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Within Your Budget
Within Your Budget
Welcome to the exciting world of science and science parties!
🧪🔬🧑🔬🧪
How to host the most unforgettable science party. With nearly 25 years as a primary science specialist, I’ve got creative, budget-friendly ideas to make one of your child's most memorable experiences.
No need to break the bank.
💷💷💷
I'll guide you through pre-party prep to engaging activities. You CAN do it and make your party the best ever!
A science party host can cost from around £300 for a basic package. I think we can put that same amount of money (or less!) into designing a DIY science party for your child and their friends AND, they get to do it all themselves. No demonstrations AND lots to take home. All on a budget that will suit you.
I've done a lot of the running around for you. The links will give me a few pennies per click (at no cost to you) but these are tried and tested items. If they are not here, then I don't recommend them or they are not very good quality / just don't work as they say they do.
Before the party (Invitations and Salt Dough preparation)
Put portions of salt dough into air tight, zip lock bags. You are going to send these out with the invitations (with instructions on how to make and bake their creation).
Salt Dough
Salt Dough
First make the dough, here is a simple recipe:
1 cup salt
2 cups flour
1 cup room temperature water
Add all 3 ingredients to a bowl and mix well. Once all the ingredients are together, knead like dough.
Mention the theme and before the child comes, they need to make their salt dough image and ask their parents to bake it.
Their final design has to dry naturally. Depending on the thickness it could take up to 5 days.
Dry it in the oven at 90c. Thin items will take about an hour depending on thickness.
Kitchen gadgets (like garlic crushers or mashing tools) can make 'spaghetti' and other shapes. Cookie cutters are great, too.
Bring their work along to the party with their name labelled.
At the party, everyone can paint their creations and an adult can spray them with vanish to take home at the end.
Dough Doll scientist
Dough Doll scientist
Maybe not the best example, but use the dough to make a scientist? Use the 'spaghetti' to make hair or a beard. Perhaps test tubes or conical flask decorations? (Remember to put a hole for a string to hang) Lots of ideas and options.
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic Paint
In comparison between Amazon and Temu, for variety of colours and value for money, I chose Amazon. The pots don't need trays to pour out onto and you don't want too much left over.
For paint brushes: Go to your local £1 store. MUCH better value.
AMAZON
Make you own lab coats from an oversized shirt
Don't worry! Simple an effective and MUCH more economical. SO much fun to start your party. You need to make 3 alterations to a men's shirt. Either ask each of the children to do it themselves or bring a shirt to be altered. Simple sewing machine required. Charity shop shirts are perfect as are old shirts from a family member.
Of course, for around £7-£10, you can just buy child sized lab coats.... up to you.
3 things to do:
Shorten the sleeves - cut off the cuffs and hem.
Cut off the 'tails' at the bottom of the shirt and make them straight (and hem).
Cut a slit in the centre of the back of the shirt and hem.
Optional: Depending on the shirt and availability of extra fabric, two pockets at the lower part of each side of the front. If you really want to be fancy, remove the trangular top pocket and make it a rectangle.
YouTube is an excellent resource on how to make this happen.
I would leave some print outs of ideas on how to decorate the lab coat on the table as reference.
On arrival, children use fabric pens to personalise their lab coat. They can wear it throughout the party (you can even buy some safety glasses!!) and take all of these home at the end. Very fun!
Cells, hearts, lungs, magnifying glasses
Atoms, Elements and scientific notation
Refracation, rainbows, animals and bugs
You can use a t-shirt but doesn't seem to have the same dramatic effect (in my mnd!)....
Fabric pens
Fabric pens
Even I want to do this bit!
TEMU
Including gold and silver:
Metalic selection:
Fabric Markers
Fabric Markers
Pre-made lab coats
Pre-made lab coats
If you want a low effort, authentic lab coat - around £10 each.
AMAZON
A little cheaper...
TEMU
Bring your own safety glasses chllenge!
Bring your own safety glasses chllenge!
Challenge everyone to go and find the most interesting, fun and crazy safety glasses to bring along. Great for photos and a fun icebreaker once they're all dressed up in their lab coats! Link here (pictured)
Invitations: Do it yourself
Invitations: Do it yourself
This is a rubber stamp set (any rubber stamp will do) and once you have these things, you can use them for anything - Christmas cards, birthdays etc...
Cover in ink and stamp onto the invitation
Cover the ink (before it dries) with embossing powder
Shake off embossing powder, returning the excess to the bottle
Use a heat gun (hold it over the toaster, under the grill on a low setting - but these tend to curl the paper) and embossing powder will melt.
Leave the embossing powder to solidify for a few minutes
Use markers of paint to decorate the card
Print off the information required for the inside of the card
Use some science stickers to secure on the inside before sending out to your friends!
Rubber stamp set (you can use it as one or as separate stamps)
AMAZON
TEMU
(same thing, different price and time to ship)
Heat Gun
I prefer to order electricals from the UK for safety reasons and if anything goes wrong, it is easy to return.
The price difference is very small between Amazon and Temu (about £1.50)
QR code party album
QR code party album
I think this is an excellent idea and, let's face it, most children have a smart phone.
At a party, there is a time and place for this and some instances, adults on hand can take care of photos and videos.
Simple access via a QR code scattered around on tables for easy access.
BUT - ask children to bring one along. BUT - hand them in (have a basket) on arrival and during certain activities (like colour mixing, mysterious substances etc...) allow them access to their phones to take photos of the party and their activities.
Videos can also be made and uploaded. Nice to have personal messages to the birthday child at the end, the day after. It's always a nice surprise when you have no idea what they have uploaded!
Link to service here (not sponsored)
Mix and Match Activities for your Party
(Don't try to do them all first time!!)
Colour Mixing and Density
This experiment is an absolute staple and can be used in so many ways.
This experiment is an absolute staple and can be used in so many ways.
This activity can be varied in so many ways and will keep them busy for up to an hour.
LEVEL 1: Just add water to the water based dyes for colour mixing
LEVEL 2: Add varying amounts of sugar to create different densities
As a parent, I shall walk you through the resources required, variations on the activity and set up / clean up tips. Bear with me - it's worth it!
Resources: Here are some options. Please click on the links. They earn me a few pennies for the referral and sharing my ideas with you (at no extra cost to you!)
The important factor about these suggestions is they never stain, unlike food colouring. The range of colours is also fantastic!
Water based dyes. No stain (surfaces, clothes or containers)
TEMU
A good range of colours and only needs a few drops for 500ml of H2O
Water Based dyes. No stain (surfaces, clothes or containers)
AMAZON
Good for last minute ordering
Non Sponsored
BUT!
Good fluorescent dyes - very popular with kids
(My recommendation is to just get the fluorescent dyes, but you can buy them in a set, too)
Hints and Tips
Hints and Tips
Only a few drops required to colour a large beaker of H2O. Quick and easy to replenish last minute during the party
Does not stain clothes, surfaces or containers (unlike food colouring)
Reacts differently to boiling H2O / cold H2O / sugar and boiling H2O / salt and boiling H2O (you will need to practice to see what I mean!) But can just be used with cold H2O in their basic form
Powder form is not as efficient as liquid
If you add varying amounts of sugar, creates different densities (see below) for a more exciting investigation
At this stage, you can just mix the colours with water and make the experiment 'just' mixing colours. BUT you can mix the colours with sugar to make different densities. See below as to how to upgrade this activity.
Try adding salt as well as sugar and cold vs boiling water to see the different changes to the solution.
Things You Will Need
These may be a little more expensive than a large pack of singles but it has a stand and can be shared between 4 children (2 pairs working together)
Avoid the '9 piece' version - it looks more than it actually is and not as economical.
TEMU
If you wish to make your own test tube holders and buy these plastic test tubes.
Be sure you select the 15x1500mm button on the right.
TEMU
Syringes to extract the colours and squirt into the test tubes.
There are other, smaller syringes available but 20ml is better
TEMU
Pipettes mentioned later on, further down in the blog. Also a good resource, but I have found syringes more useful for this activity.
These are better than plastic beakers and you'll need A LOT.
I would buy a minimum of 6 per pair of children doing the activity.
SEE ALTERNATIVE BELOW (LARGER)
You can wash and re-use these for other experiments mentioned later.
Stylish with the high back and a solid base, less prone to being knocked over.
You can use a marker pen to label volume in ml to make them look more scientific.
TEMU
Upping the game a bit
Upping the game a bit
These are a bit more expensive but a solid base to avoid being knocked over and a larger capacity.
TEMU
You can always make your own test tube holders out of a cardboard box:
It took me 20 mins to make this one from scratch. Once your have the knack for one, they are easy to make.
Other alternatives is to buy some cheap foil and bunch it up around the base of the test tube to make a stand.
To make your own cardboard test tube rack:
Start with a envelope as a template and measure out some squares. Remember to leave enough room between the squares to ensure the cardboard remains stiff. Make sure you mark a central line. Use the template to draw the squares and central line on the cardboard. Cut out the squares. Use the central line to measure 6cm either side and trim the edges. Make a base the same size. Cut out some legs and use a pair of sharp scissors to make slits 3/4 of the way across, top and bottom (around 2cm from each end). Slide on the legs. Job done!
Adding sugar changes the density of the H2O and creates a layering effect
Adding sugar changes the density of the H2O and creates a layering effect
No need to measure. Just get a massive bag of sugar and pour varying amounts into different jugs / beakers (dessert cups). Don't be afraid of pouring in almost 3/4 of the beaker / jug. Use the water based colour and boiling water to dissolve the sugar.
BEST MADE 2-3 days before. H2O will evaporate and make the density even more.
Go mad and make lots of different densities. This is important for your experiment.
IMPORTANT HINT: Use a marker pen to number each solution. Place all of the solutions (even if they are the same density but a different number) down the middle of the table. This way, children can keep track of the order of the liquids and how they layer (more dense, less dense).
Take away the chairs for easy access for everyone to move around.
Layering Density Challenge
Layering Density Challenge
TIP: Tilt the test tube or slowly dribble the solution down the side, on the back of a spoon works, too. If the solution is squirted in with force, all colours will mix.
CHALLENGE: Who can make the test tube with the most layers?
TIP: Photograph the person who makes the most layers in front of a white background. Use a QR code to send all photos to one place (see later in the blog).
SET UP A LEADER BOARD: It will begin with 3 layers (photograph that person), then someone will achieve 4, 5, 6 and so on. Photograph each person and write their name on a poster somewhere and how many layers they have achieved. Write each child's name and layers as the competition hots up! Each child must have their layers verified by an adult and their photo taken.
Cleaning Up - not just for this experiment...
This will be your best friend!
This will be your best friend!
Save your voice....
Save your voice....
Just ring the bell
Just ring the bell
This is a game changer. Your party will be noisy and chaotic at times. Save your voice... just ring the bell. It works. It really, really works and saves you and your voice. A very kind way to control noise levels and signal an end of an activity.
TIP: The magic works 'pack up' does not always resonate with some children. Everyone needs to know these experiments are a joint effort - including the cleaning up. If everyone co-operates well, the more experiments they can do!
You're going to need this!
You're going to need this!
Lots of blue paper is essential.
Please note, these cannot be recycled (they have been recycled to make the paper in the first place)
You spray the table and the children wipe the table down.
AMAZON
Pump spray from £1 store
Pump spray from £1 store
I picked these up from £1 store.
You can get them from Amazon or online but a bit more ££.
3/4 fill with water and add some standard disinfectant and / or cheap degreaser spray. This will get rid of the sticky residue from the sugar solution.
Believe me! Pumping this up is much better than exhausting your finger on a trigger spray bottle!! MUCH faster and the kids LOVE to help...
Get some buckets / boxes / trugs
Get some buckets / boxes / trugs
During the experiment: Have buckets around for children to empty out their test tubes if they are done with their solution and wish to make more.
When cleaning up:
To speed up transitions between activities (other than making an effective schedule of activities - see my hints later), have lots of large containers on hand, filled with some H2O.
At the end of the activity, ask the children to empty everything into the buckets. Test tubes and all. This is for you to clean up later. (I know, not ideal but it works)
As a parent, this (throw it all in a bucket for later) is really important for the flow of the party and it helps to soak everything for a while before washing, too.
Here is a double sided instruction sheet you can print off. Place it inside a plastic sleeve so it doesn't get wet during the experiment
Mad scientists colours.pdfMysterious Substances (My favourite)
Things you will need (some from before)
Use the beakers from the last activity
Keep some of the coloured solutions from the last activity
Level 1: Set up (ahead of time) sets of beakers with samples from each of these things in separate beakers then children pour in H2O. Tap hot water works better (and faster)
Level 2: Witch's Cauldron: Allow children to make a magic potion from all of the results of this experiment and get some dry ice (adults only to handle) to drop in as they stir!
TOP TIP!
At the beginning of this experiment, say to the children:
Rule Number 1: Don't ask what each of these substances are, or tell me what they are. All will be revealed at the end.
Rule Number 2: Don't ask what each of these substances are, or tell me what they are. All will be revealed at the end.
Rule Number 3: Don't ask what each of these substances are, or tell me what they are. All will be revealed at the end.
Just concentrate on what is going on with the reaction and try and use the key words to explain to your partner what is happening. (Key words list below)
Believe me.... this is really important or you shall have a stream of children leaving their experiment to come and tell / ask you what the substance is!!!
I recommend an orange colour.
There is a sachet that turns it back to liquid - after it changes to gel, go around and sprinkle this over to reduce the viscosity.
AMAZON
You can pick this up cheaper at any supermarket, but just in case.
The start off as small, black specks and unfurl to be big, green leaves.
Hot water works better and makes the smell develop.
AMAZON
Any fruit tea will do.
Get something that will change the colour of the water.
The tea leaves will rise and fall in hot water and the smell is important.
AMAZON
Pour enough into the beaker to cover the bottom (or more if you want it to overflow, which is always good!!)
This powder absorbs about 3000% of its own weight in H2O and is cold, squishy and gets a lot of 'oooooohhhhh!'
AMAZON
Available in supermarkets.
White powder that will fizz quickly when H2O is added.
The same fizzing effect but different colours (orange, yellow, pink available).
You will need to grind them up into a powder, or, leave them as a tablet (the effect will take longer to happen)
I buy them from Lidl / Aldi but here is a link for convenience.
AMAZON
Hydrophobic Sand
(DO NOT get confused with KINETIC sand. They are not the same!)
Pour this from a height into a beaker of H2O and it will make a silvery snake.
Give children a spoon to fish out the sand and when they do, the sand will remain dry.
AMAZON
Not a video!
Also available on TEMU
Smaller quantity but similar in price.
It depends on how much you want to buy.
TEMU
Mysterious substances key words small.docxPrint these off and offer them to the children while they are doing the experiment. Ask them to identify which substance best represents each key word.
Using a device, children can take photos of their experiment and with the QR code, upload them to the party album.
Witche's Cauldron
Witche's Cauldron
At the end, children always beg me if they can mix everything together.
These 'cocktail bowls' can be found at £1 stores (but Amazon link here for convenience)
IF YOU WANT to spend a bot of ££ on dry ice (it's about £50 all in) - it does have a wonderful effect and makes a great picture / video.
THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE! But you will need to take turns. An ultrasonic aquarium mister can be used to create the same effect. Links to both below.
Dry Ice
Dry Ice
ADULT USE ONLY
Use with appropriate safety gloves etc and keep away from children at all times.
Other websites sell dry ice - prices vary.
Ultrasonic Aquarium Mister
Ultrasonic Aquarium Mister
Around £15 - so for the same ££ as dry ice, you could get 2....
BUT, the children will have to take turns rather than everyone having their cauldron bubble and smoke at the same time. It depends on your budget and audience.
These do give a decent effect and are safe to be around children unsupervised, unlike dry ice.
AMAZON
Body parts ice cube trays
Body parts ice cube trays
Use the water based dyes to make different coloured body parts to throw into the witche's cauldron.
AMAZON
Gummy Brains
Gummy Brains
Throw these into the caulron or have them on the table for a fun addition to your theme!
AMAZON
Jelly Body Parts
Jelly Body Parts
If you're prepared ahead of time, £1 shops sell jelly body parts etc... Buy them and put them away.
However, you can get them online:
ETSY
Skeleton Mobiles
Skeleton Mobiles
Skeleton Mobiles
Again, if you're preparing ahead of time, £1 shops have smaller versions of these at a fraction of the price.
Remove the rivets and make these into a puzzle.
Print out the bone names and this can become an activity to learn the specific names of the bones in the body.
AMAZON
Cotton Bud Skeletons
Cotton Bud Skeletons
Another £1 shop buy - cotton buds.
Stick to black card.
OR
White pencils to draw their own skeleton.
(Pack of 12)
AMAZON
Bone names.docxBONE NAMES
Print off both pages (be sure it is not on double sided mode). Get several different pieces of coloured paper and copy off the bone names. Cut them up into sets (this stops sets being mixed up with the others). Print off the answer sheet but first, allow children to have a go labelling what they know before giving them the answers and labelling all of the bones. You could always turn this into a quiz or even 'pin the femur / skull / patella on the skeleton' type of game. You can use the extra large skeleton mentioned above on a black background.
Paper plate skeleton mobile
Paper plate skeleton mobile
Work collaboratively in groups to make paper plate skeletons.
Best to buy treasury tags to put them together and single hole, hole punches (rather than punching holes with scissors)
Colour in the skeleton.
NOTE: Forearm and lower leg bones should be 2 bones and not one, as shown in the picture. Colour in the central part of these in black to show that the bones are separate.
IF they have learnt how to label the bones from the previous activity, they can label the bones on their mobile.
Treasury tags
Treasury tags
AMAZON
Paper plate 'Day of the Dead' masks
Paper plate 'Day of the Dead' masks
Use a lolly stick to turn them into masks. Great take home gift.
Canister Rockets
Do this outside
Squirt some water (any amount) into the canister and put in a tablet
When you put the lid on the canister, make sure there is an audible 'click' or the seal will not contain the gas and bubbles will appear on the side of the lid
Place the canister lid side down on the floor
NOTE: This takes a little time, so tell the children to be patient the first time round!
If the canister doesn't explode, check the lid is securely attached
Film Canisters
Film Canisters
Note the 'over the top' style of lid.
I find these work better than the lid that is more commonly found that clicks into (rather than over) the canister.
AMAZON
Syringes
Syringes
From previous activity
TEMU
There are other sizes available (cheaper and more in a bundle) but I find 20ml is the best for this experiment
Marbling Kit
Marbling Kit
I'm not a fan of kits for science, but here are a few things that work and I think are worth it.
Well worth it and everyone gets to take something home!
TEMU
Easy to use and enough for a number of children to make their own.
Bath potion kit (x9)
Bath potion kit (x9)
Something that is brief, but fun!
Can be re-used with water based colours, washing up liquid, bicarbonate of soda and vinegar. Can also be taken home in party bag (used / unused)
TEMU
Bubble-ology
Make your own bubble mixture
Make your own bubble mixture
Tips: It doesn't matter which container you use to measure. Just use the same container for the 1:6 ratio. No complicated measuring required! Try to make the solution at least 48 hours prior to let some of the H2O to evaporate, making the solution stronger and more resilient when blowing bubbles.
Adding glycerine (not to be confused with glycerol, although it does work) and / or corn syrup will help the bubbles last longer.
Use different coloured washing up liquid (aim for colours like red, green, purple, blue) and add H2O for the 1st solution
Get some glycerine (see link below) to strengthen the 2nd solution
Add some corn syrup to a 3rd solution
Add glycerine and corn syrup to a 4th solution
The aim is for the children to compare the solutions and judge which one is best
Ask children to refrain from blowing bubble directly into the 'mother' beaker(s)
Tell children that towards the end, they will be able to mix together some of the solutions (in a separate beaker) to make their perfect bubble solution, but not at the start.
They can dip their straw in more than one solution (at the start) if they feel this improves their bubble blowing experience.
Things you will need:
Beakers (from before) - Up to 4 solutions per set and one of plain H2O.
Beakers for plain H2O and cloths to wipe water on the table (you can also use the spray bottles from before to mist the tables). The beaker needs to be used to dip the straw into, too.
You may need to remove any tablecloths and just use the flat surface.
Straws - I recommend £1 shops. If they have different thickness of straw, then these can also be a variable in the experiment to find the best combination for blowing bubbles.
Blue paper rolls for controlling spills - be prepared for things to get a little wet on and around the table! (Part of the fun!) But be careful of spills and slippery floors. Have a supply of old tea towels / towels on hand for mopping up. More ecological than blue paper.
Glycerine
Glycerine
A reasonably priced 100ml. You can get little samples in the baking aisle but cost more per ml
AMAZON
Reusable straws (not paper)
Reusable straws (not paper)
Just in case. 50 in this set of different colours
AMAZON
TIP: This is another thing they can add to their take home goodie bag. £1 shot glass with a print out of the bubble mixture recipe attached to it (for context... a shot glass alone may not look good!)
You're going to need these
You're going to need these
Buy some name sticker labels. Tiresome, I know, but for each child, make around 6 labels and place them in their take home goodie bag. Every time they need a label, they find their goodie bag (also labelled with their name) and put their name on something (like the straw). That way, everyone retains their things and if something is lost, can be returned.
These will also be useful in coming activities - not just this one! More fun to come!!
TEMU
Speaking of goodie bags....
Speaking of goodie bags....
Here are some examples of goodie bags that are available. Plastic, paper or woven fabric.
TEMU
Tip: Everything must be wet. If the bubble touches anything dry (ie: straw, dry spot on the table), the bubble will pop. If children wet their hands, they can blow a bubble in their palm and hold it.
Challenge 1: Who can blow the biggest bubble?
Challenge 1: Who can blow the biggest bubble?
Perhaps have a flip chart / whiteboard on legs to record and update the leaderboard.
Challenge 1: Blow the biggest bubble. When the bubble pops, it should leave an outline on the table. An adult has to verify the width of the bubble before adding the child's name to the leaderboard.
Prize for the winner (set a time limit).
Challenge 2: Bubble within a bubble... within a bubble
Challenge 2: Bubble within a bubble... within a bubble
Bubbles must be completely independent of each other. No ladybird effect or igloos (you will know what I mean when you do this!)
Who can get the most bubbles within a bubble?
Leaderboard on flip chart and prize for the winner (set a time limit).
Once these experiments are completed, it is now free play. They can blow bubbles directly into the mother solutions, mix the solutions to make their own solution for more bubbles, blow bubbles in their hands.... anything!
Children love the free play at the end.
As a parent, you will need to take a deep breath and let them make a complete swamp of the place. Don't worry!! A few towels and blue paper, along with your spray bottles with degreaser will work their magic at clean up time. Ask the children to throw everything into a trug and help with the clean up - don't do it all yourself.
Toothpick Towers / Molecule Models
Toothpick Towers / Molecule Models
Who can build the tallest tower?
Who can build the tallest tower that can support.... an orange?
You can do this with: grapes, dried fruit (like cranberries), marshmallows, sweets.
Set a time limit and a little prize for the winners (perhaps work in pairs / teams)
THIS is well worth it!
THIS is well worth it!
Shrink Plastic - draw your design and then watch as it magically shrinks before your eyes!
Shrink plastic set. Draw their design on the plastic (based on the science theme of the party)
NOTE: Use felt tip / marker pens... not the pencils (so much) and be sure to let the ink dry before putting into the oven at 165C. Takes 1-2 minutes to shrink.
Can also be done with a heat gun.
A great take home creation!
TEMU
Amazon
Water on Coins - surface tension
Surface Tension - dripping H2O on coins
Surface Tension - dripping H2O on coins
How many drops of H2O can go onto a coin? How about the heads and tails sides? Does it change? Why?
Make a chart to track results and compare at the end.
TIP: Depending on your level of trust, plastic coins work just as well for this.
Use the beakers from before and coloured H2O
Pounds & pence
Pounds & pence
Use a calculator to find the average to the nearest drop, rounding up.
Euros & cents
Euros & cents
Copy the image and paste into a document, printing off 2 at a time.
Paper Chain Challenge
Who will make the longest?
Who will make the longest?
An easy one!! Do in groups in a time limit.
Everyone gets the same size of coloured paper, scissors and tape.
Which way should you fold? cut? How long should each ring be? How are you going to organise your group to complete the challenge in the time given? Should different people have different roles?
Give a time limit and then lay them all on the floor / hang them from the wall to determine the winning group.
FREE!! Choose an animal / shape based on your theme.
Who can tear the best shape out of a piece of newspaper?
Yes, these are elephants!
Yes, these are elephants!
Head down to the local tube / train station and pick up some free newspapers.
The challenge: You can do this as a 'best of 3' challenge with different animals.
On a flipchart, provide an image of an animal or item of your choice. Give everyone 30 seconds to look at the image. Cover the image (see tip below).
Explain that they don't have to tear out that exact image, it is just a guide. Any aspect - front, side etc is acceptable but it must be the best resemblance of that animal / object.
Make sure that children have their name stickers as they will need to put these on the back.
Have an independent judge that does not see them do the activity.
TIP: Give each of the children 3 tokens per round (use the coins from the other activity / coloured slips of paper which they write their name on etc...) Without fail, some children will ask to see the image again. Using the token system (where they have to trade in each time) makes them think really carefully before asking.
Once done, blu tack or pin their image (with their name on the back) on a wall / board in separate areas for each round.
When doing another activity, the independent judge will choose a shortlist of 3 from each, then, based on overall impressions, announce the 3rd, 2nd and ultimate winner.
This way, it is not just the host child who may be seen as the winner and the children will see this as fair.
Egg Toss
Egg Toss
Boiled or Raw? Who knows?
Completely random. Boil one egg, leave the rest raw. Put them all in a bowl for everyone to choose.
Each pair needs to throw the egg between them. After 3 throws, everyone needs to take 2-3 steps backward.
Keep throwing until there is only a few pairs left.
The final pair, make a play off then crack the eggs!
Science Photo Booth
Science Photo Booth
Strong and sturdy, these can be used for photo booth masks
Strong and sturdy, these can be used for photo booth masks
TEMU
Who can pierce the most skewers in the bag?
Who can pierce the most skewers in the bag?
WARNING!!! This is a rigged experiment.....
Do it in teams and make it fast. Who can put the most skewers in the bag in the time allocated?
Hang ziplock bags filled with water from a washing line (outside) and ask children who thinks they can pierce them with skewers without leaking?
No matter how many skewers they put in, the bag will remain intact....
BUT it is a bit of ironic fun!!
At the end, get the children around and give them the opportunity to remove as many of the skewers as they can to make the H2O leak as fast as it can....
THEN.... If I am honest and you've come this far in my blog.... make a PINATA (I shall leave you to Google this one because some ready made ones I've seen are £70+!) Get some cardboard, crepe paper and put some sweets inside. C'mon! It's a party!!
You know what to do... a stick, a blindfold, spin around and hit the pinata....
Yeah.... but I think you could do better!!
Yeah.... but I think you could do better!!
Make your own Piñata
£1 shop sweets... a bit of cardboard and some crepe / tissue paper?
A broom handle....
You can do it!!
Make a vacuum cleaner from a plastic bottle
This is an advanced experiment - requires resiliance!
BUT... really rewarding when they get it - the shouts of delight are well worth it. I usually do this with 11 year olds.
Buy a set like this (cheaper than individual pieces)
Buy a set like this (cheaper than individual pieces)
The focus of the set is the battery packs, motors and the little cogs that attach to the end of the motor. Switches are also useful.
AMAZON
Again, electricals are better from Amazon.
Crocodile Clips
Crocodile Clips
You will need (minimum) 2 per experiment but once you include the switch, 3.
AMAZON (30 pieces)
TEMU (10 pieces)
Save your plastic bottles
Save your plastic bottles
You will need to cut them in half, keeping the top half with the narrow neck (important).
Provide a various selection: small bottles, large and even different lengths.
Propeller from card
Propeller from card
Not from metal, but thick card.
To make things progress smoothy, cut out circles of card (they can cut the slits and bend the blades themselves)
If your card is not as thick as you like, fold the card in half and use a glue stick to stick the two pieces together. Let them dry under weighted books.
Put a cog on the motor
Put a cog on the motor
From the kit, put any of the cogs on the end. If there are flat cogs, these help.
Using blu tack or some strong double sided tape, attach the propeller .
Attach wires from the battery pack to the motor. Place the propeller / motor inside the plastic bottle near the neck of the bottle.
Use something like the 'dots' from a hole punch to vacuum (or blow... see below).
NOTE: Depending on how the propeller blades are bent, the vacuum cleaner will either blow or vacuum (avoid saying 'suck' in science!) This can be changed in two ways:
Turn the propellor over
Swap the clips to the battery pack around (change the polarity of the power... + to - or vise versa)
Use the terms 'leaf blower' and 'vacuum cleaner' to identify which is which.
If the children are able to make one, challenge them to figure out how to make the other.
Encourage the children to persevere. It is a tricky investigation but once one group manages to make the vacuum cleaner work, there will be shouts of delight. This will draw the attention of those struggling to see how to make it work before achieving the goal themselves.
Gauze, loose weave fabric etc
Gauze, loose weave fabric etc
As an extension, ask children to add a switch or provide some net fabric and ask them how they could use this to stop the dots from flying out the back of the bottle.
Give them some masking tape to secure the fabric.
Hungry Hippo Style Game with Straws and Coloured Squares
Time limit Challenge
Time limit Challenge
Quite a straight forward game.
Either use straws (or the vacuum cleaner they have made) to collect as many of their coloured squares.
I would have enough resources for 4 children to do the activity on different tables.
Run heats, a semi final and final.
You can choose to run semi finals on other tables to have second and third place winners. For example, all of the people who came second on a 2nd table, everyone who came third on a 3rd table. The winner of each table is given the title of 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
This way, it keeps everyone involved and others are not just standing around. Very inclusive.
Put Put Boat Racing
One of my favourite!
Put Put Boats
Put Put Boats
Buy these on Ebay.
Around £20 for a set of 10
(More expensive on Amazon and Temu)
The way they are described on Ebay are:
Tin Pop Pop Putt Putt Steam Boat Toy, Pack of 10, tin toy boat Multicolor
98cm Multi Use Plastic Grow Bag Tray
98cm Multi Use Plastic Grow Bag Tray
This is your 'race track' and you will need to run some sturdy string or rope to make the lanes.
AMAZON
(You can also get them at B&Q)
I heated a BBQ skewer on the hob and made a hole in the plastic at each end to thread the string through and tie.
You will need to experiment with this to ensure on the day, boats don't jump over into another lane!
Make a finish line with long skewers stuck / taped to the side and some black and white checkered flags on a string (fun to make before the party)
Tea Lights to replenish the wax in the put put boats
Tea Lights to replenish the wax in the put put boats
An easy way to drip wax onto the little tray on the put put boats to revive the mini candle.
AMAZON
(or... of course, Ikea!)
Long handle lighters (safer for children)
AMAZON
(or... £1 shop - just ensure they have suitable length for safety. Even the short nose style is OK. Usually you can pick these up 2x£1)
Use this checkered flag idea along a string to make the finish line, tied to skewers stuck to either side of the tray
Using long skewers, I made banners that I stuck to either side of the tray to make the race more atmospheric (great for photos!)
Be sure the design is on front and back. Just use clear tape to attach to the skewer or glue the two designs together over the skewer.
THIS is A LOT of fun! Water balloon pin head fight!
Pin Head Fight
Pin Head Fight
You will need to construct these from flat pack ahead of time.
TEMU
Water balloons from £1 shop (be sure to get a balloon pump, too. It's exhausting trying to blow the balloons yourself.) Have a large bag of pre inflated balloons to hand. You're going to go through a lot!
I would order 3-4 sets so everyone is engaged in heats and rounds. Have a leader board and bring it to a grand final.
Teabag Rockets. Very Cool!
Safety first, though
Safety first, though
You need very specific tea bags - you cannot use the pyramid, square or round versions (see below for suggestion)
Use the long nose lighters from the previous experiment
Make sure there is no wind (like an open window) to blow the teabag over while it is alight (this includes children rushing around, creating a wind as they pass)
You can do this inside quite safely, but it does create ash that will linger and need cleaning up
Remind children that NOTHING ELSE, other than the teabag is to be lit (ie: tea, string, label)
Tubular tea bags
Tubular tea bags
Not easy to find and some (individually wrapped fruit teas) can be very expensive.
This is very good with 100 tea bags for around £5 (ish, at time of publication)
These are my best find and the tube shape that will work
Cut a straight line across the top, pour out the tea and use your fingers to make the best tube / cylinder you can.
BE SURE to do this on a plate / bread board as it will leave a slight burn mark.
Light at the top (at the bottom won't work)
AMAZON
Egg in a Bottle... Do it upside down!
Egg in a bottle... with a twist
Egg in a bottle... with a twist
I don't think this needs explanation.
Except, make sure you shell and wet the egg.
Leave the egg in an egg cup (for safety) and lower the bottle over the egg.
3 candles placed closely together works much better than 1 (you try beforehand).
Fun, but a bit short-lived for a party activity v's set up and clean up.
All the same, a classic.
The Chocolate Game - who can resist?
Unhealthy? Yes. Exciting? You better believe it!!
Unhealthy? Yes. Exciting? You better believe it!!
I think most people know this one, but just in case....
Have a variety of things to put on. Hat, gloves, scarf, funny glasses...
Have a (large) dice. Whoever rolls a 6 (or number of your choice) has to quickly put on all the accessories and then use a knife and fork to cut up (or open first... leave the packaging on - it's more fun!) the chocolate. You can't use your hands to eat the pieces.
Each child rolls the dice while they are eating the chocolate and if they roll a 6, have to take off the accessories and the next, put them on before beginning cutting the chocolate.
Depending on how many children there are, you may wish to have more than one game going on at the same time.
This is a BIG ONE. A lot of effort, but WELL WORTH it!
I feel I need to show you the end game before embarking on how to...
I've thrown this party 3 times now (for adults) and it is SO impressive, I am asked when I will be doing it again ALL the time!
Let me just run through the basics of what I did:
Local fabric store sold netting by the roll. With invisible hemming tape (and and iron), I made the loops at the top to thread onto the gazebo poles
Gazebos were cheap, roof only versions from B&Q
Balloons were from USA (I have a link below, but not sure about postage to the UK)
Rattan lampshades were from a discount store with floral foam inside (soaked for 24 hours)
Buddleia flowers grow all around us, near railway overpasses and we cut bags and bags of them for free
Bowls of cut fruit (apple, pears and citrus) covered in a honey / H2O solution were on the tables for the butterflies to fly down and feed from
Butterfly magnets from Amazon (link below)
Butterfly pin badges were from RSPB but similar can be found on Temu / Amazon and other websites
There are LOTS of butterfly related decorations out there!! Go forth and find the style you want!!
Butterfly Kits
Butterfly Kits
These are from:
INSECT LORE UK
I ordered 2 x 33 caterpillars.
You need to order these around 4-5 weeks before the party but must read all of the information on the website carefully about how to raise, hatch and care for your caterpillars.
When hatching from chrysalis, they need a smaller enclosure (sold on their website, but can be picked up on Ebay etc...) before being moved to a larger enclosure.
I found mesh laundry bags big enough BUT do not overcrowd butterflies or their wings will deteriorate. Ensure they have enough food (flowers, fruit, sugar / honey water) and avoid keeping them in the enclosure for too long before the party.
This is why you need to plan the timing very carefully.
Please treat wildlife with respect and love and have a moment at the end of the party where you release the butterflies into the wild.
Make themed cookies! There are many cutters on the market and some very specialist types on Etsy. Tips - use soft dough and make sure you refrigerate the cookies before baking or the pattern will be less pronounced. Lightly flour the cutter before pushing it into the dough. Sometimes outline cutters give a better result than those with patterns within. You will need to have a practice run.
Cup Stacking Challenge
Cup Stacking Challenge
Rule number 1: No one touches the cups!
Rule number 2: No one touches the cups!
Rule number 3: No one touches the cups!
(Unless they fall off the table)
Work as a group to achieve each other challenges. Have multiple groups and race against the other groups to be the first to complete each challenge.
Look at the challenge cards below:
cup_stacking_challenge.pdf
Sturdy Cups (50/100)
Sturdy Cups (50/100)
Mad Libs - a bit of story telling fun!
Working in pairs (previously, I have made a list of the requirements in blank so there is no influence when they are filling in the story) one child asks the others for the information required to fill in the blanks. Then, as a group, read the story aloud for everyone to hear. You can find many, many different versions online for free!
These can also be rolled up and placed into their goodie bag to take home.
Science mad libs.docxScience mad libs with list.docxMake jello worms! (Pre-party) and try to eat them with chopsticks
Just a whole lot of fun!
Just a whole lot of fun!
Lovely, slippery little worms to delight and disgust!
Find instructions here:
Extra challenge: buy a pack of £1 wooden chopsticks and the challenge is to eat them using the chopsticks! A lot of fun
🪱🪱🪱🪱🤣
Evolution tag game
Evolution tag game
Start off as an egg, evolve into a God (in the end!)
Some stop at superhero - but you can go one step further and if you achieve superhero status and win the next 'paper, scissors, rock' game, you evolve into a God who stands on an elevated surface and expects people to worship and admire them! LOL (C'mon, it's just a bit of fun)
A great ice breaker game and a lot of fun to run off some energy.
Youtube clip:
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