Nerf Party Ideas Help!

[happily single]

My ds12 is having a nerf gun party this weekend. I have been on Pinterst and am simply overwhelmed. Those ideas look like they were done by professional party planners! Unfortunately you cannot buy nerf themed party items in a store.

So far this is what I have:
1. A welcome table with tool belts from Lowes stocked with ammunition and candy.

2. target practice once the kids enter the house which include empty bottles on a ladder and balloons hanging. Kids enter the house to get to the back yard

3. My son has planned a "capture the flag" game to be played outside

4. Decorate your own cupcake (with orange and blue frosting) and all kinds of fun toppings

5. Gatorade in blue and orange flavors as well as some orange colored food.

Any other ideas (that a non-crafty person) could do to make this nerf party epic?

 

[Klayfish]

Don't sweat it. My son did a Nerf party for his 12th birthday too. Frankly, besides getting cake, we didn't "plan" any games or activities. At that age, they're a bit old for mom and dad making fun little games, at least in my opinion. Assuming this Nerf party is outside, the kids will find their own games to play anyway. That's what happened with ours. My son had his own ideas as for games to play. Our house backs up to the woods, so we went back there. But the plans quickly changed into whatever the kids decided as a group to do. Everyone had a good time. All my wife and I had to do was serve food and drinks and a great time was had by all.

I'm not saying to do absolutely nothing, but don't worry yourself over it. The cupcake thing might be fun, as long as it's not too arts/crafty (again, to me that's a project for 3-9 year olds), and maybe you can help set up things like targets to shoot, etc...but I say let the kids have free range beyond that.

Good luck!

 

[happily single]

Don't sweat it. My son did a Nerf party for his 12th birthday too. Frankly, besides getting cake, we didn't "plan" any games or activities. At that age, they're a bit old for mom and dad making fun little games, at least in my opinion. Assuming this Nerf party is outside, the kids will find their own games to play anyway. That's what happened with ours. My son had his own ideas as for games to play. Our house backs up to the woods, so we went back there. But the plans quickly changed into whatever the kids decided as a group to do. Everyone had a good time. All my wife and I had to do was serve food and drinks and a great time was had by all.

I'm not saying to do absolutely nothing, but don't worry yourself over it. The cupcake thing might be fun, as long as it's not too arts/crafty (again, to me that's a project for 3-9 year olds), and maybe you can help set up things like targets to shoot, etc...but I say let the kids have free range beyond that.

Good luck!

Thanks!

 

[mjkacmom]

My friend had a nerf party for her son for years (I think last year was the last one, when he tuned 10). She ordered pizza. That's it! And cake. 12 year old boys just play.

 

[Liberty Belle]

Sounds great! A couple of things you may want to consider: water bottles (you could put colored sleeves around them if you want) for kids who don't like Gatorade (I've always hated it and my youngest son does, too), and propping up (with dowels or sticks etc) some large pieces of card board (maybe even with pieces of dollar tree "moss" glued on, if you want to get creative) for obstacles/shields in the yard.

 

[BrianL]

I don't have any suggestions, but Nerf is so fun, even for a "kid" my age. I'd probably go get one of the BIG full auto guns as a surprise, then join in spraying foam darts!

 

[cabanafrau]

Sounds like what you have set already should be the makings of a fun party. IMO 12 year old boys will not be overly enthusiastic about "professional looking" setups such as you might see on Pinterest. 12 year old boys typically aren't Pinterest's demographic.

 

[ZuZugal]

My DS13 has had/attended numerous nerf parties. The best one was held in a community center because it had lots of space and great hiding places...which seems to be the key for boys! They pretty much make up/play their own games so i wouldn't worry about planning it all out for them. Just make sure enough amo is available and they have plenty to eat and drink.

 

[Hikergirl]

I think as long as you have some kind of food, and lots of places to hide/obstacle course you are good. 12 year old boys aren't going to really care about the decorations, or crafts, or making food items. They'll just want to eat and play LOL.

ETA, not sure if you have them but I would provide safety glasses in their tool belt.

 

[moniqueand2]

I like the blue and orange Gatorade idea but I'd get a cake rather than cupcakes.

 

[happily single]

I like the blue and orange Gatorade idea but I'd get a cake rather than cupcakes.

I always get an ice cream cake as well. The cupcakes are for those you like cake and its fun to add gummy bears, sprinkles, etc to their cupcakes.

 

[Bren's Mom]

Sounds like a great party already!

Though I'd add Dollar Store eye protection (in the 'tool' aisle) for each kiddo as Nerf ammo can absolutely cause injuries!