A luau theme can be a lot of fun for a kid's party. Transforming the backyard or other designated area into a tropical paradise isn't as hard as it may sound. There are also various games and activities that compliment the luau theme that will entertain children for hours. Does this Spark an idea?
Invitations
While there are various types of invitations that can be purchased for a luau party, making flip-flop invitations is fairly simple and they are a great fit for a children's luau party. Turquoise, orange and pink card stock is needed to make the invitations, as well as lime-green ribbon, scissors, a glue stick, small hole punch, a ruler and a small flower embellishment. Lime envelopes can be purchased to put the invitations in.
First, measure the envelopes and cut the turquoise card stock 1/2-inch smaller than the envelope in both length and width. The orange card stock should be cut 1/2-inch smaller in length and width than the turquoise card stock. Then cut out a flip-flop shape from the pink card stock.
Then cut two 3-inch sections of ribbon and punch a hole in the top of the flip-flop shaped card stock. String the ribbon through the hole and glue it in place. The ribbon will form the straps to the flip-flops. Add the flower embellishment to cover the hole made with the hole punch. Then glue the entire flip-flop onto the orange card stock.
Finally, glue the entire piece onto the turquoise card stock and write the party details on the back. This should include the date, time and location of the luau. Also, instruct the guests to wear their swimming suits to the party.
Decorations
Turning an area into a tropical paradise for children doesn't have to be difficult. Set up a small children's pool and fill it with water. To make it seem more like a beach destination, cover the area around the pool with sand. Streamers, balloons and table linens should be in bright colors, like orange, turquoise, pink, yellow, lime green and purple. Purchase grass table skirts for the food table and gift table if the party is a birthday party. Setting up a sandbox can add to the ambiance and provide an additional activity for the kids. Tiki torches can be purchased and line the walkway to make guests feel like they are entering a tropical paradise and inflatable palm trees should be placed in strategic places as well. As the guests arrive, give them each a lei to complete the theme.
Games
Hula Hoop Statues is a game similar to freeze dancing only played with hula hoops. Give each child a hula hoop and have an adult control the music. While the music is playing, the kids try to keep the hula hoops up. When the music stops, the kids have to freeze, making the hula hoops drop to the ground. Any child who moves when they are supposed to be frozen is out of the game.
For the surf board shuffle, cardboard cut outs of surf boards are needed. These can easily be made and decorated. They should be long enough for a child to lay on. Line the children and their surf boards up at the starting line and establish a finish line. Have the children lay on the surf boards on their stomachs. The kids must push themselves using their arms to the finish line. The first kid to cross the finish line wins.
Hide the seashell is similar to hide the thimble. The person whose turn it is must leave the room or party area. The other kids then decide on a place to hide the seashell. This should be a place that is at least partly visible so the game doesn't last forever. Once the seashell is hidden, the child can re-enter the area and try to find the seashell.
Kids will love a kiddie limbo game. A limbo pole and music are needed to play. Have the children line up and move under the pole. After they have all had a turn, lower the pole and repeat the process. The kids should be bending backwards and trying not to touch the limbo pole while going under. If they fall or touch the pole, they are out of the game. The last one left standing is the winner.
Refreshments
Keep the refreshments simple for a children's luau party. Fruit punch can be served for drinks. A fruit plate and chips are fine for food. If a cake is needed for the party, a pineapple upside down cake is great way to stick to the luau theme.
Tags: card stock, finish line, hula hoops, luau theme, surf boards