Under the age of one, organized party games are not really that necessary.
However between the ages of 2 to 3 a few organized singsongs or clapping games with the mums and dads are usually enjoyed and are a great way of getting everyone involved.
Get them in the mood
The arrival at a party before the party games begin, can be an awkward or even a frightening time for the shy ones or the smaller kids. Have some party music going in the background but not too loud and have some toys and simple activities laid out so the little ones can get busy.
Keep the Games Simple
The younger age groups generally love musical games. They lack concentration so keep the games short and with little or no rules. Avoid blindfold games as some children are frightened of them.
Every-one's a winner!
If you want to give out prizes, let everyone win something. It keeps them all happy and instills confidence.
Be Prepared
Be prepared and have a few games planned and ready, even if you don't necessarily play them all. You will find some games are so popular that the children will play them over and over again. Don't be disappointed if they don't want to play 'YOUR' favorite game.
Have a mixture of games
Think indoor/outdoor and quiet/active games. Plan what is appropriate for the setting/weather/age groups.
Give them a break
Don't feel that the children have to be continually playing party games in order to be having fun. In fact with toddlers you really only need one or two games over a period of an hour. A bit of 'free' play is often just as enjoyable. Also don't force kids to play if they don't want to but try and involve them in other ways such as handing out any props, turning on and off the music and so on.
Be ready
Whatever games you decide to have, make sure you have plenty of the equipment you need as pencils get lost, paper mislaid and balloons burst.
Toddler Party Games
All Change Outdoor
Equipment: None
A garden is better for this toddler party game as you need a bit of space. The children all stand round spread out and you call out 2 names of children who then have to run and try and change places. As they are doing this you or a selected child has to try and run to the spot that one of them has vacated. Don't try too hard!
Cat and Mouse Indoor
Equipment: Music
This toddler party game is rather like musical statues. Put on some music and the kids have to squeak and scuttle about like mice. The moment the music stops, the kids must be as still and as 'quiet as a mouse'. Anyone seen moving or making a noise is caught by the mouse (you) and is out of the game.
Down On The Farm Indoor
Equipment: None
A great noisy toddler party game for the younger ones. Prepare in advance a short story (long if you feel adventurous!) and include lots of animals and noisy farm vehicles. It does not have to be a very adventurous story as the point of the game is to make the noises of the animals and vehicles. You could start with: "It was a beautiful sunny day down on the farm and the chickens (the kids Cluck) were wandering around the farm yard. Suddenly the big brown cart horse (the kids all neigh) came galloping over to Framer Giles in his tractor (the kids all broom)…". and so on.
Guess who Am I Indoor
Equipment: None
A toddler party game for the 3-4 year old. Think up in advance some characters or animals. With the kids all seated at your feet you then start to silently act out one of the characters or animals. Gradually you introduce some noises and the children then have to guess who or what you are. For example if you were a cat you could run around on all fours, play with a ball or imaginary mouse and then meow.
Pair Them Up Indoor
Equipment: Pairs of objects, clothing
For the 2-3 year old restrict this toddler party game to one room but for the older children you could spread out a bit. In advance, collect pairs of a number of items such as socks, spoons, pencils, hair slides, toy cars or whatever you can think of. Place one of the pair of each object into paper bags or boxes equal to the number of kids that there are. The kids don't all have to have the same items and some you could repeat and allow 5 or 6 items per child. Hide the other halves of the pairs around the room(s). Issue each child with a bag or box and get them to go on a hunt for their matching halves. First to get a complete collection wins.
Party Games ebook
As your kids get older, you will want more and more party games to hand. To help you I have written an ebook brimming with more than 100 fun and original kids party games that will last you from preschool to pre-teens.
The ebook is downloadable and you will have all the games at your finger tips so will save you a huge amount of time and stress. Click here to find out more.
