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Post by ponyhairs on Sept 21, 2018 12:39:28 GMT -6
We are having my daughter's 7th birthday party next weekend and I'm trying to figure out if we need to plan games for the kids to play during the party. I am renting an inflatable slide and we have a set of monkey bars, a small swing set and a ninja line in the backyard. Is that enough entertainment for 6 and 7 year olds? We will also have a pinata and the kids can also play with all her toys and junk in the house. The past few years we have had her parties at a play place, so I'm used to built in entertainment.
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Post by theseaword on Sept 21, 2018 12:41:50 GMT -6
Edited for my confusingly phrased answer. No formal activity is needed IME.
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bobyn
Diamond
local baby-making menace
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Post by bobyn on Sept 21, 2018 14:59:15 GMT -6
While I don't think it's needed, it can certainly be a good thing to incorporate into the party. In my experience, the things you listed occupy kids for 30-45 minutes at most and then things can start to go south. There are really easy things like even tag or kickball or red rover that can make the party go a bit smoother.  |
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ripper
Opal
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Post by ripper on Sept 21, 2018 15:04:30 GMT -6
I don't think you need games, but it certainly would help. I have had a party or two go south, as HE suggested.
What about getting a prize of some sort and wrapping it like 15 times. Then, they all sit in a circle and you pass it like hot potato. When the music stops, the person holding the present gets to take off a layer. repeat until the present gets opened - winner gets it.
I know I used to play games at my friends' parties when I was a kid, but I can't remember any of them except the hot potato one.
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gussie
Amethyst
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Post by gussie on Sept 21, 2018 15:26:40 GMT -6
We have the neighborhood kids coming over tomorrow and I got some extra things, specifically a bean bag toss game and a giant parachute. Maybe adding a couple of things like that would help? Do you have bikes/ scooters/ riding cars they can use? Sidewalk chalk and bubbles or another arts and crafts project like tie dye? I personally think it'll be fine if you add a station or two since I'm assuming there will be eating and cake as well to eat up time.
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rvasc
Emerald
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Post by rvasc on Sept 21, 2018 15:45:05 GMT -6
How many kids?
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maybe
Sapphire
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Post by maybe on Sept 21, 2018 16:01:51 GMT -6
My next door neighbor has a lot of things like that in their backyard. She hired a local teenager who worked at her kid’s summer camp to lead the kids in games. They did water balloons and treasure hunts and a fancied duck, duck, goose. The kids were entertained by the older kid and loved it. It was a 6th bday party.
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Post by ponyhairs on Sept 21, 2018 17:00:50 GMT -6
Lol, unclear. My kid keeps adding people and I have no idea to be honest.  I think 20ish? |
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Post by ponyhairs on Sept 21, 2018 17:02:52 GMT -6
We have the neighborhood kids coming over tomorrow and I got some extra things, specifically a bean bag toss game and a giant parachute. Maybe adding a couple of things like that would help? Do you have bikes/ scooters/ riding cars they can use? Sidewalk chalk and bubbles or another arts and crafts project like tie dye? I personally think it'll be fine if you add a station or two since I'm assuming there will be eating and cake as well to eat up time. I have spent my entire work day Pinterest-ing and I have decided I am going to make a large set of pick up sticks and we are going to paint a couple of hopscotches on the patio and I'm going to do either musical chairs or the unwrapping the gift thing a pp mentioned for group stuff. I might make a themed bean bag toss game too. |
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Post by ponyhairs on Sept 21, 2018 17:04:00 GMT -6
I don't think you need games, but it certainly would help. I have had a party or two go south, as HE suggested. What about getting a prize of some sort and wrapping it like 15 times. Then, they all sit in a circle and you pass it like hot potato. When the music stops, the person holding the present gets to take off a layer. repeat until the present gets opened - winner gets it. I know I used to play games at my friends' parties when I was a kid, but I can't remember any of them except the hot potato one. This is good. I was thinking musical chairs as well. |
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Post by millimeter314 on Sept 21, 2018 19:24:39 GMT -6
We had about 10 kids over for the twins’ party in July. We had a piñata and set up a “pin the cupcake on DS and DD face” on the kitchen pantry.
They didn’t care much for the piñata and we never played the cupcake game. Their photos are still hanging on my pantry.
I think it’s good to have some backup ideas, but they may just have fun playing. We pulled out all our bikes, sand toys, soccer and baseball equipment, crayons and lots of paper, let them have access to the toys in their rooms, and just let them loose.
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maybe
Sapphire
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Post by maybe on Sept 21, 2018 20:57:30 GMT -6
My next door neighbor has a lot of things like that in their backyard. She hired a local teenager who worked at her kid’s summer camp to lead the kids in games. They did water balloons and treasure hunts and a fancied duck, duck, goose. The kids were entertained by the older kid and loved it. It was a 6th bday party. My gosh this is brilliant. I’m writing this in sharpie on my next birthday plan. She paid her $15 a hour and served hot dogs. It was amazing and everyone had a blast while parents drank and socialized. |
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regal
Sapphire
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Post by regal on Sept 21, 2018 21:35:29 GMT -6
Do not, I repeat, do not let 20 kids into your house to play your kids stuff. I hide every toy we own except lego (when it was the theme) and trains and blocks when our backyard party got rained out. No one is allowed up stairs to the bedrooms.
I like to start off with free play as kids arrive, then do food, games and activites (pinata), cake and presents, more free play until pick up time.
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Post by truckerhat on Sept 22, 2018 11:55:22 GMT -6
Check with your city/local parks and rec. Our city has "Fun on the run party packages" that are very reasonable. They usually come with 2 teen or young adult coordinators and all the parties at parks/homes that have done it seem to be a big hit with the kids. Some themes:
"Looking for the "FUN" at your next party/event?
Look no further than Fun on the Run Mobile Recreation Party Packages!
Each party is packaged for 12 children (ages 3-12 years) with 90 minutes of activities & games. Additional party participants are $5 per child.
FEE: $150"
PARTY THEMES (CHOOSE ONE)
ALL SORTS OF SPORTS
Designed for the athletes and sports fans; sports covered can include soccer,flag football, cheerleading, softball, volleyball, track/field, & basketball (available at select parks); select one sport or a variety.
CARNIVAL SPECTACULAR
Enjoy a day at the carnival with 6 different carnival booth games, including Rain Gutter Regatta, Rubber Duck Guessing, and more! Your party includes prizes at each booth and other carnival themed relays & games.
UNDER THE SEA LUAU
Take a dive on the wet and wild side with our sea explorers. Party participants will go on an under water adventure with sea urchins and sea creatures, play the coral reed soaker scramble, and more; craft available upon request.
PIRATE ADVENTURE
Argh matey, welcome aboard! This adventure will include treasure hunts, pirate hats & eye patches, digging for buried treasure, walking the plank, and more swashbuckling fun games and activities.
FIELD DAY FESTIVAL
Bring out the fun in competition with a day of relays, races, and challenges! This party will keep your participants moving and competing all day in fun challenges like, 3-legged races, oversized games, pizza box relays, and more.
PRINCESS FANTASYLAND
Tiaras and fairytales inspire this girly party. Activities will include designing your own tiara/crown and wand, playing princess games like musical thrones, princess freeze dance, the princess and the pea puzzle, and many others.
SUPER SCIENCE
Party like a Mad Scientist! This party explores the fun side of science with everyday objects, including dry ice, balloons, & more. Each participant will leave with a science journal from the day and an ooey-gooey concoction.
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I think 20ish?
