Help!! DD (4) first real party

[MumtoD]

DD's first real bday party booked in at a farm. There'll be pony rides and animal meet and greets, I've planned a snack and cake for all the kids but still have about half hour to fill entertainment wise.
Also will the parents stay, should I get tea/coffee snacks for the parents??

[winnertakesitall]

I'd say yes to light snack for the parents- think crisps and dips, and some sparkling/fancy water.

Musical games are your friend. In half an hour a round of pass the parcel (with little treat in each layer), and music statues should be okay!

[phoolani]

Half an hour could surely be filled by the kids just wandering around the farm? As to parents staying, my experience was at that age, they generally did, but others on here seem to have had a different experience. I would probably provide tea/coffee and a few dips for the adults, but, mainly, I wouldn't worry too much - I've been to plenty of parties where they were provided and plenty where they weren't and nobody cared either way!

[MumtoD]

Thank you!! Didn't Think I would get nervous but as the day approaches...

[Only1scoop]

Sounds lovely my dd is also 4 had last two parties at similar sounding farm type venue.

All parents stayed this year also. I think 4 is a little young IMO to drop off.

First year I paid for light refreshments on a tab for parents and spent ages sorting pass the parcels and music etc.

This year I didn't do party games there wasn't enough time really between activities ....food....cake etc...and let parents buy their own teas and coffees etc. A little tight I know but that seems the norm here.

Hope dd has a wonderful party ....
Did fab party bags both times though.

[Ilovemydogandmydoglovesme]

I shouldn't worry about that last half an hour, all they'll want to do is run around like loons. It's always such a novelty seeing each other outside of nursery or school and they just go crazy with excitement in my experience.

But definitely yes to teas and coffees for parents. It's quite boring sitting there for two hours watching the little ones, especially if you don't know the other parents very well, a cup of tea is lovely.

[Only1scoop]

Sorry my sentences are a bit mixed up.... Blinking phone

[MumtoD]

Thanks for all the advice, feeling a bit better about it all now :)

[Politelydeclining]

Put on some music, set a bubble machine going, put out some balloon and they'll entertain themselves.

Dance competition/musical statutes/bumps as necessary.