Games? or Not?

Wow all that stuff seems like plenty. I just had a 5th birthday party last month for my son and we did the grilling out with the cake and ice cream and presents. Then put out a few out door toys and then also did water ballons cause it was hot out but the kids just have fun running around and playing.

As long as you are having it outside, why not have some outdoor fun like water gun fights or boat races using straws attached to balloons. You could have sack races, potato relays and all those fun summer games. The reason behind the games is that no one gets left out like in free play, everyone is doing things together and it gives them something different then free play. Maybe you could do half free play with a couple games first. With a lot of adults there, you have loads of help.

we had 17 kids at my son's fifth birthday and they would rather play than play games. we did have a magician for entertainment but after he was done the kids just wanted to play!!! so i would say jsut let them play!! maybe have stations were they have bubbles at one, a sand box at another, swings, and maybe sidewalk chalk at another. just let them have fun!!!

We didn't have games at my 4 yo's b-day party, but what would have been smart is "stations" for outside play--things the kids can do (and leaving out the things you don't want them to play with). For example, it was a small party, so they jumped on the trampoline together. After that...things weren't as organized. I got the chalk out...and we actually tried to play the game where you tie balloons to your leg and try to step on them...the kids adored it, but totally didn't "get" it--which was fine. Between balloons and chalk and bubbles and trampoline and balls, they were set for over two hours. Oh--and we didn't even have supper, just cake and ice cream.

I would say with combining family with his friends, go with your free play idea. It will also be less stressful on you. I would agree on the pinata idea though. It wouldn't take too long, and it's always a hit with the kids (no pun intended).

Happy birthday to your son, and hope the party goes well for you.

~SR

You don't need to over-plan. It will take a bunch of 5 yr olds about 5 minutes to figure outsomething on their own. However....! Scavenger hunts are a hoot (start them with one clue that leads them to the next, etc. until the reach the final prize...like the gift bags). Boys always like a basket full of different kinds of balls. And of course the trampoline will keep them happy for hours!

B.,

I think 5 is still a little young for organized games. Kids that age are so excited to be there, it takes a lot of effort to contain them and keep them focused. But you will have them for two hours, so food and present opening won't fill your time.

We did "pin the tail on the donkey" at that age and it worked alright. Mostly, I would stick to free play, sidewalk chalk, music and the trampoline; things the kids can do at their leisure and stear away from a lot of structured games.

Good luck,
S.

I've had 2 party's at home and it's always been really hard to make time and get everyone cooperating for games.

I say go with your free play idea, maybe have a pinata or something but let the kids be kids and do what they like to do best play.

I would say definitely have a few games lined up, or they turn into savages and/or get bored. Cookie magazine has some great inexpensive and simple ones in this month's issue (I think with Milla Jovovich on the front). Good luck!

Free play sounds great for a family party. One thing we did was to have a pinata. We hid it and did a treasure hunt for it. We gave the first clue, which led to the second clue which led to the third clue, etc. It was entertaining for the adults as well because they helped the kids read the clues and gave them ideas on where the clue was leading. The kid who ultimately finds the pinata gets to be the first one to swing at it, or pull the first string if that's the kind you get. Afterwards, we ate and had free play time and the adults visited. Also, I made sure to put way more small toys in the pinata and less candy and we had the kids put it all in a big bowl and had them each decorate a small goody bag and divided the loot equally. Have fun! A.

We just had my son's 5th birthday party at our house. He wanted a pirate theme so we decorated his swing set and the deck as a pirate ship, handed out pirate hats and "swords" to each kid as they arrived and let them play pirates for most of the time. Then we did a short treasure hunt and just before cake had a pinata. But with 5 year olds I would never try to do an organized game. I was just at a 4 year olds party where they tried games and it was insanity and just ended in tears.

Free play outside is GREAT if the weather holds up. At my 4 year old's party, we did a craft. It was quick and painless, but the kids had fun. I just bought some of those foam door hangers and visors at a hobby store, Hobby Lobby or Michael's or something. Then I bought sticker foam decorations for them. Make sure to get the sticker ones so you don't have to worry about glue. The boys and girls liked it. I let my daughter have a special foam princess crown that she decorated before-hand and wore. I just let the kids play the rest of the time, but it was at least one structured activity.

Hi B.
If you are only planning to hours you will not have time for games. At five my kids would like to have free play more than a organizied game. I vote no games. :) T.

B.,
really depends on what kind of party you are having. If you are having a "kid party" and there happen to be adults there, then yes, have games. If it is a family party and all the kids are cousins, etc., then maybe just let them play. Ask your birthday boy! I found a great website recently that could help you out with the backyard games: http://www.birthdaypartyideas.com/
Have fun with it! (and enlist the other adults help - delegate!)

I think the kids are still young enough that playing outside is fun enough without games

Free play, chalk and the balls sounds good but I would avoid the trampoline. You would not want anyone to get hurt.
We had our son's 5th birthday ealier this month and did a family/kid party as well. The weather was warm and we had a slip & slide, sprinklers plus his outdoor toys and the swing set. It worked out great and we only planned for 2 hours also.
Another idea for you: we had the party from 3 to 5 and just did munchies and cake with ice cream for the everyone. Then, after the children and their parents left, we grilled supper for the family members and then opened their presents after eating.
It was fun for my son to open presents 2 times, plus a chance for the family to have time together. Plus, sometimes all of the kids get overwhelmed by all of the presents and could eventually become bored (mainly the friends).
It was a great day! Hope yours turns out perfect for you!

Pinatas are always a big hit (unless the parents are opposed to candy; in which case, maybe you could find something else to to fill it with) Plus with pinatas, the kids (usuallY) don't get bored waiting b/c they are all anticipating someone to break it. If your weather is nice, water balloons are often a big hit--we did this when my daughter turned 3 and we had them in a big laundry basket outside (do not load the basket inside--it gets heavy FAST)--the kids had fun just tossing them up in the air to see how high they would go and how much of a splash it would be (avoiding the whole idea of throwing them AT people) and they loved having the adults throw them REALLY high. Usually you can find CHEAP water balloons at walmart, etc. Hope that helps!

Hi, Yes I would definetly have games, kids love that!! Musical chairs is a fav. here and as always pin the tail on the donkey at that age anyway, but boy do I give you credit for having the adults at the same time, we tried that and it was too stressful, the older adults didn't have the patience to listen to the screamin, happy kids runnin around!!

But maybe you have a more patient family than ours, good luck:)

Has your son been to other parties with games? How has that gone and does HE enjoy them? My son is just 3, and does not like the games...would much rather play. So we skipped them. I would do what HE likes, since it is his party. Pinatas are fun for the kids, for sure. You can stuff with candy or noncandy things. Have fun!