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Plan A Great Kids Treasure Hunt Party!
by
Deb Bromley
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, yer prize
is in sight, so let the adventure begin!”
About the Author:
Deb Bromley is a co-founder of Treasure-Adventure.com,
an online party game company that offers ready-to-play interactive and
themed treasure hunts with custom challenging clues for all ages. Visit
Treasure
Adventure.com on line at
http://www.treasure-adventure.com
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