4th birthday party - advice needed....

[Slowlybeingdrivenmad]

My son's party is this Sunday and he is mad about fire engines so we've arranged for one to come to our house and he and his friends can go out for a ride. My worry is that only 7 children can go at one time and the rides are about 10-15 mins each. I will have 3 rides as I have 20 children (oh my god, can't think about it too much or I might run away). What do I do with the children who aren't on the fire engine? If it's dry I've got a bouncy castle and will put things to do outside in the garden and probably leave them largely to their own devices until it's lunch time, then we'll do party games as everyone will have finished their go on the engine. Do you think this is ok or should I do games with the ones that aren't on the engine? I have no idea whether their parents will stay or not? What if it's wet outside? What do I do then? Should I do some food for the parents (if they stay), just nibbles or what do you think? Any advice from someone who has had this type of party before or anyone who can stop me stressing would be wonderful. I've just done the party bags... it's just the day I'm worried about (can you tell... I'm waffling now). Also the fire engine will be outside our house for the children to have photos and climb in and out of before they go on their ride. Panicking about safety but I will grab a few parents (who I know are staying) and give them a job of making sure no child is in danger of the road.

[TooTicky]

As long as you have adequate supervision, the bouncy castle will be fine. I'd lure a few adults to stay if poss.

[brimfull]

good lord 20 children!!

lucky children getting a ride in a fire engine,my ds would love that.

I think the bouncy castle will be fine,and some adults to catch the flying off it.

Maybe some balloons to entertain.

Bowls of crisps and carrots etc will be fine for parents.

Save the games until later on I think.



sounds great have fun ...you mad thing!

[Slowlybeingdrivenmad]

Thank you. Will definitely ask a few adults to stay and will keep food simple for the adults. No idea what to do if wet though.... if it's a shower I'm sure they'll still go outside but if torrential rain I'm going to have to entertain them! Maybe just lots of games... must get some stickers, sweets etc for prizes!

[PandaG]

could you have a simple activity ready so say 1 gp of children outside, 1 on engine, one doing activity, then rotate? say a colour in a pic of Fireman Sam downloaded from internet? This could be useful as a wet weather option too?

[Slowlybeingdrivenmad]

That sounds like a good idea. I will definitely print out some pictures of Fireman Sam etc and have lots of pencils ready. I bought some bean bags today, thought we could have games with children walking along wearing them on their heads - everyone will get a sticker and lots of cheers. Also bought an indoor dartboard as boys love those - all can be used as wet weather options or outside. Weather for Sunday is supposed to be dry and cloudy at the mo... although today was supposed to be wet and it's been beautiful here - fingers crossed for sunshine as it will all be so much easier. x