My son just turned 6 on Monday and we are having a birthday party for him with some friends on Saturday night 6-9, it's an "almost sleepover" we don't do real sleepovers... Anyway, my son want to have dinner, his choice Panda Express, and then I thought a movie would do it, but I need a back up idea of a game or something. I was thinking maybe doing a treasure hunt before the movie for the movie treats? What do you think? Any other suggestioins? The movie we are going to watch is "Everyone's hero"
Anyway, I'm nervous having 8 kids here for 3 hours.

Ok, pretend like you are going to go get the snacks and get ready to put the movie in. Go to the kitchen and say something cheesy like (in your MOST dramatic voice.), "Oh no! I put the snacks RIGHT here and NOW they're all gone. But wait, there's a note-hand it to your child to read." On the notes write "
I was hungry, so I'm taking the treats. Thank you much for the good eats. I'm off now to the laundry room, come find me, by the broom." Ok, so keep it up-new hint in the laundry rooom that leads you to the backyard which takes you to the garage, etc. Finally have all the snacks in your coat closet or something with a note that reads, "Oh boy you've found where I've hidden my yummies. I guess you want this for your tummies. You have it all and I will have zero, now go and watch "Everyone's Hero."

cheesy, yes, extremely-but a bunch of six year olds will love it, it will take about 15 mins., add excitement and suspense at a time when they thought they were just going to watch a movie, and then they will feel a sense of accomplishment and bonding when they have found it. Let them do it themselves, reading and figuring out the clues.

whew, other than that, I got nothin....

I think that you have enough planned. The movie is 90 minutes long and if there is cake, gift opening, new toy playing, etc... It will add up to 3 hours quicker then you know! I'd save the movie for the end as some 6yo will be getting tired by 8pm (mine did when they were 6!).

Do you want something to do in place of the movie?

Is there a theme for the party? If theme is baseball like in the movie, you could have the kids decorate baseball caps. You can get inexpensive baseball hats at Walgreens. Use them in the place of party hats.

The birthday cake is going to be Super Mario... My son is OBSESSED with Mario, but that's the only part of the party that will be Mario... I didn't want to go all out Mario... And Mario doesn't fit in with Panda Express... So no REAL specific theme. I love the idea from linnybop. I think I will do that, If I wanted to extend the Mario theme, I could sign the note from Bowser... You know, I've done all homemade bday parties for my kids, and sometimes I time them just right, but other times, I don't and them have 45 minutes at the end with NOTHING to do... Not very good... So I hope this is all good for 3hours.

sounds like you are doing more than we are. My DD turns 6 in a few weeks and she wants pin the tail on the my little pony, Cake, presents and playing with bubbles I am planning about 1.5 hours

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Proud to say I haven't shopped at a Wal-Mart since Sept 2003

A simple treasure hunt with age appropriate picture/word clues. Can be done outside, weather permitting.

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

A really funny game- "I love you homey but I just can't smile" look it up-it costs nothing, and is really funny. In a hurry, I'll post about it later. You can change it to be more boy friendly - "I like ya bud, but I just can't smile"- something like that.


ETA: I just re-read my post, it SHOULD read "I love you HONEY, but I just can't smile" Not HOMEY. Although, maybe the boys would prefer homey!

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Jackie

Music is what feelings sound like._ ~Author Unknown

Wow, that was great!!

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If you really want something in this life, you have to work for it. Now, quiet! The're about to announce the lottery numbers... - Homer Simpson

Linnybop,

Thanks for the great idea!! I'm done with our birthday season for now ('til Sept), but I'm filing that one away - I love it!