Preschoolers love games, but when it comes to preschool parties, simple is smarter. Children that age do best with party games that let them burn energy and don't require them to wait too long for their turn to play. The best games allow all the children to play at once.
Follow the Leader
Preschool-age kids love Follow the Leader, a game that everybody can play at the same time. Let them take turns being the leader and initiating the movement for the rest of the group to imitate--jumping, walking very slowly, skipping, running, twirling and tiptoeing are all good options. It might be a good idea for a grown-up to be the first leader to give the followers some ideas for things to do when it's their turn to lead. Connect the fun to your party's theme by giving the kids dress-up items, such as backpacks to wear for a Dora the Explorer party or fishing hats for a party with a fishing theme.
Make a Mural
Spread out a big roll of butcher paper, set out art supplies such as markers and crayons and let kids go to town creating a cooperative piece of art. Make sure there's plenty of room for each child to have his own space to prevent squabbling and periodically check that everybody has plenty of art supplies. You can use the finished work as a tablecloth for the party cake or display it at the end of the party for everyone to admire.
Red Light, Green Light
Red Light, Green Light is a classic racing game that's ideal for preschoolers who love to move. One person, known as the traffic cop, stands at the marked finish line and calls out "Green light." The racers dash toward the finish line but have to freeze when the cop calls "red light." When you cross the finish line, the race is over, and a new person takes over as traffic cop. Because the directions are so easy to follow, this is a good game for young players.
Scavenger Hunt
Preschoolers get excited about finding something, so try a twist on "I Spy" that encourages kids to use their observation skills. Come up with a short list of items for kids to find, opting for simple things like "something brown" or "something you can throw." Call out the items one at a time and let kids wander around to find one item before sending them off to find the next thing.
References
- National Network for Child Care: Good Times at Parties
- "Let's Go Outside: Outdoor Activities and Projects to Get You and Your Kids Closer to Nature;" Jennifer Ward; 2009
