At primary school age, parties take on the greatest significance. Events are anticipated well in advance, kids are more discriminating, and they will likely have some reasonable, or unreasonable party expectations for you to reach!

At this age, games serve as effective ice-breakers - an easy way to incorporate everyone from the beginning, including the least forthcoming amongst the group. Adult supervision will be required to ensure that everyone is treated fairly, and no one is being too dominant or feeling left out.

Attention spans are more solid by this stage, and kids likely to be a little more competitive, so games can be more complex and energetic than party games for younger kids. Allowing the kids to blow off some steam with a little exercise can also help keep energy levels in check, to ensure a happy day for all.

Some fun primary school game suggestions include:

Treasure hunt (include easy-to-follow clues, and prizes along the way)
Pinata (it can be a fun project helping your kids make this in advance)
Egg and spoon race (use hard-boiled eggs)
Sack race
Backyard/indoor tenpin bowling
Chocolate game (have everyone sit in a circle and place a dress-up outfit (including gloves), and block of chocolate, knife, fork & dice in the middle. Children take turns to roll the dice. Whoever gets a double 6 has to put on the outfit, and eat as much chocolate as they can until the next person rolls a double 6)
Chinese whispers
Memory game (place a selection of items on a tray - the number of items will depend on the age of the kids). Show the children for a minute, then take the tray away. Give everyone a pad and pencil to write down the items (some may need help writing words down). The person with the most items wins a prize.

As with preschool children, it's also an option to bring in a little outside help. A magician or party sports coordinator can certainly help keep the day structured, and the kids amused - or a venue can serve to provide the majority of the entertainment (go-cart racing, bowling, or a theme park).

Regardless of whether you enlist outside help or go it alone, it's important to remember that all party-goers will be your responsibility whilst in your care, and it's wise to keep a selection of games up your sleeve wherever you are - in case your input or guidance is required along the way.