Game for a party?

Children's birthday parties these days are nothing like the ones we had as children. The trend used to be a simple party at home with cake, cordial drinks and a few simple games. Then there was the restaurant parties when the fast food joints started hosting parties.

These days, there is the theme party. It could be a Ben 10 party or a Dora the Explorer party where the décor, the games, party packs and costumes are all according to the theme.

How about games?

If you're at a loss as to what to do, then read on for ideas.

Who plays?

The games should take into account the age range of the children and their height. If you have too many games for small children – games that are too simple, the bigger children will be bored.

If you have too many complex games, the smaller children will be frustrated.

Try to go for games that everyone can play and don't forget to relax the rules a bit for the smaller children. If it's a limbo sort of game, then lower the stick for the shorter children. If it's a throwing game then make the target closer for the smaller children.

What type of game?

Try to choose games where the children have to do something – an activity that has them running around, throwing something or hitting things.

Static games where everyone just sits around isn't going to be a whole lot of fun.

A game where they have to hunt for hidden prizes or even hitting a pinata usually goes down well with big as well as small kids.

Crying kids

To avoid having crying and frustrated children, prepare prizes for all. The winner of the game receives a “bigger” wrapped prize but those who didn't win also get a small token – perhaps a lollipop or a small chocolate treat.

Be prepared for one or two drama queens – there usually is at least one who throws a tantrum anyway for not getting their way or not winning. You will just have to play it by ear and handle these on a case by case basis.

Rules for the games

As we all know children tend to not stick to the rules. Gently tell them but also be flexible. Don't be the wet blanket at the party by insisting children abide by all the rules to a T.

Be fair

Yes, this is your child's party but also let the others win at the games. And, don't keep accommodating your child every time he insists at having an extra turn at the game. It won't be fair and the other children and their parents won't appreciate it. And, chances are they won't want to attend the next party you throw.

Games

If you're having a themed party, don't forget to adapt the games accordingly.

Pin the tail on the donkey (or pin the hat on Dora, etc) – The children take turns being blindfolded and have to accurately pin the tail on the donkey. If the theme is Dora the Explorer, then perhaps adapt the game so that it's pin the hat on Dora. If it's Ben 10, how about pin the watch on Ben.

The child who pins the tail closest to the target wins.

Treasure Hunt – Hide little themed candy/toys for the children to find. Good for Easter party – find the Easter eggs, and Halloween – find the Halloween candy.

All children win because everyone usually can find at least one or two hidden candy/toys.

Simon Says – This one can be played with adults too. You stand in front of the group and say “Simon says to (do some funny action)”. Alternate it with “(Do some funny action.)” The children are only supposed to do the action when it's “Simon says ...”

Those who get it wrong go out and the group gets smaller and smaller until one winner is found.

You can adapt this to Handy Manny Says or even Ben Tennyson Says.

Musical chairs – Arrange the chairs in a circle facing outwards. Have one extra child to the number of chairs. Have the children dance around the circle as the music plays. When the music stops they have to each try and sit on a chair. The one who doesn't get a chair has to go out. When one child goes out, remove one chair and resume the game. This goes on until there are only two children. The one who gets the last chair is the winner.

The statue game – Play music and get the kids to dance. When the music stops they all have to stop and the ones who move or giggle (as is most often the case) are asked to go out. The last child left standing/dancing is the winner.

Throwing game – Get some small balls or toys etc and get the children to throw the ball/toy into the designated pot, bin or hat. The child who is the most successful after a few rounds wins the game.

Pinata – Yes, when all else fails, bring out the pinata, tie it to a tree in the garden or somewhere highish and stable indoors. Let the children take turns hitting it till it bursts and spreads all the candy on the floor. Then watch the children scramble for the candy. They really love this one!

Crafts race - If you want to have something different, then prepare some crafts that the children can try their hand at. The nicest or fastest one wins. Have a panel of judges for this so you don't seem biased.

Use your creativity and come up with original games – look around the house to see what you have, what you can improvise with. It may be much more fun than buying some expensive game or hiring a clown to entertain the kids.