by Danelle Karth

Created on: August 24, 2010

Modern children's parties can be expensive. You have many parents who bring in pain entertainment, bouncy buildings, and other expensive additions to make a party that is unforgettable. While you are likely to want to give you a great party, however, you don't have to spend a lot of money to make that happen. You only need to get creative and do some great planning.

Keep them busy.

It is important that you work hard to keep the kids busy. This is what is going to keep them moving and enjoying the party. By keeping them busy you will be able to give them a number of great options and you can create a party that won't soon be forgotten.

Crafts.

Crafts are often inexpensive, easy to do, and they can keep the kids entertained. Try to think of things that are appropriate for the age group you will be working with. Younger kids will enjoy gluing pictures with beans, rice, lentils, pasta, glitter, and such. They may also enjoy coloring and finger painting. Older kids are likely to enjoy making jewelry, masks to play in, crowns, painting and painting shirts. With some careful planning you will be able to make something fun with the kids without spending a ton of money.

Games.

It's a good idea a game or two planned. This can include red light/green light, tag, hide and go seek, treasure hunt, and so forth. Aim for games that are age appropriate. If you notice more than one or two of the children getting board, simply move on.

Water fun.

If you are throwing a party in the summer then water fun is an inexpensive way that will do a great job at making a fun party without much cost. You can get squirt guns at the dollar store for a squirt gun fight. You can fill up a bunch of water balloons. You can get a few kiddy pools for about $10-15 each. Finally you can get a couple of hoses and sprinklers for some jumping fun (these can even be borrowed!)

Pinata.

Hitting the pinata can be a lot of fun. You can choose to make your own with paper mache, candy, and tissue paper. A stick will work or a baseball bat. Get creative and have some fun with it!

Dress up.

If you have a lot of dress up clothes you can throw a dress up party. The other option is to collect clothes from a number of sources. You can go garage salling and you can collect some from second hand stores. You can get some items that will be fun for such play from the dollar store. Get a feather boa or two from a craft store. Consider talking to your friends about anything they might have to offer. Write down everything you get that you need to return and who it belongs to to help get it back. Kids love pretending and will enjoy a good game of dress up.

Food.

Food can be loads of fun as well. Come up with a themed meal. Offer lots of kid friendly items and a few things that are new to many kids. You can also save a lot of money by making your own cake. If you don't feel up to the task find a friend or family member that can make it for you. Cupcakes are another great options since they are fun and single serving size.

You can make a fun and exciting party without exhausting your bank account. You want to make sure that you are creative in your thinking. Keep kids moving. In fact, it is often good to set the party up in different locations so that you can move the kids from one station to another as you change what you are doing. Pick out a craft or two, a game or two, some fun and exciting activities, and some great food. You will be able to throw a party that they won't be forgetting any time soon!

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