Games for Throwing a Western-Themed Party

Relay Races

• Create a few relay races using western outfits and stick horses for the party guests. Divide the players into two teams and have them line up at a starting line. Mark another line 25 feet from the starting line. Give the first player in each team line a western vest, some chaps, a water gun, a cowboy hat and large boots. When you say ̶0;Race,̶1; the first two players in line must put on the western accessories and race to the other line. They must race back and hand the items off to the next player in line who must do the same thing. The first team to finish the race wins the game. Alternatively, have them race to and from the line on stick horses.

Shooting Games

• Play shooting games with small plastic cowboy toys. Small plastic cowboys come in bags available at many toy stores. Place the cowboys on a fence ledge outdoors. Mark a line and have everyone line up behind the line. One at a time, each player must use a water gun to shoot as many cowboys as he can off the ledge. The player who shoots down the most cowboys in one minute wins the game. Another idea is to use empty soda cans or bottles instead of the cowboys. You can also have the players participate in teams instead of individually.

Tossing Games

• Organize a few tossing games using beanbags. Decorate the beanbags by drawing boots, cowboy hats and spurs on them. Hang lassos from a tree or clothesline and have players try to toss beanbags through the lassos. Place boots on the ground and have players try to toss the beanbags into the boots. Another idea is to place a cowboy hat upside down on the ground and have the player try to toss the beanbags into the hat. The players who make the most beanbags win prizes.

Trivia Games

• For younger children, create an easy western trivia with questions like ̶0;What do you call a baby horse?̶1; or ̶0;Why do cowboys wear spurs?̶1; Award a prize to each child for each correct answer. For older children and adults, ask questions like ̶0;What was the longest running western of all time?̶1; and ̶0;Who starred in Rifleman?̶1; The player who answers the most questions correctly wins the trivia.