I get asked this question a lot. And my answer involves three questions….
How old is your child?
What type of party/theme are you having?
How involved/Type A are you?
How Old is Your Child?
A lot of the games/activities you plan will depend on your child’s age. Younger children will need more help, guidance and time to complete activities and games so one or two party activities are plenty. For this age, I always suggest one game and one craft.
Teenagers will cringe at the idea of games and activities. Their idea of fun likely will not include party games or parents. For teens, think about movies, water parks or maybe an event like a baseball game or a salon day.
Meanwhile, kids ages 5-10 will enjoy a couple of games or activities. I always suggest a max of three. FIrst, everyone arrives at different times. Give a 20 minute grace period before starting games. This is the perfect time for the birthday kiddo to show off some of their toys and play with friends. Also, having three activities gives those who speed through a chance to complete everything, and if a party guest doesn’t like one, they can skip it.
What Type of Party/Theme are you Having?
Certain party themes easily lend themselves to activities. A baseball theme is calling for a Wiffle Ball game, throwing contest or home run derby. A luau is the perfect theme for a pool party. With almost any birthday theme, you can find an activity or two to match the theme. Princess party theme...costume contest. Unicorn party theme...unicorn headbands. Train party theme...building your own train or a coal toss. Sometimes it just takes a bit of imagination and creativity!
How Involved/Type A are You?
Some parents just let the kids come over and play for an hour, eat snacks, sing happy birthday and they are done. Sounds like an easy, fun party! However, I’m too much of a Type A Perfectionist. I always had to have games and activities to match the party theme. If you’re the type that just goes with the flow, don’t worry about planning anything big. Come up with one or two small activities and let the kids have fun.
However, if you’re like me, you had things timed out, in order. Yes, I’m that parent. And it’s ok, that just means, you’re going to have several party games and activities planned. It’s going to require more work on your end and also more flexibility when things don’t go as planned. They rarely do! I highly suggest checking in with your kiddo as to what they want. You might give them a couple of suggestions and let them pick their favorites.
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