Keep children entertained with these great games - all you need are balloons.
These games are great to play indoors if there is enough space. If not try them in a sheltered area outdoors but not, perhaps, on a windy day.
Waiters
- Divide players into two teams. Give each team a tray. Give each player a balloon and have them blow it up.
- Once the balloons are inflated put them in a large container eg a laundry basket, and put the basket at one end of the room. This is the start line. Put a marker at the other end of the room - this is the finish line. If you have them, put another laundry basket or large container for each team at the finish line.
- Blow a whistle to begin the game. Players must put a balloon on their tray and carry it to the finish line. Easier said than done!
- If the balloon drops, the player must stop, put the tray on the floor and place the balloon back on the tray before continuing.
- At the finish line the player lets the balloon fall off the tray and into the container (on just onto the floor if there is no container), races back to the start line and passes the tray onto the next member of their team.
- The first team to get all their balloons over the finish line wins.
Dinosaur Egg Hunt
This is a very easy game and is fun for a mixed-aged group.
- Before the game begins, blow up a number of balloons, three or four per player, taking care to note the number of "eggs" and plant them around the house.
- Gather all the players together and at the blow of a whistle they must search out the "dinosaur eggs".
- A useful trick is to makel the balloons different sizes. Certainly blow some up close to full-size but also make some smaller, about a third to a half of full-size. "Eggs" can be hidden in cupboards in the kitchen or laundry, behind furniture, stuck to the underside of tables or chairs depending on the style of furniture in the house, on top of tall cupboards or behind doors.
- To allow players to hang on to found "eggs" while still looking for others tie a small length of string to each balloon.
- Of course, the game is over once all the balloons have been found.
- Rather than one prize for the person who finds the most balloons, try a lucky dip style prize instead. Allow each player to have a dip for each balloon they've collected.
After more suggestions? Try Party Games and Indoor Games for Kids
The copyright of the article More Indoor Games for Kids in Kids & Teen Parties is owned by Lesley Munnichs. Permission to republish More Indoor Games for Kids in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
