One of the best ideas I ever came up with was what I call the “Clue Game.” I probably did not actually make this up, but at the time it seemed like I did. I have played this game with both of my daughters, and they and their friends, always loved it.

The Clue Game is a game based on clues and a prize at the end. The number of clues is your choice and so is the prize. Be sure to plan this game ahead of time too, because the planning part requires a lot of thinking.

To begin, take a package of index cards. You will need one index card for each clue. The first index card will be the first clue the children get. On the first card, write a clue that leads them to the second clue. For example, write “Water flows next to a spinning device.” This could represent the washing machine. If you are really clever, think of rhyming phrases for all of the clue cards.

When the children go to the washing machine, they will find the next clue. Make them difficult enough that the game lasts awhile. When you get to the final clue, it should lead the children to a prize of some kind. Be sure to include enough prizes for all of the participants.

For additional fun, split the kids into two groups before playing. Be sure to tell the groups not to give clues to the other group. Whichever team gets to the prize first, wins.