Catering for Multiple Age Groups at Bday Party?

[User7164]

LO turns 3 soon and we’re throwing a garden party, but the trouble is we have friends with children of all ages (1 years through to 12 years)! No idea what the best way is to cater for all of them, as we only have experience with our one haha!

Thinking of hiring a bouncy castle, lots of garden games, football nets for the boys, karaoke machine… any other ideas of activities that could be enjoyed by multiple age groups? Don’t want the older ones to feel bored/left out!

Thanks :)

crafts?
cake decorating

I wouldnt hire a bouncy castle with such a range of ages - someone will have to monitor it constantly to make sure only similar sized kids are using it at the same time to avoid injuries.

We usually do bouncy castle/football/crafts and garden toys. Take turns watching the bouncy castle and nobody takes offence if their dc is reprimanded for being rough. Most of them are well used to watching out for the smaller ones anyway, so not usually an issue

Football net for the boys? You know girls can play too yeah?

I'd say a bouncy castle would be ok, but for mixed ages it'll need adult supervision at all times

Yup, daughter plays twice a week! But from experience only the boys are ever interested in playing at the parties! Meant it more as a ‘making sure all bases are covered’ comment :) I can think of a million ‘girls’ activities but clueless when it comes to the boys!

This sounds good, I think I can manage all that! I think I’ll just keep it simple and try not to overthink it!

Definitely going to do a big crafts table! I’m hoping parents of the smaller ones will be watching them if they go on bouncy castle!

How about a bubble machine?

Is it a garden party in the UK? If so it will need ways to keep active and warm at this time of year! If sunny and abroad, water play and kinetic sand go down well with all ages in my experience. Open ended craft can be good for all ages too - eg decorate biscuits, glitter tattoos, jewellery or keychain making.