We are having ds's b-day party at the lake, we're roasting hot dogs, going to have smores for dessert. I'm thinking about water balloons for one game, any other ideas? I'd like something cheap and easy. The kids will range in age from 3-12 yrs old.

don't know if you are opposed to water gun fights or not, but might be fun. what about volleyball?

I also was going to suggest water guns (if you are not opposed to them!), you can play tag or bad mittin (or however it is spelled!)!

I was a children's pastor for a year and we played a different game or two each Sunday morning in children's church near the end of the church service.

There are a lot of websites with games:

Party Game Central - Party games and birthday games for kids and adults

childparenting.about.com/cs/birthdayparties/a/birthdaygames.htm

This one has themed parties with games to go along with each theme:

Birthday Party Ideas for Kids Parties


Google under kids party games, kids games, birthday party games, etc. and you will find what you need if the above three sites don't have what you are looking for.

Good luck and have fun!!!

hey what about the game where you divide into 2 or 3 teams and have them use large spoons with cotton balls, you have to race down to the other end and put them into a bucket, then run back and pass the spoon to the next person..

__________________
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!

It's probably past the party, but I thought I would make a suggestion anyway: do a smelling game! This one is good for boys or girls, small or big. Find a few different things that have a scent (strong or weak depending on age of kids) and put them underneath upside-down flowerpots. Then the kids can smell through the holes to make their guesses.