Airplane

Here is a birthday party game for older children that is similar to pin the tail game. They'll love the suspense!

Before the game, cut airplane shapes out of cardboard for each player. Write each person's name on the airplane to avoid any confusion over who wins. Hang a map on the wall and mark "runway" spot somewhere in the middle of it.

At the start of the game, gather the players on the opposite side of the room from the map. Put several obstacles on the floor: wastebaskets, pillows, chairs, etc. (Be sure that the obstacles are not breakable or too small -- so the kids won't trip over them.) Give the children some time to study the placement of the obstacles and the "runway" spot.

Then blindfold the players, give them their airplanes, and get them to move towards the map without touching the obstacles and pin their airplanes as close to the "runway" as they can. Remind the kids to move slowly so they don't get injured.

If a child touches one of the obstacles, it's considered a plane crash and the player is out. If the player pins his plane on "water", it's considered a crash-landing. The player who puts his or her airplane on land close to the "runway" is the winner.

"Airplane" Variations:

*Offer paint, glitter, markers and similar supplies so the kids can decorate their airplanes before the game. If you have extra time, they can create their own "fantasy" map to use for the game.

*To make the game easier, have the kids focus on reaching the map only, without worrying about "landing" their planes on the water surface.

*For extra challenge, you can spin the kids around once or twice before they move in the direction of the map. (Just don't spin them too hard or too long.)