Help!! Sudden change in birthday party plans for the little ones!

Right, so much to our amazement, after no less than 3 blizzards this winter, spring has well and truly sprung. Not only that, but they are certain it will be in the low 70s this Saturday.

I had, when originally planning this party, fully expected it to be, if nothing else, too chilly to be outside. So everything was planned for indoors (cartoons while waiting for all the guests, a craft to make, pin the tail on the donkey, etc).

Now, with the weather looking so awesome, we can't justify keeping the kids cooped up. If we do, everyone will make excuses to leave early!

So I need outside game ideas for 2-5 year olds (mostly 4 year olds). I also suddenly panicked and realized I probably need prizes for any game we play? What about the 'losers'? What do I do for them? Are there any 'you're all winners games'?

Ack!

We have a large back yard with plenty of room for trucks, tricycles, balls, etc. I'll also have a couple tables set up - one with food.

The theme is animals though I'm not necessarily looking to adhere to that religiously. I'm making alligator cupcakes and providing animal masks and animal themed goody bags.

It's mostly the games I'm worried about and how to give prizes fairly.

Any thoughts before I self-combust with stress? 

I wouldn't do prizes, but that's just me.  For their age, I'd let them run around and play on the toys you already have. Eat and play the games you planned for inside in the back garden.  A craft outside would be nice because the mess is not all over your floors!

What about decorating bikes and having a parade?  No contest, just fun!

You could decorate bikes and have an award for each.  Most colourful, most economic use of materials.   

A Pinata! We used to make our own-- sometimes it was simply a brown grocery bag decorated (can you still get paper bags?!) tied up and beaten with a bat.... other times we did a big balloon covered with papermache an painted.

It was always a hit...
don't forget classic games like duck, duck goose
red, light green light

I agree no need for prizes.....just have fun

What about the 'sit on the balloon & pop it' relay thing?

What about the 'sit on the balloon & pop it' relay thing?

any type of relay games at all egg and spoon....balance something on head etc..

We always had a pinata too.  We also did Duck Duck Goose, and relay style games with no prizes.  A good game for if it rains is themed Bingo, so in your case you could have Animal Bingo cards.  A great thing to do outside is any kind of treasure/Easter egg hunt.

Our 6-year-old's birthday party is Saturday.  I agree with the others of no prizes...we made "goody bags" for the kids that includes kid-themed party favors (pens, pencils, small notepads, bubbles, costume jewelry, small games, etc.).  We ordered ours off the internet but I know most party stores carry those type of products and they're really cheap.  We made separate bags for boys and girls that were gender appropriate but kept everything equal to avoid any "you got something better than me" fights.  I'm not sure if you would have time (is the party tomorrow?) but just as an idea, we are renting a bouncy castle for our daughter and her friends so that's a possibility if you can arrange one (most places deliver, set up and pickup).  As the others said any typical kid games will keep them occupied for awhile.

any type of relay games at all egg and spoon....balance something on head etc..

Agreed!  I remember especially loving that balloon relay as a kid, because it's not so easy to sit on & pop that balloon - it slides out from under you, and moves about. Then when you pop it, there's the big explosive noise under your bum.  Very chaotic, fun, and more about silliness than anything else.  In fact, I'd really like to play it now! 

What about a candy scramble? Buy a bag of assorted candy, give each kid their own paper bag, throw the candy out onto the grass, and let them go at it. This was always a hit at family reunions! 

Thanks everyone! I love the balloon idea but our grass is still pretty dry from the winter... we also have tons of sticks and pinecones... so I'm worried the balloons would pop before they even tried to sit on them! Hmmm. Maybe put a sheet down?

I wanted to do a pinata but unless I can find one at a dollar store, they cost too much and I don't think I have time to make one. But I'll see what I can do.

I got some cut-out animals for kids to color if they want to sit down and do a craft (we have far fewer girls attending than boys so that might be their thing).

I guess I'm mostly worried about any organized game because Sammy, my soon-to-be 4 year old, has language comprehension delays and I don't want thim to feel left out of his own party. That said, as long as he can run around like a wild child, he'll probably be happy!

I guess I'm mostly worried about any organized game because Sammy, my soon-to-be 4 year old, has language comprehension delays and I don't want thim to feel left out of his own party. That said, as long as he can run around like a wild child, he'll probably be happy!

I just helped my friend out with a party for 25 4/5year olds (yes, she is a mad woman!) and was really surprised at how the kids seemed to have a great time as long as they were allowed to run around screaming.  She had a bouncy castle for them and had blown up loads of balloons and had some building blocks and other toys scattered around.  They also spent what seemed like a very long time playing games like Stuck in the Mud - basically just running around being crazy before cake time.  They each got a little goodie bag before they went home.  It worked brilliantly - no tears and everyone left with a smile.

I like the idea of a treasure hunt with a goodie bag for all at the end of it. You can get really cheap little toys and party bags from dollar stores.

What about pass the parcel? I had never seen that in the states but it's well known in the UK. You can make sure that the music stops on each kid so that everyone gets something.