Kids love to compete. One great birthday party idea is to have a game night (or, since we’re talking about grade-school age kids, game afternoon). Serve a fun and simple lunch such as healthy subs or pizza, set up some typical “game night” snacks such as popcorn, pretzels and cut-up fruit, and let the kids' party games begin.
Tips for a Successful Game-Themed Kids' Party:
- Make sure the teams aren’t unfairly balanced. If you know that some of your child’s friends are champs at Wii baseball or Monopoly, don’t have them on the same team. Otherwise, kids who aren’t as skilled at the games are not likely to have fun.
- Offer some prizes for all participants and be sure to encourage kids to praise each other for trying. It can make a big difference to a kid when their teammates -- and kids on the opposing team -- tell them they made a good effort, even if they didn’t perform well. As the host, you set the tone for the party. If you stress good sportsmanship, everyone will have much more fun.
- Play along! You or another parent can get the party started by participating in kids' party games. That doesn't mean you have license to hog the remotes or take grade-schooler guests' spots, but seeing grown-ups have fun can help get the party going. Then you can step back or keep playing, depending on how the party is progressing and whether or not your child wants grown-ups to participate in the kids' party games.
Ideas for Game Themes
- Wii Sports Party
If you have a small party for your child -- say anywhere from 4 to 8 children -- you can host a Wii sports tournament, right in your living room. The Wii sports games are perfect for grade-school age children. They’re non-violent, not too difficult, and can help kids sharpen their hand-eye coordination. Kids will love cheering each other on as they form teams to play fun Wii sports games such as tennis or bowling. Kids can even play against adults (though odds are, kids will have the advantage!). - Board Games
Another excellent option for a small game night party is to get out some kids' board games such as Monopoly, Scrabble, and Pentago. And since many board games for kids are educational so that kids can give their brains a workout while having fun.
Kids can form teams and work together to strategize moves on a four-player games such as Scrabble. Or you can break kids out into different groups and have them take turns playing different board games so that everyone gets a chance to play their favorite game. Besides teaching kids math, language, and reasoning skills, playing board games on teams can teach kids about the importance of working together. - Mad Libs Contest
Remember how much fun it was to do Mad Libs when you were a kid? Get a bunch of these books (or make a few of your own if you have the time) and have a Mad Libs party. Have kids divide up into teams and work on their own Mad Libs. Whey they’re done, everyone can share their silly Mad Libs stories. - Outdoor party games
Plan an outdoor party and take the fun outside with some outdoor games. Kids will absolutely love games like a scavenger hunt, balloon stomp, and more. The best part: The kid party guests will get their energy out and be more likely to be ready for quieter activities toward the end of the party.
