The Kid's Birthday Fun Review » Party Activities

Veggie Tales Pistachio: The Little Boy That Woodn’t Coloring Pages

Linette — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:44:43 +0000

Today I have some Veggie Tales Pistachio~ The Little Boy That Woodn’t coloring pages to share with you courtesy of Big Idea. Pistachio is the latest Veggie Tale adventure. Pistachio is a parody of the beloved story of Pinocchio— with a VeggieTales twist! The movie follows the tradition of VeggieTales’ unique retellings of classic adventures.

Here’s the trailer:

Movie synopsis:

Once upon a time, a lonely toymaker named Gelato decided to carve a little boy out of wood. Imagine his surprise when he learned this little toy boy could walk… and talk… and definitely had a mind of his own!
When Pistachio tries to do things his way, he lands in a “whale” of a situation! Will he decide to listen the
wisdom of a loving father in time to save his whole family from becoming fish food?

Here are some coloring pages, and games to go along with the movie. Click on the link below the image for a printable copy:

Veggie Tales Pistachio Printable Coloring Page 2

VeggieTales Pistachio Coloring Page 3

Veggie Tales Pistachio Coloring Page 4

If you’re planning a Veggie Tales Party, here are some fun games you can play:

VeggieTales Pistachio Family Time Fun Games

Karen has a review of Pistachio over at Little Fun Little Learning, if you want to see what others think of the movie.

Veggie Tales is available at most major retailers, and online at Amazon.com: Order Veggie Tales: Pistachio

Valentine’s Day Printable Word Search For Kids

Linette — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:24:10 +0000

If you’re planning a kid’s Valentine’s party I have a quick Valentine’s Day word search you can use. This is my second printable, earlier this week I made the Super Bowl Word Scramble.

I had a little help with this Valentine’s Day word search. My nephew, Logan, loves to create word searches, so he helped me make this one. I think he did a really great job. I added a couple words to his search, but he came up with most of the words, and the grid.

Here’s a link to the printable version: Valentines Day Printable Word Search

For more Valentine’s Day party ideas check out our Valentine’s Day section.

Super Bowl Word Scramble

Linette — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:58:06 +0000

I’ve wanted to create some printables for Kid’s Fun Review for a while now, it just seems like I never have the time to sit down and do it. Yesterday I decided I was going to sit down and make something for the Super Bowl coming up this weekend.

I decided a word scramble would be simple enough, so I created a Super Bowl Word Scramble for you to print. It will be fun for the kids if you’re planning a party for the big game. The game’s on late, so many kids will have to go to bed well before it’s over, so they should get to have a little fun too. So even if you’re not planning any celebrations will still be fun for kids to print out and unscramble the words.

Let me know what you think. I’m planning more printable worksheets and coloring pages in the weeks to come!

Here’s a link to the printable version: Super Bowl Scramble

4th of July Party Activities for Kids

Linette — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 19:11:42 +0000

Don’t forget the kids when you’re planning your 4th of July party this year. Here are some fun activities you can plan to help keep your kids entertained and having fun.

Printable 4th of July Color Pages
Patriotic Games
Plan a parade- have all the children dress up in their favorite patriotic outfit for a fun parade. Have them bring a wagon, or bicycle, and decorate them to make their own float.
Paint flags on the children’s faces
Have a patriotic scavenger or treasure hunt
Set Up a Wet and Wild Obstacle Course
Make a patriotic pony bead necklace

I’ve posted more fun 4th of July ideas at my b5media blog, She Knows Parties:

What fun games, and activities have you played at your 4th of July parties?

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Planning Children’s Party Activities

Linette — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 02:43:58 +0000

Here are some things to think about when you’re planning activities for children’s birthday parties. This video gives some great pre planning advice for birthday party activities, crafts, and pinatas.

Technorati Tags: Children’s party activities,tips for planning children’s party activities,children’s party crafts,children’s party pinata pull string or hit,children’s party ideas for activities

Party Activity For Preschoolers: Make a Cereal Necklace

Linette — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 02:49:01 +0000

Here is an inexpensive party activity for a preschool aged party. Just purchase a box or two of ‘O’ shaped cereal such as Fruit Loops, Cheerios, or Apple Jacks. You could also use chewy Lifesavers. You’ll also need a pack of string licorice.

Let the children string the cereal onto the licorice strings.

When they’re done making the necklace they can eat it. It’s a fun preschool party activity, favor, and snack all rolled up into one.

Preschool Party Games and Activities

Linette — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 22:56:08 +0000

Preschoolers are so easy to entertain, but you will want to keep things as simple as possible to keep yourself from pulling your hair out.

Sidewalk Fun

If it’s warm outside get them outside to blow off some steam. Sidewalk chalk or sidewalk paint are great fun for preschoolers, let them draw each other’s shadows, or make shapes, letters, or simple pictures. Draw up a game of hopscotch to play.

Homemade Sidewalk Paint

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup cold water

6-8 drops of food coloring

Mix cornstarch and cold water together in a small container. Add the food coloring and stir. Repeat this process to create different colors of paint. Washes away easily with rain or water.

Play Dough

Playdough is a fun and easy thing to do with preschoolers at a party. Keep the playdough in one area, with plastic on the floor to catch any pieces that may escape. Get several colors of playdough, and some cookie cutters or let them mold their own creations.

Make your own playclay recipe:

Edible Play Dough

1 cup of peanut butter

1 cup of corn syrup

1 1/4 cup of powdered sugar

1 1/4 cup of powdered milk

Mix all the ingredients together. Your kids can form their own creations, then eat them. Make sure they wash their hands before playing with this play dough and they should work on a clean surface. You can provide coconut, nuts, raisins, sugar coated candies, or sprinkles for them to decorate their creations with.

Play A Simple Game

When you’re playing games with preschoolers stick to games with simple rules they may be familiar with. Some good preschool party games to play include the old favorites, Simon Says, Duck Duck Goose, Freeze Tag, Warmer/ Colder, and simple scavenger hunts.

You can also lay a large sheet of butcher paper (leftover wrapping paper works great too) or use a plain white roll of paper, on a long table or on the floor and give them some simple drawing books, and some crayons or colored pencils. Let them make a mural for the birthday child.

You can also set up craft stations, and let them rotate between the stations, just make sure you have an adult helper for each station.

Whatever game or activity you plan to do with preschoolers keep it simple, and if it’s not going well regroup. Free play time always works well if none of your ideas are working out. Don’t get too stressed and have fun with it!

Tags: preschool party games, preschool party ideas, preschool party games and ideas, party ideas for preschoolers, games and activities for preschoolers

Kids Dress-Up For Less

Linette — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 04:11:50 +0000

Little girls (and boys) love to play dress up, and it’s a fun party activity that fits into many party themes. You don’t have to purchase expensive outfits to let the kids have a great time playing dress up.

Here are a couple tips for having fun dress up activities at your party without breaking the bank:

1. Accessorize! It’s all about the accessories right? Get some bright colored boas, shoes, gloves, hats, and costume jewelry. They’ll have just as much fun trying on accessories as they would the whole outfits.

2. Check out some local garage sales or thrift shops. You can usually find gently used party dresses, costumes, and fun outfits at bargain prices.

3. Make your own, or better yet let the kids make their own costumes, or accessories at the party. It can be a lot of fun. Oriental Trading Company, Inc. has a bunch of fun kits you can purchase to make your own accessories. They have magic wands, pirate hats, princess crowns, and much more.

4. Don’t forget to raid your own closet, and your friends closet. Go through the closets to see what you can find from fun shoes, to scarves, think of the clothes from a kids point of view. Throw in anything that looks like fun. Scarves make great superhero capes, and my son loves to wear anyone’s shoes but his own around the house.

Let the kids dress up and show off their creations, or act out a skit. They’ll have a ton of fun, and create some great memories. Don’t forget to capture a few shots on camera, or video.

Hannah Montana Party Activity: Learn the “See You Again” Dance

Linette — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 03:54:35 +0000

Here’s a video tutorial to help you and your party guests learn a dance for the Hannah Montana song “See You Again.” It would be fun for a group of kids to learn for a Hannah Montana birthday party activity.

Plan a Kid’s Hollywood Theme Party

Linette — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 04:19:35 +0000

With all the Hollywood awards shows, red carpet events, and movie premieres, your child may want to be a star for the day. Let them walk the red carpet and have their moment to shine.

Hollywood Theme Party Pre-Planning and Invitations
Break out the stars and have your own Hollywood awards party. Start your party plans a few weeks ahead of time with star-studded invitations. You can make your own by cutting yellow cardstock into star shapes, and gluing a small card to the center with all the party details. You could also add a photo of a Hollywood award statues to a cardstock card you design yourself.

Possible Hollywood birthday party invitation ideas:

Your invited to a star studded event…

Come be a Hollywood superstar for a day…

We’re rolling out the red carpet for *****’s birthday.

If you don’t want to make your invitations you can purchase pre-printed Hollywood style invitations.

Hollywood Themed Party Decorations
Get movie posters, or life-size cutouts of your child’s favorite movie stars. Make a movie marquee by stringing white mini Christmas lights around a poster board, or a large sheet of white paper. Write happy birthday to the star of the day. Put gold stars on the walls with the party guests names on them, and use black and gold streamers. Don’t forget the red carpet!

Don’t forget the Hollywood Theme Party supplies.

Hollywood Themed Party Snack Ideas
You can have movie theater snacks like popcorn pizza or nachos, or make it a fancy affair with mini hot dogs, or chocolate covered strawberries. Whatever you decide on keep it simple and fun, remember the ages of your partygoers.

Hollywood Party Activities

Let your little actors show off their acting skills by playing Charades or acting out skits.

Show a favorite movie. Pop your child’s favorite movie in the DVD player, and let them share the movie with their friends.

Gather up some fancy clothes from a local thrift store, your closet, or hit a garage sale. Let the children dress up Hollywood style and show off their outfits in a red carpet parade.

If you have a digital camera take a photo of each child and let them decorate a frame for their picture. Have stickers, gold glitter pens, stamps and markers for them to decorate with.

Hang a Movie Pinata

Hollywood Party Cake Ideas
Use star stencils to add a glittery star to a cake or cupcakes with edible glitter.

Whatever you do just have fun with it and keep it simple.

Weekend Fun Links

Linette — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 04:30:50 +0000

Here are some fun kid’s party related links for you to check out this weekend.

Birthday Parties and Themes has a fun bingo game for the kids to play at your next birthday party.

Seasonal Kids Activities has a really cute idea for homemade Valentines

Mommy Auctions has one of my favorite party activities- coloring on the floor. They don’t really color on the floor, and it’s a great way to get rid of that leftover wrapping paper.

Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Knight’s Shield Party Activity

Linette — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 03:34:39 +0000

My son made a really simple knights shield. I thought I would share the idea here, it would make a great project for a knight, castle, or dragon party.

What you will need:

A pizza cardboard

Aluminum foil

A stapler

stickers or construction paper

A strip of fabric the width of the circle for a handle

How to make it:

Attach the strip of fabric to the back of the cardboard by stapling it on each end.

Wrap the foil around the front of the shield and attach it to the back, you may want to put one or two staples around the edge to hold it in place. Let the children decorate the front of the shield with stickers, or cut shapes out of construction paper.

This knights shield is a great activity for little children, since it is so simple.

Princess~ Knight Contrasting Party Themes

Party Games: Give an Old Game A New Name

Linette — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 03:50:25 +0000

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to party games. Some of the oldest games work the best when you’re trying to figure out how to entertain a group of children. Most children already know the rules and understand how to play these old familiar favorites. This means less explanation from you, and more playtime for the kids.

If you’ve overlooked a game because you don’t think it fits the theme of your party, think again. Many old favorites can be tweaked a little, or maybe just renamed to fit the theme of your celebration.

Pin the tail on the donkey is one of the most versatile games there is. All you need is a blindfold, something to be pinned, and something to pin on.

Here’s a great example: If you’re having a farm or tractor party, draw a large tractor on a whiteboard, or poster board. Cut a tractor wheel out of black card stock, or construction paper. Use sticky tack on the back of the tire to help it stick repeatedly, or have a helper hold the tire in place until you can mark the exact spot, and the initials of the person who last pinned.

Pin the tail on the donkey can be renamed to fit most themes. You can play pin the tail on the mermaid, pin the cord on the microphone (for American Idol, Hannah Montana, Rockstar, or Karaoke theme birthday parties). You can also try pin the tail on the Pikachu for a Pokemon party, pin the horn on the unicorn, pin the hook on the pirate, the tiara on the princess.

I think you get the idea! All you need is a little imagination, a poster board, some markers, and construction paper to change pin the tail on the donkey to fit your party theme. Don’t forget the blindfold!

Another fun game that’s easy to adapt is hot potato. Instead of a potato you can have an object to fit your theme. Some titles might include, Don’t Get Caught With Hannah Montana’s Hat, Don’t Be Left Holding the (beach, base, foot, soccer, basket) ball for a sports theme or beach party. Use a soft Nerf type ball for your “hot potato” game, in case someone throws the ball a little hard. If you’re having a jungle, dog, cat, dinosaur, Webkinz, or unicorn party you can use a soft stuffed version of the animal for the “hot potato,” and make up a name to fit. Whoever is left holding the “hot potato” when the music stops is out of the game. Keep playing until you have a winner.

Easter egg hunts can also adapt to several party themes. Rename them dinosaur egg hunts, Poke-ball hunt, or hide party favors for your theme around the yard or house and let the children find them.

A relay race is simple and works very well with most party themes. For a beach party you can have the children divide into teams. Each team will have to grab several beach related items (a towel, a pair of flippers and a snorkel, a beach ball) and race down to a marker and back. They then hand the items off to the next person who races down, until everyone on the team has gone.

You can make this a dress up relay for older children, the dress up relay works well for princess or pirate parties. Have a costume ready for each team to put on. Each person on the team has to put on the costume, race down and back, take off the costume and hand it off to the next person in line.

A scavenger or treasure hunt is another great game that can be adapted to fit your party. Simply hide items or clues around the house to match your party theme.

I think you get the idea, just use your imagination, and any game (with a little tweaking) can fit your child’s party theme. There’s a bonus. If you play a game that the children are already familiar with they will be less nervous, they’ll be able to focus on the game, and have more fun.

A Teen Party on a Budget

Linette — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 03:22:15 +0000

Someone left a comment requesting ideas for a teenage party on a budget, for a mix of boys and girls. I put together a couple ideas. I replied to the comment, but I thought I’d post the reply here to help others. Teen parties are not my specialty, I normally plan parties for the little ones. If anyone has any great tips or ideas to add please feel free to add your thoughts.

Here are my teen party planning ideas.

Music is always a great option, dance the night away. You could also put together a music trivia game. Break up into teams and quiz each other on who sings what song, and what year it was popular.

You could also rent a great movie, and put together a movie themed party. Put together a movie trivia question game.

Think about your personal interests, and the interests of your friends. Put together a party around those interests, for example if you like a certain sport, TV show, or band build a party around that.

There are many websites with free printables and games, just do a google search for free printables + your party them, or free party games + your theme.

Food can be simple, you can order pizza if it’s in the budget, or make your own. Making pizza can be part of the party activities.

You can also set up an ice cream, cupcake, or cookie decorating bar, and let everyone decorate with their own toppings.

Decorations can be simple, for example if you’re using music for your theme you can make guitars out of poster board, and cut them out to decorate with, if it’s a movie party print out some great photos from the movie to place around the room.

American Idol’s Back!

Linette — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:28:53 +0000

We’re huge American Idol fans at our house! So we were glued to the TV for the premiere last night. I’m so excited to see the new Idol hopefuls in a few weeks. I’m a bigger fan of the singing and voting portion of the show, than I am of the auditions.

I put together some American Idol birthday party ideas, to help you plan if you have an Idol fan at your house.
American Idol Party Supplies
are easy to find, and it wouldn’t be hard to entertain the kids with an American Idol themed party. Just give them some clothes to dress up in, set up a stage with streamers, or silvery fringe. Start up the karaoke machine, or a microphone and CD player and let them sing the night away.

You can also play Idol trivia, ask questions about past Idol hopefuls, watch a popular Idol episode, or just let them show off their American Idol outfits.

Purchase American Idol invitations or make your own. If you decide to make your own American Idol invite, use a star shaped stencil to cut out card-stock stars. You can either cut out large stars and make it your invitation and write the party details right on the star. Or cut out smaller stars to stick on a larger square card-stock invitation. Add some glitter, or use glitter pens for a little extra star power.

A sample American Idol invitation message might be, “You could be the next American Idol. Please come to “Your Child’s Name’s” open auditions, on “party date” and finish your party details.

Cupcakes would be a really simple alternative to birthday cake, you can decorate them with a star. If you’d rather decorate a cake use American Idol Mini Light-up Guitars as toppers, and you can also give them out as favors.

I have a lens with more American Idol party supplies, and ideas.

Hannah Montana Birthday Party Ideas

Linette — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 03:32:55 +0000

Hannah Montana is the most popular party for tween girls. There aren’t too many little girls who don’t dream of being Hannah Montana. Why not let them live their dream for one special day.

Hannah Montana Invitation Idea

You can purchase Hannah Montana Invitations or make your invitations out of card stock, to look like a large concert ticket.

On the front write: Admit One to YOUR CHILD’s NAME’s Hannah Montana Birthday Concert. It’s a sold out show, and you have a backstage pass to the party.

Include all the party details on the back of the ticket.

Hannah Montana Party Activities

Hannah Montana is known for her funky sense of style, so bring on the dress up. Have some fun and hip jewelry, hats, and accessories for the girls to dress up in. If you have a digital camera let the girls take pictures of each other, and decorate a photo frame with glittery stickers, stick on jewels and bling to put their photo in as a party keepsake.

Get a microphone and let the girls sing their favorite Miley Cyrus/ Hannah Montana songs.

Get some beads and let the girls make their own funky bracelets.

Don’t forget the Hannah Montana Party Supplies, or a Hannah Montana Guitar Pinata.

Hannah Montana Party Decoration Ideas

Keep the decorations simple, include some streamers, and balloons. You can make guitars out of poster board to hang around the room.

Add a Hannah Montana Centerpiece

Make sure you consult the birthday girl before you finalize your party plans. Let the girls have some down time to giggle, gossip and just have fun.

For more Hannah Montana party supplies and ideas check out my new Hannah Montana lens.

Quick and Easy Valentines Day Game

Linette — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 03:54:07 +0000

Cut out construction paper hearts, and cut them in half each one with a unique jagged edge, or cut. Have enough heart pieces for everyone at the party. If the children are older you can cut the heart into 4 pieces.

Give each child a piece of heart, then have them find the child (or children) with the other pieces of their heart.

Christmas Classic Movie Viewing Party

Linette — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 05:10:52 +0000

Have you thought about having a holiday movie party this Christmas season? There are so many Christmas classics out there it would be hard to narrow down the movies you’d want to show.

Think up some movie related decorations, games, and snacks to match the movies theme. The party can be just your own family, or invite the neighborhood.

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Make Polar Express Hot Chocolate

Make a Christmas Story Leg Lamp, or bumpus hound floppy ears.

Have a Christmas Story bundle up relay.

Play Grinch tag (put a grinch twist on freeze tag)

Rudolph’s flight school- see who can jump the furthest

You get the idea, the games and snacks don’t have to be complex, just name them after the movie your watching. The kids will get a blast out of it.

Birthday Party Activity Basics

Linette — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 04:34:53 +0000

One very important thing to remember when you’re planning a children’s party is that most parties don’t go exactly as planned.

Don’t make your activities and plans too difficult. Children don’t like to be bogged down with details. They’ll have more fun with simple games that allow them some freedom, and room for play.

Make your games age appropriate if you have children of different ages make sure you have rules even the younges children can follow without getting frustrated. Older children will generally still have fun with a simpler game but younger children will not understand a game that’s too complex.

All of the play at your child’s birthday party does not have to be organized. Let the children have some “free” time just to socialize, interact and play what they want.

Children’s Christmas Party Activities

Linette — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 03:29:28 +0000

A children’s Christmas party is one of the easiest parties to plan activities for. There are so many options available, the hardest part will be narrowing it down to one or two.

1. Recruit a couple parent volunteer drivers, and go visit all the great Christmas light displays in your area.

2. Take everyone ice skating.

3. Make fruit baskets, and go caroling to people who are shut in or have no one to visit them during the holiday.

4. Write letters to Santa, and have Santa stop by for a visit.

5. Watch a holiday classic movie, there are so many great ones to choose from.

6. Make Christmas ornaments, or decorate a Christmas tree.

7. Have a cookie swap, or cookie party.

If you’re looking for children’s Christmas party supplies, or ideas check out the Children’s Christmas Party Fun Lens.