Party games for toddlers and children

Increasingly, we're spending more time planning our children's parties. Something often agonised over is the type of games to provide. Here are some suggestions to keep your little party animals happy!

Party games for ages 2-3
Small children want to 'do'.  They want to jump and climb and discover. Complex game instructions and competitive games are not for this age group. Keep it very simple.

Music, baby
You might annoy your neighbours with loud nursery songs, but kids will love them! Jack in the box, Five Little Ducks and Old McDonald are among the time-honoured favourites that can be bought as a collection on CD. Have an older child or adult do the actions as the songs play, and the kids will have fun copying. Mini-discos with music from groups such as the Wiggles are popular with this age group too!

Parachute play
Small children adore running under a brightly coloured parachute. These can be hired; they are also a great investment to buy and to use as a special game at parties and gatherings. There are a variety of fun games that can be played:
Children can hold the parachute and bounce light plastic balls on top up into the air. The game is to get all the balls off the parachute. Adults can lift the parachute up and down while the children run underneath, When the music stops, the parachute is brought down. Children love being 'caught' underneath the parachute.

Jelly cup surprise
Sit the children down at the table and provide each one with a jelly cup. Set out small bowls of red and green lolly frogs, and shaker packs of sprinkles. The children can decorate their jelly cup with the lollies and sprinkles. And it gets a treat and a game out of the way in one go!

Bubble blast
Buy (or make) bubble wands that produce a variety of different size and shape bubbles.  Large bubbles keep children fascinated. Adults and older children can blow the bubbles, with the little children busting as many of the bubbles as they can.
This game makes for many fantastic photo and video opportunities too.

Toy libraries
Often overlooked are toy libraries. These may be commercial, or run by your local council or neighbourhood centre. Check around for hire prices on large outdoor items. Many toy libraries have 'Party Packs'. These may consist of climbers, slides, ride ons, play houses, rockers, mini 'rollercoasters', see saws, child-size chairs and tables, tunnels, jumping castles and large gym balls.

Party games for ages 4-6
Preschoolers and children in the first year of school like a wide variety of games. Mostly, they just want free play - with some fun, organised activities in the mix. Continued...