How do you do 3rd birthday party in winter? (with small house)

[jennifersofia]

Once we fit in 2 of her friends and their two parents (and other siblings), it starts to feel like that's enough! Can't invite kids without parents, don't know about sensitively inviting one parent only...we could do just a family thing with aunt and granny, but it seems a shame not to invite her friends. I'm not hugely keen to rent out a place because of the expense and hassle. It really would be easier if we could spill into the garden, but not in February!
Her previous two parties have sort of ended up more as a party for the adults with kids mooching around, crawling over everyone, etc. I am wondering if I should do something more organized this year, but 3 just seems too young for 'party games'. Oh dear, the dilemma of it all - and I need to send invites out! Any suggestions anyone?

Could you do it at a child friendly pub - one with a play area?

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They can do some basic party games at 3 or just like dancing to music. Also something like a treasure hunt can work well as a group if you have access to outside space - they work off some energy and as long as they have coats and keep moving they survive ! Have to say at that age we went to several at soft play areas or we hired someone to lead a music session, followed by tea and a few games.

this is a REALLY old post but am bumping because i have the same dilemma....
Any other tricks?
TIA

Bump

Ask the children to come well wrapped up and wearing wellies then let them play and eat outside.

It's perfectly acceptable to:

a) limit a third birthday party to just a few children
b) specify no siblings and one parent only - and be honest about why this is the case. People are generally very understanding.

Otherwise, you are looking at hiring somewhere - community hall, softplay area etc - OR doing an 'activity party' - bowling, swimming, McDs - although I think this might be a bit much for a 3 yr old.

We had third birthday party for DD3 at home last week and our house is tiny.

As guests arrived and we made masks on the table with lots of stickers and glitter glue etc. When they were all here(only 5 of them, plus DD2 and DD3) we went into living room and played musical statues and musical hats (safer than chairs!) while table was cleared and set for lunch. We also sang songs like "hokey cokey" and heads, shoulders, knees and toes. I only did this as I knew all the mums though, and they did at least join in and didn't leave me singing on my own.

Then we went outside for a treasure hunt but not for long as it started to rain, but long enough that luckily everone found something!

I ordered animal party boxes from a party website which I had already filled that morning for the party lunch, which saved loads of time and stress and was much easier than party plates of food and spilt cups. Much less messy too and they loved them. It was cheaper too as you can get away with less food as I find kids are too excited at parties to eat much. I had never done it before but will definately do it again!

Finished off with pass the parcel and a balloon drop from the ceiling which was great.

It was really hard work and I was knackered but looking back it was fab. Thank goodness it,s over till next year though.

I agree with no siblings too. Was hard as all guests had siblings and we have all known each other for years, but our house is just too small and actually it was lovely to have a party just with the little ones instead of the great big six year olds!

Everybody understood.

You could pay for entry to a soft play type place for the friends and buy them a meal each and take a cake with you, you don't need to pay for an actual party if only inviting a few friends.