity-and-beyond memories!
