pass the parcel, musical bumps, ... what else can I do for ds's 2nd b'day party?

[foxymagoo]

Its his party next Sat. (7th) and he has eight friends coming round. I am PRAYING for a nice day sp they can play in the garden but I'm wondering what games are good for this age group?

Things I've thought about so far:

dancing to the I-pod
pass the parcel
musical bumps/statues
general running around
finish with birthday tea.

Its from 2-4pm.

dead lions?

I wouldn't finish with tea - do a few games first, then tea and afterwards they will probably be quite happy to do the general running around bit

Playdough on the table. Or a big white paper table cloth and pots of crayons for them to scribble while they are eating (keeps them sitting for longer)

As they are only 2 I wonder whether they will be up for many structured games. Lots of things 'set up' for them to move between might be better.

do you have games at a second birthday party?!

have I made a faux pas???

DS's 2nd birthday party is on Sunday - was hoping a big roll of lining paper and crayons would suffice

TBH most 2yo won't have the patence for lots of organised games and many won;t follow the rules.

Avoid anythign that involves lots of them having to be "out" - sitting to one side is really boring and not much fun for a young child. If the game is supposed to have people being out, invest in some visible stickers. When a child is "out" they get a sticker on their top. That way they cn still play, but you know who is in and who will win.

TBH though I'd go for lots of free play, or if in garden how about a mini sports day with different races/obstacle courses, etc.

I would, have tea around 3/3.15pm, and allow a little more time after the tea for more play. Infact straght afte tea is an ideal time for pass the parcel as they are calm from sitting and eating.

We did the hokey-kokey. And I wouldn't do the food last either. I read a story whilst the cling film was being ripped off the food etc! We also played a game where we printed our some animal pictures, two of each and danced around a bit and when the music stopped stand on an animal and the children who were standing on the same animal that was picked out of the hat got a sticker. It is easy for you to manipulate this so that they all get a prize.

Are they all two year olds?

If so I would really caution against anything competitive like musical chairs or you will end up with lots of tears.

If you do pass the parcel for this age group make sure they all get something.

Stuff like dancing in funny ways, imitating animals, trying to copy an adult in making funny faces/standing on one leg etc, all to jolly music will work fine.

Have toys out where you want them to be to 'centre' them as they arrive eg lego blocks/building blocks/little animals and an adult down on the floor to help them settle.
Two year olds will tear around in a bit of a panic or cling to their carer if you don't settle them quickly.

Another good one is a giant roll of paper and some crayons and let them all draw all over it.

At DD's birthday this year we didn't have nice table clothes. I stuck lining paper onto the table and put a couple of wax crayons at each place. The childrn of all ages (from 1y to 8 y) loved it!

They will just about manage pass the parcel if there are a pile of parents around to yank the parcel away from one child and force into the hands of another.
They won't be up to any oter games.
Just leave some toys out and they'll be happy.

I think action songs are best for this age.

Sleeping Bunnies
Dingle Dangle Scarecrow
Hokey Cokey
Wheels on the Bus
Wind the Bobbin
Bouncing tractor

agree too young for winner/loser type games. Would go with action songs/play doh/colouring/dancing. Tea midway through. I finished off both DC's bday parties with a short video and ice lollies to calm them down before home time. Appreciate not everyone agrees with ice lollies and TV, but it worked well. Or perhaps story time with an action story (like going on a bear hunt or similar)

Fantastic, thanks!

Great idea re: paper table cloth and agree they are too young for structure games. Stickers are a great ides too!

Mini sports day sounds great - i'm sure the Dad's will love that. I'll try and get some cheap skittles etc.

Will also bring tea forward - it is the best part after all .

Does anyone have the lyrics to sleeping bunnies. Its one of the few songs I don't know! I know it starts "see the sleeping bunnies lying .... are they ill, oh so still...

I did something I called musical animals. When the music stops they all have to pretend to be an animal you call out - eg lion, crocodile etc.
Then they all win a sticker/sweet for being so clever

I do a slightly different version at every different tots group I go to, but always something along thelines of...

See the little bunnies sleeping 'til it's noon,
Let's wake them up with a merry little tune.

They're so still.
Are they ill?

NO!!!!!!

Up little bunnies, up, up, up!
Jump little bunnies, jump, jump, jump!
Hop little bunnies, hop, hop, hop!
Stop little bunnies, stop, stop, STOP!

Bubbles were the highlight of dds 2nd party - they all loved jumping up to catch them. A bubble machine would be even better...

decorate a biscuit with icing and sweets to put on top. This will need adult help and will be messy so do it outdoor and the birds can have the crumbs.

Also my DS and his friends loved doing the limbo. I held a pinata stick up and they all danced under it. They loved it.

try a treasure hunt in the garden if the weather good enough. Hide lots of little treats, one sweet or cheap toys and then give them a paper bag each and let them find what they can. Needs to be watched by the person that hid the prizes to ensure no one is left out and everyone finds something, 2 yr olds not good with competition so everyone needs to be as successful as poss.