Party games for preschoolers

If you choose a venue with “big toys” as my grandsons call playground equipment, the kids usually don’t need game suggestions, they’ll just climb, run, slide, swing, jump, etc. If you want some organized games, don’t forget the old standbys of “duck, duck, goose,” “musical chairs,” and “red light, green light.”

Here’s an article from Today’s Parent to keep in mind as you plan: “Preschool Party Games: Games are a birthday party tradition that often backfires for preschoolers.”

A few resources for game ideas:

Birthday Party Games from ABC Home Preschool

Party Station from Preschool Express

Another article: “Preschool Party Games” by Rachel Paxton from Christian Parent

Do you have fun preschool games you’d like to share with us? We'd love to see them. Click here to read more!

Outdoor preschool birthday parties

We have a bunch of parents gearing up for outdoor birthday parties for their kids. They’re ordering the Farm Scene, Barnyard or Barnyard 2 cards for events set at local kid-friendly farms.

In our area we have the Deanna Rose Farmstead in Overland Park, Kansas that makes a perfect place to have a birthday party for preschoolers. The only cost for the farm itself is if you want to feed the animals, which, of course is a blast. Besides the animals there is an old schoolhouse, fishing area, hayrides, pony rides (these latter 3 for a fee), mining area, milking area, playgrounds, and more. The outside playground has a covered area with tables that would be a good place to do cake and presents.

With my kids and their friends I remember preschool birthday parties at farms, zoos, aquariums. Some have entrance fees; some are free. In all cases entertainment is easy, parents come along for crowd control, and everyone has a great time.

So what is available where you live? Check it out and you might find a wonderful place to have a party for your children.

P.S. Feel free to share your ideas by commenting, too! We'll all benefit. Click here to read more!

Fun birthday party idea

A friend just told me about a Puppy Party for young elementary age kids or preschoolers. The mom has ordered a variety of stuffed animal puppy dogs from The Jungle Store. Each child at the party will get to pick a puppy and name it. Mom has prepared “birth certificates” for these stuffed animals. Plus, as a craft the children will be making collars for their puppy. (The puppy picture is $8.)

I could see this being done with a variety of animals. And invitations that might compliment this party idea come in fill in variety and printables.
Poodle Fill-in
Girl Dog Die Cut Fill-in
Spot the Dog
Puppies and Kittens

Click here to read more!

Toddler/Preschool Parties

Toddler or Preschool parties can be very stressful on little kids, especially the younger they are. The non-birthday child attendees often don’t understand why they are not getting presents. The birthday child doesn’t want to share his new toys. One of the ways I dealt with this issue was doing all the fun and games first, have cake and ice cream, then open presents right at the end of the party, and immediately handing out goody bags to the attendees. I also recommend keeping toddler and preschool parties to a small number of children. The younger the child, the shorter the party. Also, most parents stay for a preschool party, but you need to make that clear on your invitation.

Here are some helpful resources:

Birthday Parties for Toddlers and Preschoolers

One parent’s Birthday Party Menu Pictures – Bug theme, plus comments and references

Planning the Preschool Birthday Party: 12 Ideas for Children Ages 5 and Under
- I especially liked the gift opening idea this article had, but it also had great thoughts about party favors.

Going along with the previous article’s party favor idea. What about a book for each child to take home? Make it extra special with a bookplate with each child’s name and the event.

More resources:

Toddler Parties from FamilyFun

Toddler Birthday Party Games from Love To Know

Toddler Birthday Party from For Parents By Parents

Fun Toddler Birthday Party Ideas article

The last thing to remember: the simpler a toddler party, the more fun for you. Click here to read more!