I would love a few suggestions for DD's party

[lmdbww]

We're having DD's first official family/kid combo party at the end of July at a park/pavilion and i'd love food suggestions. There is a playground next to the pavillion and we'll have pony rides as well. Inviting 13 kids, unsure of how many officially are attending, but there are already 10 confirmed adults (and each kid will have another adult with as well).

It's only 2 hours (2-4 pm) so i'm keeping it super simple since I know the kids will be really into the ponies and playground anyway. I figured definitely on cupcakes for the kids (I have to make these myself anyway because DD has a nut allergy), and a sheetcake for the adults. Also lots of cold bevs (perhaps lemonade, juice boxes, bottled water, etc).

What else? The only thing I thought of was fresh fruit. I need things that I can easily keep cold in coolers at the pavilion as well.

Also, should I do cake first and then let everyone play? Let everyone play for a length of time and then do cake?

Clearly I have no idea how to run a kids party. lol

[cookaholicwife]

Along with the fruit I'd have veggies, cheese and maybe a dip or two. I'd let the kids play for an hour and then do the cake then let them play until the end.

[magdala9]

At the memorial day picnic, the 2-5 yr old kids gobbled up the French Bread, the carrots and the cucumber slices. I found this surprising, but the kids loved it.

[thewaytohisheart]

Veggies and a dip would also be a nice snack.

Our party was 2 hours and the kids came in and played and snacked for almost an hour and then we did cake and then presents. Finally, we let them play some more and the ones that needed to leave because of other engagements or meltdowns were free to go.

[momnteach]

I'd stick with easy finger foods like everyone else suggested. At my DS's party, the kids did not want to stop playing to eat. We had chips/dip, veggies, and fruit. The adults snacked way more than the kids. I would let the kids play for awhile and do cupcakes towards the end. We've been skipping opening up presents at the actual party and just opening them at home later because kids typically do not want to sit and watch when there is other fun stuff to do. I love the pony rides and I am sure the kids will too!

[klaus]

I'd add beer, wine or a cocktail for the adults.

I think you can let them play and ride the ponies and then serve cake/open presents with about 30 minutes to go.