Family Kid Birthday Parties Without Any Games/fun for the Guest?

My son brings his DS so he can play quietly by himself if no one his age is there. He also loves reading so he always has a book with him too. IF the weather is nice maybe some outdoor toys like balls. Kids usually find games that all the kids like, both younger and older. GOod luck.

I really don't consider it rude if you bring toys, games and what not for your kids to be entertained. You'd bring special food for them if they had food allergies, right? You wouldn't consider that to be rude to the hosts. This is the same thing.

Just don't make a big deal about it. You don't need to announce, "Now I'm getting out toys and games so my children can be entertained because you didn't think of it." :D

But I have to say that whenever my kids tell me they are bored, I say, "Only boring people are bored." In other words, sometimes, you have to make your own fun.

Hope you're able to enjoy the party!

When my kids were younger, my cousins would bring coloring books, crayons and "gameboys" (or whatever the digital games are called today) for their older kids. Since it's springtime, you could also bring an outdoor ball or small outdoor toys that would not pose a hazard to the young kids. I was very grateful that my cousins took the initiative on this -- I had my hands full trying to manage my little ones while throwing a party. My opinion is: don't ask -- just bring stuff. Discreetly pull the toys out, without any announcement or big deal. Hopefully this will help take away your frustration and help you enjoy the party.

PS...The older kids always ended-up having a blast playing with the baby toys anyway!

In my family, it's everyone for themselves. No one would dream of organizing activities for the kids. And really, shouldn't they be able to think of things to do on their own? Not the preschoolers and infants, but the 5+ set? Just warn the older kids that they will need to have something to occupy their time. Your 7 year old should be able to bring a book or handheld game to occupy him(her?)self. Your 5 year old can bring some cars or action figures.
One thing I would suggest....a sprinkler for them to run in. That way it isn't a drowning danger and you can turn it off whenever you are ready.

Bring bubbles( great becasue the older kids can blow them for the younger kids and they can all play together), sidewalk chalk (can draw with, make hopscotch or 4square) and a deck of card, Uno or dominoes. Card are great becasue you are not bringing a big old game but there are so many things you can do with a simple deck of cards- even build a card house! We love dominoes and Uno at our house and adult family member are often willing (and want) to join in too.

Our family parties are the same way. We just bring some toys for the kids, their handheld video games, or balls to play with. That way they are occupied and we can visit. If the weather is nice and there is a place to ride, we have brought their bikes before.

I don't think there is anything wrong with your kids bringing toys to play with.

I don't have toys or games for the big kids when I have parties at my house. I don't have older kids, so I don't have those types of toys and I personally don't think I should have to buy them so they have something to do. I figure that they would bring something to play with. That said - we have a huge yard, a swingset and a sprinkler set up, so I suppose there are things that we do provide for them. I don't assume that when I go to my nephew's 10 year old b-day party that my SIL will have a bunch of baby toys for my kids...I bring my own so they have something to do!

So, with all of that said - I definitely don't think it is rude nor would I be offended if my older nephew's and niece brought some things to keep them busy.

I would bring some of the things that have been mentioned already: balls, playing cards, bubbles, coloring books, and maybe a couple of board games.

Some moms have suggested chalk, sprinkler, and slip and slide. I personally don't agree UNLESS you ask your SIL ahead of time. The chalk can get messy and maybe she doesn't want chalk all over everything including clothes. The water activities can create a messy, wet yard. Maybe she doesn't want that during her party. Also... for her young kids... (2 yrs. and 3 yrs. old) a slip and slide can cause accidents. I tried it when my twins were about that age and I put it away until they were 5 because it just didn't seem safe for any younger. (Just my 2 cents!)

I would also not let my kids play handheld games at a party. (Well if it was going to be for the entire day, but not if it's just a 3 hr. party.) In my OPINION... a party is for socializing and too often enough I see kids totally absorbed in these handheld games such as Game Boy and Nintendo DS at times when they could be communicating with others. I understand the idea of letting them use these for awhile at home for alone time, at the doctors while waiting in the waiting room or driving long distances... but at a party I think you could bring some things that they could do with others. Or even if they are coloring... others could join in and adults could start a conversation based on what they are coloring. Teach them some games to play that maybe the young ones could join in too. Bean bag games and putt putt golf plastic clubs would work. Go to Dollar Tree and pick up a few items to bring over. Heck.... 5 items for 5 dollars and it will keep them busy.... I say yes to that! Familyfun.com is a great website for ideas too.

I love the quote that one mom mentioned.... But I have to say that whenever my kids tell me they are bored, I say, "Only boring people are bored." In other words, sometimes, you have to make your own fun.*** I am going to print that out and put it on a wall or refrigerator. But really my kids seldom say that because I try to balance doing thigs with them AND encouraging them to think of things to do on their own (they are 8 now.) When I see them designing, building, reading, drawing, creating etc... I make a postive remark about it to encourage more of it.

Have fun. I also love the comment someone made about bringing certain foods if your child had an allergy. You wouldn't hesitate to bring different food. (Great analogy she made here.)
So don't hesitate to bring some toys to the party but call if you think certain items could be a problem like the ones I mentioned above.
*J.

I'd bring there ds and some cards and a few books. But don't let the kids know you've brought them. They do need to interact a bit with the family. But when they start comming to you cause there bored then bring out the bag full of stuff and they can get a break. Also you know if they are bored why dont you get involved. Bring the cards out first and offer to play cards with your kids I wouldnt be surprised if other kids want to join in. Play a game or two then let them be and then when they are bored again give them there ds.

the infant will be in your arms or an infant seat. bring crayons and notebooks for the 5 year old. bring a DS, or leapster, or a portable dvd player for the 7 year old. can't expect the parents to come up with age appropriate games for kids different ages. if they have a backyard bring a few balls with you, hula hoop or whatever for your kids.
good luck

They probably just don't even realize it. I probably wouldn't think of that if I didn't have a 7 yr old yet. I wouldn't be the slightest bit offended if my SIL showed up with big kid activiites. I would call her, or if you aren't really close, I would suggest maybe talking to your brother (or your hubby talking to sis, whichever) and mentioning that you would hate for her to have to go out and get something to entertain the big kids that she doesn't need yet, when you could just bring some stuff with you. Then it sounds like you are being helpful, and like you are assuming they remembered and intended to do something (so you aren't accusing them of not thinking about your kids).

One game that I would suggest that all kids could do is that bean bag toss game. I saw a pretty inexpensive version at Target the other day. Its the thing where there is a board with holes in it and you throw beanbags through the holes. I see kids playing with those all the time down here, and they are all ages.

if its going to be nice out bring a slip and slide for the kids to play with and have them pick out a couple of board games but leave them in the car and have them ask for it when they are ready. dont worry about being rude, personally i think its rude of the host not to take into account the older children. we are planning out dd 1st bday in July and i plan to have a slip n slide for some of the older kids. also a basketball and football. even grown ups get bored. gl

Would you consider getting a baby sitter for the younger ones so they can play at home. This will also give you time to visit.

Make up a list of games. Eye spy, Hide and seek with a toy. Simon Says. The Freeze game.

Take a few buckets and have the play bean bag toss.. You can use, rolled up socks or balls.

Otherwise be prepared to play with them. I keep thinking to take their trikes and a wagon. Take some colors and paper. Whatever you would take if you were going to a park without a playground.