I was thinking of swimming pool party, but because of the rainy season, I may have to do some back up plan. I'll be inviting a lot of people - from my own and hubby's family at least 6 kids, not including the grown ups. I'm also thinking of inviting some of her daycare friends, and my own colleagues with children. I think I can handle the adults, i.e feed them with food. But any ideas for the 3 - 6 year old that everybody can enjoy?
Kids love pizza and hotdogs. You can do either or both. Order pizza (bet you can find some specials if you order in bulk). You can take a big crock pot and cook the hotdogs slowly and keep them warm. If you put them in frozen be sure to allow several house to thaw and warm.
I f you rent a hotel room, they will let you use the pool for an indoor swim party. Check in your area. Or they may just rent you the pool for a few hours. We just did a luau and I played a game I called "Hawaiian Vacation" I had 2 kids stand at the front of the room with a bucket of dress up stuff next to each of them - a leigh, a beach ball, giant sunglasses, a calypso hat, etc. All the kids were in 2 lines in front of them. The 2 teams had to do a relay race to dress thier guy up for Hwaiisn vacation the fastest. They had so much fun they played over and over with a differant kid getting dressed up each time.
Also you cant go wrong with a pinata.
Check out www.familyfun.go.com
you can do a art theme. set up little centers with different art projects. painting a coffee cup, pictures, pasta necklaces. That would take care of your party favor too because they can take those items home with them. Maybe a bounce house to keep them busy also? Just remember to put an ending time on the invitation because those 3 year olds don't last more than an hour and half in my experience:)
The art station idea sounds great - just make sure you warn the parents so the kids dress appropriately, provide smocks and adequate clean up facilities. The kids can certainly eat the same food you are planning to serve the adults - most party food is finger food or easily managed with one hand so should be fine. We did a swim party for DS's 4-1/2 yr party and the kids ate the same food as the adults (we did grilled veggies, chicken, mini burgers, hummus dip and a veggie plate, fruit salad and a cheese and olive plate). And birthday cake is generally expected. We did serve milk - it was the only thing we don't generally do for adult parties.
Wow - there are so many great play places in the Chicagoland area. Your in Hoffman Estates I am assuming - look at www.oakleesguide.com! Her are some ideas that have work for us: My boys loved Firezone in Glenview they move to a nicer and bigger facility in Schaumburg. We also love our area park districts options - Elk Grove Park District has the Jump and Giggle Rooms with an indoor Carousel Good Luck!
