Kids parties have become the latest craze and coming up with
unique and fun themes and activities for children's birthday parties and other
events can be daunting. More and more
parents are faced with the need to find new and creative ways to entertain
throngs of classmates, neighborhood friends, and siblings of various ages.
One simple, low-cost, and very popular way to entertain
children at any kind of celebration or gathering, indoors or out is with a good
old-fashioned treasure hunt. A treasure hunt is the one party game that truly
promotes interaction, naturally evokes squeals of excitement, and leaves your
party guests with lasting memories of their adventurous day at your child’s
party.
What if your child doesn't want a pirate-themed party? No problem! Treasure hunts aren’t just for
pirates. Tradition has dictated that pirates are the great treasure hunters,
but the fact of the matter is treasure hunts are loved by boys, girls, and
grown-ups alike, and make a great addition to any party theme. Treasure hunts can be simply adapted with a
storyline and a variety of decorations to fit into any party theme. This is the one area of planning where your
child might already have a very clear idea of what they would like, and it
would be wise to involve them in this decision, as it makes the party their
own.
To adapt a treasure hunt for a princess-themed party, for
example, you might announce that someone has stolen the princess's jewels, and whoever
finds them by following the clues will be rewarded with a share of the
loot. You place a jewelry box
overflowing with plastic beads, candy necklaces and rings, and other gem-like
treats in the center of the party table, and have someone sneak the treasure
away during the party before making the announcement. Other themes and decorations might revolve
around the latest TV cartoon characters, superheroes, pop idols, a holiday, or
your child might want to create their own theme.
That being said, be careful not to fall into the parent trap
of spending a small fortune buying themed party goods. Consider purchasing just a few themed bright
and colorful decorations and/or centerpieces, and then either complement them
with less expensive coordinating party supplies and decorations, or make your
own -- there are plenty of great fun ways to put you and your child's artistic
talent to work to customize your party.
Some crafty ideas kids may love making or having at their
party include authentic-looking weathered pirate treasure maps, princess crowns
and jewelry, spyglasses made from paper towel rolls, piñatas (handmade or
bought), cardboard hooks inserted into the bottom of styrofoam cups to wear on
their hands like Captain Hook, paper or felt decorated pirate hats, and
bejeweled and personalized loot bags, to name only a few.
Although it requires some time, creativity, and resources,
you can make and stage your own treasure hunt game to play as a group or
competitively in teams. Design and hide
10 clever clues that lead players step-by-step from one clue to the next,
hidden amongst common objects, to ultimately discover the hidden treasure,
which might be sacks of “loot” consisting of candy such as chocolate coins
wrapped in gold foil, or party favors, toys, and other items valuable to
children.
Alternatively, if you're short on time, money, and party
ideas like many busy parents and party planners, online sites such as
Treasure-Adventure.com offer affordable complete treasure hunts with pre-made
custom clues full of rhymes and riddles that kids love to solve, the design of
which can be the most time-consuming and difficult part of preparing a treasure
hunt.
Use creativity to build your party further around the hunt
for a truly fantastic and memorable party that your child and his or her guests
will talk about long after the party is over.
Although the treasure hunt will likely be the main attraction since it
is the most action-packed and engaging, don't necessarily limit other
activities that might complement the hunt such as a cannonball toss using bean
bags or water balloons, "Walk the Plank" using a shallow pool full of
plastic alligators and snakes, pan for gold using gold spray-painted rock
nuggets, dress in costumes, hold a peg-leg relay, make a castle or pirate ship
out of an appliance box, play "Blackbeard says," etc. -- the sky is
the limit!
Treasure hunts are also not just limited to children or
birthday parties, but are perfect for family fun night, slumber parties,
classroom parties, picnics, and other group events. Treasure hunts bring parties alive with hours
of challenging and fun entertainment, with the thrill of the hunt along with
the solving of puzzles often being the most enjoyable and memorable part of the
day. And don't think you can't top your last party. By using a variety of themes, new treasure
hunt clues and decorations, and a little creativity, you can throw many more
successful and unique parties for years to come that never go out of style. “If you're up to the challenge, spyglass and
compass in hand, your prize is in sight, so let the adventure begin!”
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