Birthday Party on a narrowboat

[Olliebobsmomma]

Hi, im new - please be gentle :). Im organising my DS 8th birthday party on a narrowboat (its what he asked for). Its going to be held the beginning of November, food & cake Ive got covered, im absolutely lost for party games etc...............anybody able to offer some ideas please? Thank you xxx

Never mind the games, my DS couldn't swim age 8 so he wouldn't be going!

Are you sure a bunch of active children on a boat is the best thing to do?

Me neither. Even if they all have life jackets the coldness of the water can kill if they fall in. My kids are good swimmers but still no way. Is anyone attending a lifeguard?

Its a totally managed boat, specifically for birthday/parties........Ive no concerns for the childrens safety, its very very well managed.

I would go for craft activities that can be done sitting down. Children running around on a narrow boat sounds like a recipe for disaster.

Is there much room on a narrow boat?

The boat can hold upto 36 people safely, we are only asking 22 people, so their will be loads of room. I like the idea of crafty things to do......

Nobody will die from the cold if they fall in. My parents own one, so have been more times then I can count, fallen in numerous times including through the ice and I'm still here! So long as they all have lifejackets they'll be fine.

A lovely idea for a party but yes - not much room to run about usually, so sitting down activities would be good. How long do you need to fill?

Will it be moving or moored up?

It sounds cold in November, will the doors be closed & the heating on as 22 children all in bulky padded coats will take up a lot of room :)

It will be closed and heated for the smalls x

Will there b enough room if parents want to stay?

If moving, some iSpy/bingo type games of things to spot. Have you had a look on Canals and Rivers trust and the like for canal related activity ideas?

Parents counted in the numbers xx

Pirate themed crafts & games.

Geez, does everybody think that OP hasn't thought of the temperature, boat safety etc? She's asking for advice on games not your opinions on the boat party.
Anyway, I think you should go with a sailor/nautical/pirate theme so that you can do things like 'pin the sail on the boat' (pin the tail on the donkey), anchor toss (like horse shoe toss), maybe some sort of treasure hunt on the boat depending on the space you have to use.

I think it's a fab idea OP, good on you for doing something a bit different

Thank you Curly Wurly, I am a responsible parent. Im looking at making lava lamps and I very much like the idea of pin the anchor!! Thanks for your helpfulness xxx

Hope party goes well x

Where on earth is this boat? I would adore this idea for my DS one year