Video:Games for a First Birthday Party

Transcript:Games for a First Birthday Party

Celebrating the first birthday of your child is one of many milestones. Often, a party with games and activities is a way to ring in this first year of life. However, before putting down sack races, bingo, and balloon darts on your list of games think carefully about the age-appropriateness of games for your child and their playmates when devising the party fun.

Game Ideas for a First Birthday Party

The first game idea is a crawl and chase game. You can use or make tunnels or just use mats or a soft surface as the base. Place a cuddly toy at one end and have the little ones start on the other side. Have them dash off on all fours toward the treasured buddy on the other end to see who can get there first. Repeat a couple times to give the little ones a good idea of what they should do. Have a little prize basket that the winner and runner-up can pick from.

More Game Ideas for a First Birthday Party

The second game is a bean bag toss game. Little ones like to throw things and this hopefully won't do any damage. The game can be placed within a distance that allows them to hit the target fairly easily.

Additional Game Ideas for a First Birthday Party

The third game is the filling and emptying game. Kids love putting things in buckets and boxes, but what they love even more is dumping it all out. This keeps them busy and hopefully laughing. You can use a bucket of soft or plastic balls, small cuddly toys, or other small items (but not too small to swallow!). Let them do this a few times and then reward each one with a little treat. Make sure everyone gets the same thing to keep the drama at a bare minimum.

The fourth game is the dress-up game. Give them different outfits and accessories that they can slip on easily and see what type of costumes they can come up with. This is great for exploring and keeping little hands busy. Plus, it makes for some great picture moments. Be sure to be on hand as with most 1-year-olds, this will more be a game of you-dress-them-up.

The fifth game is the treasure hunt game. Kids love to search for stuff and they like finding it even more. Take plastic eggs, soft balls, or party favors and hide them around the backyard, park, or wherever you are holding the party. Have them search for them similar to an Easter Egg hunt. The winner can get a prize while the rest of the guests can keep their treasures. Be sure to just focus on just a couple games for the party. Little ones have a limited attention span and can get easily overwhelmed or tired. There are also cake and presents to enjoy within what should be no longer than a one and a half or two-hour party. Given the amount of effort tracking and spotting a wobbly one-year-old can taken, your guests will also appreciate this brevity.

I'm Jonathon Stewart, with About.com.