Since children don’t sit around at parties comparing homes, cars, and jobs, the adults in charge need to plan a few activities to entertain their young guests. If pin the tail on the donkey is getting a bit stale, keep reading!
For very young children, play Musical Clothes Bag. A few weeks before the party, begin assembling the necessary equipment by taking a large, opaque trash bag and filling it with various articles of silly clothing and accessories. Make sure to include footwear, clown noses, scarves, novelty tee shirts, and anything else you can think of. When it’s time to play the game, arrange the children in a circle, and hand the guest of honor an apple. Start the music and have the children pass the apple; Just remember that whoever is holding the fruit when the music stops has to reach into the bag…Without peeking! Whatever the child grabs must be worn until the end of the game. Make sure to take a digital photo of each child dressed in the silly clothes, and E-mail to his parents.
With Untie The Knots, one child should be chosen as “it”, and taken in to another room. The other children should stand in a circle while holding hands. Then have the children tie themselves into “knots” by ducking under, stepping over, and winding around each other without letting go of anyone’s hand. Once the children are as “knotted” as possible, call back the child who is “it”. This person must “untie the knots” by directing each child to move in such a way that will result in the original circle being reformed. The children should hold hands until all “knots” are untied.
A fun way to make sure that every child has something to take home from the party is to Give Away Door Prizes. These can be anything age appropriate, depending on how much you’re willing to spend and how many guests you are expecting. All you will need is a laundry basket, some balloons, and a few small slips of paper. Write numbers on the slips of paper, then place them inside the balloons. After inflating and tying off the balloons, place them in the laundry basket. Upon arrival have each child choose a balloon to hold onto until you’re ready to give away the prizes. When this time arrives, have the children sit on their balloons until they pop. (Some parents find ear plugs a necessary requirement for this game!) The number on the slip of paper will correspond with a numbered gift in another room. Then simply help each child find his or her gift before leaving the party. This will also help ease the minds of the children who are reluctant to part with the gift they brought for the birthday child.
Remember that with young children, what you do at a party isn’t as important as it may seem. All that is really required is kid-friendly food, a few activities to pass the time, and an excited, positive attitude from you! Good luck with your party games!
