Preschool parties require decorations and games.
A successful party with preschoolers takes planning and flexibility. Giving these little ones lots of games to play will keep them busy and make both parents and kids happy. Remember to test your games out on your own preschooler ahead of time and you'll be sure to throw a successful party.
The Fishing Game
For this game, you will need to prepare the "fish" ahead of time using a magnet, string, a dowel, paper and paper clips. You will create a fishing pole by tying a string securely to the end of the dowel. For extra support, consider adding a drop of glue to the string. Attach a small magnet to the other end of the string. Then, using heavy cardstock paper, cut out fish shapes. Attach a paper clip to each fish. Arrange the fish inside an empty kiddie pool. When the game begins, let the kids take turns "fishing" for the paper fish. The parent can arrange the game so the winner is whoever catches the most fish in a set period of time, or let the kids fish for fun without the competition element.
Pass the Coconut
This game starts with a coconut. Have the party guests sit in a circle. Give the coconut to the birthday child. When the Hawaiian music starts, the kids begin to pass the coconut around the circle to the right. When the music stops, the child holding the coconut gets a prize, but must leave the circle. Continue until there are only two children left. The very last person holding the coconut gets the Grand Prize.
Snap Snap
Each child at the party will get a paper lunch sack. Show the kids put their hand into the sack, turning it into a puppet. An adult leader will get marshmallows and toss them to the kids. The kids will try to catch the treats with the puppet's flap. Let them decorate their "puppets" using markers and crayons after the game.
The Mitten Game
Before the party, the hostess will purchase one set of mittens for each child. Be sure to buy mittens of all different colors and patterns. Give each child one mitten just as the game is about to begin. Then place the rest of the mittens in the center of the room. At the count of three, the children will go to the center of the room and try to find the match to their mitten. Kids get to keep the mittens as a party favor.
Tags: ahead time, center room, coconut gets, holding coconut, holding coconut gets, paper fish, successful party