Hot potato (game) facts for kids
Hot potato is a fun party game where players sit in a circle. They quickly pass a small object, like a beanbag or tennis ball, to each other while music plays. The goal is to not be holding the "hot potato" when the music suddenly stops! If you are, you're out of the game. The last player remaining wins!
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Pass the Parcel Game
Pass the parcel is another popular party game that involves a special package being passed around. It's a game of suspense and surprises!
How to Prepare the Parcel
To get ready for the game, someone wraps a main prize (or "gift") in many layers of wrapping paper. Each layer is usually a different color or design, so it's easy to see when one layer has been removed. Sometimes, smaller prizes or fun mottos are hidden between some of the layers.
How to Play Pass the Parcel
The game begins with music playing as the wrapped parcel is passed from one person to the next. When the music stops, the player holding the parcel gets to remove one layer of wrapping paper. If there's a small prize or motto under that layer, they get to keep it!
After a layer is removed, the music starts again, and the parcel continues to be passed around. This keeps going until every layer of wrapping paper is gone and the main prize is finally revealed and claimed.
Who Controls the Music?
Usually, an adult who isn't playing the game controls the music. They decide when to stop and start it. Sometimes, to make sure everyone gets a turn or that prizes are shared fairly, they might watch the game. A really fair way to play is to use recordings of short music clips, so no one knows exactly when the music will stop!
Fun Variations
There are a few ways to make "Pass the Parcel" even more exciting:
- Instead of removing just one layer, players might be allowed to remove as many layers as they can before the music restarts.
- Sometimes, instead of small prizes, slips of paper with fun challenges or forfeits are hidden between the layers.
This game is known to have come from traditions in the northern United States.
Hot Potato Toy
There's even a party toy called "Hot Potato" that looks like a potato. It buzzes when the music stops, adding to the fun of the game!
See also
- In Spanish: Papa caliente para niños
