Do you ever wish you could have a blast at a good old-fashioned party, playing games like hot potato, pin the tail on the donkey, and musical chairs? Take a step back in time and discover the best 1950s party games that will get the whole family having fun together.

By the end of this piece, you’ll know exactly how to host the most successful 1950s themed party, complete with classic games. These games will provide hours of quality entertainment, liven up any family gathering, and bring fond memories to both young and old.

So, gather the family and get ready to have some old-fashioned fun with the top 1950s party games.

1950s vintage photo of people playing card games

Note: This post is an extension of “The Mini Guide to Hosting the Ultimate 1950’s Themed Party“. Inside this post, I talked about invites,decor, music, clothing and food, the essentials for a successful party. This article jumps into deeper into party games.

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay, are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Note: If the item you clicked on is no longer available, just do a search for like items. There are loads of vintage items being added to Etsy and eBay daily!

Shopping for vintage games: ETSY has LOADS of vintage 1950s games that you can purchase for a really good deal. A couple I feature below but you should go and check out the site yourself and sang them up before they are gone.

Party Game Ideas for a 1950s Themed Party

1950s Party games for adults a spoon game. Image features 2 women in 1950s fashions playing a 1950s party game.

Source: Etsy

Bubble Gum Blowing Contest

Rules: Biggest bubble & who can hold the bubble the longest.

Bobby Soxers and Bubble Gum Blowing Contest Girls 1950s photo

Source: Etsy

Hula Hoop Contest

We did this for mother’s 60th Party and it was a hit!. Simple rules as well. Whoever can keep it going the longest wins.

1950s Hula hop Fad 1950s photo features a women hula hooping in 1950s fashion

Source: Considerable

Trivia Questions from the 1950s (we also did this at my mom’s party)

Now you can create your own, or you can head to Etsy to download someone else’s hard work, like the example below (just type in 1950s party games) . Totally up to you and the effort you want to put into your party planning.

1950s Party Game a 1950s Trivia game

Source: Etsy

Limbo Contest

Whoever can go under the lowest bar is the winner.

Limbo Contest 1950s Party Game

Bingo Card Game-1950s Song Titles

FEBRUARY 2024 UPDATE: The bingo game below is no longer available on Etsy. I have found a similar Bingo Game here.

This version below is from Etsy and is jam packed with fun (and a great price). Here is what the printable digital file contains:

• 50 unique bingo cards for printing (1 card per page, no cutting)
• 75 Caller Slips (must be cut apart)
• Simple instructions for play and preparing for your event
• Sample Bingo Patterns
• BONUS: Caller trivia cheat sheets! Includes the year each song hit the top of the charts and the song’s recording artist.

Bing Card game for a 1950s Party featuring 1950s song titles

Source: Etsy

Name that Tune

Play songs from the 1950s and see who can name the song first.

If you are interested in purchasing the 1957 Milton Bradley NAME THAT TUNE GAME, Music Bingo Game it’s available on eBay HERE (at time of posting).

1957 Milton Bradley NAME THAT TUNE GAME, Music Bingo Game

Source: eBay

Pin the Tail on the Donkey

Once again simple rules for this game as well. Blind fold your guests, spin them around and have them pin the tail on the donkey. Closest wins!

Note: On Etsy there is a lot of original versions to be found just type in ‘Pin the Tail on the Donkey’ and pick what suits your parties needs.

1950s pin the tail on the donkey 1950s party games for kids 1950s party games for adults

Source: Etsy

Other Party Games:

  • Musical Chairs
  • Charades
  • Hot potato
  • Apple Bobbing
  • Dance Contest
  • Twister
  • Card Games

Vintage Board Games

Encourage party goers to give them a try (also they are great for decor ideas).

EXAMPLES:

  • Parcheesi
  • Checkers
  • Monopoly
  • Candy Land
  • Yahtzee!
1959 Milton Bradley Board Games Ad 1950s party Games

Source: Etsy

Question time: What kind of games would you add to the list?

Further Reading:

Food:

Party Games, Party Decor, 1950s Music, 1950s Fashion & More

Liz

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