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Games to Play With Glow Sticks

Glow sticks are made of plastic with chemicals housed inside. One chemical is in the plastic tube itself, while a second is house in tiny glass tubes inside the plastic. When the sticks are ̶0;cracked̶1; the glass breaks, the two chemicals combine and the glow sticks live up to their name.
Glow sticks come in tiny, test-tube shapes with holes for a string or keychain; long, flexible tubes with plastic fasteners so the sticks can be fastened around necks;and wrists and novelty shapes like swords. Many children, and plenty of adults, are fascinated by these items. Using them in games and at parties allows you to play in the dark and add a new twist to old activities.

Nighttime Tag
- You can put a twist on the classic game of tag. Give each player a glow stick and a flashlight or a laser pointer. The player must wear the glow stick in full view around his neck, wrist or waist. Choose a player to be "it" and let the kids run in the dark. They can spot each other by sighting the glow sticks and tag each other by touching them with the light of a flashlight or laser pointer.
In the Dark Scavenger Hunt
- Set up a scavenger hunt in a large backyard or in your home or both. Tie or tape glow sticks to clues and crack and set them all around the house and/or yard right before the scavenger hunt so they stay bright. Put the sticks in unlikely places; tape them to the ceiling, hide them in trees and bushes, and allow them to shine between couch cushions. Wait for the dark or turn out the lights and send the players for the first clue. If using teams, make sure you leave two or more copies of the clues with the sticks.
Glowing Hide and Seek
- Instruct all the players to hide and give the seeker a glow stick to wear and a handful of glow sticks to hand out. Turn out the lights and set the seeker loose. When he finds someone, have him give the person a glow stick and help him seek until all of the children are found. This way, all of the children are involved in the game until the end. This game can also be played outside, especially in the summer.

Kids Games