Reptile Birthday

I'm not of much help, I just had to laugh out loud, I thought you were throwing a party FOR a reptile!

I'm being swallowed by a boa constrictor, (hands on calfs)
oh, I'm being swallowed by a boa constrictor, (hands on knees)
oh, I'm being swallowed by a boa constrictor, (hands on hips)
oh, I'm being swallowed by a boa constrictor, (hands on hips)
oh, I'm being swallowed by a boa constrictor, (hands on waist)
oh, I'm being swallowed by a boa constrictor, (hands on shoulders)
oh, I'm being swallowed by a boa constrictor, (hands on neck)
oh, I'm being swallowed by a boa constrictor, (hands on head top)
"GULP!"
It's an song I used to sing to the tune of an old drinking song. When you get to the head, the boa has eaten you all.
I don't know how old your kids are but I taught first grade and the kids always liked it. They were a bit surprised the first time through, but the second time they laughed because they knew what was coming.

If you don't already have reptiles booked, either The Reptile Man or Steve's Creature Feature are great (I've had both at Cub Scout events and the kids were enthralled). Both are great with young kids also. Don't worry about a lot of kids if you're hiring a reptile wrangler, the kids tend to sit very quietly and respectfully when the snakes come out :)

For party ideas, check out this website, it's an endless bank of ideas for any theme: http://www.birthdaypartyideas.com/

Good luck! With a large party, have back-up activities planned just in case some run short or aren't working.

I'm having a pirate party for my 2 year old which is close to Halloween. I made myself a list: 3:00 come in and get coats,etc. 3:30 treasure hunt (we printed pictures of household items(phone, couch,etc.) and put it on a treasure map so the kids can go to the phone to find chocolate gold money, etc. You could buy a big bag of plastic/rubber snakes, etc. and candy worms, etc.(GIFT Bag) 4p banana splits(my son is allergic to eggs/nuts) no cake. Then presents and clean up and visit while kids play with new presents. We hung a pirate flag ( I bought fabric at Joanne's and just stapled it on a frame, hung skull lights/skeleton lights and bought a toy pirate ship for the table center piece. We'll dress like pirates and have extra patches and spy glasses/compasses in the gift bags. Your daughter will just love spending time with her friends and they won't really need games or goody bags. Cake, presents and decorate. Balloons are nice because you could play games with them. Just look on-line for game or deco ideas. Have fun.

The best website for party planning and ideas is Familyfun.com
I am pretty sure there is a reptile party. good luck and have fun.

We had a reptile party for my 8 year old and it went just fine! There were many younger children there and everyone listened to the Reptile Man and stayed on their best behavior. He did a very good job explaining how important it was to stay quiet and calm and they all respected that. They had a great time and loved seeing and touching the reptiles.

I believe my daughter was 4 when we had the Reptile Man here for her birthday party. It was a blast! We had a big turn out, plus the neighbors joined us for the outdoor show (it was in July). You'll do fine. Most moms will chip in to help, especially if they see a big crowd. Accept their offers.

Order a big sheet cake from Costco. It's big and inexpensive. Or make/buy cupcakes. I also got dixie cups at Safeway (you know the vanilla/orange sherbet cups). Two boxes of juice boxes should cover the drinks. Having individual servings premade makes for a very easy serve and clean up.

Most of all, don't sweat the small stuff. Go in to it with an attitude of "I'm going to have fun!" and you will.

You don't say how old the birthday child will be. I've been to school events in the evening where the 'reptile' man has come with his snakes and other creatures. The kids who attend love him. Sort of spendy though in these times. You're concerned about the number of kids coming... hmmm. Don't provide 'goody' bags, just cake, ice cream and punch/drink. There's no reason for games, the party will be long enough with the reptile man's presentation coupled with the opening of the gifts. You could always take pictures of each child with the snake and then e-mail them home after the party. Have a large room, as this is not a small venue event. Plenty of handwashing to prevent salmonella (prevalent with reptile and amphibian pets). Enjoy!!!!

They have a dinosoar exhibit at OMSI right now, can you maybe check into having the birthday party there?

The Reptile Guy http://www.pepperspollywogs.com/c/entertainer.aspx?entid=...

is fantastic and way more fun for a party than I ever expected

we did this for my son's 3rd birthday and it was a complete hit! people still talk about it. first off, designate a spot in your house or yard where the "show" will be. put chairs like you would a theatre. have the kids sit on the ground/floor in front. with the parents and smaller kids (in parents' laps, hopefully) it will control some of the chaos. suggest those who gross out easily to stay behind.

the person who has the pets will most likely do a great job handling the excited kids. most likely this isn't their first party. and one more thing, there are few pets at these parties that can truly hurt you. the liability is just too great! so remind parents of this and maybe they won't hover so much.

for the fun...we did one of those pudding dirt things and put gummy worms in it. that was a total hit. we dressed our son up like he was on a safari which was great because the pet owner did too. i would buy a bunch of plastic bugs and snakes and hide them around the house and yard, then let the kids hunt for them. winner with the most gets a prize, kids get to keep the bugs. have a great time!