Children's Indoor Party Games Interview
When your child's birthday is in February, or a thunderstorm threatens your pool party, indoor party games are an invaluable resource. LoveToKnow asked party planner Lisa Kothari to share some of her favorite games and planning tips, so you can host a great party, no matter what the weather. Lisa specializes in organizing creative and unique kids' parties. During the past ten years, she has planned hundreds of celebrations across the country.
Party Games Advice
LoveToKnow: When would you suggest a party include indoor games? What are some situations where indoor party games would be preferable?
Lisa Kothari: Certainly, when the weather is cold, snowy, and/or rainy it is preferable to hold games indoors. Also, even during a season like spring or summer, when it is usually beautiful outdoors, you should always have a Plan B with indoor games in case of rain as well.
LTK: What should parents consider in picking any game for a kid's party and indoor games in particular?
LK: Parents should consider the number of children attending the party, the age of the children, and the space available to hold these games. Space is an even more important consideration when deciding indoor games, however.
Ideas for Indoor Party Games
LTK: What are some of your favorite indoor party games?
LK: I am a big fan of classic games that we all know and love. These can all easily be spoofed to match your party theme. As an example, Duck, Duck, Goose can be turned into Puppy, Puppy, Dog! Here are some examples:
- Red Rover
- Pin the Tail on the Donkey, or a similar game with a party-theme-appropriate twist
- Mother May I?
- Musical Chairs
- Balloon Catch - One child holds a balloon. He calls out another kid's name and lets the balloon go. The other child must catch the balloon before it lands on the ground. He is "it" next.
- Tag
- Hide and Go Seek
- Duck, Duck, Goose
- Hot Potato
- Red Light, Green Light
- Simon Says
- Telephone Line - Send a birthday message in whispers around the circle of guests. Let the birthday kid be the last to receive the message and have him say it aloud!
- Bean Bag Toss
All of these games will most likely be known to your guests, and are simple to explain to someone who has never played. They will be easy to conduct and also inexpensive.
I also very much like the idea of easy treasure hunt clues leading your guests around the party room and nearby areas to find fun treasures like festive candies, chocolates, and small wrapped presents. You can find several Christmas-related clues at my website, like, "I make the presents glisten with care, yet I will be gone with a few simple tears!" to lead kids to a wrapping paper station.
Getting Guests Involved
LTK: Do you have any tips for getting kids involved in the games?
LK: When children are three and older, they will be very excited to attend the party and participate in the activities. Children younger than three may not be interested, have a long attention span, or may even be shy and may not want to participate as a result. For these very young children, make sure their parents are available to participate with them and engage them in the activities. Also, make the games very short and easy, so it doesn't take too much time.
For older kids, make sure you have additional help to keep the games organized and to keep everyone involved and included. This is especially true when you are breaking down the full party group into teams for group games and activities. If somebody isn't interested in participating, do not force participation, but allow this child to sit it out and watch. Make sure someone is keeping an eye on this guest to make sure he is OK as an observer or can easily be included if he decides he wants to participate.
Build up excitement for games by letting the kids know when they arrive about certain fun games they will be playing. You may want to drop hints to get their interest piqued and excited to be involved!
More from Lisa Kothari
In Lisa's own words, she believes, "No matter the budget or the amount of time a parent has, a great kids' party can always be planned. My passion is helping parents achieve this with minimal time and effort." For more party planning ideas, visit Lisa's site, Peppers and Pollywogs, or check out her recently-released book Dear Peppers and Pollywogs...What Parents Want to Know About Planning Their Kids' Parties.
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