Planning an Oktoberfest party Is a great way to learn about Germany for kids. German Oktoberfest is a popular celebration for adults and children. Here are games and activities to plan your own Oktoberfest party.
Oktoberfest Party
You’ll want to decorate your Oktoberfest party in the traditional colors of the German flag. Red, black and gold balloons, streamers and linens are the way to go. Party stores sell solid colored plates, cups, disposable silverware and napkins.
While you likely won’t be ceremoniously tapping a keg of beer at a children’s party, apple juice in artsy German steins can be fun.
Oktoberfest, traditionally held the last 2 weeks of September, is an outdoor celebration, so if your climate is colder, you might want to party in a covered patio, rent space heaters or hold a bonfire. Children who are running around playing will be warmer than the adults who are standing still, so don’t fret if they remove their jackets. The fresh crisp fall air is all part of the fun.
Oktoberfest Costumes
For girls, the Bavarian peasant dress is best. A blousy white peasant shirt with a flouncy skirt and laced bodice are the most popular costume choices. For boys, short pants with a button shirt and suspenders or a square-necked vest are in line with traditional dress.
Oktoberfest Music
You can shop larger music stores for international hits. Oktoberfest soundtracks often feature the deep bass of large brass instruments complemented by the accordion. The tunes are often repetitive enough that even if you haven’t heard the song before you’d be able to play along with a kazoo. If you have a local German accordion player, you might want to invite him to play for your Oktoberfest party since listening to the real thing is such a treat.
Germany for Kids
Serve a sampler of German foods cut into taste-sized pieces. German sausage, hot German potato salad, sauerkraut, sweet and style cabbage, German style chicken and Black Forest Cake are popular German Party treats.
The Germany Info Website has activities that teach children about Germany, and even a printable coloring book designed to teach kids about German culture.
Oktoberfest Games and Activities
An apple-juice relay race is fun. Participants carry a stein in each hand, and try not to spill a drop as they race to the finish line or even through an obstacle course.
The Chicken Dance is a fun way to do the polka with a large group. Just play the song on the CD player and soon everyone will be flapping their wings and shaking their tail feathers.
An Oktoberfest party for kids is a fun way to learn about German culture and to participate in an age-old cultural tradition.
Lisa Russell - Lisa Russell is a freelance writer and mom of six daughters. She blogs about their life at lisarussell.org
