Party Arrivals ~ (10-15
minutes) Some will come early, others late. Be
sure to have an ice-breaker activity to involve all the
children.
Free Time ~ (10-30 minutes) The younger the children, the more unstructured play time
may need to be added. For birthday 3's and 4's most time is spent in free
play. By age 7 and 8 games are definitely needed. If kids don't know each
other take a game that will let everyone get to speak and say his/her
name.
Activities ~ (15-30 minutes) Plan for more games than could be played. That way if a
game doesn't work, you can switch to another activity. If you want kids to
settle, try a craft activity or circle game to get kids to
concentrate.
Birthday Cake ~ (15-20
minutes) Try to plan something to keep kids at
the birthday table, perhaps reading from a storybook or a table game. But
don't be surprised if kids want to keep moving... after all it is a
party!
Opening Presents ~ (15-20
minutes) Sometimes presents can cause problems
because other children are upset it isn't their birthday. Head off
problems by considering opening gifts after the party, or handing out
favors to children as they give their gift to the birthday child. You
could host a party without presents!
Party Favors ~ Remember the age of your children and get items that are
appropriate and not a safety hazard (such as small items that could
choke). Favors could even be something children make at the party such as
a craft activity.
Go print out our shopping lists too! They make it all easy to get ready.
