Jets and Airplanes Theme Party Supplies, Party Decorations, Favors,Tips and Ideas! If your child loves Jets and Airplanes, Party Supplies by Vicki is the place for for all of your Jets and Airplanes Theme Party Supplies and Party Decorations!

Fun Activities

Runway Obstacle Course

This challenging game is best played outside in an open area, or in a large room. Create a runway using sidewalk chalk, masking tape, cones, sticks, etc. to mark the boundaries. It should be about 50 feet long and up to 10 feet wide. Collect several nonbreakable objects that won’t be damaged if stepped on, such as sports balls, articles of clothing, plastic toys, handbags, a large blanket, etc. These objects will represent planes on the runway.

First, let the guests pair up and decide who will be the jet pilot and who will be the air traffic controller. When the game begins, the air traffic controller helps navigate the pilot (who is blindfolded) down the foggy runway without crashing into any “planes.”

To begin the game, the first jet pilot stands at the start of the runway with arms outstretched like a plane. The air traffic controller can stand anywhere along the runway they wish, but they must not move. Hint: It is easier if the air traffic controller faces the end of the runway like the pilot. This way, directions of left and right, i.e., “Take two steps sideways to the right,” will not be confusing.

Once the pilot is blindfolded, the other players may toss objects onto the runway from outside the perimeter (do not place the objects). After all the “planes” are on the runway, the controller guides the pilot with his or her voice: “Move four steps forward and one to the left - No, take smaller steps!”

If the pilot “crashes,” another team takes a turn. When a traffic controller successfully navigates the pilot through the course without crashing everyone will surely applaud! Award all your jet pilots with small prizes, no matter how far they “fly.”

Around the World
Provide a letter-sized piece of construction paper for each guest, and let the kids have fun folding their own paper airplane. Encourage the kids to decorate their personal plane with crayons, markers, stickers, and any other materials you like. Meanwhile, draw a big circle on a large piece of cardboard and cut out the circle. This will be used as a target for the airplanes. Set the target up on a table or chair and tape five evenly space X’s to the floor in a semicircular pattern around it. For fun, name the X’s different countries around the world. The first player stands on the first X and tries to fly his airplane through the target hole. If he makes it, he moves to the second X, and so on, until he misses. When the first player misses, the second player takes his turn, starting on the first X, and playing by the same rules. The first round continues until all guests have had a turn. To begin the second round, player #1 continues from the X where he left off, and so on with each player. The game ends when someone has moved across all X’s and successfully flown their jet through the target hole.

Time Zone Game
Jet pilots often cross into different time zones and fly over different countries as they speed across the sky. To a child, the idea that some people are just getting up while others are turning in for the night is fascinating. Draw on their interest with this fun version of Simon Says. The leader stands and faces the line of players. If the leader says, "I say sleep!" players must lay (or crouch) on the floor. If the leader says "I say stand!" then all must stand up. As long as the leader begins with "I say" players must obey the command. Any child who obeys the command "sleep!" or "stand!" is out. As the leader increases his/her speed, players will have to stand and sleep so fast that they’ll hardly have time to think. If a player moves incorrectly, he or she is out. The last remaining player wins!

Jet Race
This game is fun because it doesn’t involve any skill, and winning is just a matter of chance. Mark a finish line on the floor with tape, or lay the target from the first activity on the ground a short distance away. Mark a starting line, blow up a balloon for each child and count down from three. When you say go, everyone tries to land their "jets" inside the target, or cross the finish line by tossing or hitting them.

Birthday Cake Mission
Children love to hunt for surprises! So on this special day, create a secret mission to search for the birthday cake! You will need the help of a few family members, neighbors, or friends. Separate the children into teams and give each team a set of clues and party favors to find. Give each child a bag to put the favors in and make sure that each guest has at least one favor (so nobody feels left out). The clues and favors should lead them to the location of the cake. It is best to keep the cake close to home and under adult supervision. The first team to complete the mission gets served first!

Delectable Treats

Ham & Cheese Roll-Ups
To make these tasty treats, simply purchase your favorite brand of hot dogs, cheese, and refrigerator croissants. Slice hot dogs lengthwise and cut cheese into strips. Unroll croissants and stuff them with hot dogs and cheese. Roll croissants back up and bake as directed, or until golden brown.

Cloud Cookies
Your guests will be in seventh heaven when they taste these delicious cookies. To make them, you will need: 4 egg whites, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp cream of tartar, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 cup white chocolate chips. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Separate egg whites from the yolks, and beat the egg whites until frothy. Add salt and cream of tartar. Beat on high until stiff peaks form. Slowly add the sugar, a tablespoon at a time. Beat well after each addition. Add vanilla. Fold in chips. Bake on a lightly greased cookie sheet for 18-20 minutes until firm. Store in an airtight container and be sure to eat them within a day or two.

Energy Fuel
All pilots need their vitamins to stay healthy and energized! Your guests will love this drink, without realizing how good it is for them! Combine one 12-oz can frozen juice concentrate, 3 cups nonfat milk, and 1 pint low-fat orange sherbert in a blender. (Halve ingredients to prevent blender overflow.) Mix well. Serve with a wide straw and a spoon.

Super Sundaes
Your guests will beg to stop and refuel their jet engines with this delicious treat! You will need vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, chopped peanuts, toothpicks, and construction paper. Place one scoop of vanilla ice cream in each child’s bowl and add plenty of “oil” (chocolate syrup). Be sure to ask each guest if he or she would like chopped peanuts added to their sundae (in case someone is allergic.) Add a toothpick with a homemade globe, jet helmet or other theme-related item made out of paper. Your guests will love the extra special touch!

Decorating Tips

Spread your tablecover on your party table. If your child has any theme-related toys, you can add them to the table for a more festive display. Cut several one-to-two-foot-long pieces of curling ribbon. Curl the ribbon by pulling it between your thumb and the blade of your scissors. Lay the resulting curls on your table for added color. Hang balloons in bunches for the best effect. If you choose to fill balloons with helium, wait until the party day to ensure they float well!

Use balloons to mark the party spot; hang them on the mailbox, near the front door, or tie them to the birthday child's chair to mark the seat of honor.

Place balloons anywhere that strikes your fancy. The more the better!

Gather six or eight streamers and attach them to the ceiling in the center of the party room (or over the table). Use a light fixture over the table, if you have one, as the center point for the streamers.

To create colorful two-tone streamers, put two differently colored streamers back-to-back, twist as you walk them to the wall, and attach at shoulder height.

Smile for the Camera!
Be sure to take lots of pictures. You and your child will want to remember this special party. A helpful hint: Order extra prints and send them to the parents afterward. Remember, it's not necessary to have everyone in each picture. Focus on small groups and avoid posing all the photos. Candids capture the laughter best!

© 2002 Birthday Express