Blow Ball

Blow Ball is a children's party game where two or more players compete against each other. It is not as easy to win as it sounds.

Age: Younger children

No. of players: 2 or more

Equipment: A ping-pong (table tennis) ball for each competitor; one clean drinking straw per player

Time: 5+ minutes

Aim: To be the first player to blow their ball along the course to the finish line.

Blow Ball is a racing preschool party game that is not as easy to win as it sounds. Make sure each player has their own drinking straw before the race so that they are not swapping germs by using dirty straws.

1. Mark out a starting line and finish line a few metres/yards apart. You could also choose to make a simple obstacle course where players must blow their balls around a series of obstacles (like cups, pencils and so on) before they get to the finish line. If you choose to make an obstacle course, make sure that each player's course is identical.

2. Players line up with their ping-pong ball on the start line. On the command "Go!" the competitors must use their straws to blow their balls from the start to the finish. The balls must not be touched by the straw or any parts of their bodies.

3. The first player to blow their ball across the line wins.

It may be helpful if an adult or older child shows the competitors how to use their straws to blow the balls before the competition. The winner of each round can be given a prize, or you may choose to have an elimination competition where one player wins the whole competition. Children may also enjoy a non-competitive game where every child who blows their ball over the finish line wins a prize.