How to Plan a Pioneer-Themed Children's Party

A pioneer-themed children's party is a great way to celebrate birthdays, holidays or just keep kids entertained during summer vacation. Play old-fashioned games, and serve guests classic treats. Educators can use this theme to teach about life in "olden times." Most of the projects and foods are easy and inexpensive, making this party theme easy on the budget.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Send Pioneer Invitations

1. Cut up brown paper bags into several 4"x6" pieces.

2. Use a black calligraphy pen to fill in the date, time, location, and RSVP information.

3. Indicate the pioneer theme on the invitations, and ask guests to come dressed in their frontier finest.

4. Decorate invitations with pressed flowers, ribbons, or raffia.

5. Mail invitations four weeks in advance.

Play Pioneer Games

1. Hold a flour sack race. Substitute pillowcases for flour sacks.

2. Pair children up for a three-legged race.

3. Have an egg-and-spoon race with teams of three or four.

4. Play tug of war with adults helping both sides.

5. Enjoy fresh watermelon, then hold a contest to see who can spit the seeds the farthest.

6. Award each contest winner a small bag of old-fashioned penny candy.

Serve Pioneer Treats

1. Mix up a batch of homemade lemonade and serve alongside old-fashioned sarsaparilla (root beer).

2. Offer guests sweet molasses popcorn balls.

3. Enlist guests to help pull taffy.

4. Serve homemade donuts with a dusting of powdered sugar.

5. Provide fresh seasonal fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries and watermelon.

Resources

• Backwoods Home offers modern adaptations for pioneer recipes and games.