Why Choose DIY Indoor Party Games?

Clowns, pizza parlors and indoor amusement parks are great fun for children’s parties, but they are expensive and will only lead to high expectations for other children in the family and for their friends. And they probably afford no more entertainment and excitement than these ideas will.
   It’s still too chilly for an outdoor party, so bring the fun inside where you, your children and their friends can enjoy these homemade games for any birthday or special party occasion. Add simple refreshments, and you’ll have a hit on your hands. 

Egg-Carton Adding Game

• Egg cartons
• Marking pens
• Pennies
• Cord for throwing line

   This simple game only takes a few pennies to play. Cut bottom section from one or two egg cartons. With marking pen, mark random numbers from one to 12 on bottom of each individual compartment.
   Place cartons on floor or table.
   Place cord on floor as throwing line 2 to 5 feet from cartons. Children take turns standing behind cord and throwing pennies into egg carton sections.
   To compute score, child must add numbers under his pennies. Each child keeps a running total of his or her score, and the first to reach 100 (or any preset score) wins. This game provides fun as well as math-skill building. Variation: Have children toss two pennies, then multiply numbers.
   Add points after five to 10 rounds for total score. 

Indoor Miniature Golf

   Set up your own golf course in the family room or living room.
   You will need:
       • Traps and obstacles (small odd-shaped boxes)
       • Cans with both ends cut out
       • Small pillows, throw rugs and other obstacles
       • Putter (3-inch length of 1-inch dowel with hole drilled to fit 1 1/2-inch dowel 30 inches long)
       • Whiffle or PG (practice) balls
   Use your imagination to think of household items to make your own miniature golf course.
   Place obstacles to putt around, under, over and through. Lowest number of strokes wins.