Tweens and young teens may have outgrown party games like Pin the Tail on the Donkey and Musical Chairs, but
they still enjoy group activities. Here are a few ideas for your next tween bash:
Pass the bag. Fill a large garbage bag with a variety of clothing items such as aprons, men’s and women’s shoes, scarves, hats, socks, ties, shirts and dresses. Have kids form a circle and pass the bag around as music plays. When the music stops, they must take something out of the bag and put it on. No searching! They should take the first thing that their hand touches. Continue until the bag is empty and all the kids are dressed in ridiculous outfits.
Eat the donut. Hang a donut from a high place such as a doorway or tree branch with a string. Kids must eat the donut with their hands tied behind their backs. Have at least one donut per child plus a few extra - frosted chocolate donuts produce the messiest and funniest results. If you don’t have a place to hang the donut, attach a string to a short pole and have an adult dangle the donut in front of the child.
Toilet paper fashion show. Give each kid a roll of toilet paper and tell them that they have 20 minutes to make an outfit for themselves. When everyone is finished, put on some music and have them ‘walk the runway.’ Ask each what their creation is (for example: toga, mummy) and ‘announce’ them as they strut down the catwalk. Prizes can be given for the silliest, most creative, etc.
Round robin story. Pass out pens or pencils and have kids sit in a circle. Copy the first line from a book onto a page in a notebook. Pass around the notebook, and each person adds a line or paragraph, depending on how much time you want the game to take. Each person should continue the ‘story’ with their contribution. Then read the story out loud.
Scavenger hunt. If the kids have phones or other mobile devices that take photographs, put them into groups and give them a list of things to find in the house or neighborhood. Instead of collecting items, they snap a picture. This can also be done ‘old school.’ Hand out paper bags and a list of items to find - and bring back - around the house or in the neighborhood.
Blind makeover. Group girls into pairs and give them a few cosmetics such as blush, powder and lipstick. Blindfold one girl in each pair and the blindfolded girl puts makeup onto the other, then they switch. Be sure to have baby wipes or makeup removal cloths on hand for after the game has concluded!
Tiffany is a freelance writer and the mother of three children, including a tween and a teen. Read more of her writing at www.tdguerzon.com.
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