Supplies You'll Need

• Nintendo Wii Console System
  
  You might need to borrow another Wii gaming system and additional remotes from a friend or relative. You also could purchase additional remotes for your system. Each Wii console system can have 4 remotes connected to it. If you have more than one Wii console system at the party, you also will need additional television sets. Try to set up the additional television in the same room, leaving room for children to move around and safely play the games. Typically, you should leave at least 8-10 feet between Wii consoles if they are set up side by side.
  
  Before the games begin, set up everyone with a Mii. This is a great way to break the ice at the party. In creating their Mii character, they get to create a computerized version of themselves and add their name to the console system. Be sure to allow plenty of time for the games to be played, but also time for food, socializing and, of course, birthday cake!
  
  

Types of Games

• Guitar Hero World Tour
  
  The most popular game, Wii Sports (which also comes with the Wii gaming console when it is purchased), is the best way to have kids compete against one another. Wii Sports has five games: bowling, boxing, golf, tennis and baseball. For a Wii party, however, the best games to play would be bowling, boxing and tennis. These games can be played individually or in teams. For the bowling game, up to four kids can play at a time. You also could also set up teams of two to accommodate eight kids in the game. If done this way, each child would get a minimum of five turns in the game. With the boxing and tennis games, consider having the kids play a round robin-like tournament, which would accommodate all the kids who attend. In the boxing game, only two players can play at once. However in the tennis game, up to four kids can play at once--two kids per team.
  
  The baseball and golf games also are fun, but may take longer to play.
  
  "Guitar Hero World Tour" is another game that can be played at a Wii party. This game allows up to four players to play at once--one on lead guitar, one on bass guitar, one on vocals and one on the drums.
  
  

Ages

• Wii Remote
  
  Typically, Wii parties should be hosted for kids ages 7 and older. However, some kids play games on the Wii at an earlier age and may be able to handle it. Keep in mind that not all the kids coming to the birthday party will have experience playing it, and it might exclude some kids from some activities. You might want to hold a "how-to" session at the beginning of the party so everyone understands how to play and operate the remote. Remind them that the wrist band on the controller should be safely attached at all times during the game. This will prevent remotes from flying out of their hands and potentially hitting someone else.