Kids Party Planning - Frequently Asked Questions

What should I consider as a parent when planning activities for a kids party?The good thing is that kids are easy to please. However, their attention span is short and they can easily lose interest an activity. That's why it is good to include a variety of exciting games. Popular kids party games include Bring Me, Trip to Jerusalem, and Pin the Tail on the Donkey. It is also important consider their age, because not all games appeal to all ages. For instance, four-year-olds might love Pin the Tail on the Donkey, whereas kids who are older prefer charades or a scavenger hunt.Be creative and make up your own games. You can involve their favorite cartoon or storybook characters or host a 20-minute clown or magic show. Having a mascot in the party is also a good option. If possible, include fixtures such as a swing, slide and seesaw around the area where kids can just play. Another thing that is very popular is to include the singing of some kids songs.What foods do you recommend for kids parties?At first the younger kids may be more interested in fun-filled games than food, but rest assured once you bring out the goodies they'll get excited. Popular food options for kids include cheeseburgers, hot dogs, fried chicken, ice cream, spaghetti, and cake. Kids also get excited when you decorate cups of ice cream with chocolate sprinklers or gummy candies on top. However, introducing healthier food like raw vegetables with dips is an idea the moms will appreciate. Also, kids are more open to eat different foods when they are away from home. Don't be surprised if they eat them when they see other kids eating them.Too much playing on a warm day can dehydrate kids, so make sure you have plenty drinks as well. Don't limit the choices to soda, but have juice, cold water and even milk available. Before planning the menu ask the kids parents if they have any food allergies, and if so, prepare accordingly.What are some good kids party themes?My first suggestion is ask your child for ideas. You can make some suggestions, but make sure what you suggest appeals to your child. A superhero party, a carnival party, a princess party, or a party theme based on one of his/her favorite fairy tales or stories are among themes that are very popular with younger kids. As kids get older, a small scale scavenger hunt, limited to your party site, goes over great.How many kids should I invite to the party?Don't think you have to invite every child in the neighborhood or every friend your child has. A rule of thumb that seems to work pretty good is to keep the number of kids equal to how old your child is. You child will only be able to interact with a limited number of friends. The more kids you invite, the chances are very young children will be overwhelmed or exhausted. Applying this rule will keep the party small, and keep the budget under control as well, which means you can afford kids parties more frequently.How long should the party last?Kids parties do not have to be that long, because of the short attention spans children have. It goes without saying that the older the child, the longer the party can be. For kids that 8 to 10 years old the length can be 2 to even 3 hours, whereas limit the party to no more than two hours for children 6 or 7. For 4 or 5-year-olds an hour is usually fine, and no more than an hour-and-a-half, whereas if the kids are 3 or under, 45 minutes is adequate, and certainly no more than an hour.How can I create anticipation for the party in my child?This is usually not a problem. Mention having a party to a child and they almost always get excited, but if you really want to build enthusiasm, involve them in the party planning. Ask for their suggestions on a party theme, and what games and activities to include. Have them help make up invitations and drop them in the mail box. Let them help create and put in place decorations. Will there be party favors or goodie bags for the kids; then have your child help assemble them.How can you make all your guests feel special?You'll want to do something for all the kids. For example perhaps you give each child their own simple party hat, or give them a temporary face painting or tattoo. Also you may invite them to come in simple costumes, perhaps to correspond with the party's theme. Also, we just mentioned goodie bags; make up one for each child to take home. You can fill it with small toys, some crafts or other knick-knacks, simple things you can probably pick up in a dollar or craft store.