Post by Kelsey of We Heart Parties

Parties are my love language. I think they are SO fun to throw.

All the desserts and décor and tiny little treat cups and perfect party favors…

But – what matters most is that the guests have FUN. When throwing kids party, it is so important to think beyond the fancy paper lanterns and create fun spaces for them to play.

I recently threw an Après Ski themed kids party for my daughter. She’s been skiing twice and loves to hit the slopes like the big kids and adults.

While the desserts and décor were quite cute, I wanted to make sure the kids had play spaces and games to keep them entertained.

I like to create three separate play spaces, activities or games at a party.

The guests at this Après Ski Party were between the ages of 3-5, so I decided on:

1. A Warming Hut & Campfire Play Space
2. A Coloring Table
3. An Indoor Ski Race

I’ve always been in love with The Land of Nod’s teepees! Paired with their Plush Campfire Set, it made the perfect “Warming Hut” for chilly little skiers. The kids loved roasting marshmallows and hot dogs over the fire!

The second activity was a coloring table full of snow skiing themed coloring pages. I found all the coloring pages for free online, and the kids spent quite a bit of time here.

And finally, we got the kids moving with an indoor ski race course! My daughter’s first ski run was a green called Sweet Pea, so I created the Sweet Pea Race Course.

Each party guest got a turn to slip on cardboard skis and race (shuffle!) around the course.

When they crossed the finish line they were presented with a gold medal.

These three activities kept the kids entertained throughout the party, and more importantly allowed them to have lots of FUN!

So at your next party – remember to create fun play spaces and activities that kids will love, along with the super cute treats and décor.

All photos by Kyla Coots

Kelsey Graves is the founder of We Heart Parties – a party ideas website. Join the We Heart Parties community by sharing your parties on the site. And follow We Heart Parties on Pinterest and Instagram for daily party inspiration.