Party games for a low key, party at home for a 3 year old

[Exceptionalroar]

I've got pass the parcel down but my brain has gone! Any other games for this age group?

Thanks

[MerylStrop]

they might be up for musical statues and musical bumps especially if there are some older ones there. If they are not getting it just have a bit of a disco

we usually do biscuit decorating or a little sticking based craft activity (hats)

hide and seek?

dressing up clothes and a few toys for collective play

[tumbletumble]

I find that at this age things like balloons, bubbles, dancing to music, treasure hunt for choc coins etc work better than organised games. Agree with Meryl about a simple craft activity and decorating cakes / biscuits. Also some children just want to play so I would leave out some dolls, train set or similar.

[Doitnicelyplease]

We had parties at home for my DD1 at this age. I would skip parcel the parcel it is a hard concept for 3 year olds and lots of disappointment for those that don't win.

Blow up lots of balloons, we also had some of those long ones that you let go and they fly around - they were a big hit. Musical bumps is really simple too, lots of cushions on the floor and some music to dance to - don't worry about the rules too much.

We also did pin the tale on the donkey type of game (using blutac) which the kids enjoyed too.

[Smartiepants79]

Singing games like the Hokey Cokey.

[DoItTooJulia]

Lucky duck? Like pass the parcel but with no unwrapping. You pass around a drawstring bag full of ducks. A child pulls one out when the music stops without looking. If it says lucky duck, a prize is won! It can be passed around at the same time as a parcel, so there is more interest for more kids.

Pin the tail on the donkey, or a variation thereof with blutack instead of pins.

Fishing. A magnetic fishing game?

[bolderdash]

Depending on how many guests, have a bit of coloured paper in each corner of the room. When the music stops they have to go to one. Then draw a card (four colours) from a pile. If you draw a red card, those in red corner get a sticker. Works well for this age if there are enough of them. Or What's the time Mr Wolf is good.

[3bunnies]

Another vote for what's the time mr Wolf.

[Exceptionalroar]

Thanks all! What's 'what's the time Mr Woolf?" And how do i do pin the donkey..?

[neolara]

If you play pass the parcel, at least half of the kids will cry when they have to pass the parcel on to someone else. I would have a few balloons, some bubbles and let them run around and play with toys. Sing a few nursery rhymes. Put loud music on so they can dance. Musical bumps / statues will probably be a disaster. Most won't understand the rules and they will cry if you make them go out.

[Exceptionalroar]

Am I nuts doing this at home? There will be about 6 kids max plus all their mums. I have a big kitchen table so I thought we could all eat tea there...

I started browsing the www for ideas and all everyone says is 'Don't do it...! Do something structured and pin everything down!'

I said on the email 4-6.30 so the parents could have a drink too, but maybe even that's too long.

Ps - Pass the Parcel - you can put sweets in each layer, no?

[Smartiepants79]

It'll be fine with just 6 kids.
I did it with 9 at my daughters third birthday. They spent most of the time just playing. Maybe remove any precious toys and put out things that they can play together/ share.
They do not necessarily remember to pass the parcel but no one cried. Sweets are fine. Print out/ large picture of mr tumble/peppa pig (insert favourite character here) and then make a separate nose/tail and the children try and stick it on blindfold.
Bubbles are a good idea.
Decorate own cake. Toppings on own pizza.
Action songs they all know. Wheels on the bus etc.
Enjoy it and try not to stress.

[Exceptionalroar]

Thanks Smartie Pants. That's a really nice post

[bolderdash]

Yes biscuit decorating or cake decorating is nice and easy. You just get some icing in tubes and some sprinkles. Or they could make some xmas decorations with wooden shapes and glittery things.

What's the time Mr Wolf - you stand at one end of the room. They all say (with help) "what's the time mr wolf" - you say one oclock - they move one step towards you. Then "two oclock" - they move two steps towards you. And so on until they're really near then you say "dinner time" and you have to try and catch them as they run back. It's one 3 year olds can manage.

[Doitnicelyplease]

I would cap it at 2 hrs if possible that is plenty of time. We did a sit down birthday tea at that age and the kids loved it and behaved really well.

[tumbletumble]

You are not nuts - I love home parties for this age. Agree re keeping it to 2 hours though - they get tired.