gopi asked:

Occasion: club get-together
what are the games we can play-indoor&outdoors. it should >be fun filled.

The Game Girl says:

Check out the theme page for outdoor and indoor themes and games. You could go with beach/Hawaiian/Mexican type stuff. Also look at the outdoor section of gamegirl. Without any more information, it's hard to be more specific.

Carey asked:

Occasion: Aunts 40th B-day
Debbie, my aunt always has great parties for everyone else. She is turning 40, 40 people are coming. It's being catered and we have a steel drum band playing. What other games or ideas do you have to make it an Extra Special day for her and her guests? >

The Game Girl says:

Take a look at party411.com/themes and see the island themes and beach themes to use for decor and atmosphere. Maybe even a pinata. See www.oriental.com for cataloges for great party decorations and favors. You might want to do a limbo contest. Play pass the orange. I'd set up "Game Spots" and provide a variety of games to place at each spot. Include the usual outdoor games, such as badmitton, horseshoes, and croquet, then create some new games, like "Frisbee Golf" where the kids have to toss the Frisbees into buckets that hang from the trees, moving from bucket to bucket as you would move hole to hold in golf. Then have some quiet games set up on the picnic tables, to bring back memories, such as Monopoly, Life, and other favorites. How about a game of "Pass the Sand!" Divide the group into two teams and line them up. Have the first team players in line grab a handful of sand from a container. They must pass the sand to the next player, who passes it to the next player, and so on down the line. When the sand reaches the last player, she pours what's left of it onto a plate. The team with the most sand at the end of the relay wins the game. You may have to weight the sand on a food scale to find out, if it's close! --------------------------------------------------

Gladys Spencer asked:

Occasion: Corporate Picnic
Since this is a carnival theme, I would like some ideas of what games to include.

The Game Girl says:

Set up some booths and play a bunch of carnival games, such as "Knock Down the Bottles," "Shoot the target with a water gun," "Throw a pie in the face," "Toss a coin on a plate," "Ring a goldfish bowl," "Guess your weight," and "Pie-eating contest."

Rikilee asked:

Occasion: 16th Birthday Luau Party
I have no idea what kind of games to play! I want this party to be fun but sadly I'm stumped. Do you have any clever ideas or games?

The Game Girl says:

You should find some here, and check the Teen Games section as well for more ideas.

Crystal asked:

Occasion: Hawaiian Birthday Party
What should I plan to do to keep everyone entertained for four or five hours?

The Game Girl says:

Aside from taking them all to Hawaii, try some of the suggestions here and in the Teen section.

Meg asked:

Occasion: Pool or Beach Party
I am having a pool party or beach party and I was wondering if you have any game ideas that would fit either one of these themes, for ages 14-15.

The Game Girl says:

I've just written a column on Pool Games you should check out, after you scan this section for other ideas that might work. Also try the Teen section.

pk asked:

Occasion: High School Graduation Party
I want the theme to be Hawaiian or luau. For games I came up with limbo. Can you suggest any other games please?

The Game Girl says:

Boy the luau party is hot, hot, hot, this year! I've got several games that will fit your theme so scan through these for ideas. Then check Teen Games for more suggestions.

Lindsey Brotherton asked:

Occasion: Just For Fun!
I'm helping my friend plan this luau and she wants it to be a blast. What would be some ideas for games and activities on a small budget?

The Game Girl says:

The luau is popular this year! I've listed some ideas below, but be sure to check out the Kid section and the Teen section for more ideas.

Aneesah asked:

Occasion: 12th Grade Graduation Party
Can you suggest some games for us to play? I'm thinking about going Hawaiian.

The Game Girl says:

Since it sounds like an outdoor party, I've got a few here that should work. Also try the Kid section and Teen section for more ideas.

Sara asked:

Occasion: Sweet 16 Pool Party and BBQ
I am having a pool party with a group of mostly girls, and some guys. Some people won't know each other, and I have some game ideas like "Name That Tune," "Candy Taste Test," etc. But I need something that can involve everyone without people being too shy or bored.

The Game Girl says:

I've got some games suggestions below and in the Teen section, so try both sites for some assistance. You might also want a copy of GAMES PEOPLE PLAY available at the Party411 Bookstore.

BACanter asked:

Occasion: Pool Fiesta
In September we will have a church group of about 30 people. We will hold the activity around the pool. Any suggestions?

The Game Girl says:

I've just posted a column on pool games and water fun, so check it out. I also have a book out called SPLISH SPLASH, WATER FUN FOR KIDS, which should be available at the Party411 Bookstore.

PJ asked:

Occasion: Pool Party
I need to know what kind of games to play at a Pool Party.

The Game Girl says:

I've just posted a column on Water Games so check it out! I also have a book out called SPLISH SPLASH, WATER FUN FOR KIDS, available through the Party411 bookstore.

Ellen asked:

Occasion: End of School Year Party
I'm having some friends over for an end of the school year party, and we have a local waterpark that I was thinking about going to. I'm going to have music and movies playing, and some squirt gun fights planned. I would really appreciate any games that would involve squirt guns and water balloons.

The Game Girl says:

You wet and wild party will be even more fun if you avoid squirt guns and be creative about the squirters! For example, give some of the kids giant sponges, others will get turkey basters, then pass out spray bottles, water filled medical gloves, buckets, hoses, and water balloons. Also give the kids something to protect themselves from the water blasts, such as plastic garbage can lids. Then go at it!

Kymburleigh asked:

Occasion: Senior Class Picnic
I'm in charge of my Senior Class Picnic, a day for senioritis to kick in. What outdoor activities can I plan to do in a big park for about five hours to keep 200 of my peers occupied and having FUN!

The Game Girl says:

Since you have so many kids with so many different interests, I'd set up "Game Spots" and provide a variety of games to place at each spot. Include the usual outdoor games, such as badmitton, horseshoes, and croquet, then create some new games, like "Frisbee Golf" where the kids have to toss the Frisbees into buckets that hang from the trees, moving from bucket to bucket as you would move hole to hold in golf. Then have some quiet games set up on the picnic tables, to bring back memories, such as Monopoly, Life, and other favorites. Hope this helps.

Jorien Brocker asked:

Occasion: 8 Year Old Birthday
They will come directly after school, so first they'll have something to eat, then games and pool time, then cake and drinks. Please suggest some games to play in and out of the pool.

The Game Girl says:

Check out my book, SPLISH SPLASH, WATER FUN FOR KIDS, for some wet and wild ideas. There are other pool games listed below, too. Then play Tug of Water. Set the sprinkler in the center of the lawn and turn it on. Have the players divide into two teams, and each hold an end of the garden hose. On the word "Go!" have the teams try to pull their opponents into the sprinkler.

Jimi Lasiter asked:

Occasion: Daughter's Third Birthday
What games can they play outside that don't require expensive purchases or a lot of set up and clean up?

The Game Girl says:

Check out the water fun below for some quick and easy ideas. Here's another idea called "Pop The Piranha." Inflate balloons and tie them off. Using black felt-tip permanent pens, draw fish faces on the balloons. Toss balloons into the kiddie pool, one for each child. On the word "Go!" have the kids jump into the pool and try to grab a wet and slippery balloon! Then play "Go Fishing!" Buy some plastic toys and attach a piece of magnetic tape. Drop the toys into the bottom of the pool. Give the kids fishing poles made from sticks and string, with magnets tied to the bottom of the string. Let the kids fish for the toys in the kiddie pools.

Michelle asked:

Occasion: Son's 5th birthday party
I need ideas on games to play in our backyard. We are doing a pinata and blowing bubbles. What else to entertain them for 2 hours?

The Game Girl says:

How about some fun in the kiddie pool? Fill up the plastic pool with a little water and have the kids stand around the outside. They must toss the ball back and forth to one another and try to catch it, without letting the ball go in the water or they'll get splashed! Here's another one: before you fill the kiddie pool, use permanent felt tip pen to draw some flowers circles on the bottom of the pool. Color the flowers, then fill the pool. Have the kids sit around the outside of the pool and give them a smooth green stone. Let them draw eyes on the stone with black felt-tip pen, to make them into frogs. Then have them toss the frogs into the pool and try to have them land on the flowers. For more water fun, check out my book called SPLISH SPLASH: WATER FUN FOR KIDS in the Party411 bookstore.

Laura asked:

Occasion: 14th Birthday Party
We are going to be outside for most of the party. I'm sick of the unoriginal hide-and-go-seek or tag. What are some fun running, hiding, or hunting games we could play?

The Game Girl says:

Skim the list here and see if anything works for you. Then try the Kids' Game section for more ideas. Or look under the Mystery section for some scary ideas. My book, KIDS' OUTDOOR GAMES, will be out from Meadowbrook any day now, so watch for it in the Party411 Bookstore.

Rachel Washburn asked:

Occasion: 15th Birthday Hawaiian Swim Party
I'm just looking for a few little extra things we could do at my party that would keep my friends interested and have fun at the same time. Got any ideas?

The Game Girl says:

I've listed quite a few in this section and in the teen section so skim through for some suggestions that might suit you. I also have a book out called Splish-Splash: Water Fun for Kids that might help.

Katie Gross asked:

Occasion: Luau
My mom is helping me plan a luau for my 8th birthday. What would be some good luau games? P.S. My mom loves your books!

The Game Girl says:

Thanks for the kind words, Katie. I've got lots of luau ideas in this section, so check them out. Then how about a game of "Pass the Sand!" Divide the group into two teams and line them up. Have the first team players in line grab a handful of sand from a container. They must pass the sand to the next player, who passes it to the next player, and so on down the line. When the sand reaches the last player, she pours what's left of it onto a plate. The team with the most sand at the end of the relay wins the game. You may have to weight the sand on a food scale to find out, if it's close!

Melissa asked:

Occasion: Bon Fire/Camp Out
For my sweet 16, I wanted to have a party unlike any other. Behind my house we have a lot of land where I want to have my party. I need some more games or activities to keep my guests having fun.

The Game Girl says:

Check out the games in this section for some outdoor ideas. And I have a new book coming out called Kids' Outdoor Games, which should be out any day, and soon will be available in the Party411 Bookstore. And be creative with the S'mores - offer lots of choices for making a variety of those classic goodies.

Sally Taylor asked:

Occasion: Birthday Luau
I need quick ideas for games for a luau we are having during the day, if you have any.

The Game Girl says:

I've got a few listed below here so scan through and see if you can find something that works for your luau. Also look under Adults Games for more ideas. Check the Party411 Bookstore for The Best Party Book which lists themes for parties and includes a Hawaiian Party. Mahalo!

Marilyn asked:

Occasion: Mother/Daughter Garden Party
Help! I need some activities for a mother/daughter garden party at our church! We are expecting about 100 guests. I'd like to keep the garden theme. Any suggestions? Thank you!

The Game Girl says:

Here's a nice idea in keeping with the theme. Buy a variety of flowers from the florist. Pass out a flower to each guest, attached to an index card with a piece of tape. Have each guest write a poem for her mother/daughter, using the flower for comparing her. When the poems are done, have a few people volunteer to read theirs aloud. Award flower seed packets for those who share them.

Desiree Knapp asked:

Occasion: Slumber/pool party
I need some really cool games and ideas for my pool slumber party. Do you have any ideas?

The Game Girl says:

As long as you're not going to sleep in the pool, I think I can help you! Play a round of "Keep it Dry!" Give each player a small object that changes when it gets wet, such as a stone, a cotton ball, or a marshmallow. Players must try to swim from one end of the pool to the other, holding the object as they try to keep it dry! The swimmer with the driest object wins! Then play "Butterfingers Ball." As one player jumps off the diving board or platform, another player stands in the shallow end or on the side and throws the ball to the jumper, who tries to catch the ball and hold on to it until she hits the water. Award a point for each time a player manages to hold onto the ball. It won't be easy!

Vonda asked:

Occasion: Barbecue
I need some outdoor games for a company of 200 people!

The Game Girl says:

"Steal" some items from the company - such as a stapler, a notepad, a check stub, a parking sticker - and hide them around the outdoor party area. Tell the guests to look for the "stolen" items but when they something, they can't get caught "stealing" it. They have to discreetly take the item without being seen. At the same time, they are to watch out for "thieves" stealing the items from the hiding places. At the end of the game, have everyone hold up their items and see who "stole" the most! Then find out who got caught!

Natasha asked:

Occasion: Sweet Sixteen Party
I have a pool and want to incorporate a bbq dinner. What games do you have that wouldn't involve everyone at once? I already know sports games but want something different that would be fun (co-ed).

The Game Girl says:

Set out Game Stations with separate games at each place so the players can come and go as they please. Include guessing games, puzzles, feelie bags, picture identification, even simple board games, at each Game Station. Call your party The Game Station Party!

Suzanne Dawson asked:

Occasion: Graduation Party
I am planning an outdoor graduation party for my son's class - a cookout and volleyball game. I also need some good ideas to keep the kids busy all afternoon.

The Game Girl says:

Line up a bunch of sport activities and let the kids move from game to game. Include badminton, peewee golf, horseshoes, shuffleboard, even croquet. If the need something quiet to do, buy them all autograph books and let them sign one another's books with special sayings - that should keep them busy for awhile! As for favors, send them home with the want-ads......

Nancy Cleveland asked:

Occasion: Birthday for 13 year old boy
I need some GREAT games for the kids to do. So far we are playing water balloon volleyball, balloon toss, and maybe an obstacle course race. Any other suggestions?

The Game Girl says:

What fun! Sounds like it's going to be outdoors and everyone might get a little wet. In keeping with the water theme, how about a "Squirt Gun War" where everyone has a squirt gun and a plastic garbage can lid for protection from the spray! Add sponges, water pails, turkey basters, and water balloons for more wet fun. Create a "Splash Machine" by having the kids line up in two teams, with two kiddy pools at the end of the line. Have the first player fill a bucket of water, then pass it to the next player, as quickly as he can, down the line until it reaches the kiddy pool, where the last person pours what's left of the water into the pool! Pass the empty bucket down, refill it, and continue until time is called. The team that filled the pool with the most water wins!

Margaret asked:

Occasion: Son's 10th Birthday
Other than a scavenger hunt, what games can you play in keeping with outdoor adventures?

The Game Girl says:

You'll find ideas for a Crazy Olympics party among other answers in the Game Girl section. If it's nice weather, get out sprinklers and kiddy pools and have some wet fun by running through the water, or have a water war. Instead of a Scavenger Party, have a Detective Party where you set out clues all over the backyard, and have the kids collect them, then they have to figure out what the clues mean. You might have them find clues to making a pizza, playing a different game, solving a puzzle, or putting together a scarecrow. Have a day-time campout, with camp songs, barbecued hot dogs and s'mores, and a game of "Follow the Trail" where one team of players leads another team on a hiking adventure by leaving clues to the direction. Or set up a carnival in the backyard and play easy carnival games, such as Ring Toss, Bottle Knock-Down, Go Fishing, Guess My Weight, Walk the Plank, Squirt Gun Gallery, and Outrageous Obstacle Course.

Heather asked:

Occasion: Co-ed outdoor 13th Birthday Party
I need outdoor games that boys and girls will like. Nothing stupid please!

The Game Girl says:

You could have a Bicycle Rally, where you mark out a map of the neighborhood and have the kids follow the map on their bikes to a local pizza parlor. Put up paper plate signposts along the way with more clues to the destination, and award points at the end for all the clues gathered. Have a Crazy Olympics party and let the kids compete at silly (not stupid!) games, such as Backwards Crab Walk, Blind Leapfrog, Impossible Obstacle Course, Frisbee Golf, and so on. Add a few Ridiculous Relay Races for extra fun - Pass The Eggs, Carry Cotton on a Spoon, One-Legged Race, and so on.

Maggie Mae asked:

Occasion: Summer Fun Hot Tub Party
I need some ideas for games for adults and children. People will be coming and going all day and into the evening.

The Game Girl says:

Set up lots of sport-type games on the deck and in the backyard, so anyone can play any time. Include old favorites like croquet, badminton, Frisbee, soccer, kite flying, basketball, and sprinkler fun!

Skye asked:

Occasion: Backyard Birthday
I need ideas for backyard games!!! I don't want a lot of clean-up afterwards, so what kind of games would entertain them?

The Game Girl says:

Pick a theme for your Backyard Birthday Party, such as Sports or Olympics, and keep them busy with active games that don't require a lot of set-up and clean-up. You might play Silly Sports, such as baseball or golf, but have every player make up one silly rule for the new version, such as "Pitcher must pitch from a sitting position," "Base runners can only run backwards," or "Substitute brooms for golf clubs."