When my son Gresham turned 12 last week, we wanted to create a memorable birthday celebration. Being a huge fan of Dude Perfect, the idea of a Dude Perfect-themed party seemed like the perfect fit. But of course, planning a party like this isn’t as simple as it sounds. We had to figure out how to replicate the amazing trick shots and challenges from the popular YouTube channel in a way that was both fun and doable for a bunch of 12-year-olds. After a bit of trial and error, we came up with a series of games that kept the boys engaged, active, and, most importantly, laughing.

The Challenge of Planning a Dude Perfect Party

We started by brainstorming ideas based on the Dude Perfect videos, but quickly realized that executing some of their trick shots in our living room might not go as smoothly as it does in their professional setup. The Dude Perfect team makes everything look effortless, but their stunts take years of practice—and we didn’t want to risk frustrating our guests with failed attempts. So, after a few trial runs, we decided to pivot. We created a mix of competitive games, gave out stickers for points, and awarded prizes at the end. This approach ended up being perfect for the group of 12 and 13-year-olds.

A Low-Key, Yet Fun Party

Let’s be honest—this was not a Pinterest-worthy party. The cake was a simple box mix, iced with store-bought frosting, and we grilled burgers and served chips for lunch. We didn’t bother with fancy decorations, and two days before the party, the forecast predicted 100% chance of rain. This meant we had to rethink our plans and move everything indoors. But despite the lack of fancy touches and the unexpected weather, the party turned out to be a blast. It was exactly what we needed for an energetic group of kids!

The Party Setup

When the guests arrived, we handed them index cards to make name tags, and each person added a sticker to their name tag whenever they won a round of a game. Some games were played in teams, and others were individual challenges, but everyone had a chance to earn stickers and, in the end, some fun prizes.

Game #1: How Far Can You Blow a Pea?

We kicked things off with a challenge inspired by a Dude Perfect video where they set a record by blowing a dried pea across a room. The goal of this game was to see who could blow the pea the furthest using just one breath. While we didn’t replicate the record-breaking feat, the kids had a blast trying. To help with accuracy, we allowed the use of straws (a slight variation from the original video), which made controlling the direction a bit easier.

We measured each competitor’s distance, and the top two finishers received stickers. It was simple, but everyone enjoyed the challenge.

Game #2: Bean Relay Race

This game didn’t come directly from Dude Perfect, but it was perfect for the indoor setting. In teams, the kids had to transfer dried beans from one bowl to another using only a straw. If they dropped the bean, they had to go back and start over. The game got pretty competitive, with lots of cheering and laughter as the kids scrambled to keep the beans intact. Afterward, we handed out stickers to the winning teams.

Game #3: No-Look Candy Catch

Inspired by Dude Perfect’s Backwards Edition, this game added a twist to the classic candy catch challenge. The kids paired up, and one person tossed mini candy bars backwards, while their partner tried to catch them in a plastic pumpkin (or any bucket if it’s not Halloween). No one managed to catch all five candy bars in a row, but there were plenty of successful catches, and the kids had tons of fun. We awarded stickers to the top two teams.

Game #4: Cardboard Box Frisbee Target

This game was a bit of a flop due to the rainy weather. We had a cardboard box with a slit cut into it and planned to throw a frisbee through the slit. Unfortunately, the slit was too small and too difficult for the kids to make it through. Still, the idea had potential for a fun challenge. It’s definitely one I’ll revisit with better preparation in the future!

Game #5: Ping Pong Basketball

One of the highlights of the party was the Ping Pong Basketball game, inspired by Dude Perfect’s Ping Pong Trick Shots. Using empty Pringles cans as basketball goals, the kids had to bounce ping pong balls off the table and into the cans. Each player took a shot at each of three goals, and successful shots earned stickers. The game got more competitive as the kids practiced and improved their aim.

Game #6: LEGO Copycat Challenge

Although this game wasn’t directly related to Dude Perfect, it turned out to be the fan favorite of the day. In the LEGO Copycat Challenge, kids worked in teams to replicate a LEGO structure from a model as accurately as possible. The kids loved the creative aspect of this game, and it sparked lots of teamwork and problem-solving.

Game #7: Ping Pong Tic-Tac-Toe

This was another crowd-pleaser. In Ping Pong Tic-Tac-Toe, kids bounced ping pong balls into cups filled with water. We had three tray tables: one for each team to bounce off of and one to hold the cups. The goal was to get three in a row by landing ping pong balls into the cups. It took a lot of tries, but when a team scored three in a row, there were cheers and high-fives all around.

Game #8: Golf Tee Nerf Targets

Although we didn’t have time to play this game, it was another fun idea inspired by the party’s theme. We planned to drill holes in a board for golf tees and use them as targets for Nerf guns. I’m sure the kids will get plenty of use out of this setup at future gatherings.

Wrapping It Up with Prizes

No party is complete without prizes, so we had a prize bucket filled with goodies like Nerf Jolts, yo-yos, LEGO sets, and small flashlights. At the end of the party, the kids counted their stickers and the top two players picked prizes first. We made sure that everyone got something, and it was a great way to wrap up the day.

Tips for a Successful Party

• Plan plenty of games: You can never have too many games at a kids’ party, especially when they’re active. We had more games lined up than we actually needed, but it kept the kids engaged throughout the event.
• Embrace the fun: Don’t stress about making everything perfect. The party wasn’t Pinterest-worthy, but it was full of laughter and excitement, and that’s what made it so special.

In the end, the Dude Perfect-inspired birthday party was a hit! The kids had a blast, and it was the perfect way to celebrate Gresham’s big day. If you’re planning an active birthday party for energetic kids, this format is definitely one to try!