Pre-school Party Games
For the preschooler, parties are a major event on the family calendar and an increasingly important social occasion - usually with growing consideration and excitement each year.
By this stage, you'll probably want to adopt a party theme. Whether it be action heroes, dinosaurs or fairies, a theme will help link everything together and can be incorporated from the games to the table setting.
Games help break the ice and bring a party to life. They can be played at any time throughout the course of a party, but are often best started early on - after the arrivals and present opening session. This will encourage early interaction, and will allow the kids to blow off some steam before food is served.
Adult supervision will still be required at all times, but here are some fun preschool party ideas to ensure a good time is had by all:
Pass the parcel (ensure everyone gets a turn, and include prizes within each layer)
Treasure hunt (an adult can accompany the children to read out simple clues, and kids will stay most motivated if little prizes are plated along the way)
Pinata (making this in advance can be a fun family project: best to use a foam bat, for safety reasons)
Pin/stick the tail on the donkey
Simon Says (keep instructions age-appropriate, and include parents for kids to copy)
What's the time Mr Wolf?
Musical chairs or musical statues
Have Plenty Of Prizes On Hand
Always plan to use more games than you think you'll need, and be sure to include at least two games where everyone wins a prize. Have a stash of prizes on-hand: Sweet treats, small action figures (ideally incorporating the party theme), and stationery (coloured pencils, key rings etc) will be well received, and will ensure all attendants feel special, and worthy of competing.
Make Use Of Outside Entertainment
Of course, it is always an option to bring in the help of some outside entertainment for this special occasion. A jumping castle or clown will certainly help keep the kids amused for a while, but it would be wise to plan additional games, and ensure entertainers are well-briefed regarding the age group and their interests.
Finally, if things are getting a little haphazard towards the end of your preschooler's party, a couple of quieter games can be a great way to calm everyone down and prepare little guests for departure. This could also be an opportune time to dish out any parting information, birthday cake to take home, or goodie bags provided.
