There is a sense of calmness that comes with having party equipment for the kids ready well in advance. The organizer feels much more in control and it is easier to stay within budget. Last minute rushing and decisions means you can end up paying more for party equipment than you planned. Worse, you miss out on wonderful party equipment because it should have been ordered 3 weeks in advance.

It sometimes happens that on the day of the party the weather doesn't show any regard for your plans to host the activities outdoors. With some clever organizing, the kid's party equipment can be adapted to be just as entertaining indoors. The kids do not have to resort to watching DVD's or playing electronic games on a rainy day.

The JUNGLE GYM can be moved to the garage for instance. Should you not have one, do visit www.junglegymworld.com and have a look at their wide range of safe, economical and age-appropriate play-equipment. A collapsible jungle gym is ideal for small gardens or if you need it to be more mobile. Here are a few examples of party equipment and activities that will keep the kids entertained.

RING THE BELL will be a favorite even after the guests have left. A timer and a bell will be needed. Tie the bell to the highest point on the jungle gym. Set the timer for 1 minute. Let the kids go up to ring the bell and down touching the ground, one at a time. The one who rings the bell the most in 1 minute is the winner. Or everyone who rings it at least twice in that minute gets a prize. Make it easy for the not-so-athletic kids to also accomplish something.

Cut out PAPER FISH and put paper clips on them. Put them in a big container. Make FISHING RODS from sticks with rope and magnets attached. Let them fish from the top of the jungle gym.

Stick cardboard SHAPES onto the poles of the jungle gym. Attach with temporary adhesive. Give each child a paper with the shapes in different orders. Let them fetch the shapes and pack it in the right order as on the paper they received. There could be for example red and blue triangles, yellow and pink squares and purple rectangles. They will learn about colors and shapes while getting a good work-out

When playing outdoors, put out EMPTY CANS, MILK BOTTLES or BOXES some distance from the jungle gym. Let the kids use WATER BALLOONS to bowl them over from the top of the jungle gym. Should you play indoors in a garage for example, you could put paper targets on the walls or hang them with ropes from the ceiling. Let the kids bowl at them with light-weight plastic balls or bean bags.

A mobile SANDPIT will be a big plus on the party equipment list. Add plastic buckets and shovels and watch them play.

Any party or play equipment brings with it the added risk of injury. Kids tend to get so wrapped up in the joy of the moment, that they lose track of what civil and acceptable behavior is. Before allowing any kids on the party equipment, let them line up and help set the rules. For example:
- It is unacceptable to push or pull someone off the jungle gym.
- Do not throw sand at each other.
- No biting or hitting allowed.

Kids can be quite creative when it comes to making up rules and they will enjoy the party equipment fully when they feel safe within these boundaries.