My Sons 1St Birthday Party Ideas...

Congrats on making it through the 1st year!! haha We had an Elmo party for my son's 1st also. He had a great time. We hired an Elmo character and he brought a sing along with hokey pokey, etc... Some kids loved it , some kids were scared. My son loved it! We also had an area set up for the kids inside, (in case it rained) that had a small ball pit, lil tike slide, and a variety of toys set out for the kids to play. We also downloaded coloring pages of Elmo and friends and in their gift bags everyone was given an 8 pk of crayons. Overall, organized games at that age will probably not work out, they just can't focus for too long and forget following any rules...it won't hapen. A few things set out and they will entertain themselves. Have fun!

Hi C..... try the website www.birthdaypartyideas.com

It is great... Birthday party ideas are outlined by themes, written in by parents that had the party. You might find some good ideas there....

I feel like the focus should be on your son. Many of those games will probably be for the older kids. Maybe one or two planned activities but otherwise, let them play. Just my opinion! Have fun!! Hope it doesn't rain!

They can do any of those games outside if it's nice. You might want to add the LIMBO. Kids love it! If it's hot, you could do water balloon toss. Have fun!

I would have some time for the playground/jungle gym area, but most likely towards the end. I think that if you just rely on that, it will just be a "free for all". I wouldn't try to be too structured but maybe do some of your games outdoors if it is a nice day. Then when the kids seem done with that, switch to free time. I think it would be a nice mix.

great ideas, especially bubbles & sidewalk chalk. I agree to go with the flow. Plan to be outside if it is nice but have some game options in case kids get board. With some older kids, you could always have a scavenger hunt. preschool age & older also like obstacle courses (which could include playground equipment & things like hula hoops). inside you could have dancing music, playing freeze dance is another option. you can use the older kids to be your "helpers" if you do decide to do games.

Sounds fun!! I'd do ONE game outside. I've learned by trying it!

I am more of a 'go with the flow' type of person...especially with such a wide age range for the kids...I feel like we try to 'structure' so much for our kids when sometimes all they need is old-fashioned playtime. We had a b-day party for my little one at the end of April...she turned 1. It was at our house. It was on that really hot day...we had about 12 kids, ranging from 9 months-10years. They used the swing set, we broke out the yard toys and let them go to town...sidewalk chalk, bubbles, t-ball, soccer, jump ropes...whatever. They LOVED it. I think games are fun...but sometimes you just want to run around and goof off. And to try to find games where every kid there wants to play and can be successful when there is such a wide age range...just more work than necessary, lol!

I would just let them have fun...have games ready if you want if it looks like they are getting bored...but honestly, they'll entertain themselves...after a while, a few of the boys organized a wiffle-ball contest in our yard...that entertained 3-4 of them...a few girls had a jump rope contest...totally set up on their own...so maybe bring some things with you in case there's interest but I wouldn't worry about trying to 'plan' much...you're going to be busy enough!

Well hello again,
you and dad are the host of the party . You and dad are responsiable for all children , injuries, lost child ... Be safe . Be smart .boundries need to be in place and decided this weekend ; not the day of .
1= make a giant poster board 'rule' list . Keep simple
post it on the pavillion .[ you decide]
2= gather some 25 year ish girls to h-e-l-p w/ games
they would love to do it [ thank goodness call this weekend]
3= start games @ a choosen time [ 2pm all games] have all kids go potty , eat etc ...
Now ; let the fun begin ...
Advise all parents to bring change of clothing .. This will be a fun 'messy' party ... It may drizzle, rain , kid fall in a puddle [ call all moms this weekend]
i had a party w/ all ages .. I had a kids kmart pool filled w/ 1 inch water and filled w/ ducks, fish, trucks, flowers ,cheap dolls... The kids played in that for hours [ all wet but get pixs and smiles]
yes limbo, music, jump rope [ a long line jump 3 at a time] ,chalk, tug war, pillow case hop, etc
now have those prizes ready .... Every kid and helper get a prize !!!!!!!! Keep it simple , fast move'n,
bug spray , 1st aid kit, sun lotion , diapers, pullups,all in a basket ...[ just in case....
I had no mis haps the party was grand success . I used smiley pixs as my thank you cards .
Good luck
be smart they are minor children in your care . Moms geta talk'n and loose sight of children when let out at a party !
Pss- name tag the kids and head count .... Kids are kids

crayons, books, bubbles, balls. Let them have fun if nice you can do some games but don't push it. Have music around. Sesame Street has a cassette that has Happy Birthday on it.