Balloon Burst. Riggs says this is one of her favorite games.

Cake and presents may be the main attraction of your little one’s birthday party, but it’s important to have games planned to keep the kids entertained and out of trouble. Devising games can be time-consuming, so we asked some party planning experts to advise us on picking party games for kids that are sure to be a hit — and are easy to set up.

Laura Riggs, owner of Party Games Plus, advises parents to avoid competitive games with younger children because they don’t always grasp the concept of sportsmanship, and their feelings are easily hurt when they don’t win. Bridget Parry, an event stylist and party blogger, says she always likes incorporating crafts and games around the party’s theme. The only real rule with birthday party games is that they should be fun!