Kid birthday party question

[margotmacomber]

We're having family over for DD's birthday next weekend.  The kids ages range from 3-12.  There aren't a lot of kids in one certain age group, except for 3 toddlers.  

Do I need to have party games?  We will have corn hole but that's it as of now.  I just can't think of anything that all of the kids would enjoy.  Unfortunately DD's swingset/play house won't be here in time for the party.  Would it be horrible to just have food, cake, and ice cream?  Our yard is huge so they can all run as rampant as they want.  

[wannabe]

i'm giggling at "corn hole." what is that?

with kids in that age range it would be hard to find a one size fits all type of activity, but i'd probably put out some play-doh and crayons for the littles. maybe some bubbles too. do you have any video games to put on for the older ones?

[sake]

bounce house? or if it's warm, a water table or sprinkler?

[margotmacomber]

May 9, 2013 11:26:18 GMT -5 wannabe said:

i'm giggling at "corn hole." what is that?

with kids in that age range it would be hard to find a one size fits all type of activity, but i'd probably put out some play-doh and crayons for the littles. maybe some bubbles too. do you have any video games to put on for the older ones?

LOL corn hole is definitely a midwest thing.  You throw bean bags (filled with corn originally but I think now it's sand orsumshit) and basically it's like horseshoes but with a slanted board that has a hole in it.  
I did put bubbles and play dough in the treat bags.  We do have an xbox 360 and a wii.  Good idea.  We haven't hooked them up yet since moving so I will have DH get on that.  

[Deleted]

TV makes everyone happy.

Well, maybe except for parents.

[lolc]

Can you rent a bounce-house? They can be affordable, depending on the size you get.

Kids will always find something to do. I don't think you need to have party games. The older ones may think it's lame and not want to participate anyway and the younger ones would probably be just as happy to run around the yard and play chase (or blow bubbles, or jump in a bounce house)

[spitforspat]

I think you're ok with corn hole (which I like to call "bean bags" because saying corn hole makes me uncomfortable).

But if you want to do more, water-bottle bowling is fun, easy and cheap. Or get some ping pong balls and plastic cups.

[looseseal]

I actually think they might all like corn hole. I think it would be fine, but then I also assume people just want to come, eat, and leave. Kids will find ways to entertain themselves.

[Deleted]

sounds like fun.

[margotmacomber]

May 9, 2013 11:28:36 GMT -5 sake said:

bounce house? or if it's warm, a water table or sprinkler?

We just bought a house and have lots of remodeling left to do, ain't nobody got time for a $200 bounce house.

I don't think it will be warm enough yet for water stuff.    Plus I'm pretty sure all of the parents would hate me for that.

[Deleted]

WAIT. bubbles.

kids of all ages love bubbles. and they're cheap as heck. you can get all kinds of wants and a vast ocean of bubble fluid at target. little ones for the little kids, giant ones for the bigger kids.

[margotmacomber]

May 9, 2013 11:32:09 GMT -5 cville said:

sounds like fun.

Well, there will be plenty of beer and wine for the grown ups.  

[Deleted]

May 9, 2013 11:36:01 GMT -5 margotmacomber said:

May 9, 2013 11:32:09 GMT -5 cville said:

sounds like fun.

Well, there will be plenty of beer and wine for the grown ups.  

i wasn't being sarcastic .  running around with other kids followed by food?  bliss.  eating good food while half-assed watching my kid?  awesome.

[vanillacourage]

I would buy some bubbles, sidewalk chalk, etc.  I would skip anything water-related, I know for a quick birthday party I don't want to deal with taking home a wet kid in the car. 

[hbear]

I usually get a few bottles of bubbles, a frisbee, bouncy balls, yo-yo's, that kind of thing. I laid out a few blankets in the yard and the kids just ran around playing.

Oh yeah, and the sidewalk chalk!