Kids on the coast

By Belinda Hopper

Kids really know how to have fun, don’t they? That’s the beauty of the backyard birthday party—some friends, some yummy food, a cake, a few games, and they’re happy. A couple of things I’ve learnt in my years of throwing kids’ parties are; a quick game’s a good game, and you always need to prepare more games than you think you’ll need. I had a running list written out for one party (a tip I gleaned from a super organised friend), only to find I had been through the whole list of games twenty minutes into a 2 hour party!

There are the old favourites everyone loves, like pass the parcel, musical chairs and what’s the time Mr Wolf? But we thought we’d find a few more you can add to your repertoire of party games.

For the younger kids

Try a new twist on the old faithful treasure hunt. This is a game to get dad involved; it’s called CATCH THE PIRATE. Dad has stolen all of the hidden treasure and the kids have to chase him to get it back. Just get an old flannelette shirt and tape minties (or other individually wrapped lollies) all over it. Get dad to put it on and run around the backyard with the kids trying to catch him to redeem their treasure. The younger kids absolutely love it. As for dad… you might need to get a cold drink ready for him, for when he’s done.

Water play is a great theme for Queensland birthday parties nine months of the year. Invite the kids to turn up in their swimmers for fun with water bombs, a slip and slide, or those super-powered water squirters. When it’s time for an organised game, they can play the BUCKET AND SPONGE RACE. Grab a couple of buckets and fill them to the same level with water. Then place two cups twenty paces away from the buckets. Divide the kids into two teams and get them to take turns dipping the sponge in the bucket of water and sprinting up to the cup to squeeze the water into the cup. The winner is the first team whose cup overflows.

Music is the backdrop for party games like musical chairs and pass-the-parcel. But a quick and easy time-filler is MUSICAL STATUES. It’s loved by kids up to about age 9. All you need is a CD player, some fun dance music and a keen eye to help pick the last one to become a statue when the music stops.

ROB THE NEST is a game that keeps them running. All you need is a bag of balls and a few chairs. Divide the kids into teams of at least 3 and set up a chair for each team, a few metres apart. Tip all the balls on the ground and watch the kids swoop on them! The aim of the game is to gather as many ‘eggs’ for your own nest, and if that means robbing someone else’s, then so be it. The key is; they can only carry one ball at a time. Whichever team has the most eggs in their nest by the time they’re all worn out, wins.

For the older kids

There comes a time when kids are just too cool for running around and dancing. This is the age where kids love the challenge of technical skills. Give them a fun project to keep them busy and entertained. If it’s a race against the clock and another team: even better.

You could have a race to build the tallest MARSHMALLOW TOWER. It can be played individually or in teams. All you need to do is hand out toothpicks and mini marshmallows, set the timer for 5 minutes and watch them race the clock and each other to build the sweetest, stickiest tower possible.

What about a twist on the old fashioned lucky dip: To play TREASURE HOOK, you need to place individually wrapped gifts in a large bucket. They need to have a loop of string or ribbon taped to them, so the kids can go fishing and catch them with their fishing line. You can attach string and a hook to any old stick, or use a fishing line if you have one. The kids can take it in turns using their fishing skills to catch a gift. It takes more skill than you think and the kids love the challenge.

Older kids love playing BALLOON STOMP. Everyone blows up two balloons, ties a large rubber band around the balloon and slips it over their foot, so it rests on their ankles. Then everyone has to run around with an inflated balloon attached to each ankle, trying to stomp on everyone else’s balloons, while protecting their own from bursting. The last person left with an inflated balloon, wins.

The loot bag alternative: Instead of giving out party bags at the end of the party, why not turn it into a game? Place a rug on the ground and scatter packets of chips, lollies and some small novelty toys all around the rug. Get the children to line up and take it in turns throwing a small hula hoop onto the rug. Whatever their hoop lands on, that’s what they get to take home with them. They can have as many goes as it takes for all the loot to be won.

It takes a bit of planning to run some creative party games, but think of the absolute delight on your child’s face, as they run around having a ball with their friends – and how worthwhile the effort when you consider they’ll never celebrate turning this age again!