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Parties/celebrations

Whether you're planning a birthday or a hen do, you'll find plenty of ideas for your celebration on our Party forum.

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Original poster

Panicking about 3 year old DD's party! Anyone had an outdoor party in April ...??!

10 replies

PiperG · 30/03/2009 19:16

We're planning a party for our 3 year old DD this weekend, but now I am panicking about having lots of children squeezed into our little flat. I thought we'd be OK space-wise but didn't quite account for having to sit 8 or 9 kids for tea - our table won't fit them all! So am thinking that unless I can find an alternative to a sit-down tea that still gets some food down them all (any ideas anyone??) I may have to think again and try to have a party outdoors, in the park.

I thought that even if the weather is not hugely warm, as long as it's not freezing or raining we could just get them all running around and have lots of games and then have a picnic tea and bring lots of hot chocolate in thermoses. Has anyone done anything like this - or anyone got any other good ideas about outdoor things? Perhaps I am insane to be thinking of doing this in early April, but I am getting rather anxious at the thought of all these rambunctious 3 year olds (plus various younger siblings) in our little flat. I think it's way too late to find a venue for this weekend, so park may be only option!

OP posts:

spudmasher · 30/03/2009 19:18

Do you have space for an indoor picnic? Have done this before and it worked quite well.Just folded the rug with all the shit in it sfterwards and got on with the playing. Transferred shit to bin after the party.

Flopsymopsy · 30/03/2009 19:22

Park as option a) and then indoors picnic on blanket in front room if not? If you're short on space I'd say only invitees if wet weather, siblings welcome in park. I'm sure parents will understand (If you're able to look after their 3 year old while they go home with sibling?).
Indoors picnic could be fun as you can play games and imagine you're outside - not playing football, but "ooh, look at that tree/rabbit etc. Could even hide animal toys in flat to find?

Original poster

PiperG · 30/03/2009 20:29

I hadn't thought about an indoor picnic - thanks both - seems like a do-able idea ... would love to get them all running around the park if poss, just to burn off some energy! Just need to think of some good outside games ...

OP posts:

twinklytoes · 30/03/2009 21:58

dd1 has had 2nd to 5th birthdays (05-08)in the garden on the last weekend in april. always been sunny and relatively warm.

eskimum · 30/03/2009 22:32

We've been invited to an outdoor party for 3-5 year olds in the park 2 years running, in February. Personally I was freezing and could have done with a flask of something a bit stronger than hot chocolate but none of the kids noticed the cold and all had fantastic time, so yes I'd go for the park if necesary.

Original poster

PiperG · 31/03/2009 12:57

Hi eskimum, what did all the kids do in the park? were there some organised games or were they all just running around? Very brave to do the outside thing in Feb! Think will have to have hot toddies for grown ups if weather doesn't warm up a bit by this weekend

OP posts:

Flopsymopsy · 31/03/2009 13:34

A friend of mine said her son of 3 went to a party in a hall and they all had to bring a wheeled toy to share. Loads of ride ons etc, great fun! Could do same in park? You could have a bag of toys for if they get bored e.g balls, animals, paper, pens, colourful material. Could do treasure hunt where they have to find things of diff colours of the rainbow and stick to card or hunt for insects.
If in park their parents will be with them presumably so you could set them off on challenges where they went out of sight with parents - give you a chance to set out the picnic?

BradsMom · 05/04/2009 15:42

Just read this thread..so pretty late to give u pointers..however I am organizing a park party next month for my son.
Can u tell us how urs went & what to watch out for if u had a park party..so can be prepared.

Original poster

PiperG · 06/04/2009 20:10

It went great - had everyone at ours in the end as weather was so gorgeous we could be in the garden. I hadn't thought that would be possible but it turned out fine. Just had couple of tables with different activities - play dough (BAD idea though - fun but goes everywhere!!) - and paper/pens/sticking stuff; and then a parachute, tent, tunnel,all that kind of stuff. Played musical bumps and lots of stuff with parachute, but organised games never work very well with 3 year olds - they just run around doing their own thing. Fairly chaotic but lots of fun!

We were all set to do this in the park too so i reckon this kind of thing would work well in the park. Just take lots of rugs and cushions and tents or tunnels or any of that kind of stuff, a few activities, maybe some books, few toys. Then just leave them to it! And maybe have one organised game ready in case they are getting fractious. Also had very relaxed bday tea where they all just helped themselves to sausages and sarnies and sat wherever they wanted while the grown-ups tried not to get too drunk ...

Good luck with your party!

OP posts:

BradsMom · 07/04/2009 10:03

Thanks, that helps. Glad it went well.

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