Do you think I need to plan any games for DS's birthday party?

[mockorangey]

DS is having his 5th birthday party an outdoor venue where there are little steam trains to ride on. Planning to do food in bags (sandwich, crisps, mini roll etc). Do you think I need any additional entertainment aside from the trains themselves? Was thinking of maybe a pass the parcel. I haven't been to a party like this before so d9nt have anything to go on!

[mockorangey]

Just to add, there will be 15-20 children

[Seeline]

How long are the rides?
can they have unlimited rides?

I imagine that most children will only want one or two before being bored of that and wanting something else to do. Can you take any other toys/games with you - bats, balls, beanbags, skipping ropes, hoops etc

I would definitely have some games planned.

What happens if it rains?

[mockorangey]

The ride is probably like 10min. Might be queues at certain points too. I was planning they might have 2 rides each.

Planning to borrow a gazebo but if heavy rain is forecast we would cancel and rearrange a soft play party later.

You've got me worried now. I was thinking of taking a pass the parcel but not sure what else as I doubt we'll have masses of space. A treasure hunt would be good but won't be able to set it up in advance unfortunately. Any other ideas for easy games?

[TeenTimesTwo]

A big parachute (get from a large ASDA or similar I would think)

Have some bean bags for games such as running around balancing them on their heads.

A football if there is space?

Bubbles.

If your party is 90-120 minutes long you definitely need stuff planned.

Who is supervising? Will they all go on the trains at the same time?

[WeedsAndMoss]

Can you take any tables
Have activities lined up for them to rotate through when they are finished? Have an adult at each section for colouring, games, ball games, etc.

Do you have a theme?

Is there a playpark nearby?

[mockorangey]

There is one piece of play equipment there, but obviously there will be other people on site using it too. I need activities that don't require a lot of space really. I was thinking maybe a treasure hunt if I paint some rocks and hide them around the site? Bean bag thing could maybe work.

I doubt they will all go on the train at the same time - maybe in 2-3 groups

[mockorangey]

I will take one table (mainly to put cake and food bags on) but no chairs

[HeadsDownThumbsUpEveryone]

I know you didn't ask but I think the venue sounds way too public for a party for 5 year olds, There wont be a safe space to contain them and you cannot guarantee that they are all on the same train. 20 children is a lot to keep your eye on even with help or are you expecting all the parents to supervise?

I definitely think you need other activities and games planned even with queueing 2, 10 minute train rides will only cover 30ish minutes of the party. Is there not somewhere you can use as a base to do games etc other than a gazebo?

[mockorangey]

There are always other birthday parties there so it must work. It is safe and contained and yes, I am expecting parents to be there - it isn't a drop off. I can't change it now anyway so have to make the best of it.

[WeedsAndMoss]

Could you ask the staff what is the usual done thing?

Could you provide a little busy bag for them? Colouring book, pack of pens, some other things they could make/draw/stick/cut sitting somewhere whilst they wait. Could all be train themed?

[mockorangey]

Thanks, yes I think I'll have some kind of craft activity to do when they get there while they're waiting for everyone to arrive and/or a short scavenger hunt. Then maybe a couple of rides on the train, then pass the parcel. Then maybe pin the tail on the donkey, sleeping lions, eat the chocolate bar with knife and fork etc. Hopefully that will be enough and should be doable with other people around.