How old for musical chairs? 3 old enough?

[gretchenindisguise]

We're doing L's birthday party this weekend and I'm seriously behind on planning. It's at a park, so I assume that they'll run around like mad sugared up children for most of it, but assumed I should have some 'activities as well.

It's a Princess Pirate theme.

I have this so far:

Sifting for Gems/Buried Treasure:
Basically - sand in a shoe box with buried gems/pirate things. They take turns getting two.

Decorate the Pirate Hat/Princess Crown:
With above retrieved gems/treasure.



Then I was thinking maybe musical chairs-esque type game. Is 2yr-3yr old preschoolers old enough?

Any other game thoughts?

[WOT?*]

I'm not sure 2-3 would "get it" for musical chairs. That and some will get bored and some will get upset if they don't get a chair and go into breakdown mode.

What about a treasure hunt using pictures. "Find the ____" and then on to the next clue for about five clues since they're so little and a prize at the end for each of them. Parents (or older siblings) can help; I assume parents will be there since 2-3 isn't exactly a "drop off" age.

Pin the flag on the pirate ship.

[gretchenindisguise]

I found one that has slightly different rules that I was thinking might work - you get a prize for being out. Better? Or still scrap it?

game of musical princess is a lot like musical chairs, but it puts a royal spin on an otherwise ordinary party game. Make a circle of princess graphics, and tape them to the floor using masking tape for easy removal. Start the music, and have all of the children follow the circle. Designate one princess graphic as the winning spot. Play music of your choice, and when the music stops, whoever is on the predetermined princess graphic wins a prize and steps out of the game. Once all of the children have won a very special princess prize the game is over.

[gretchenindisguise]

I like the pin flag. I wonder if I can find a cheap cool one to use.

[WOT?*]

www.prekfun.com/themes/PREKthemes/N-R/Pirates/Pirate_Games.htm
www.birthdaypartyideas.com/html/the_pirate_party.html

for some cute game ideas.

Pin the eyepatch on the pirate at Amazon:
www.amazon.com/Party-Game-Pin-Patch-Pirate/dp/B0018MGKA8/ref=pd_sim_sbs_t_9

[gretchenindisguise]

Thanks guys!

mrsbpo - that second link is actually where I got a few ideas from

[WOT?*]

I figured as much. It's where I got a number of my "Pirates and Princesses" and "Under the Sea" ideas from. I think I came in second place for my submission for Under the Sea at the local pool.

[gretchenindisguise]

Jul 11, 2012 1:08:24 GMT -5 mooselovah said:

Oh do they get to make pirate hates and fairy wands?

I was thinking I'd have some and they could decorate them with the "treasures" they find in the first game.

[speckledfrog]

I know that ”everyone is a winner” isn't a great concept, but at that age I would avoid any games where there are losers. Tears at a birthday party are never fun. I used to teach three year olds and some of them will be okay and some of them will not be able to handle it.

[omalley]

I don't normally post here but I have two 3 year olds and we play musical chairs a lot with their neighborhood friends. Following the "everyone is a winner" theme we put out enough chairs for everyone. I know that sounds silly but they love it.

We also play Simon Says and Red Light, Green Light and Dance/Freeze like PP mentioned.