Desperately need tips and ideas for a 3rd birthday party

[ohdearwhatamess]

I'm planning to have a party for ds1's 3rd birthday, in a village hall, inviting about 30 children (most of whom will be 3 or 4 years old). I've never hosted a party before, let alone a childrens' one, and am feeling rather nervous about the whole thing.

Are games essential? Is there an alternative? The thought of games brings me out in a cold sweat (loathed them as a child, still feel the same).

Was thinking of having a bouncy castle, colouring table, lots of balloons everywhere, a scalextric corner, and food of course. What else could I do to entertain and amuse a room full of toddlers?

If you have a bouncy castle they will probably be perfctly happy.
We had one at DDs party, and it had to be deflated to get the kids to come and have food.
I think at that age what you have suggested will be plenty, I dont think you need to do games if you dont want to.

bumping for more ideas

Go to a playbarn place and avoid having to be in charge!

The thought had crossed my mind. What puts me off (apart from the sheer hell and noise of those places ) is that the children that ds is closest to wouldn't come if we did that (parents would rather poke their eyes out than set foot in soft play hell), nearest one is a good 30 mins drive away, and village hall is walking distance for almost all of the childen we'd invite.

an inflatable slide is much better as they go up one side and slide down the other so you dont have to monitor as much as you dont have 30 kids on at the same time.

Little food

Lots of drinks

Lots of helpers

Bubbles! Keep my DS amused for ages.

don't bother with the scaletrix - will be a nightmare and will need an adult to monitor.

bouncy castle is great idea - then have party games - musical statues/musical bumps/whats the time mr wolf etc.

Craft table is a good idea too.

how long are you having for teh party?

My dd was 4 in dec her party was attended by 3 and 4 year olds.I had a craft table with afew simple things to make a nd colouring sheets i printed off disney,cbeebies website.A inflatable pirate ship with balls,tent,tunnel,funny feet,space hopper,hopscotch,giant snakes and ladders etc.Was put off bubbles as i thought it would make the floor too slippery.Games as there young and get bored easily pass the parcel musical statues and a pinata.Another thing i did get which was a bit ott but the kids loved them were adult bob the builder and tigger costumes.Think even the parents were impressed the kids loved meeting them and having there picture taken with them

at the risk of being a killjoy i think a hall and 30 small children is a bit much for a third birthday. what are you going to do when they're seven, kill a fatted calf?

tea for a few friends and zoo or farm visit is more like it.

bubble machine

gluing/drawing table

ball pit (paddling pool filled with plastic balls.

I wouldn't bother with games until they are 5/6, they don't understand the rules and cry when they are out.

At that age I also got those little cardboard boxes to put their lunches in so that I didn't have to hand round loads of plates of sandwhiches, cheese, sausages, carrots etc.

We had a pirate party for ds's 3rd - telescopes and eye patches to make and pirate coloring pictures, stickers etc, sand pit with 'buried treasure' to dig for, and the best - a big dinghy to be pulled around the floor in by co-operative big cousins!
That was only for about 10 children though - I can see it being a touch dangerous for 30!
We did pass the parcel and attempted musical bumps but in a very haphazard fashion where no one was out!

Thank you all for the good ideas. Think I might save them for another year. I had a change of heart last night and have decided to do 2 small parties at home (one for family, one for a handful of friends) and save the stress of a big do for next year!