Party time! How can a plan a party for adults, teens, kids together?

Question

Hi. I'm plannig a barbecue party to welcome our exchange student. She loves get togethers and I thought this would be a good way for her to meet our friends and neighbors.

I'm used to throwing the grown-up small parties with snacks, wine and a card game or movies.

What are activities I can plan for such a mixed age group? Things I should have on hand to entertain younger guests?

I figure teens will like tv, a variety of celeb magazines spread around, music, etc.

I have no kids of my own, so I'm a little lost on this one.

Menu is just going to be steak, chicken and hot dogs on the grill with salads and snacks. Beer stashed safely in the fridge and juice and soda for kids.

I would love any advice on how to improve this plan and make it fun!!

I'm in a townhouse, so living, dining rooms and deck is all I have to work with--no yard games.

Thanks for advice.

Answer 1

Don't have planned activities... the kids will just want to run around and the teenagers will probably just end up playing with the kids.

honestly, i think tv and magazines spread out is a silly idea. you want them to hang out together, not chose solitary activities. If you have a tv involved, they will most likely fight over the channels. I personally would have the tv off limits. If you really must have the tv on, pick out a couple of movies that you can rotate and that kids teens and adults can enjoy.

i would definitely try to get a bunch of board games and card games going. that seems like your best bet... monopoly, trouble, charades, taboo, pictionary, uno, etc. then again adults and children can play together

dont try to isolate the adults from the teens and from the kids. make sure that with whatever is going on, everyone can participate.

Answer 2

how about karaoke or charads for the teens

You can get some sidewalk chalk if they can do that on the street-do you have a common area to use? get some bubble-kids love bubbles...maybe a ball for them to kick around?