Kids’ birthday parties may range from simple home parties to elaborate, catered events. No matter what type of party you plan to give your kid, don’t forget to plan the activities for the party’s entertainment. Organized party activities keep the kids from getting bored and keep you from pulling out your hair. The type of activities you choose depends on several factors.
Considerations
The location of the birthday party plays a role in the type of activities that work well. Some birthday party venues, such as zoos or parks, supply the entertainment, meaning you won’t have to do a great deal of planning ahead of time. A party at home takes a little more creativity to keep the kids entertained.
Other factors that influence the party activities include the age of the guests, the party’s theme, the resources you have available, the birthday child’s preference and whether you will do the activities indoors or outdoors.
Planning
The party planning process involves many details, including the activities. Give yourself several weeks to complete all the planning. By choosing the party activities well in advance, you get a chance to clarify the details and gather the materials necessary. Have all the materials organized and ready to go when the guests arrive so they don’t have to stand around, waiting for the entertainment to start.
Games
Games cover a wide range of activities that are easy to adapt to fit different themes and ages. Common childhood games work well at parties, including tag, relay races, Pin the Tail on the Donkey, ball games and musical chairs. Games that avoid a competitive nature keep all the party guests smiling and feeling included.
The games fit your specific party theme with simple modifications. For example, if you are hosting a farm-themed party, your relay race might include the kids dressing up in a farmer’s costume before running the course. For a carnival theme, you might play Pin the Nose on the Clown.
Crafts
Crafts work well as a quiet activity when you want the kids to calm down. The creative activities also fit an indoor space better than active games. Many crafts fit any theme, such as a decorated craft foam picture frame, bookmarks, masks or paper bag puppets. Adapt the crafts to fit the theme more closely by using themed decorations. For example, a beach-themed party might include beach-shaped stickers and cutouts to decorate the craft foam picture frames.
Other Entertainment
Crafts and games aren’t the only options for entertaining the party guests. A radio or karaoke machine adds a musical theme to the party. The kids dance along to the music or take turns singing karaoke. Dress-up clothes and props entertain young children for long periods. Decorating cookies or cupcakes, making pizzas and other food-related activities appeal to many children.
Photo Credit
- arts and crafts image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
