Kids need parents to get creative when they throw parties for birthdays and holidays.
Creative doesn't mean expensive, just different.
Sometimes the old ways are the best ways.
A game of "Hide and Seek" or "Pass the Parcel" can generate laughter and smiles today just as quickly as it did when we were kids.
They are just two of the many enjoyable activities you can set up for your kids' parties.
Before you start the planning process, check your contents insurance to make sure you're covered if something gets broken.
Nothing ruins a party faster than a broken treasure that can't be replaced, other than perhaps an injury to the child who broke it.
Avoid both by holding the party in an area of the home that is kid-proofed or better yet, in the garden.
Physical activity should definitely be a part of any party, so outdoors is the best venue.
In summer, garden parties are a lot of fun.
So are, along the lines of water sports, squirt gun fights.
As long as the kids are all dressed for it and the parents are a safe distance away from potential ambushes, you can get a lot of enjoyment out of watching the kids shoot water at each other.
You can even set up teams and have targets for everyone to shoot at.
At the end of the round, the team with the most targets knocked over can take first pick on a snack or perhaps the first opportunity to reach into a grab bag.
Always remember when planning a kid's party to create activities and prizes that everyone can enjoy.
If you have team competitions set up, don't just reward the winning team.
Make sure the other kids get something too.
It keeps everyone involved and eliminates any conflict in the group.
That will make their day better, not to mention yours and all of the other parents who show up with their children.
Video games can be cool, but they limit the amount of children who can be involved at one time.
Laser tag is great if you're doing an evening event, and it isn't messy or wet like water sports can be.
If the kids are older, you could add in some more intense sporting activities, like basketball, football, soccer, or a softball game in a park.
That will eliminate the need for clean-up around the house.