Patriotic Holiday Picnic Game Idea

Are you looking for a game idea for your Memorial Day, Forth of July or Labor Day picnic? Do you need a game idea that allows for a lot of players of multiple ages? The Red White and Blue Water Balloon Fight may do the trick. It's perfect for those warmer month patriotic holiday picnics and barbecues. To learn how it's played, read on.

Water Balloon Fight Rules

To play this game, you need three teams: one red, one blue, and one white. Each team player needs to wear an arm band representing his or her team color. Each team has a base from which to operate and take safety. No balloons can be thrown at or into the base or from within the base. Also, no water balloons can be thrown directly at the referee--who is there to enforce the rules. The referee should wear a bright recognizable yellow or lime-green colored shirt (or rain slicker).

Water balloon colors should match team colors. All game water balloons should be contained inside several giant tubs scattered around the field. There should be an even number of each color inside each tub. Team players may only grab a water balloon from a tub if it matches their arm band color, and players can only take as many water balloons at a time as they can carry with their hands or arms. They cannot use pockets, buckets, or containers.

When a team runs out of water balloons, they are sitting ducks--no pun intended. The team with the most water balloons left or the least wet players can be deemed winners--if a winner is even necessary at all. The fun of the game may be reward enough.

Be sure all participants understand the rules. Stress that safety is important and any overly-aggressive participant will be asked to leave the game. Also stress that it's a fun game and should be played with a sense of humor. Any participant without a sense of humor or ability to have fun and get soaked, should probably not play. The very young should probably not play for safety reasons and because they may not have the sense of humor it takes to play along.

Any player worried about clothing shouldn't play or should bring back-up clothes for the game. All players need to understand that water balloons hold only pure liquid water--no ice chunks and no additives. Also, water balloons are the only weapons allowed--no water pistols and no holding onto shields or human shields. Ducking behind objects or others is allowed as long as it occurs in the designated play area.

Point out the designated playing field for the water balloon fight, where all game activity must take place. Prepare viewers for the fact that splash-ups and the odd water balloon might miss its target.

Water balloons should never be deliberately thrown at the head or face. They should be thrown with only enough force to pop the balloon. Water balloons are not guided missiles. If a player complains about another player's rough tactics, the rough player may be asked to leave the game at the referee's discretion. A water balloon fight has the potential to be a blast, but it really depends upon the players. If you are worried about liability, signed permission slips that hold players individually responsible may be worth considering.

For an extra twist--require all players to wear flip-flops. It makes running a lot more difficult and the game a lot more fair for those less agile or less speedy. For extra fun--plan to have Beach Boys music playing during the game. Punchy music really adds to the fun.

Plan to play come rain or shine, but postpone any game when there is threat of lightening. If the water balloon game takes place in a city park, be certain you know about any park noise limitations. If it takes place at your home, be certain the neighbors know about your party and game. It makes for better neighbor-relationships. Plus, they may want to watch or perhaps leave for the day.

Water Balloon Fight Preparation

So your water balloon fight will last a while, plan on one water balloon per player per minute. If you have 30 players and you want the game to last 30 minutes, you will need to fill about 900 balloons with water. You can fill the balloons with a regular hose, but having a smaller nozzle makes the water balloons easier to fill. Players can help fill water balloons, and good knot-tiers are critical. It takes a while to fill hundreds of water balloons, so allow enough time. Try not to fill water balloons too early, or some may break before time for the game.

If water balloons are too small, they will be difficult to fill. If they are too large, they will be difficult to throw. A slight squeeze of the water balloon when tossing it, will cause it to pop on impact. Too much squeeze will break the water balloon before its thrown. A water balloon caught in a continuous motion in the direction it's thrown can sometimes be kept from popping. A caught water balloon of any color can be re-thrown by the catcher.

Water Balloon Fight Clean Up

All participants need to help clean up following the game. All water balloon pieces must be picked up because balloon debris is dangerous for birds and animals. After the balloon pieces are picked up, it's a great time to reward players with a messy snack--root beer floats, popsicles, or ice cream. You can always hose messy eaters off, since they are already wet.

A water balloon fight is a symbol of summer. Plan a good old-fashioned water balloon fight for your patriotic holiday party. It's loads of fun to play or watch, and the event will make your party one to be remembered.