Party games for 3 year olds

[2bayumimum]

I hadnt really planned on starting parties for my youngest DS until he was 4, but he's been invited to a number this year, so feel I need to do the same for him, it will be his 3rd birthday. Going to do something in the garden ( if it doesnt rain ! ) before serving food, and then do some games after that. Do any of you creative mums out there have an idea for some fun, but slightly different games, as the children seem to be a bit bored by pass the parcel, musical chairs etc, from the parties Ive been too recently ( I used to love these when I was smaller ! ). Thanks

[bigbadbarry]

They can't be bored by musical bumps?! Though at 3 it is just jumping about with completely random bumps some time after the
music stops :) other than that just running round with balloons or something.

[smallpotato]

We had a 1st birthday party for DD2 recently, though the guests were mainly 3yo DD1's friends and their baby siblings! Pass the parcel was a bit of a disaster tbh, they were much happier running around playing. Make sure you have lots of balloons and those party blower things, and I also got a kit to make balloon animals which was a big hit.

On another thread people suggested craft activities, or a pinata thing?

[JackieFazal]

how can you get sick of pass the parcel! lol i did that at my 1 year olds party lol what about a pinata and a stick? might get a bit manic though lol. sometimes you can get some garden games like a hop scotch thingy to put on the floor. or a tresure hunt around the garden (like a easter egg hunt but with different things to find). A dancing game like what they do on cbeebies (groovy moves on show me show me). whats the time mister wolf? :) i hope these help :)

[2bayumimum]

Thanks everyone, will have a ponder, definitely will get some balloon kits, but may avoid the pinata, as the boys may get a bit too enthusiatic :-)

[Elk]

IME children don't really get party games until they are 5/6 and even then they get upset when they are out!!
Craft activities are good as is music to to dance to and lots of bubbles.
Hunting for packets of sweets is good.