How many party games do I need for 2 hours?

[chicaguapa]

For a 5th birthday party including tea and birthday cake. Or is that a bit like asking how long is a piece of string?

Plus what's the best to start with as an ice-breaker? Will be first party together for a lot of the kids there as they've all just started reception so think they'll need loosening up. There will be 30+ btw.

[cowmod]

30

are oy mad?

cos top tip
do tea bang int he middle

[cowmod]

cods

[cowmod]

there i have just bumped about 6 thread form the archive for you

ifd have about 10

[PandaG]

posted my fave first activity recently - print off lots of pictures from internet, supply crayons or felt tips, they colour in while latecomers arrive. Can be pics suitable fortheme of party if you have one - Disney Cbeebies etc good sites to google for images. Low effort and means the earlier children have something to get stuck into while others are arriving,, less hanging around feeling nervous, or conversely charging around waiting for something to start. Another tip, print out names on stickers,, you won't know all the children, much easier if they are wearing their name so you can address them by name.

[brimfull]

about 3000 ime
games last about 1/10 of the time you expect

[PandaG]

also have lots of games on hand that need little or no preparation, eg musical chairs, bumps, statues, team games such as passing balloon over heads/under legs, dancing competition, all good for using up time with little effort. If you have the confidence to lead it, a blast of singing at the end of the party goes down well with 5yos, hokey cokey, conga, heads and shoulders etc, no equipment needed, other helpers can clear up while this is going on

[southeastastralplain]

you can make hats out of plain card and get them to cut it into a crown shape, then decorate. they can also take turns in decorating a huge card for the birthday boy/girl.

[sylvm]

Definitely do craft of some sort - you could decorate pre made/bought biscuits/fairy cakes with writing icing, chocolate sprinkles and so on - then they can eat them at tea or take them home.

Allow 5 minutes a game and have a few spares in case one goes down like a lead balloon.

Have colouring sheets or colouring mats or something like that around as children arrive - some will be early and some late and it means you aren't too involved at the beginning. You definitely need lots of helpers, for clearing up as you go/taking them to the loo/looking after the one that doesn't want to play.

As an ex Rainbow leader and Mum of 2 (the youngest is now almost 10) I used to do lots of parties like this and you are making me feel quite nostalgic - happy days!

[chicaguapa]

Thanks. Have printed off some Cars pictures for colouring. Found out my sister is coming up and she loves organising games. I can do it when I'm on my own with the kids - just feel like a twit in front of other mums.

There will be 9 adults around to help out/ take charge. Am quite good at being bossy .

What's the best game to start with?

[sylvm]

musical bumps/statues - everyone knows it - so they get into the swing of things quickly

[chicaguapa]

Good idea. Thanks.