Pop the Balloon

Love this game from my childhood where you write a message on a little piece of paper, fold it up small and put it in a balloon, and blow the balloons up and hang them on strings from the ceiling.  The kids then choose a balloon to pop with a pin, and read the message inside. 

In my last party where I did this, it was a description of one of the prizes on a tray, and that's the one they got.  You could however put something silly for them to do, like jumping jacks or singing a song, and then they choose a prize. 

*Always keep careful track of the pin and make sure children remain safe while handling it.*

Mario Brothers Birthday Treasure Hunt

I had a Mario Birthday for my son about a year ago, and found the poem for the treasure hunt:

(The kids had to figure out the missing word and then run there to find the next clue.)

The Mario Brothers need to find
A treasure where it hides.
It might be a little cold,
So it's probably ________.
(outside)

It might be cold, so they better
grab hats and shoes and socks.
The next place they need to look
is in the ____________.
(sandbox)

Slow down now, don't run too fast
or you might skin your knee.
The brothers need to look up high;
the next clue's in a _________.
(tree)

You're doing great, you're doing fine.
Your next clue is in a ___________.
(vine)

Your next clue is right in reach.
Find it next to Princess _____________.
(Peach; peach tree)

Now the clues begin to harden.
Go to where you plant a __________.
(garden)

Mario Brothers are on their way!
Hurry, don't be late!
There's another clue to find
by the great big_________.
(gate)

One more clue, yes, this is it!
Find the prize, you will!
But please don't burn it to a crisp
Your prize is in the _________.
(grill)

Then the prizes for everyone are in the grill (obviously). =)