Hi. My sweet, very shy little boy will be turning 3 in a few weeks, and he wants a birthday party with other children from his preschool class, which for him is amazing progress. We're just going to do a simple, old-fashioned at-home party -- with a quasi-train theme -- and I was wondering if anyone could suggest some activities to keep the kids engaged, so they're not just running around chaotically. We will be doing a "fishing" game, where kids put fishing rods (sticks, with yarn) out the window and "catch" little trains; a "decorate your own party hat" activity; and we'll play "pin the [something] on the train." A friend of mine has also offered to loan us her jumper (you know, one of those big things children jump in). Any other suggestions? I ordinarily wouldn't be so concerned about scheduling every minute, but my son is rather chaos-averse; in groups, he does much better with structured activities. There will be about six children, and they'll range in age from almost 3 to about 3.5.
Thanks so much!
Hi
We are thinking of having either "TUMBLEBUS"/"FUN BUS" come to the house or have a fire engine come to the house to go with a "transportation theme"-he is into cars and trucks now!! There are companies with retired fire trucks used just for bday parties!!
That could take up the majority of the party which could be good!!
Hi M.,
It's sounds like you have everything under control. With the activies you have planned, along with cake and ice cream, you'll easily fill up the 2 to 3 hours.
Good luck.
it sounds like you have more than enough stuff to do, but its always good to have a backup plan. i like to set up a little craft table on the side, it gives the kids who dont want to take part something else to do, and its a great escape or break for shy kids. some paper plates with some of those foam self stick shapes and things like that, not too much clean up if you get self stick stuff and dont have to deal with glue, and they can do it on their own. get some of those cheap little wood boxes at the craft store for them to decorate with the foam and some markers. you can also decorate cookies or rice krispie treats with them, or make their own sundays if you dont mind the mess, or make smores, or something like that. the jumper is great, they looooove that. you can also get one of those small parachutes and some bubbles, look at oriental trading for the parachute, some bean bags or mini beach balls to bop around on it. and you can never go wrong with bubbles, though at 3, it may be tough for them to do their own, those automatic ones are a great hit (although i personally prefer old school ;) they are tons of fun) you can get some instruments and make music together, have a little parade with your party hats. you can put on some music and dance and play freeze. get some sidewalk chalk and draw roads for little toy cars, or just draw. keep it simple for the little ones. have fun :)
There's a book called Unplugged Play that has great party game ideas by age group. Also, for anyone planning a party in nj, check out my new blog: www.mirabest.com
I reviewed toddler play space parties and turtle back zoo recently!
