Activity idea for 3rd birthday party?

[Anonymous]

I know there have been lots of threads about birthday parties, but they mostly seem to be about where to have the party.

We are having a low key party at home. Inviting 10 kids, so we'll likely have 5 or so kids, along with their parents and siblings. The party is over lunch time, so there will be sandwiches and cake. There is no "theme." We don't have a lot of outdoor space, so even if the weather is warm, we'll likely be mostly inside.

Any ideas on what activity would be fun for everyone? A game, project, or craft? Something a little on the earthy/crunchy side, ideally.

Thanks for any ideas!

[Anonymous]

I would have one craft activity available (stickers on a crown?) and one organized activity (pin the tail on something? Piñata? Musical chairs?) then let them just play the rest of the time. Have fun!

[Anonymous]

Play doh !

[Anonymous]

Great ideas, thank you!

[Anonymous]

Yeah find different arts and craft ideas at Michaels.

[Anonymous]

We're having a 3 y/o party this weekend so this thread is great. We bought a bunch of play doh and accessories and are also planning to set up some of the toys - e.g. we have a fishing game and a car mat and cars so we'll get those out. I'm hoping to make it pretty low key.

[Anonymous]

How about a spring-themed craft activity? They could decorate a flower pot and maybe even plant a seed in it. For the "free play" part of the party, have a couple of different toy/activity zones, like play kitchen, trucks and cars, musical instruments. You could also do a short musical session where the kids do "Hokey Pokey," sing a couple of favorites like "Bingo" (involves clapping) and "Old MacDonald" (involves making fun animal noises). One suggestion I have is to have a time-limit for the party and an idea in your mind of what the progression/schedule of events is going to be. Even if you don't wind up sticking to it, it'll help you keep things moving along. Have fun!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How about a spring-themed craft activity? They could decorate a flower pot and maybe even plant a seed in it. For the "free play" part of the party, have a couple of different toy/activity zones, like play kitchen, trucks and cars, musical instruments. You could also do a short musical session where the kids do "Hokey Pokey," sing a couple of favorites like "Bingo" (involves clapping) and "Old MacDonald" (involves making fun animal noises). One suggestion I have is to have a time-limit for the party and an idea in your mind of what the progression/schedule of events is going to be. Even if you don't wind up sticking to it, it'll help you keep things moving along. Have fun!

OP here. I love the idea to decorate a pot and plant a seed! Thanks. Appreciate your general timing advice as well.

[Anonymous]

I always like the "free play" without planned activities. Get out a few toys that go well with a few kids. Play Doh is fun, but that can be one of the toys available.

[Anonymous]

Frosting (in various colors) to decorate cupcakes/cookies with little containers of different kinds of sprinkles - my 3 yr old did 4 cookies over a 30 min period at a party she wentto. Very engaging. Frosting spread with Popsicle sticks, not knives.

At another party, decorated a little jar with stickers, then made space "goo" - cornstarch, water, food color - got to play with it and take home in their jar.

At my dd's party - used fabric paint and foam stickers to decorate hats or art smocks. Again, a super engaging activity.