Let the children dance to a lively tape. When the music stops, players freeze, anyone still moving is out.
Crayon ColoringDistribute pages from coloring book, as well as paper cups containing a few crayons. Or spread out big pieces of paper and let the children create a mural.
Coin WalkGive each child a coin to put on the toe of one shoe. The opject is to walk a certain distance with the coin in place. Those who succeed keep the coin. (You can also use a hard candy.)
Animal GuessHave each child pretend to be an animal and the other kids guess which one.
Music-Makers TentHere, a magical, billowy tent sets the stage for dressing up and making music. Dolled up in play clothes, hats, and paper leis, kids can pound on drums, tootle on harmonicas, rattle maracas and tambourines, and dance the day away. To make the tent, fold a sheet lengthwise over a clothesline hung about 5 [...]
Get some old broken appliances out of your basement, closet or attic and let the kids tinker with real tools. Their faces will light up with wonder as they open up phones or alarm clocks, VCR's or vacuum cleaners.
Mini Wagon RideUndoubtedly, hayrides are the way for little buckaroos to tour the party grounds in style. Decorate a wagon (preferably one with room for two cowboys hat available for riders. Line the wagon with fresh hay, attach a willing and able teenager, and you're in business.
Mystery MushThis simple but wonderous mixture of constarch and water fasinates children. As they pat and squish it, the mush changes magically from dry to wet and from hard to soft. In each of three bowls, stire together a batch of mush by combining 4 cups of cornstarch with 1 cup of water. You also [...]
Besides the built-in-excitement of any timed event, this quirky race comes with a twist. Each contestant must use a stick to roll a lemon to the finish line. Sound easy? Unlike a ball, which rolls true, this fruit has a tendency to wobble and weave. So the key to winning may be simply staying on [...]
Dare...WriteWrite challenges on small pieces of paper for each of the kids, such as "Do a dance," "Kiss a friend, " "Sing a song," or "Do a somersault." Stuff one note in each balloon, blow up balloons, and toss them onto the party floor. Have the kids try to pop a balloon. When a balloon [...]