Would you have an 'entertainer' for a 3rd birthday party?

[Holymoly321]

Do we need to have one? Had thought of just doing food and then party games - or shoudl that be party games then food then finish? How do most 3rd birthday parties run?

Wouldn't bother with entertainer.

Let them all arrive and run around a bit, then feed them, a couple of party games, then the cake and then start making little packing up movements so parents get the idea...

Food and party games good. Most 3 yo won't sit for a magic show, or entertainer. Also, lots of the kids may be younger than 3, so more problematic for them.
Also some 3 yo might be scared of the entertainer.
I think entertainers work best for 4 plus age group.
Games, food, dancing, maybe a craft activity. They will be happy!

I won't be for DD's 3rd birthday next month.

Nah, not worth it. Bouncy castle, if you want to spend money

I'd do the more active party games first, anything that involves a bit of running/pushing,musical chairs perhaps then food, then the slightly more sedate party games such as pass the parcel.

And no entertainer, they're too young to appreciate it.

Definitely not.

Far too young.

Sandwiches, cake, jelly and crisps.

Pass the parcel.

A book/crayons to go home with.

Birthday party for a 3 year old. Done.

that's what I thought - and I hate clowns anyway! thanks all - wish us luck!

no not some gimp straining to be funny.run around,some toys -laugher that's enough

spontaneous fun
food
friends
music

We went to a 3rd bday party at the weekend that had an entertainer. She had the children walking about banging sticks and playing instruments and singing and doing action songs, then some parachute games. The children all joined in and she went down very well.

Before this I'd have said no, but now I can see how it can be a good idea.

A lot of entertainers won't do under 4's. Last 3 year old party I went to with an entertainer all the children ended up crying because they didn't get a go at doing the magic

I think a lot depends on the size of your party and how much help you are getting from other parents.

When children are school age an entertainer is a godsend. Especially as most the parents leave the children with you. Its terrifying looking after 20 five year olds and getting the food ready.

I would have thought with three year olds a lot of the parents would stay. Managing hyperactive kids is easier with extra hands.

ooh no. ive persuaded a friend to dress up as a clown and do tricks for DS's 3rd... is it going to be a disaster?!

it is isnt it?!!!!

No it should be fine so long as they keep it relatively short.

I had entertainer for my DS1's 3rd birthday )now nearly 10!) and looking back feel it was such a waste of money as they were far too young to appreciate it and now feel it was much too extravagant for a boy of 3 years old. So no I would say definitely wouldn't do it for 3 year old!

well i wont have to pay for it luckily as its a friend and i guess we can always boo him off if he gets boring!!!!

not for a 3yr old. but had a clown/magician for 1 ds 5th, and bouncy castle, entertainer for 2nd ds 5th.
Maybe just hire a bouncy castle and provide some food and music for 3 yr olds.

You could do, depends on the entertainer and how much cash you have. 3 year olds love Mr Boom, for example.

But not necessary. Just play a few games, feed them and say goodbye.

DD2's 3rd birthday last week. 12 kids, ranging from 3 to 7 in age. They did colouring in (which was just meant to be a time filler, but was the most popular thing ), played with a pop-up tent and slide we had set up in the hall, raced around with balloons and ate loads of junk. No organised games, no pass-the-parcel, mummies all sat around and chatted. It was great!