Ideas for a 6th year old boy birthday party
August 13, 2013 9:45 AM Subscribe
For the first time this year we'll be doing the invite the whole class thing. (My kid will be in kindergarten) I am trying to avoid the spend 300 bucks at a bouncey house place and instead use a pavilion at a nice state park near us. There is a huge field there. What will keep 20 kids, that barely know each other, busy?
I am ok with lots of prep, but I am NOT good at "running things"... I will serving food and taking pictures and that's about all i can handle. I don't want to have to run "games".
I have thought about an obstacle course theme but I guess I would need ides for that, too.
I am ok with lots of prep, but I am NOT good at "running things"... I will serving food and taking pictures and that's about all i can handle. I don't want to have to run "games".
I have thought about an obstacle course theme but I guess I would need ides for that, too.
Best answer: I was at a big state park a few weeks ago and saw signs for "****'s Bug Party." As we walked by their party site, we saw tons of little plastic insects that had been scattered on the ground throughout their area. The kids all had little nets to 'catch' the bugs. It was cute and active and the kids looked like they were having a great time. It wasn't really a game, and the adults looked like they were just monitoring, not really having to do anything.
posted by Cloudberry Sky at 9:54 AM on August 13, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by Cloudberry Sky at 9:54 AM on August 13, 2013 [3 favorites]
If you are open to not using that field/pavillion, McDonald's is where we held my stepson's 6th birthday. It was one of the ones where there is the big play climber for the kids. McDonald's takes care of EVERYTHING, including clean up. It was very convenient and not too pricey. I kinda hate McDonald's but for this it was really good.
For outside, when we were kids my dad always did an egg toss. He poked holes in a ton of garbage bags and made every kid wear one. Then in pairs the kids had to toss raw eggs back and forth, standing progressively farther away. Messy but hilarious.
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 9:57 AM on August 13, 2013
For outside, when we were kids my dad always did an egg toss. He poked holes in a ton of garbage bags and made every kid wear one. Then in pairs the kids had to toss raw eggs back and forth, standing progressively farther away. Messy but hilarious.
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 9:57 AM on August 13, 2013
10 frisbees will keep them busy, I think.
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 9:59 AM on August 13, 2013
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 9:59 AM on August 13, 2013
A good easy game I used once (I worked at McDonald's as a teen and ended up getting birthday party duty often) is:
Everyone gets a balloon. And when you say "go", they all try popping the balloon...by SITTING on it. Whoever pops it first gets some prize.
It's easy to explain, cheap, lets them make noise, and the fact that you involve butts will make it comedy gold.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 9:59 AM on August 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
Everyone gets a balloon. And when you say "go", they all try popping the balloon...by SITTING on it. Whoever pops it first gets some prize.
It's easy to explain, cheap, lets them make noise, and the fact that you involve butts will make it comedy gold.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 9:59 AM on August 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
Sidewalk chalk is good if the pavilion has a concrete floor. Bubbles always go over well. Water guns. Fabric paint and plain white tshirts. Hula hoops.
posted by raisingsand at 10:00 AM on August 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by raisingsand at 10:00 AM on August 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
A bouncy house, a buffet of kid-friendly finger foods (veggie trays, chips, cut up fruit, cheese, water, and juice), and some coloring supplies on the tables is all you need. Assuming bouncy house rental is similarly cheap as it is here in LA, you can do the whole thing for less than $200.
posted by Joh at 10:02 AM on August 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Joh at 10:02 AM on August 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
My first suggestion would be to seriously, seriously re-think the invite the whole class thing. All of my childhood birthday parties were like that, because my mom had this sense that the other children would be brokenhearted, but I was always miserable and it was always a complete clusterfuck. I also always ended up with like eight of the exact same Barbie dolls. (I think the general rule of thumb is to invite a kid for every year old your kid is, so six friends.)
But...to actually answer your question, have the kid pick a theme. The theme could be anything from "the color blue" to "airplanes" to "Princess and the Frog" or whatever.
-Encourage the kids to dress up for the theme (not like a costume party, but if they all want to wear blue shirts or something that could be cool), and that'll be one "fun" thing for the kids.
-Have a craft table. A good craft is to get a bucket of foam stickers and some cheap solid-color paper crowns and let them decorate their own hat to wear. Low mess. Takes up time. Bonus points if the foam stickers all relate to your theme.
-Have a make believe table with funny hats and big coats and feather boas and sunglasses. Let them dress up and then take pictures of them.
-Teach them how to play octopus tag or some other game where everyone gets to participate, and then just set them loose.
-Give everyone a bag of party favors loosely related to your theme. Some kids that age will absolutely lose their shit if one kid gets all the presents and they get nothing.
-If you want to have an obstacle course, make sure one of the steps is to put their body through a hula hoop. (Hula hoop is on the ground, kid steps in it, lifts it up over their head, places hula hoop back on the ground.) For some reason this is always incredibly difficult for 6 year olds to execute, and it takes up a decent chunk of time, but they always seem to think it's fun. Kids are weird.
posted by phunniemee at 10:02 AM on August 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
But...to actually answer your question, have the kid pick a theme. The theme could be anything from "the color blue" to "airplanes" to "Princess and the Frog" or whatever.
-Encourage the kids to dress up for the theme (not like a costume party, but if they all want to wear blue shirts or something that could be cool), and that'll be one "fun" thing for the kids.
-Have a craft table. A good craft is to get a bucket of foam stickers and some cheap solid-color paper crowns and let them decorate their own hat to wear. Low mess. Takes up time. Bonus points if the foam stickers all relate to your theme.
-Have a make believe table with funny hats and big coats and feather boas and sunglasses. Let them dress up and then take pictures of them.
-Teach them how to play octopus tag or some other game where everyone gets to participate, and then just set them loose.
-Give everyone a bag of party favors loosely related to your theme. Some kids that age will absolutely lose their shit if one kid gets all the presents and they get nothing.
-If you want to have an obstacle course, make sure one of the steps is to put their body through a hula hoop. (Hula hoop is on the ground, kid steps in it, lifts it up over their head, places hula hoop back on the ground.) For some reason this is always incredibly difficult for 6 year olds to execute, and it takes up a decent chunk of time, but they always seem to think it's fun. Kids are weird.
posted by phunniemee at 10:02 AM on August 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
Oh, and if you know a teenager (maybe your babysitter?) have her and a friend come and do face painting. (Obviously pay them for their time and provide supplies.) They'll be reasonably cheap, the kids will think having the teenager there is cool, and almost all children love facepainting. Doesn't even have to be good.
posted by phunniemee at 10:06 AM on August 13, 2013 [4 favorites]
posted by phunniemee at 10:06 AM on August 13, 2013 [4 favorites]
I seem to be in a minority here, but I find that six year old kids tend to keep each other busy. Were this my party, I would hit the local discount/dollar store and buy the following:
- four or five kickballs
- frisbees
- hula hoops
- a plastic ball and bat set (and maybe a couple of extra balls)
- Spray-on chalk and beanbags for a giant tic-tac-toe set
- Whatever other outdoor games or toys are cheap and strike your fancy.
Your total outlay for this might be $50. Then just set them loose in the field. (Cheap kites can also be a big hit.)
The real key is to schedule things so there is open/free play for the first 30 minutes while everyone arrives, then do food/cake/singing, then if you want to do ONE structured game (relay race? Eggs on spoons?), then let them have more free play time.
Be prepared for the fact that a lot of parents will not RSVP in any way, they'll just show up.
Also, what else does the state park offer? Beach? Swimming? Swings? Have you scouted the location? How far is it from parking to the pavilion? How easy/hard will it be to haul things in and out?
Contrary to popular belief you do not have to a "theme" for the party (beyond "hey, it's my birthday!), or goodie bags, or organized activities, (or a bouncy house - sheesh).
If it's hot, I might also do "sponge tag" (kids tag each other by throwing wet sponges - very popular at camp) or another water play active game, but if so please warn the parents in advance that their kids will get wet.
Also, see if you can delegate picture taking to another family member. That, for me, is the hardest thing -- I can't greet guests, serve food, and take photos, and it's always the photos that get left out.
Finally, I'll also ask why you're inviting the whole class, particularly if the kids don't know each other well. As a parent, I hate parties where I a) have to spend money on a gift for a kid we'll probably never spend any time with again, and b) am forced to socialize with other parents for two hours (although I get that doing so helps my son have friends, because the parents are comfortable with each other). If you do decide to invite the whole class, maybe think about doing a book swap in lieu of gifts. We've done this a couple of times -- I seed the pile with about 10 books from goodwill/secondhand shop or books we no longer want, and then every kid brings a book to trade. Your kid will end up with a bunch of new books and the other kids all take home a new book as well.
Good luck!
posted by anastasiav at 10:11 AM on August 13, 2013 [5 favorites]
- four or five kickballs
- frisbees
- hula hoops
- a plastic ball and bat set (and maybe a couple of extra balls)
- Spray-on chalk and beanbags for a giant tic-tac-toe set
- Whatever other outdoor games or toys are cheap and strike your fancy.
Your total outlay for this might be $50. Then just set them loose in the field. (Cheap kites can also be a big hit.)
The real key is to schedule things so there is open/free play for the first 30 minutes while everyone arrives, then do food/cake/singing, then if you want to do ONE structured game (relay race? Eggs on spoons?), then let them have more free play time.
Be prepared for the fact that a lot of parents will not RSVP in any way, they'll just show up.
Also, what else does the state park offer? Beach? Swimming? Swings? Have you scouted the location? How far is it from parking to the pavilion? How easy/hard will it be to haul things in and out?
Contrary to popular belief you do not have to a "theme" for the party (beyond "hey, it's my birthday!), or goodie bags, or organized activities, (or a bouncy house - sheesh).
If it's hot, I might also do "sponge tag" (kids tag each other by throwing wet sponges - very popular at camp) or another water play active game, but if so please warn the parents in advance that their kids will get wet.
Also, see if you can delegate picture taking to another family member. That, for me, is the hardest thing -- I can't greet guests, serve food, and take photos, and it's always the photos that get left out.
Finally, I'll also ask why you're inviting the whole class, particularly if the kids don't know each other well. As a parent, I hate parties where I a) have to spend money on a gift for a kid we'll probably never spend any time with again, and b) am forced to socialize with other parents for two hours (although I get that doing so helps my son have friends, because the parents are comfortable with each other). If you do decide to invite the whole class, maybe think about doing a book swap in lieu of gifts. We've done this a couple of times -- I seed the pile with about 10 books from goodwill/secondhand shop or books we no longer want, and then every kid brings a book to trade. Your kid will end up with a bunch of new books and the other kids all take home a new book as well.
Good luck!
posted by anastasiav at 10:11 AM on August 13, 2013 [5 favorites]
Do you have a giant playground near your house? I might encourage you to host the party there, instead of just a giant field, if possible. I went to a ton of parties at a playground that was over an ACRE of slides and swings and monkey bars, and all of the kids loved it. Might require more diligent supervision by the parents, though.
posted by estlin at 10:21 AM on August 13, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by estlin at 10:21 AM on August 13, 2013 [2 favorites]
For my son's 5th birthday, we asked all invitees to wear clothes that could get dirty. Then we brought out a huge refrigerator box and a whole bunch of paints and paintbrushes of different sizes. I was skeptical that it would hold anyone's attention but EVERY CHILD was completely psyched to grab paintbrushes and cover the thing, inside and out.
Best part was when my wife cut a flap in the side of the box so kids could get inside. There were no fewer than 3 children inside the box at any moment, painting the walls and each other. Good times.
You'd need more than one box for that many kids. The big challenge would be making sure they don't get paint on the pavilion.
posted by rouftop at 10:23 AM on August 13, 2013 [2 favorites]
Best part was when my wife cut a flap in the side of the box so kids could get inside. There were no fewer than 3 children inside the box at any moment, painting the walls and each other. Good times.
You'd need more than one box for that many kids. The big challenge would be making sure they don't get paint on the pavilion.
posted by rouftop at 10:23 AM on August 13, 2013 [2 favorites]
Someone I know had a park ranger come out and do a tour of the area and the kids loved that.
I wouldn't worry too much about organizing actual games with rules and stuff - that just gets stressful on your part. In my experience, having a bunch of kids in a field with snacks and maybe bubbles or something like that is enough. They will find a way to entertain each other.
I love the idea of scattering bugs or small toys all around. Our neighbor did a little treasure hunt in their front yard the the kids loved that.
posted by dawkins_7 at 10:30 AM on August 13, 2013
I wouldn't worry too much about organizing actual games with rules and stuff - that just gets stressful on your part. In my experience, having a bunch of kids in a field with snacks and maybe bubbles or something like that is enough. They will find a way to entertain each other.
I love the idea of scattering bugs or small toys all around. Our neighbor did a little treasure hunt in their front yard the the kids loved that.
posted by dawkins_7 at 10:30 AM on August 13, 2013
Response by poster: Great ideas, everyone.
As for why oh why would I invite the whole class?? Well, we are in a newish town and don't know many people. My son will know no one in his class, so it's difficult to decide who to invite. And this is a way to meet kids and parents.
I prefer the 'ask 2 best buds and we'll go to an amusement park or something', but we're in a small town where everyone seems to know everyone. I guess this was a way to meet them.
posted by beccaj at 10:38 AM on August 13, 2013
As for why oh why would I invite the whole class?? Well, we are in a newish town and don't know many people. My son will know no one in his class, so it's difficult to decide who to invite. And this is a way to meet kids and parents.
I prefer the 'ask 2 best buds and we'll go to an amusement park or something', but we're in a small town where everyone seems to know everyone. I guess this was a way to meet them.
posted by beccaj at 10:38 AM on August 13, 2013
You need a game, a craft, a game, food, cake, presents, and then free play as the parents come to pick up their kids.
We have four kids and have used this general outline for parties in our yard many times.
The games can be old & lame, like a water balloon toss or (I swear) dropping clothes pins into a bottle (when they were young).
Note that the games and craft can be combined: one year I cut up half-inch PVC pipe to specific lengths so that all the kids could assemble a marshmallow-shooter. The game was to try for accuracy through targets (hula hoops) hung from tree branches. They loved it. Another year everyone got a styrofoam glider plane that they decorated with markers and stuff, and during the game time they flew them around the yard.
One of my favorite things about doing a craft means that they don't leave empty-handed and you don't have to make up a goody bag.
posted by wenestvedt at 11:39 AM on August 13, 2013
We have four kids and have used this general outline for parties in our yard many times.
The games can be old & lame, like a water balloon toss or (I swear) dropping clothes pins into a bottle (when they were young).
Note that the games and craft can be combined: one year I cut up half-inch PVC pipe to specific lengths so that all the kids could assemble a marshmallow-shooter. The game was to try for accuracy through targets (hula hoops) hung from tree branches. They loved it. Another year everyone got a styrofoam glider plane that they decorated with markers and stuff, and during the game time they flew them around the yard.
One of my favorite things about doing a craft means that they don't leave empty-handed and you don't have to make up a goody bag.
posted by wenestvedt at 11:39 AM on August 13, 2013
Where I live, it's either the whole class or the girls or the boys. THis is school policy, so no argument, but I agree, and at that age, went for whole class. (Now I'm at prom and dress issues, girls only).
What I did was organize a very complicated and layered adventure game. My dad helped. We made maps and organized posts with "actors"(dad and friends). We always made the game so complicated that tea and snacks and fleece would be a welcome relief. When parents arrived, there'd be drinks and snacks and ready-for-bed kids: success!!
When I was a kid, my best friend's parents used this formula, and it worked till we were in our twenties. Over time, the geography grew to a wide range of landscapes. But we stayed true to the concept and still love our wonderful inspiring "parents"
posted by mumimor at 12:11 PM on August 13, 2013
What I did was organize a very complicated and layered adventure game. My dad helped. We made maps and organized posts with "actors"(dad and friends). We always made the game so complicated that tea and snacks and fleece would be a welcome relief. When parents arrived, there'd be drinks and snacks and ready-for-bed kids: success!!
When I was a kid, my best friend's parents used this formula, and it worked till we were in our twenties. Over time, the geography grew to a wide range of landscapes. But we stayed true to the concept and still love our wonderful inspiring "parents"
posted by mumimor at 12:11 PM on August 13, 2013
Response by poster: muminor! I need to her more about these games!
posted by beccaj at 12:35 PM on August 13, 2013
posted by beccaj at 12:35 PM on August 13, 2013
This may not be your cup of tea but we always did decorate your own cupcakes. Had one cupcake to sing Happy Bday with and then gave every kid a cupcake and put a bunch of stuff in the middle of the table i.e; gummy worms, m&ms, skittles etc.. The kids got to put all that gunk on there and that was always a huge hit. Now I will admit this does not always go over well with overly food/sugar conscious moms but I have to say even now some teen will say to me Hey are you ever going to let us decorate a cupcake for X's party again? Limit one per kid and they love it. I also let them have water balloon fights and the ever popular egg run (an egg in a teaspoon and run to the end without dropping it and pass it off). Family Fun Magazine has a bunch of good tips.
posted by lasamana at 3:09 PM on August 13, 2013
posted by lasamana at 3:09 PM on August 13, 2013
We've done the park party a couple of times. We just set out toys and let kids run around. Here's what we brought in past years for entertainment:
Stomp rockets (very popular...get 2 or more)
Gigantic bubble wands and a ton of bubble juice (also popular)
Velcro catch game
Giant soft frisbees from target (can't find ours but the one link is the same idea)
Hula hoops
EZ Steppers
Jump ropes
Pinata
I got this kit and did face painting myself (which was not hard and it comes with a book of ideas) so if you can find a volunteer...
I suppose it's possible to set up some kind of obstacle course using these things (or have the kids think up one). I think at some point the kids set up the hula hoops on the ground and jumped from hoop to hoop and that in itself was entertainment enough.
posted by biscuits at 6:14 PM on August 13, 2013
Stomp rockets (very popular...get 2 or more)
Gigantic bubble wands and a ton of bubble juice (also popular)
Velcro catch game
Giant soft frisbees from target (can't find ours but the one link is the same idea)
Hula hoops
EZ Steppers
Jump ropes
Pinata
I got this kit and did face painting myself (which was not hard and it comes with a book of ideas) so if you can find a volunteer...
I suppose it's possible to set up some kind of obstacle course using these things (or have the kids think up one). I think at some point the kids set up the hula hoops on the ground and jumped from hoop to hoop and that in itself was entertainment enough.
posted by biscuits at 6:14 PM on August 13, 2013
DIY cupcake decoration -- you provide cupcakes with plain vanilla frosting, hit a dollar store for a slew of small semi-disposable containers (I've used the larger sort of plastic shot glass), hit a bulk store for interesting types of candy, etc. The spray-on edible paint in the cake decorating section tastes very peculiar until it dries, but the more stuff to dump on the better. If things are set up so there's enough food there already and the cupcakes are a take-home, you can package them cheaply by putting them in a styrofoam bowl and using a stapler and a second styrofoam bowl to make a lid.
This 'here's a table covered with loads of different kinds of sugar' thing has always been exciting and also very time-consuming here. Every year I have been surprised by how many adults want in on it, too...
posted by kmennie at 10:31 PM on August 13, 2013
This 'here's a table covered with loads of different kinds of sugar' thing has always been exciting and also very time-consuming here. Every year I have been surprised by how many adults want in on it, too...
posted by kmennie at 10:31 PM on August 13, 2013
We offered ice cream and toppings (since we make our own ice cream), but the same thing will happen with cupcakes: COLOSSAL WASTE OF FOOD. I found it disheartening, and following years we used store-bought ice cream...but the kids do really love doing their own dessert.
posted by wenestvedt at 7:27 PM on August 14, 2013
posted by wenestvedt at 7:27 PM on August 14, 2013
« Older Help me solve some workflow difficulties. | What happens when you fire your realtor while... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
How about the old playground stuff. Simon Says, Red Rover, Tag, Duck, Duck Goose, that stuff. Easy and no equipment.
Talk to your kid, see what he or she wants to do. You may get some great ideas. Plan for about 2 hours total. Some games, cake and ice cream, present opening, thank yous, gift bags, done.
Run them around a lot, their parents will appreciate it!
T-ball might be something fun, but just 2 innings.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 9:53 AM on August 13, 2013