Mumsnet Talk

We have so far always had small celebrations, and always done a family one and a friends one seperately.

This year, I've decided that is just too much faff, plus ds now wants to invite quite a lot of children from his kindergarten. In a moment of social madness ("It'll be fun!"), I said yes.

I am hiring a hall, which is a very unusual thing to do here (we are in Germany) but a quick glance at the guest list suggests we're going to have around 20 - 25 children and we couldn't fit them in at home!
Plus, there will be some parents staying too.

So. Theme is Rockets in Space. Decoration I am pretty much sorted on.

What I def. need is ideas for games to play (remembering that most of the kids will not have heard of Pass the Parcel etc). Something where we get them into teams maybe?
I think things where there are lots of opportunities to "win" prizes are good. Should be very simple things as most of them will not have done anything like this before.

Age range will be from 3 to 9, with mainly 4/5yos. Mixed boys and girls.

I am also not sure about food. I think trying to do anything warm is going to be too complicated (not yet sure about kitchen facilities at the hall, will find out later). I would like stuff I can prepare the day before. I was thinking putting it all out buffet style, and then after the games etc letting them help themselves.
Then some free play after food (as some will probably eat more/stay sitting longer than others), maybe a craft corner set up for anyone who would like to make a rocket, and then send them all home.

Does 3 hours sound ok time-wise?

I am both very much looking forward to it and really, really nervous!

Would really appreciate any advice at all!

We usually do 2hrs, as fairly tiring. You need to think about whether parents, siblings etc will stay, if they aren't used to big parties they might be more likely to stay. I tend to just offer cold drinks (juice/wine etc) and snacks, as hot drinks take time to prepare.

Most party games can be converted to most themes. You could have what's the time mr alien(instead of mr wolf); use paper plates as planets and do musical planets, when the music stops have to sit on planet, but take away a planet or two each time. Call out something and they have to imitate it - star (make star shape), rocket (whizz around room, astronaut (slow jumping walk); aliens etc. I tend not to do many teams in case not with their friend etc. You probably want 6 games if 2hr party with some craft. Another option is to have 4 different stations - build a rocket could be one and think of some others, and they take it in turns to go to each one. If you do pass the parcel at that age don't do forfeits, just a sweet at each layer and a little prize in the middle. For more than 15 children I do two parcels, with extra layers, as otherwise it lasts for ever.

For food I usually do cold things for big parties. When it comes to the cake I get them sitting in a circle and they all sing happy birthday (or equivalent). I do this before food, it gives more time for cutting, although this year I am planning to ice a spare cake and cut and wrap that up before party, so less effort during party.

Hope that gives you a few ideas, will add more if I thiink of them.

We are going to do picnic boxes for DDs 5th birthday. Can get the picnic boxes on line, fill with carton juice/fruit/chopped veg/crisps/raisins/biscuit/cupcakes/sweets (whatever is the norm for feeding kids where you are!), we are going to make up an assortment of sandwiches with different fillings and offer them around. Kids sit on the floor on old sheets. Black bag all the boxes at the end - job done.

When the cake gets cut a slice will go in each party bag.

If you look at our other threads (shirleys party advice) blast off recently did a space/rocket party so lots of advice on there.

You could do lunch boxes or scientist style brown paper bags. You can get rockets to launch etc. Blast off had rocket balloons and stars floating above the table.

I've been to lots of parties and the pre packed lunch boxes are much easier. I've tried buffet style and it's a nightmare with younger children (aged 4 - 5). They're just not used to it.

I'd give Pass the Parcel a miss - it's impossible with that many children and very drawn out and boring.

I'm finding that games with prizes are less popular now at parties - so as not to leave anyone out.

You mentioned a craft corner. Why not divide into teams and set up a few space stations where you can do different activities/play games? Then you will have smaller numbers to deal with.

Ooooh, thank you for replies!

I would love to do food boxes, but think that there are too many tastes to cater to and half the stuff would be left uneaten.

Excellent game ideas - I love the imitate something one, 3duracellbunnies, it is exactly the kind of thing ds (and his kindi friends) would like!

And thanks for the thread tip, I'll be off to read through that one too.