I am having Rylee's birthday party next month. Other children will be attending. There will be about 15 kids there between the ages of 1 and 9. What should I do to keep them entertained? I was thinking about a table with coloring books. I had to rent a place for the party because we have so many people, so we have the room for only 2 hours. It is a t a recreation center and there is a basketball court, but the place is not closed to the public, so I don't know how many other people will be at the center. I get two extra hours to set up and clean up. Can someone help me? TIA

By Boxzgrl on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 - 11:52 am:

Maybe a table set up with various crafts as well as coloring stuff. Music that involves participation (Hokey Pokey like stuff). Since its a recreation area maybe a few sports related stuff... mini bowling set, basketball hoop a few stuff lke that.

Thats all I can think of. Good luck. I think I asked you before but whats her birthday theme?

By Emily7 on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 - 11:54 am:

http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/birthday/party.html

http://www.bhg.com/home/Birthday-Party-Games.html

http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/partygames.htm

http://www.knowledgehound.com/topics/birthday.htm#games

http://childparenting.about.com/cs/birthdayparties/a/birthdaygames.htm

By Rayanne on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 - 12:10 pm:

Her birthday theme is Tinkerbell.

I cannot believe that I am planning her first birthday already.

By Rayanne on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 - 12:13 pm:

I don't want to spend all my time with just the kids. There will be tons of adults there too. I think that the total number of people (adults and kids) will be 80. I cannot believe that I have so many people for one little girl!!!

By Tink on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 - 12:25 pm:

Just think...that many people love you and Rylee so much! I would cover a table with white butcher paper and provide crayons, stickers, stamps,etc. for the kids to decorate. The biggest hit at the last party we went to with a large age range of kids were beach balls. The parents provided about 10 balls and the oldest kids played keep away (Monkey in the Middle) and the youngest just chased them around. The balls are so soft that no one got hurt and there were so many that no one fought over them. What about an ice cream sundae table or decorate your own cupcake area? We have done the cupcake thing and the kids have a ton of fun comparing what each has done. I'll try and come up with some more ideas.

By Rayanne on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 - 12:35 pm:

I love the beachball idea. We just went to a birthday party on Sunday, and Rylee chased ballons around all day. I of course was scared that they would pop in her face. The beach balls are so much safer.

By Mommyathome on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 - 01:10 pm:

Play dough!

Most all kids love it! And, it's really cheap too.

When the party is over just sweep up the mess and throw it away.