Pop-Up Playground Event Activities
I have gathered and built a wide variety of activities for use in my Pop-Up Playgrounds for Event Entertainment.
Some are traditional and well-known, such as Stilts and Hula Hoops, while others are better seen in action to be understood; such as Ninja Tennis.
When we are preparing for an event, we draw from the options below to create our kit. Not every activity makes it to every event.
The elements of each Pop-Up Playground is tailored for each event, with considerations such as; the surface we will be on, the size of our area, the demographic and number of participants, who else is on site and what you are trying to achieve. The best way to understand our unique service is to attend an upcoming event to see us in action.
We also have an extensive range of nature-based activities and games we use for Nature Play based events. Please click through for those details.
Stilts
I have hand made all of my stilts so they are durable and useable. They are great for individual coordination and confidence. Many adults’ eyes light up, saying they haven’t tried to walk on stilts like this since they were a child. Many children are using them for the first time. Some people take to them naturally, while others employ enthusiastic determination to get the hang of them before the end of the session. I have found they are best for ages 7 and above, but I’m often surprised by younger kids who could walk on them all the way to the circus. I always give a few pointers to get people going, but I love to see parents and older children helping the younger ones to learn a new skill.
Juggling Sticks
Juggling sticks are the most utilized activity in my kit. I can work with children of 3 years to roll the sticks up and down their arms. Children from 5 years can start basic throws and tricks. Children from 8 years can attempt the trickiest of tricks.
Many children in primary school have tried juggling sticks previously through school sport or a specialist activity provider, but our relaxed environment allows the child to develop at their own pace and without pressure. No matter how many tricks they already know, we can demonstrate additional tricks that will keep them busy trying to master.
Adults love these Juggling Sticks also, as it’s ‘playing’ without getting down and dirty. Many tricks can be done with two people (or more), so they often start by helping their child, and then progress to bounce, spin, flip and twirl to push their own limits. With a small amount of instruction, adults are quick to look professional as they have better hand-eye coordination and wrist strength than younger children.
This activity, more than any other, engages the widest range of ages for the longest time. They are suitable for use on all surfaces.
I have made these Juggling Sticks from recycled pool fencing and punctured bike tubes. They are better quality than most and very durable. I have new sets of Juggling Sticks to buy if you are interested.
Skee Ball
This game engages kids for longer than you would believe. It’s simple in the fact all you need to do is roll balls up the ramp and try to get them through the holes in the target. Toddlers are simply amazed that the balls return to their feet as if by magic, and older kids often invent scoring systems and throwing variations to increase the fun; left handed, two at once, with eyes closed, etc.
Duck Fishing
This classic game challenges kids not only with their hand-eye coordination, but under every duck is a challenge for them to complete once they catch it. Some toddlers need a guiding hand, while others would put professional fisherman to shame with the speed they can reel them in. Kids learn to take turns, and often support others in the challenges they must perform. There is usually a short cue for this one, but it always moves quickly. After the challenge, most kids run to the back of the cue to do it all again. The variety of challenges keeps them coming back for more.
Ninja Tennis
In this activity, users stand back to throw two tennis balls that are connected with rope. Beginners can use the simple elephant trunk swing, and experts can employ the patented spin-spin ninja technique. As you increase your accuracy, you simply stand further away to increase the difficulty. Players can go head to head as there are different coloured balls by seeing who can hit the target from the furthest distance, and it’s common for people to invent scoring systems with the 3 target rails giving them a specific number of points. Parents and kids love playing this game together.
Tandem Striders
As simple as it seems, this activity is a challenge that develops both communication and coordination. Users simply stand on the 2 planks of wood, and must walk in unison to get them going. There is no greater activity I have for 2-person teamwork.
After a short playtime for people to get the hang of it, I set up races and relays to up the level of excitement. When you are good at it, and you know your left and right, you can zoom across the grass like you were in the Winter Olympics on cross-country skis.
This is another game that parents and children are well suited to use together. There are always lots of laughs with this one.
Puppet Theatre
Everyone loves playing with puppets! I have hundreds to choose from and kids rummage through till they find a favourite. I’ll often sit on the side of stage with a puppet of my own and ask the kids questions about their animals;
“Where do you live? What do you eat? What noise do you make? What do you do for fun?” We make up stories about birds that are scared of heights or dogs that only know how to say ‘Meow’. Even when left to their own devices, kids will develop their own stories and put on shows for their friends and families. Toddlers to adults love this activity… it brings out the lighter side of life.
Naughts and Crosses
Imagine a beautiful sunny afternoon. You’re in the park or backyards, sitting on a massive tie-dye throw, head to head in a massive aught and Crosses battle to be called supreme champion! (Or just having a bit of fun.) I have designed this classic game so that it is easy to use and reset. It allows children to learn aught and crosses for the first time in a visually tangible way, and for those with a basic understanding to practice strategy and skill. Kids love to go head to head, and parents and their children always appreciate a break from the action with this ‘thinking’ alternate.
I made these Naughts and Crosses sets as I needed something of great quality, which was easily portable and very durable with constant usage. After many enquiries from schools, libraries and organisation, I have a limited number of these sets to sell. Please visit my shop page for details.
Buzz Wire
This classic carnival game attracts everyone for a least one try. Many participants have never tried it before and have always wanted to, having seen it on a TV game show when they were younger. Buzz Wire is best for ages 6 and up, developing hand-eye coordination, fine motor muscle control and patience.
Roller Ball
Roller Ball is another home invention designed to develop skill, patience and the opportunity for a child to engage strategy.
It’s a very achievable carnival game, but it can only be mastered with correct technique.
Roller ball is best for ages 6 and up and usage needs to be monitored for respectful play.
We have had great experiences using this activity as part of our Shopping Centre activations.
Rock the Boat
Rock the Boat is a challenging Carnival Game that requires a steady hand and a plan.
Participants are shown the best technique if they are struggling or engaged in rough play.
Best for ages 6 and up, this game is a magnet for participants determined to conquer the challenge.
We have had great experiences using this activity as part of our School Incursion activations.
Magnet Racer
This carnival game is a 2 person race, using a magnet to draw a ball bearing through a maze / race track.
Best for ages 6 and up, this game requires a steady hand and the ability to stay cool under pressure.
We have had great experiences using this activity as part of our Food Truck activations.
Coyts
This is simple game for toddlers to adults. Toddlers just love the shapes and colours and the interaction of the ring and the stick. Kids love the challenge of landing rings from progressively further and further and adults set themselves Olympic distances and are happy landing one from afar. I teach basic throwing techniques to improve the chances, and it’s always surprising how skills can develop in one short session. Coyts can be set up and left to one side for people to use as they please, or run as a head to head battle or group challenge relay. Again when left to their own devices, it is common for people to develop their own scoring systems and throwing variations to increase the difficulty and fun.
Poi
Poi originated from within the Maori culture, before being adopted by the circus and festival communities around the world. They are as simple as a tennis ball on the end of a string, but when used under instruction, a whole range of tricks can be learnt which develops hand-eye coordination, wrist and arm strength and persistence.
Poi, used correctly, is easiest for ages 7 and up. I received such great praise for the sets I made, I have created Poi Sets to Buy, with more information on my shop page.
Balance Beam
This is a simple challenge that works best on a hard surface. I can make a ring or a snake for children to traverse. It’s only 10cm off the ground, so falls are no bother and most kids easily recover before falling. I also have a set of coloured wooden slats that work well on grass, and their appeal draws children from the youngest age. For confident children I suggest the backwards navigation and the eyes closed, which always slows them up.
Animal Feet
I have many sets of Tiger Feet which are a great developmental activity for those not quite skilled or brave enough to get on the stilts. It develops a similar physical motion to what is required with the stilts, (the same hand and foot lifting at the same time), but its flat on the ground so less room or consequence for error. Tiger feet are great for free play, but I use them effectively in races and relays to get kids of all ages moving and having fun.
Even easier to use is the duck feet, which toddlers simply slip their shoes into and try to walk. It always takes them a few steps to get the hang of it, which guarantees a laugh.
Hula Hoops
There is a hula hoop champion in every crowd, but I have a series of progressive challenges to test the best of the best. We start simply so everyone gets a go, but hula hoops can do so much more than just spin on the hips. They are a great activity to leave in a pile for kids to drift in and out of, but I also organise games such as rolling the hoops along the ground and getting kids to try and jump through the hoop as it rolls.
The hula hoops at my events take a beating. Store bought hoops lose shape, kink, and break apart, so I needed a viable solution. I have made all of the hula hoops I use, and have Hula Hoops to Buy in 2 sizes and colours. They cost more than target, but they will last forever.
Totem Tennis
A classic backyard favourite, my totem tennis setup can be used on grass or concrete. It provides a great competition for seasoned-professionals, but develops perception, hand-eye coordination and motor skills for all ages. Totem tennis is a magnet when it’s set up, and when a group is finished, it never takes long for the next group to spy it from a far and jump on in. Kids of the same ages, or parents and their children all find this fun.
Ball Toss
This is a simple game for the little ones. Soft balls are dropped through the holes in the backboard, or thrown from a short distance with a chosen hole as a target. The ball kicks out from the bottom and rolls back to your feet. Toddlers love the magic of it, making the balls disappear and magically re-appear on the ground by their feet. You would think a few minutes play would be enough, but some kids just down want to leave when asked to move on by their parents.
Pasta Jewellery
This little work station is always a hit, but works best with supervision. It is simple enough in that children are given a piece of string to make a necklace or a shorter length of elastic to make a wristband. They can then choose different styles and colours of raw pasta to thread onto the string. It is then tied off so that they can wear their creation proudly. There are a few steps (like tying a secure knot) that parents are required for, and to set kids up so that they just don’t mix all the pasta together in a mess. It does attract more girls than boys, so I just tell the boys to make ‘Power Bands’ for their arms and they are enthused.
Skipping Ropes
Skipping is fun for the bigger kids. The little ones have trouble doing it by themselves, and also struggle when two turners spin the bigger rope and they have to run in, (not that they are shy of having a go!). I run them through a variety of jumping challenges, including alternating feet, double spin and cross-overs. Skipping ropes as an activity is best for larger groups of similar aged children.
Sack Races
This family fun day classic is great when participants are willing and able to be organised. Large groups can then be broken into smaller groups of similar ages and abilities, which helps safety and fairness. Participants are preferably taken through a warm up routine, to lengthen the activity duration. The straight out racing is very tiring, and people disengage quickly. Doing the warm up, and trying different racing techniques (sideways, backways, running,) makes the activity more beneficial to an event. Soft grass is the only suitable surface for this activity.
Tug of War
Everyone loves to participate or watch a good Tug of War. Again, there is a need that the participants are willing to be organised for it to run effectively. Team can be created for a round-robin competition, but usually its just 2 teams of kids and a couple of parents to keep things controlled. This game is only run by an instructor or it always ends in tears.
Boomwhackers
Boomwhackers are hollow plastic tubes of varied lengths that all play different sounds. With direct supervision, it can be surprisingly easily to make great music. If left unattended, it usually results in kids using the whackers to whack each other.
