Remember your favorite birthday games of the past? What party didn't play a few rounds of "musical chairs" or "pin the tail on the donkey?" My personal favorites were the "spoon race" and good old fashioned "treasure hunts.
" Lately, when I go with my children to birthday parties, games for the most part are not part of the program.
If a child is having their party at home, it seems that you are more likely to find a bounce house or an entertainer.
Birthday party themes and activities do tend to conform to what everyone else is doing.
Maybe classic games are out of style? Classic games may not feel fresh and new for parents, but from personal experience, I can tell you that they are still a blast for kids! My son turned six last week.
The children made a picture frame craft and then we finished the party with some classic games.
My daughter and I came up with an elaborate treasure hunt, complete with aged maps, shovels and lots of dirt.
I have never seen a group of kindergartener's so excited!! We finished the party off with pin the tail on the donkey and a piñata.
The next time you are planning a party, consider some of these classics that are sure to be a hit: Musical Chairs Line up two rows of chairs with the chair backs touching.
You should have one less chair than the number of children playing.
Play music as the children walk in one direction around the chairs.
When the music stops, the children need to find a seat.
One child will be left without a chair.
Keep playing until there is one child left, the winner.
Sack Races Divide into two teams.
Each competitor climbs into a large pillow case or sack and jumps along to the finish line.
Whichever team finishes first, wins the game.
Bean Bag Toss For this game you will need something to throw, bean bags or ball, pennies, blocks (whatever you have handy).
You will also need a container, a bucket or a jar will work great.
Give the kids three turns to try and throw the object into the container.
Guess The Amount Fill a jar to the brim with candies, pennies, paper clips or uncooked noodles.
Have each child guess how many items are in the jar.
The child who guesses the closest amount wins the game.
Spoon Race For this race you will need a spoon and a small object like an egg, potato or a tomato.
Have the kids line up with the object on their spoon and have them race to a finish line without dropping it.
Memory Place approximately 20 small items on a tray.
These items could follow the theme of your party.
If you are having a "princess party," you could put some of the following items on a tray; crown, wand, glitter, glass slipper, ribbon, jewels, etc..
..
Allow the children about a minute to view what is on the tray, and then hide the tray.
Using a pencil and paper, have the children write down what they remember seeing on the tray.
Whoever gets the most correct, wins!