As a birthday approaches busy parents can become frantic trying to think of what to do for their children. They want something that is relatively easy to organize, will not cost much money, and most important, something that the kids will enjoy.
These children's party ideas have all been tried and tested, and were sometimes so successful that younger siblings asked for them to be repeated.
Classic Children's Parties Ideas
The classic children's party has lots of organized games and a break for food. This works for children aged from very young right through to about 7- or 8-year olds.
A great way to start this sort of party is to have a craft activity for children as they arrive. This gives them something specific to do and prevents them from hanging around awkwardly. It does not need to be a complex activity, but should be more than just a blank sheet of paper and some crayons.
Every culture or even family has their own classic party games for children to play. Here are some that we use regularly at parties:
- Pass the parcel - unwrap a layer when the music stops. Even teenagers love this!
- Hunt the animal - hide toy animals around the room or the garden.
- Musical statues or chairs - children stand still or sit down when the music stops.
- Puzzle race - use old greetings card to make simple 2-3 piece puzzles.
Quiz and Games Party Ideas
Children aged from about 8 to 12, and sometimes older, enjoy a mix of activity games (such as races) and something that stimulates their thinking.
Games that copy popular television quizzes always go down well, as do team quizzes where the children work together in teams to identify what someone is drawing or acting. The first team to complete the list of items to draw or act is the winner.
Where possible, link the games into a common theme. The same games can be repeated year after years but with different themes and experience shows that the children don't mind. In fact, if the same ones come back each year they come to expect the same games and are disappointed when they don't happen.
Mystery Children's Parties Ideas
Older children, including younger teens, enjoy solving puzzles and mysteries. It is possible to purchase pre-prepared murder mystery or similar puzzle games aimed at young people. A themed party gives them the opportunity to dress up, which kids love to do.
An alternative is to create a mystery from scratch. This does take some time but it is very rewarding, and can be tailored to suit the children involved. It does not need to be complex.
As mentioned above, teenagers still enjoy games that work for much younger children, such as pass the parcel. Put in some forfeits requiring them to sing a silly song or recite the alphabet backwards.
Children love party games. It is hugely rewarding when children leave saying they have had a great time, and you hear them telling their parents how much fun they have had.
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