I've hosted and attended some wonderful,
fun-filled parties on a small and simple scale. Cake and ice cream and a
few games make a fine afternoon for any age group.
The cake and ice cream are up to you, but here are a few of my favorite
"Back-to-Basics" party games.
Sardines (or Reverse Hide-n-Seek)
One child is the Hider. Everyone else is a Seeker. The Hider hides, the Seekers
seek. But, when a Seeker finds the Hider, instead of pointing him out, he
joins him in the hiding place. Soon, the children will all be stuffed in
one place, like a box of sardines! The first child to find the Hider gets
to hide next. Fair warning: this game produces lots of giggles!
Obstacle Course
This is best done outside, unless you have lots of room and very durable
carpet. For cold weather parties, a basement or rec room can be a great place
for this as well. Set up your course before the party. You can do almost
anything, but a course might include:
-- crawling through a cardboard box
-- running around objects like trees or lawn chairs
-- jumping over the hose
You can also instruct the children to hop, skip, walk backwards, spin in
a circle, etc. through different parts of the course.
The length and difficulty of the course will vary according to the ages and
skills of your guests. 5-7 year olds are the best age-range for this type
of game. The children can race against the clock or each other, or you can
relay race.
Follow That String
You'll need a ball of yarn for every child, minus one. Choose one child as
the Tracker. Tie one end of each child's yarn to a chair or table leg. Have
the children walk around, over, and through your furniture, creating a giant
spider-web of yarn. At this point, you can have the children hide (still
holding the end of their yarn) or simply have them sit in different areas
of the room. The Tracker then unties one strand of yarn and must follow it
through the web to the child at the end. That child becomes the next Tracker.
For young children (3-4) you can have different colored yarn, for older kids,
use the same color of yarn.
Paper Bag Stories
This is a good game for smaller groups of older children. Gather up some
household objects and one paper bag for each child. Put four or five objects
in each bag. (Examples: an apple, a washcloth, a wooden spoon, a baseball
cap, an envelope). Try to put different objects in each bag. Seat the children
in a circle and have each child open her bag and create a story using the
items inside. If they get stuck, ask others in the group to help complete
the story.
Paper Bag Masks
This is perfect for rainy or snowy day birthdays. Using brown paper grocery
bags and some simple craft supplies such as yarn, glue, markers, scissors,
construction paper and other items of your choice, have the kids create masks
for themselves. You'll be amazed at the creativity that will seep from
their pores.
Keep your decorations simple and have children dress casually for this fun
and relaxing party. A few balloons and streamers are plenty of frills for
this birthday bash. Use simple solid colored plates and coordinating fruit
or soft drink mix. Enjoy yourselves!
About the Author:
Barbara Thomas is a work-at-home-mom
to Natalie, age 2. She is a freelance writer and owner of
The Professional Pen Business Writing
Services. Her website provides writing tips and small business advice
to small and home-based businesses. Some items in this article were adapted
by FamilyCorner.com Magazine.
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I've hosted and attended some wonderful,
fun-filled parties on a small and simple scale. Cake and ice cream and a
few games make a fine afternoon for any age group. 
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