DUCK, DUCK, GOOSE 

Probably for the younger crowd. All the kids sit in a circle facing the center. Then one child walks around the outside of the circle and taps each child on the head (gently) and says "duck". This continues on until the child touches someone and says "goose". Then the child who was called goose jumps up and tries to tag the one who called them goose before they can run all the way around the circle back to the open spot they left when they got up.

MUSICAL CHAIR

Everyone hates to be the one left with "standing room only". Just set up a line of chairs, one short from the number of players and start the music. Everyone walks around the chairs and sits down once the music stops. Whoever is left standing has to drop out. Take away one chair so you are short one and start the music again. This continues until only one person has a chair. They are the winner! 

THE MEMORY GAME

Players sit in a circle. The first player starts by saying, "At my birthday dinner I like to eat hamburgers". The next player must repeat "At my birthday dinner I like to eat hamburger..." and add another dish. This continues all the way around the circle with each player reciting the dishes in the exact order they have been given and then adding a new one. If a player makes a mistake they slide out of the circle and the game continues. The person left who can perfectly recite the birthday dinner menu wins.

THE CAKE WALK

Set up a circle of numbers on the ground and have everyone stand on a number. Begin playing festive music and have everyone walk from number to number. Draw a number from a hat and then stop the music. Whoever is standing on that number when the music stops is the winner! I have played this game at many school carnivals where the prize is a cake. But, you can give away something different. 

SIMON SAYS

Simon says read on. Get all the kids to stand at one end of your yard or large room. Then Simon (probably mom or dad) gives the crowd an order beginning with "Simon Says". Example: Simon says take one giant step forward. Then everyone does what Simon says. After a few of these you throw in an order without saying "Simon Says" and anyone who does it without Simon saying is out. Whoever follows only Simon's orders and is left at the end of the game wins!