One of my readers asked me about party ideas for three-year-olds. I’ve taught this age group in Sunday School for many years. The secret is to break down activities into 10 minute blocks.
Below is an example of a successful three-year-old party. Each number below represents a 10 minute block.
Materials: Table, template & crayons. Glue sticks & glitter (if you are feeling a little more game).
When children arrive, direct them to a table set up for this easy paper craft. Click the image below to print out the template.
Materials: Scarves, CD Player, Music CD.
Young children love this activity. Give each child a scarf. In time to the music, do different activities. Here are some ideas on how children can be directed to use their scarf: fast, slow, blow, high, low.
Music
Justine Clark CD: I don’t know any better dancing music. $14.99
The Wiggles CD: From $9.95
Princess Perfect CD: $14.95
Scarves
Kids Music Toys $5 each
Kindermusik scarves $5.36 each
Playsilk $15 each
Make your own: for best results, buy light weight material that floats and cut into 20cm x 20cm squares.
Materials: A few rolls of crepe streamer
Mark out a starting point. Break a piece of crepe streamer for each child to hold. Have two adults stand at the finish line with crepe paper. READY, SET, GO! Repeat 3 or 4 times (or 5 or 6 or 7 times).
Materials: Bubble machine (I recommend using a bubble machine for age group, rather than individual wands).
Bubbles and three-year-olds go fabulously well. You may like to use music here as well.
Stores like Kmart, Target and Big W sell battery operated bubble machines from $9.95.
Crazy Sales: $17.95
PeeDee Toys: $24.95
Latest Buy-Machine : $29.95
Latest Buy-Bulk Bubbles: $9.95
Happy Birthday to You!
My favourite cake book is the Women’s Weekly Children’s Birthday Cakes $29.95
Keep food simple. Choose 4 things to serve, for example: fairy bread, fruit, cheerios and lollies.
Check out these sites for party supplies and ideas:
When opening presents, keep it moving by being prepared with another present for the child to open rather than asking them which one they want to open next.
Start wrapping things up.
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Any of these stations can be re-ordered or changed into a different activity. The key to a successful three-year-old party is to keep things running in 10 minute blocks.
Have Fun!
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh my gosh, i know i have already commented today, buuut that birthday cake recipe book brings back amazing memories!
I used to always look at the ‘number’ cakes and dream about which one i would have when i turned a year older. I think i have had 95% of the cakes in that book.
And, my mum even attempted the train on the front for my brothers birthday once!
How good is that book! Nice to see others know it. And brilliant other ideas for parties, you have some awesome ideas!
K xx
I know, I’ve had so many people commenting about the book. It brings back so many special memories hey.
Thanks for doing this post! My son will be turning 3 in 3 months time and ive started thinking about his party already! I love that cake book. It was always so much fun going through it and picking out a cake when i was a kid. Ill have to go and buy a copy as ive misplaced the one my mum passed on to me.
I hope your party is a wonderful Ella!
I am hosting my two-year-old’s birthday party on Sunday. Great ideas here. I think, adapting to a two year old, I will set up some “stations” but make them a little less structured so kids can go where they want, when they want. Thanks again, a timely post for me.
PS My brother and I used to POUR over that cake book and make lists of what cakes we wanted for every birthday!
That sounds like a great idea Julie. My sisters and I loved looking through the cake book and now my children are too. Gorgeous!
Great ideas Kelly. I really like the little races idea. Thanks for sharing them On Friday I had 20 kids (only 3 girls) for a 4 year old party and it rained! I did survive and will be posting about it over the coming weeks.
Oh FUN! or not so fun. I’ll look out for your post!
Great party ideas, Kelly. I’m going to make a note of these for when we get to that stage. And thank you very much for mentioning my playsilks! It was a lovely surprise.
I loved that cake book too! And I have some playsilks
I will definitely be trying some of these ideas for my daughter’s 3rd birthday party in 3 weeks time. Thanks Kelly!
I love the tips and party ideas! I find it very interesting and helpful. I will definitely follow these guides when throwing a party for my baby who is turning 3 this year. Thanks for this wonderful post!
Hi Kelly,
My daughter is three next year so I will be looking into a few of your ideas. I will definatetly be looking at some of the resources you have stated but I particular like the simple advice of breaking all the games down into 10min slots – Never thought of this but makes perfect sense – Thanks
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