For my daughters third we invited her two favorite classmates from daycare, a neighbor from down the street, a number of my friends who have kids her age and who we have had play dates with, my family and DH's family. I think we probably ended up with about 40-50 people. I was embarrassed-it was too much and we did not even have a chance to talk to people because there was so much going on and so many things happening ( bounce house, swings in the back yard etc). After it was over I decided no more of that craziness-esp when they are little. It felt like way too much a way too many people for a bday party. I like the idea of a special family unit trip or special activity and cupcakes at daycare.

Had a party at home with a bunch of her friends (some from school, some from outside school). Did a craft project, had lots of food and some toys out, cake, party favors, and done! It was fun for her (and me) but it was a fair amount of work. I think if you have a lot of family, that's great and no need for anything else unless you want to.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Love some of these ideas.

Now I'm thinking I'll just invite the kids from her daycare. They're all different ages, though, but I'm sure she'll have fun. I hate sidewalk chalk though. So messy. I'm thinking bubbles, maybe the parachute and what else? Don't have a water table. Maybe just a bunch of balls they can kick around the backyard? I have a ton of balls, all different sizes.

I think all the balls would be great. Any other bigger outdoor toys like a tunnel to climb through, ball pit? I just read an idea on another thread to put a bunch of musical instruments in one area so kids can jam together.

I went to a three year old party at My Gym.
My DD had her party at her daycare. She doesn't really have any friends outside of there, so we figured it was easier (ok, we were cheap) and took cupcakes to the class.

OP here. Love some of these ideas.

Now I'm thinking I'll just invite the kids from her daycare. They're all different ages, though, but I'm sure she'll have fun. I hate sidewalk chalk though. So messy. I'm thinking bubbles, maybe the parachute and what else? Don't have a water table. Maybe just a bunch of balls they can kick around the backyard? I have a ton of balls, all different sizes.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tell me more about this train at Wegmans.

Most (if not all) Wegmans stores have a model train that runs above a section of the store. It drives me crazy because my kids won't want to leave that section of the store. It's a very basic model train -- not like one train enthusiasts would put together.

They might want to leave that section of the store if they knew about the live lobsters over in the fish section.

Nature Center.

My kid has a February bday. We don't have family in the area, and didn't want to deal with a party. Took a family trip down to Great Wolf Lodge, he had a great time!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm currently contemplating my daughter's 3rd birthday party. As of now I'm planning on having the kids run around in our yard and play with sidewalk chalk, bubbles, a water table (or 2 if I can find one to borrow) and some other activity like dancing(?) (would love more suggestions if anyone has them). I'm expecting maybe 5 kids. After play time we will head inside and have deli sandwiches, fruit kabobs, and cupcakes. Then we have a pinata for the end of the party. Do 3 year olds even like pinatas? I honestly have no idea. it came with the decorations kit we purchased!

This is what we're planning too, but maybe a few more kids. I'm planning to buy one of those big parachute things like they have at toddler gymnastics to do some games with that.

http://www.amazon.com/Pacific-Playchute-Parachute-Colors-Designs/dp/B00000IURU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376358087&sr=8-1&keywords=play+parachute

Thanks! And thanks to 21:36, too, for the vote of confidence! We have a parachute so with that I will be all set! I also may bring out a little ball pit that I just found online for a decent price.

Funny how I can handle a million adult tasks just fine but the idea of botching a preschool party gives me heartburn.

Had pizza, cake, and presents with his mom, dad, and sister and he loved it.

what about winter birthdays? my son will be 3 in February and I would like to do something different than a tiny gym.

Did a party at a soft playroom. Four kids came. So we decided to do his 4th at home. 15 kids RSVPed yes. Argh.

Anonymous wrote:I'm currently contemplating my daughter's 3rd birthday party. As of now I'm planning on having the kids run around in our yard and play with sidewalk chalk, bubbles, a water table (or 2 if I can find one to borrow) and some other activity like dancing(?) (would love more suggestions if anyone has them). I'm expecting maybe 5 kids. After play time we will head inside and have deli sandwiches, fruit kabobs, and cupcakes. Then we have a pinata for the end of the party. Do 3 year olds even like pinatas? I honestly have no idea. it came with the decorations kit we purchased!

This is what we're planning too, but maybe a few more kids. I'm planning to buy one of those big parachute things like they have at toddler gymnastics to do some games with that.

http://www.amazon.com/Pacific-Playchute-Parachute-Colors-Designs/dp/B00000IURU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376358087&sr=8-1&keywords=play+parachute

I like this idea, 21:22. Also like your menu.

And I'd like to know the answer to the pinata question as well.