How to Make an Animal Adventure Party

7 Great Ways to Decorate

1. Hang green streamers from the ceiling to create a rainforest.
2. Place stuffed animals in potted plants and suspend from chandeliers, ceiling and banisters.
3. Suspend craft cobwebs from lights and fixtures and affix plastic frogs, spiders and bugs.
   safety note: keep out of reach of babies and very young children.
4. Dress up safari-style with cargo pants and a broad-brimmed hat or in hiking gear - don't forget the binoculars!
5. Use construction paper to cut out animal footprints leading the way from the front door to the party room.
6. Buy animal-themed paper plates and cups at a party store.
7. Drape the sofa and chairs with faux-leopard fabric.

Fun For All

• Enlist a teen to paint whiskers and little black noses on guests as they arrive.
• Get the party hopping with a rousing game of leapfrog.
• Send the kids "on safari" by hiding stuffed animals in the backyard or basement.
• Paint a lion (or animal of your choice) on a large box and cut a wide hole for the mouth. Have kids "feed" the animal by tossing beanbags (socks filled with dried beans work, too) into the hole.
• Present each party guest with an animal journal; have them record fun animal facts hidden around the house. Reward the player who unearths the most facts with a special party favor.
  tip: this game's great for kids aged 7 and up.
• Play freeze-dance to a roaring tune like "We're the Monkeys" by The Monkeys or "Jane Jane (the chimpanzees are calling)" by Raffi.

Fab Party Favors

• small packages of animal crackers
• animal stickers
• animal coloring book
• storybook with an animal as a central character
• rubber or wooden snake
• animal keychain