Add a yard water sprinkler to tug-O-war at a summer party.
Outdoor party games enliven warm-weather birthdays, holidays or casual gatherings. Whether you're relaxing in the backyard or heading to a local park for socialization, playing outdoor party games keeps children entertained, makes it easy for guests to meet one another and allows everyone to enjoy some spirited competition. Does this Spark an idea?
Family Friendly Game
Water balloons are a favorite component of outdoor games during hot weather. Create a target by using a dart board, a hunting-style practice target or paint a bull's-eye on a large piece of cardboard. Secure the target to a tree at an appropriate distance for the party guests. For children, start with a 5 to 10 foot spacing. For adults, place the target 20 or more feet away. For mixed groups, cater to the children. Give each party guest 10 water balloons and see who can hit the target the most times. Consider breaking into family teams, and adding adult and children's scores together. The family with the highest score wins the water balloon game and gets to go first in the next party game.
Children's Game
Kids love sloppy games. Have children play a wet sponge relay game to cool down on a hot summer afternoon. Create a race course between trees, the length of the backyard or between buildings. At one end, place two 1-gallon buckets full of cold water. Place a new large sponge in the top of each bucket, so they can absorb some water. At the other end of the race course, place two large, clear plastic tumbler glasses. Two children can race against one another per challenge, or devise a team of children per bucket. Have the children start the race at the buckets. When an adult shouts "Go!" one child next to each bucket should fill the sponge with water and quickly race to the tumbler to fill it with the cold water. Children will enjoy feeling the cold wet sponge drip as they run on the warm summer day. At the other end of the race area, the child will fill the tumbler with the water from their sponge. The children need to continue racing back and forth until one of the tumblers is brim full with the cold water. The first full tumbler wins!
Adult Game
Put a new twist on an old favorite by playing tug-O-water with a group of adults. Divide the party into two teams. Play the game with teams of men against women or one family against another. Make sure each participant is wearing strong rubber soled shoes for safety. Place a water sprinkler in the middle of a grass-covered playing area. Stretch the rope across the playing area before turning on the sprinkler. When the tug begins, ask a helper to turn on the water, creating a wet surprise for the losing team.
Tags: cold water, against another, children start, each bucket, Have children, other race