Summer means... Pool Games

Handstands in the Pool

My sister and I spent hours (and hours) playing in the pool in the summer. Endless games of "olympic gymnast", Marco Polo, under water tea parties, sharks and minnows and more. Below is a list of pool games for hours of fun. There's also a $1 blow up raft that can also be hours of entertainment. So, head in to the pool and have fun!

Olympic Gymnast - Perfect for an Olympic year... have kids make up "gymnastic" floor routines that they must do. Have one person watch the other as they perform and grade them. Make sure to include handstands, back bends, flips, cart wheels and more. (The best part is it is so much easier in the water!)

Underwater Tea Parties - I had a coach growing up who loved to throw under water tea parties. It was great practice for holding your breath, and also very fun to sit on the bottom of the pool (in the shallow end) and talk! One by one he'd let us know what we had to bring to the party and we'd go under water and put it on the "table."  Once the table was set, the food in place, we'd head back under and munch away!

Here are more pool game ideas for hours of fun:
Marco Polo, Sharks and Minnows, Crazy Relays and More
Pool Games on Swimmingpool.com
Klutz book on Swimming Pool Games

Fun in the Sun Pool Party Games

Pool Game Fun - Handstand Contest!

I grew up in a pool! I spent many hours just bobbing up and down with my sister completely content. We also played endless amount of pool games. Here are a few of my all-time favorites, perfect for your Pool Party.

The Tried and True: Marco Polo and Sharks and Minnows
These 2 games are king and queen of the pool! Here is a quick overview of each game.

Marco Polo
Depending on the size of the pool and number of swimmers, you can either designate a small or large area to have the game. Once decided it's time to pick who is Marco. He/She must go under water, close his/her eyes and count to 10. When up, with eyes still closed, he yells, "Marco." All the other players (scattered in the designated area) yell "Polo."

The object of the game is for Marco to tag one of the other players. When tagged, he becomes the new Marco, and the game starts over. My favorite part of this game is "fish out of water." Players can get out of the pool if they like, but if Marco calls, "fish out of water," any player who is not in the water (not even a toe), becomes the new Marco.

Sharks and Minnows
One person is picked as the shark. She stays on one side of the pool, and all the rest of the kids go to the other side (if the pool is large, you can use just the width of the pool not length.) The shark then yells, "minnows go." The minnows must then swim to the opposite end and not be tagged by the shark. The shark swims across and tries to tag as many minnows as possible. As soon as a minnow has been tagged, he/she becomes a shark. The game continues until there is one remaining minnow. He becomes the new shark.

Crazy Relays
Relays are a great way to entertain kids at a party. Since some guests may not be the best swimmers or have the most elegant stroke, it's fun to come up with some "crazy" relays for all to have fun. Here are some suggestions:

Kickboard Relay
Split the party into 2 teams. Line them up on one side of the pool. One member kicks across the pool, then hands the board to his team mate.

Kickboard/Surfer Relay
The same as the kickboard relay, but kids need to either sit or stand on the board and use their arms to get across the pool.

Feet First Relay
This is lots of fun. Basically, the kids "sit" in the water (like on a lounge chair) and use their arms to paddle forward, keeping their feet first at all times. The first toes to touch at the end, win!

T-Shirt Relay
For the first swimmer, this is relatively easy. He/She starts the relay by swimming across the pool with a t-shirt on. When done, he needs to get out of the pool, take the t-shirt off and pass it to the next person, who must put it on. (The trick to this relay is to lock arms, and have someone help "pull" the t-shirt between people.)

Water Ballon Relay
Kids must push a water ballon across the pool to their team member and continue until the last person pushes it to the end.

Underwater Relay
Just like the name says, kids must swim underwater the whole way across the pool. Of course they can come up to breathe, but no strokes.

Corkscrew Relay
Kids must swim in a corkscrew (twirling around and around) as the head down the pool. This is a dizzy, but very funny game, since it's very hard to swim in a straight line!

Inner Tube Relay
Each team gets an inner tube. One at a time the person must get in the inner tube and paddle (however they like, whether it's kicking or using arms or both) across the pool and pass the inner tube to his team mate.

More Pool Game Ideas
Handstand Contest
Handstands are the best in the pool since they are so easy. Have the kids perform their best handstands and give them ratings.

Gymnastics Routine Contest
Just like handstands, performing a gymnastics routine is fun, and much simpler in a pool than on land! Give the participants a set of "moves" they must accomplish in their routine (for instance, a hand stand, a flip, a cart wheel, a bend over, etc.) Now have them show their stuff!

Underwater Tea Party
One of my first swim coaches when I was a very little girl threw the best underwater tea parties around. This is a great game for little ones where just dunking in the pool is a big deal. The host of the party says, "OK, time to set up for the party. First let's put out the place mats." Then everyone dunks and sets up their pretend placemat. Next, the plates, cups, tea, cookies, etc... all pretend of course. Once the table is set, all get to go under and "have a party".

Pool Party Invitations and Party Ideas

Pool Party Invitations by BNute productions on Zazzle

Having a June birthday, and being a swimmer-- I can tell you I had many, many pool parties for my birthday! They were just what I wanted. My friends would come over, and we'd quickly change into our suits. The rest was easy-- just lots and lots of swimming, intermixed with pool games, and warm weather treats like popsicles and ice cream sandwiches. After a little food, we'd be back in the pool for more fun.

In my shop, I've created are the perfect Pool Party invites for just that type of gathering - brightly colored sun, yum and fun are ready to go! Also, if you're in need of some pool game ideas, I've got you covered there as well. Check out the links below for all your Pool Party needs: decorations, menu ideas, games and more:

• Pool Party Decoration and Menu Ideas
• Pool Party Game Ideas and More
• Pool Party Goodie Bag Ideas
• More Pool Game Ideas

County Fair Games for Your Party

And They're Off....

We love going to a fair! And the kids just love the games. The bummer is, Mom and Dad shell out so much money, and the kids barely ever win! Occasionally they get a consolation prize. You know the ones... those cheap stuffed animals that lasts all of a half day before it's newness is gone, and it is discarded in the pile of all other junk toys...

So, instead of shelling out the money at the fair, why not play the games at home! Below I've outlined some great carnival/fair style games that are perfect for a party, or any day!

Aren't They Cuuute??

Ducky Ring Toss

Object of the Game: To have your ring land around a duck in the water.

1. Buy a bunch of rubber duckies. Check out Oriental Trading and search for "toy rubber ducks" to find all sorts of styles. Also purchase an inexpensive ring toss game or two, so you can have some rings to use to throw around the ducks. (The rings can come in handy for other Carnival games as well.)

2. Once the ducks arrive, write on the bottom of them a number from 1-3.

3. Fill up the kiddie pool with lots of water.

4. Put all the ducks in the pool. The more the merrier.

5. Create 3 bins of prizes, labeled 1, 2, and 3. Note: The prizes can be anything you'd like... a toy, a stick of gum, a sticker, a box of raisins... use your imagination!

6. Have kids toss rings around the ducks. When a ring is around the duck, pick up the duck to see the number on the bottom, and let the child select the appropriate prize!

Penny Toss

Object of the Game: To have a penny land on a plate and not fall off.

1. Pull out all your pots and pans and arrange them upside down (bottoms up) together in group on your lawn. Ideally you want your pots and pans to be of different heights.

2. Cover them up with a plain sheet. Smooth the sheet so the surface is even.

3. Place plates (of different sizes) on the bottoms of the pots and pans.

4. Create some type of line where children can stand to throw the pennies.

5. Once a child's penny lands on a plate, give them the penny as a prize!

Knock the Bottles

Object of the Game: To knock down as many bottles as possible on one toss.

1. You have 2 easy choices for setting up this game...

a. buy a prepackaged set up for this game (for instance, Oriental Trading has a Milk Bottle Toss game...)

b. Or make it your self at home...

2. To make it at home Gather up 6-9 plastic soda bottles (look for bottles with very wide caps/mouths, so they can be stacked easily). Clean out, and preferably remove the label, so they are all the same.

3. Find a wiffle ball, bean bag, or some other light ball.

4. Set up the bottles in a pyramid and let the kids at it!

Hopefully some of these games will inspire you to throw your own carnival at home! In future posts, I'll make sure to write up some more!

Good Luck!

Pirate Party: Games, Entertainment and Art & Craft Ideas

The Pirates at Your Party Are Ready to Play - Time for Some Games!

You've got a rowdy group of pirates ready for some action at your Pirate Party, and you are wondering, how on earth will I entertain these rascals? Here's a list of pirate party games, entertainment ideas and arts & craft activities that will make your party time sail by!

Pirate Party Games
Shark Infested Waters
This game is like the pool game, Sharks and Minnows, but you play this on a lawn area instead. Designate one side of your yard the pirate boat and the other side the island. The space in between is the ocean. Have all the pirates stand near the boat. Have one party guest be the “head” shark. The shark tells the pirates to swim to the island. The pirates must pretend to swim from the boat to the island without getting tagged by the shark. If they are tagged they become a shark and help the sharks catch more pirates. The last pirate left becomes the new “head” shark.

Treasure Hunt
Set up a scavenger hunt through your house, yard, or neighborhood to find a treasure. This game can be as elaborate or simple as you’d like. Party guests can be broken into teams, or work together as one team if the party is small. Pick the number of “stations” for the hunt (i.e., a station could be a room in your house; a specific object like a painting, vase or identifiable plant; or a location in your neighborhood like a mailbox or street sign.) At each station provide a clue at to guide the kids to the next clue. At the end, have enough treasure to share, or leave each guest’s goodie bag.

Lost at Sea: Treasure Map
Instead of a scavenger hunt with clues, you could create a treasure map the kids need to follow to find the treasure. The map could be places in your house, yard or neighborhood. Have the final destination a place that is not easily identifiable, such that following the map is necessary.

Gaming Table: Cards and Dice
With months at sea, many pirates passed the time by playing card and dice games - of course, they played for money! Provide each guest with fake money, and let them take their chances playing a simple game like betting who gets the highest card (each player is dealt one card, highest card wins), or a dice game where kids bet if they will roll a pair or 3 of a kind or the likes (simplified version of Yahtzee.) The games can be more elaborate depending on the age of the guests.

Pirate Party Entertainment Ideas
Dress Up Box
No matter the age, dress ups are sure to please most guests. Here’s a list of items you can place in a plastic tub for all to enjoy:

• Eye Patches (see Art section for details)
• Vests (see Art section for details)
• Scarves- Head to the fabric store and pick up a couple yards of red and black polyester fabric. No sewing necessary, just cut into long strips and kids can use as a tie around their waist or around their head!
• Pirate Hats - Pick up a couple pirate hats online (www.orientaltrading.com) to add to the mix.
• Captain’s Blazer - Get out that old blue blazer or head to the second hand shop to pick up a Captain’s jacket. You can embellish with pins and colored tape stripes to make it more “authentic.”

Face Painting
What pirate wouldn’t like a skull and crossbones on his or her cheek? Hire a face painter, or ask an artist friend to help. The Klutz (www.klutz.com) Face Painting book has pirate face painting ideas, and is a great kit to own.

Read a Pirate Story
Dress up with a pirate hat, don a pirate accent and read a story or 2 to the crowd. There are many pirate books out there, some written for young folks, some for older – here are a few that might engage the crowd:

• “How I Became a Pirate” by Melinda Long
• “Pirates” by Dina Anastasio
• “Pirate Pete” by Kim Kennedy
• “Pirates” by John Matthews
• “Pirateology: The Pirate Hunter’s Companion” by William Captian Lubber

Hire a Pirate Actor or Actress
Give a call to your local high school theatre department and see if any kids would like to be a pirate for an afternoon! Perhaps they could do a skit or two to entertain the crowd.

Pirate Party Arts & Craft Ideas
Make an Eye Patch
Cut out eye patch shapes from black construction paper. Punch a hole in either side and tie a piece of yarn through each hole. Set out on a table with stickers, pretend gems, glue, gel pens and let the kids decorate.

Decorate a Pirate’s Vest
Gather several paper grocery bags for this project. Cut the center of one side, and a round “neck hole” from the bottom of the bag. On either side of the bag, cut a circle for the arm. Either set out crayons or pens, or washable paints, and let the kids decorate. You can punch holes on the edges of the cut sides, and string yarn through the holes to tie the vest closed.

Design a Treasure Map
Buy some brown paper gift wrap, and tear into letter size pieces. Crumple the paper to give it a worn, authentic look. Set out some pens and let the kids decorate! You can also print out some samples from the web to give examples for the kids to see. Type in “Treasure Map” into your favorite search site and find some images to print.

Pirate Coloring Pages
Many different websites offer coloring pages that you can print from your own computer. In your favorite search engine type in “pirate coloring pages”. Pick and choose your favorite pages to print. At the party, just set up a small art table with crayons, glitter glue and the coloring pages.

2011 - Dive on In!

The Pool on Vacation in Puerto Vallarta

It's hard to believe yesterday I was enjoying the luxurious life by this pool in the picture above and now I'm home. Although my vacation was amazing, I'm also happy to be back. I'm very fortunate to say that I LOVE what I do! I am so excited for this coming year and would love to share a few of my goals for 2011.

Printable Packages
Although I've been offering "printable" digital invitations for sometime, behind the scenes I have created may matching accessories for customers that I'd love to share with the world! From cake buntings, menu cards, and cupcake toppers to door signs, t-shirt designs, and water bottle stickers... I love creating a whole look to my party themes. This year, I plan to officially "package" and offer many of those elements together for the DIY crowd, who love to create amazing parties. Stay tuned for details!

More Photo Card Collections
I enjoyed designing my holiday photo cards this past season and look forward to creating a much wider selection of photo cards in my whimsical, vintage style... baby announcements, birthdays, weddings or any occasion, if you want a photo on your card, just let me know.

Bloggy Goodness
This past fall I attacked my blog with vigor... no more haphazard posts, but daily posts for you to help plan your special occasion. Of course, I will continue this in 2011 and include loads of free printables, games and art activities. Want to see more things on my blog? Just let me know!

I have much more up my sleeve for 2011, but don't want to spoil it all on the first Monday of the year! Be sure to email and let me know what you'd like to see from B.Nute productions in 2011. I'd love to hear your ideas!

Under the Sea Party: Game Ideas

Throwing an enchanted Under the Sea Party? Looking for ideas on how to entertain the crowd? Look no further! Here are a bunch of game ideas perfect to get those little mermaids and fish tired out!

Under the Sea Party Games
Fish for Treasure
I remember this game from my elementary school fair way back when! How fun it was to see what I would "catch" on my fishing rod! To play this game, all you need is a tub/large box or container, some pretend fishing rods, toys and magnets, and there you'll have your very own fishing hole!

Create some simple fishing rods with long sticks and a sting tied to the end. At the end of the string, tie a magnet. Now attach another magnet to a small toy. Fill a large tub (i.e., plastic container, or cardboard box) with all the small toys with magnets. Have children line up and fish for a toy!

Jelly Fish Relay
Set up an obstacle course around your yard, park or party space. Make the obstacles that are part of the course named after areas in the sea, such as: a coral field - a bunch of chairs that they need to zig zag through; an underwater cave - a play tube the kids need to crawl though; the deep abyss - a fold up table the kids need to crawl under; a jelly fish swarm - hang many crepe paper strings from the ceiling or branches of a tree that they have to "swim" through; the tide pools - put out a kiddie pool with only an inch of water in it that they need to skip through; etc. Have fun with the areas and ideas. Now simply line the kids up and have them run through the course!

Shell Hunt
Think how much fun kids have on Easter for an Easter egg hunt. Why not use the same concept, and just replace eggs with shells. The kids will love to gather the shells, and have them keep them as part of another craft or a goodie bag gift.

King Neptune Says
Here's a spin on Simon Says... same rules, just make Simon into King Neptune. If you can find a crown, a turquoise cape, and Neptune's trident for the "new" Simon, even better!

Under Water Dress Ups
Kids love dress ups, so why not set out a box of Under the Sea dress ups for the kids to put on and have fun. Here are ideas on what to put in the box:

• King Neptune's Crown
• Mermaid Crowns
• King Neptune's Trident
• Mermaid tails (perhaps this can be as easy at simple green sequin skirts with elastic waists.)
• Mermaid bikini tops
• Shell Accessories (necklaces, hair clips, etc)
• Fish Masks

We're Going on a Bear Hunt Party Invitations and Ideas

Bear Hunt Party Invitations by B.Nute productions

Swishing through the tall grass, wading through a river, squishing through mud and adventuring through a forest... A Bear Hunt birthday party is the perfect theme for your little explorer! Whether you've been reading this classic tale to your child since he was little, or if you have an active gal who can't get enough of her teddy, this theme is versatile for multi-ages. With a outdoorsy flannel background, hand drawn wood texture, and cute bear sporting a raccoon, this Bear Hunt Party invitation is the perfect look to set the tone for your adventure.

Bear Hunt Party Ideas

Bear Hunt Party Ideas
Need ideas of how to entertain the crowd? Here are a host of Bear Hunt Party games sure to please all ages:

Bear Hunt for Little Ones - Set up a bear hunt obstacle course in your own yard (or home) where little ones can crawl under tables and over pillows, where they can stomp through a wading pool of water, and sift through sand. Looking for a simpler game? Tape cutout construction paper paws or bears throughout the yard, and have the little ones find them. Here are more wonderful examples:

• We're Going on a Bear Hunt - on My Little Happies
• We're Going on a Bear Hunt - on Catch My Party from That Cute Little Cake T
• Bear Scavenger Hunt Printable Game (from my blog!)
• Bear Hunt Activity - Colorful bears cut from construction paper hidden around the yard for little ones to find (on Texas Schileicher's blog)

Bear Scavenger Hunt in a Park - Hide some small teddy bears or paper paw prints in a local park, and provide a hand drawn map for the kids to run around and find them! Here is a great example:

• Going on a Bear Hunt - Hidden Bears in a Park on Erin Miller's Blog

Bear Hunt Hike
For a slightly older crowd, head to a local forested park for your bear hunt. Again, hide small stuffed animals, or paper paw prints and have the kids hike out on a hunt! Here is a creative example:

• Bear Hunt on a forested trail on My Mummy's Pennies

Be sure to head over to Pinterest as well to see loads of Bear Hunt Party ideas, perfect to help you plan your fun adventure!

My Zoltar Wish

If I had a wish, just one wish...

today I would say,

"I wish summer would not end!"

Tomorrow school starts for my kids.

It's always a hard transition for me.

I love the late mornings of summer,

the hours floating in a pool,

the late nights up playing games, 

with out worry of an alarm in the morning.

Fall is good too, though...

It's just not the same!