Tonight we're going to party like it's 1959
July 20, 2009 6:47 PM
Kids. Party. Retro games. How do these things go together?
I'd like to throw an outdoor party/picnic for approximately 20 kids, ages 2 to 10 and need ideas for activities and logistics.
Activities should be simple, but more than that, they should be classics--retro stuff like sack races, a massive water balloon fight, and some of the ideas generated here. Parents will be present and nearby throughout so their help can be recruited, but self-maintaining games are a plus.
I love the idea of this party, but the execution scares me. Do I schedule activities, and shepherd kids from thing to thing? Set up stations for things to happen? Put everything in a pile and let the kids have at it? I have a bit of space to play with, so this can be spread out a little bit. Most of it is covered in grass, so games requiring concrete are pretty much a no-go.
There will be a concurrent pot luck/barbecue and I imagine that folks will eat at their own pace, as opposed to one giant sit-down.
To sum up: What sweet, simple, retro games would be a lot of fun? How do I set this up to allow maximum choice for kids and minimal supervision from adults? Let your inner 6-year-old and your experienced parent self advise me. Bonus points for links to rules for things like Red Rover--it's shocking how much I've forgotten. Thanks.
I'd like to throw an outdoor party/picnic for approximately 20 kids, ages 2 to 10 and need ideas for activities and logistics.
Activities should be simple, but more than that, they should be classics--retro stuff like sack races, a massive water balloon fight, and some of the ideas generated here. Parents will be present and nearby throughout so their help can be recruited, but self-maintaining games are a plus.
I love the idea of this party, but the execution scares me. Do I schedule activities, and shepherd kids from thing to thing? Set up stations for things to happen? Put everything in a pile and let the kids have at it? I have a bit of space to play with, so this can be spread out a little bit. Most of it is covered in grass, so games requiring concrete are pretty much a no-go.
There will be a concurrent pot luck/barbecue and I imagine that folks will eat at their own pace, as opposed to one giant sit-down.
To sum up: What sweet, simple, retro games would be a lot of fun? How do I set this up to allow maximum choice for kids and minimal supervision from adults? Let your inner 6-year-old and your experienced parent self advise me. Bonus points for links to rules for things like Red Rover--it's shocking how much I've forgotten. Thanks.
I'd schedule them to avoid general mahem, but keep the schedule flexible enough to drop something they're not having fun with and leave them be if they're having a tremendous time with something else.
Blowing bubbles which seem like magic to the little ones, perhaps one of those huge bubble things. There are recipes around for make your own bubble solution with glycerin from the drug store, dish soap and water.
You can make a pinata or buy one. If you make it, don't make it so strong that only a 6'4" construction worker can break it (like I did, oops.)
If it's a hot day, anything with a hose/sprinkler/slider mat is fun.
If you let them eat whenever, the chances are good than someone will eat, jump and then throw up.
And, I've never liked musical chairs with little ones as there's at least one who starts to cry when s/he doesn't get a seat.
posted by x46 at 8:33 PM on July 20, 2009
Blowing bubbles which seem like magic to the little ones, perhaps one of those huge bubble things. There are recipes around for make your own bubble solution with glycerin from the drug store, dish soap and water.
You can make a pinata or buy one. If you make it, don't make it so strong that only a 6'4" construction worker can break it (like I did, oops.)
If it's a hot day, anything with a hose/sprinkler/slider mat is fun.
If you let them eat whenever, the chances are good than someone will eat, jump and then throw up.
And, I've never liked musical chairs with little ones as there's at least one who starts to cry when s/he doesn't get a seat.
posted by x46 at 8:33 PM on July 20, 2009
2-10 is a big age range, with a world of difference in their abilities. The younger kids probably won't have much interest in organized games, but the simpler ones will be good for them.
I would, honestly, schedule everything. And then I would post the game times at a central location. Then everyone will know what's going on and when you announce it's time for the sack race, those who want to participate will be ready to go. Seconding bubbles and a sprinkler, especially if it's a warm day. The little ones will probably be happy with just the bubbles and the sprinkler, actually, so you may not have to worry much about them.
Expect mayhem. Prepare for chaos. As long as you go with the flow everyone will have fun.
One more thing: with the water balloon fight, make sure you set some ground rules or you'll have a few very unhappy kids who got pelted in the face with a water balloon. Not good. Actually, and I'm not one who worries about these things normally, you may want to reconsider the water balloon fight. How about a water balloon toss? Easier to control and no one is an unwilling participant. Have a squirtgun battle instead!
posted by cooker girl at 2:46 AM on July 21, 2009
I would, honestly, schedule everything. And then I would post the game times at a central location. Then everyone will know what's going on and when you announce it's time for the sack race, those who want to participate will be ready to go. Seconding bubbles and a sprinkler, especially if it's a warm day. The little ones will probably be happy with just the bubbles and the sprinkler, actually, so you may not have to worry much about them.
Expect mayhem. Prepare for chaos. As long as you go with the flow everyone will have fun.
One more thing: with the water balloon fight, make sure you set some ground rules or you'll have a few very unhappy kids who got pelted in the face with a water balloon. Not good. Actually, and I'm not one who worries about these things normally, you may want to reconsider the water balloon fight. How about a water balloon toss? Easier to control and no one is an unwilling participant. Have a squirtgun battle instead!
posted by cooker girl at 2:46 AM on July 21, 2009
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by saucysault at 8:08 PM on July 20, 2009