Should I plan to do games at DD's party (5 yrs)?

[neuroticmumof3]

DD is having a party on Sunday. I have hired a 27ft bouncy fun gym (I'm very over excited about this!). The party is from 2.30-5pm, the fun gym has to be collected at 4.30pm. I thought I would sit them all down for food at that point. I'm not sure how long they will eat for, should I plan to do some games at the end? If so, which ones? Sorry for stupid questions but it's about 14 years since I've hosted a children's party and my brain is going into meltdown with all the things to think about. There will be about 25 children aged 4/5. I've got 4 adult helpers (thankfully).

Also about 8 of the 30+ invited haven't RSVP'd yet (invites went out 2 weeks ago). Should I pop a reminder in their tray at school? Don't know the parents by sight so can't ask them.

[MrsCantSayAnything]

Gosh, what time is the party starting? I think that you may be eating at the wrong point. The food is a highlight for many kids...i think that they expect it about half way through.

You call them off for drinks and food after they've had an hour on the gym...they'll be thirsty....then eating for 20 mins....to 30 mins....then more play gym....perhaps you could do a lucky dip or one round of pass the parcel....then that's enough.

Reminders...can you get a list of numbers and do a text message reminder?

[neuroticmumof3]

Party starts at 2.30pm, I plan to have drinks available while they bounce. Maybe I should feed them at the halfway point but might that increase the risk of bouncing related vomiting? I don't know what to do now.... or what games to organise. The stress is starting to get to me and I'm wishing I'd just booked an indoor play centre instead!

[neuroticmumof3]

Think I'll do duck, duck, goose and what's the time mr wolf. Then I don't have to give prizes - it's not that I'm tight lol, I'm just not that keen on having winners/losers (softy emoticon).

[givemeaclue]

The food at 4.30 will be a rush at the end and two hours bouncing, they will need a break. So hour of bouncing, food half an hour, more bouncing them half hour games. It is a lot of time bouncing though so don't be surprised if some of them get bored within the fisrst hour, or tired

[givemeaclue]

Musical statues always popular and doesn't involve explaining rules

[neuroticmumof3]

I think you're right, I'll break it up with food and do games once the bouncy thing has gone.