Childrens Party

[Plocket]

My daughter will be 5 at the end of October and I want to do a relatively cheap party for her. I really can't rely on the weather for a picnic and am concerned about having 15 or so children running around my small house. Has anyone any ideas for a party? Food isn't really bothering me but entertaining the children sure is!

Thank you!

[pappasmurf]

Wacky wharehouse ?
works for me everytime.
Hope this helps.

[Plocket]

Thanks Pappasmurf but I did that sort of thing for her 3rd and 4th birthdays. I want something cheaper if possible because those places charge upwards of �5 per child and I just can't afford it this year.

[cameo]

i understand your dilemma, i've held parties for my daughters for the last 14 years.
we have gone out occassionaly but most of them have been at home.
i have found that they relly enjoy the idea of traditional birthday parties.
a simple buffet and simple games, ie: pass the parcel, pin the tale on the donkey, (or whatever animal you can attempt to draw), musical statues, sleeping lions ect.

hope this helps.

[Makinamess]

My local swimming pool can be hired out for kid's parties - not sure of the cost but they provide the food, use of the pool (obviously), supervision etc and clean up afterwards. Plus the kids are well worn out which is a bonus for the parents later on (so much so that they may well offer to help pay for their little darlings to have so much fun).

More ideas from this site:-

http://www.familiesonline.co.uk/article/articl eview/264/1/72/

I loved the idea of visiting a fire station !

[skyep]

Will your local school/ playgroup hire you a small room/hall
for a small fee? You would need plenty of help from friends
or family though regards safety & cleaning up afterwards!
Don't forget toilet facilities & people to chaperone them!

[joko]

get a small marquee for the garden?

what about hiring a coach and having the party on board a magical mystery tour - perhaps to the safari park as you can just drive through it

[meltoadhall]

i have just done a princess party for my 7 year old, huge success!!
get them to come as princesses or princes if youre having boys and then just do the normal party games but give them royal names such as musical statues becomes the royal freeze etc...

we also had a crown making table that kept them well occupied.
and finishing with sleeping prince and princesses works really well just before they go home.

[Plocket]

Firstly, that website is fantastic and after a read of that I've already got some ideas! Thank you so much.

I'd love to have a marquee in the garden but unfortunately our garden is tiny, and it's my pride and joy! I had already thought of doing a picnic for the children at our park which is just over the road, but need alternative plans if the weather is bad.

I'm going to make enquiries about hiring our local community centre for an afternoon, and host a princess/prince party. My daughter is SOOOO into princesses that I think it would be perfect. I love the idea of a crown making table too.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. Not only have you given me ideas, but I'm feeling more positive about the occasion too!!!

[meaty]

You tight git lol hope you have a good party