Hobbies And Interests
Balloon Stomp
The balloon stomp is a great icebreaker. Tie an inflated balloon to each child's ankle with a string. When you say "go," the children must try to stomp on another balloon and pop it. The child left with an attached, inflated balloon wins the game.
Freeze Dance
Freeze dance provides a great way to create a fun party atmosphere. Assemble the children, start the music and let the dancing begin. When they least expect it, turn the music off and watch everyone try to freeze in place. Anyone caught moving after the music ends is out. Continue until one person---the winner---remains.
Three Legged Race
Nothing beats a good old-fashioned three-legged race. Pair the children off, ideally matching partners close in height. Stand the duo side by side facing the same direction. Using shoe string or a rope, tie together the two middle feet, creating a three-legged team. Line children up at the designated start line and call, "ready, set, go" as they race to the finish line.
Potato Sack Race
If the children develop racing fever, try a potato sack race. Pillowcases work well as sacks. Have each child step into a pillowcase and line up at the starting line. Call "ready, set, go," and watch them hop their way to the finish line.
Water Limbo
Just add water to this classic game of limbo to cool off your partygoers. Two people hold the limbo stick (a broom or mop handle works for this purpose) slightly higher than the tallest limbo contestant, with a sprinkler aimed to spray on the limbo area. Line everyone up to proceed under the limbo stick. Anyone caught touching the stick is out. After every child has had a turn, lower the limbo stick slightly. Continue until only one child remains.
Hula Hoop Race
Organize a hula hoop race while the sprinkler is still running. Aim the sprinkler to fall on the children as they hula hoop for as long as they can. The water will create a slippery challenge for even the best hula hoopers. The last child to keep her hula hoop up wins. Arrange a tournament to ensure that everyone gets a chance to play.
Red Rover
Entertain a large group of children with Red Rover. Divide everyone into two teams, combining larger and smaller children on each team, and line up teams facing each other at least 6 feet apart. Have children hold hands with teammates on either side, creating a chain. Each team takes turns calling "Red Rover, Red Rover! Send [name of child on other team] right over!" The chosen child must try to run through the other team's clasped hands. If he breaks through, he selects someone from that team to return to his team's chain. If he cannot break the chain, he remains on the opposing team. Play until everyone winds up on one of the two teams.
Sardines
Sardines is a backwards version of hide-and-seek. One child is "it" and must find a hiding spot big enough to eventually include all the other children. After counting, the rest of the children must find the person who's "it" and discreetly join her in the hiding spot without alerting the other seekers. The last person to find the tightly packed "sardines" hides next time.