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Party Activities for Infants

Keeping a group of excited infants entertained at a party may seem like a daunting prospect, but with a little forward planning it is easy to come up with a variety of fun activities that won't cost a fortune in time and money to organize. Use simple props so that you can adapt games to suit the mood and abilities of the children. Mix activities that require one-to-one adult-child attention with group activities.

Balloon Games
- Balloons are cheap to buy, generally loved by small children and can be used for all different types of games. Line children up in two rows and get them to pass the balloon along the row, using only their knees or elbows. If the balloon is dropped, it must be returned to the beginning of the row and the passing restarted. Play a version of pass-the-parcel, in which children stand in a circle and pass the balloon to each other while music is played. Rather than making the child left holding the balloon when the music stops be "out," get her to do a twirl or something fun instead.
Face Painting
- Face painting is an enjoyable activity for a little time-out amid all the running around of an infant's party. Assign several adults the job of face painters, and children can take turns sitting and having their face painted. Designs do not need to be complicated and should be quick to do to stop kids from getting bored. Face crayons can be used to draw basic flower, heart, and butterfly designs or go for easy-to-apply orange and black stripes with a black nose to create a tiger face or black and white stripes for a zebra.
Song and Dance Activities
- Not only do most infants love joining in with singing and dancing activities, but it helps them expend energy and learn rhythm and coordination too. Create a music mix of simple children's songs that allow actions and have it ready for the party. Animal songs -- such as "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" -- where infants can make animal noises or actions are ideal for party activities. If possible buy some cheap animal masks and hand them out to kids so that they can make the appropriate noises for their mask, and have fun playing at being different animals.
Cake Decorating
- Allowing children to "make" their own cakes might be a little messy, but they will love you for it. Prepare or buy enough cupcakes so that there is one for each child (and a few to spare for accidents) and make up a simple icing by mixing icing sugar and water. Help infants pour a spoonful on top of their cake, then provide them with a selection of ready-made sugar sprinkles, candy fruits and chocolate buttons to decorate with.

Kids Games