Project

Halloween Games: Pop Goes the Pumpkin

Looking to kick off Halloween with a bang, not a boo? This version of a classic carnival game also makes a festive wall decoration, and bursting the confetti-and-candy-filled balloons in this Halloween party game will make everyone explode with laughter.

Source: Martha Stewart Living, October 2010

Introduction

Note: Best for kids 6 and older. Pins make it easier for little kids to pop balloons, but darts will work well for slightly older players.

materials

4-by-5 1/2-foot piece of foam board

2 yards of burlap or other fabric

Duct tape

Removable hooks (such as Command hooks)

Thirty-five 12-inch orange balloons

Confetti

Candy (small, thin types work best)

Pump, for balloons (optional)

T pins

Green paper

Ribbon

Pushpins (or darts for bigger kids)

Balloon template

steps

Cover foam board with burlap; secure in back with duct tape. Adhere it to wall with hooks.
Fill balloons with confetti (using a funnel) and candy. Leave a few treat-free to add to the suspense.
Inflate the balloons (a pump makes it faster); tie off with a knot. Attach balloons to board with T pins, in a pumpkin shape.
Cut a stem shape (download the template) from green paper, and secure with T pins.
Cut ribbon; tie onto pushpin handles to make them easier to hold on to (and find, if dropped).