Hobbies And Interests
Animal Sounds Contest
Young children like to be noisy at events so this activity is a way to focus that energy. Ask the children to make their best horse, pig, cat, rooster, hen and sheep imitations and award a small prize in each animal category.
Duck, Duck Goose
Duck, Duck Goose is an old game that has several variations. The basic game is that one person is picked to be the fox. This person walks around the circle tapping the heads of the people standing in a circle, The child playing the fox chants "Duck, duck..." and finally "Goose!" The child (goose) who is tapped then sprints off to avoid capture from the fox. If the tapped child regains the initial place in the circle before the other child can tag, the child being the fox remains in that role until someone is tagged.
Egg Hunt
Eggs are a natural component of barnyard life. Stashing plastic eggs that have been filled with small prizes out of view around a barnyard is a rewarding form of hide-and-seek.
Piñata
Piñatas can enliven a barnyard gathering. Either purchase a piñata filled with treats or make one from papier-mâché. String the piñata onto a beam and let a child whack at it with a long stick three times before conceding the pole to the next champion of the event.
Pin the Tail on the Donkey
Pin the Tail on the Donkey is a traditional game for a barnyard theme. You will need a picture of a donkey, several paper tails, tape and a blindfold. Tape the picture of the donkey to a wall. Make a loop of tape and attach it to the hinge of a paper tail. Blindfold the participant, put the paper tail in her hand, turn her around a few times in a circle and point her in the general direction of the business end of the donkey.
Sack Races
Each participant has a canvas sack. The players step into the sacks and hop from the starting line to the finish line. The first one over the finish line wins.