Older children are a lot easier to plan a party for because they are more independent and have more skills. They are also less likely to zoom around everywhere and better able to pay attention for longer periods of time and follow instructions.
Here are some eco-friendly party themes and activities for your tweens.
Themes
The theme can be based on the reason for the party. For example, if it is a birthday party, the birthday boy or girl can pick their favorite animal and base the entire party around it. If it is for a holiday like Halloween or Thanksgiving, you could base it around animals associated with that holiday. Vampire bats or other breeds, and black cats and spiders would be three options for Halloween. The turkey, or what the new arrivals to America might have discovered when they arrived, like moose and beavers, could be another.
You could also have a day at the zoo, or a farm with animals. Many zoos offer birthday party packages. Farms will often offer working visits and let you help with the chores and the animals. Be sure every child’s parent knows what to expect and signs a waiver if required. Bring a change of clothes and shoes and plenty of hand sanitizer.
They can also help plant seeds in the spring, or harvest crops in the fall. If you have a garden yourself, introduce them to herbs and spices, and/or flowers. Gift them seed balls or packets as party favors.
Activities
Have them help with the food by making their own personal pizzas and cupcake decorations, with the designs in an animal theme. Let them taste different fresh herbs, cheeses and other toppings. Take photos, and award prizes for the best designs. Give everyone a chance to win.
Have a “treasure hunt” in the garden with clues on how to find a particular “animal”, which can be a stuffed one or a figure. Let the first one to find it keep it, and then let the remaining children hunt until everyone has a prize to take home.
Let them pretend they are on photo safari on a certain continent, like Africa, or a country like Canada and have them take pictures of the wildlife, also stuffed animals. Big cats are perfect for Africa. Polar bear safaris are very popular in Canada, and on the coast there might also be a chance to see a seal, walrus or even a whale. Share the photos in an online album and number the animals with a sticky note on the bottom. The person who guesses the number wins the toy.
A Craft Table
Print out printables to color, and get stickers, coloring books and other items to keep them occupied, especially if the weather might not be great. Let them model with clay or pipe cleaners.
Try origami. This fun and interesting craft from Japan has a lot of animal figures in it. Get the right weight of paper in different colors, and be sure to practice a few of the patterns you find before the guests arrive so you can help and no one will get frustrated.
Animal Movies
Get DVDs or stream popular animal movies. Play charades to get them to guess the names of the movies.
Dessert
Last but not least, be sure you bake a cake and shape it or decorate it to match your theme.
