One fun way to organize the food is to have each family bring a different specialty food. A list can be circulated so that everyone knows what will be brought and not too many duplicates are served. Have appointed hours for different foods and be careful to schedule them apart from other events like games, swimming or dancing. Be sure everyone in your neighborhood knows about the block party and has the opportunity to participate. Have plenty of activities planned for children and adults together.
Kids like to be involved with games like volleyball, badminton, etc.
Horseshoes, softball and wide-scale hide and seek are also great block party games. Make sure you have your streets blocked off where games will take place and notify your local police of any such blocking to be sure it doesn t pose a problem. Make sure you have a back-up plan in the event of rain and decide what the rules about alcohol will be and make sure everyone stays responsible. A specified area for beer and alcohol is a good idea to keep things under control. Have a clean-up crew assigned ahead of time or ask everyone to help.