Draw on the wall
Kids are constantly in trouble for drawing on walls. So let them do it at the party. The kids will love you, even if the parent's won't. You can of course explain its not to be done at home.

Get sidewalk chalk or water paint. Allow them to draw on an outside wall. Ask them to decorate it according to the party theme or of their favorite book character. It will keep them busy for a long time. The best part is that it will wash off with the next rain or with a hose pipe. If it is warm weather, let the kids wash it off later with a hose and brushes. Just ensure to tell them to bring swimming costumes along for this activity.

Pajama game
Ask all the guests to bring their pajamas to the party. Place the pajamas in a line. Ensure the matching tops and bottoms are placed apart. At the word go everyone runs to the line to find and get into their pajamas. The first one finished is the winner. You could have two or three teams sending each member in turn to the middle. The first team finished is the winner.

Stork the Lantern
This game is played best outside at night. One child is "it" and sits with a flashlight or lantern. They must look at the light. The other children move out into the dark. They try get as close to the lantern as possible. The person with the light tries to listen for noises or spot movement. Then they can look up and say something like "I see you with the red shirt". That person then sits down. The child that gets the closest to the lantern wins.

Pass the Parcel
Once again use your party favors. Wrap a toy or packet of sweets. Add layers of paper around the parcel placing a favor in each layer of paper. Let the children sit in a circle. While you play music they pass the parcel around. When it stops the child with the parcel removes the first layer of paper and keeps the favor. Manipulate the music in such a way that each child gets to take off a layer of paper and thus gets a favor. The winner is the child who opens the last piece of paper. But no one will mind as they each received something.

Pin the Tail/Bow/Shoe on the Picture
This game can be adapted to suit any theme, from pin the "hunny" pot on Pooh, the shoe on Cinderella or the bow on Hello Kitty. Its even more fun if you put up a large piece of paper on the wall, then draw the outlines of the character. Let the kids do the rest to complete the picture. Supply large wax crayons or paint as pencil crayons are too light. Once the picture is complete the game can begin.

The game is played by blindfolding each child, giving them the tail (or missing article), spinning them around 3 times and placing them in front of the picture to pin the missing article. Use press stick instead of drawing pins. The child closest to the correct position for the article wins.

Use these ideas - they are sure to be a hit. Here are even more party game and entertainment ideas for you.
About the Author