Whether you're hosting a cowboy-themed party for your child or have a class studying the Wild West, devise an assortment of western-style games to challenge and engage the children. Offer themed prizes for the kids' games such as horse stuffed animals, water bottles printed with cowboy and cowgirl designs or cowboy hats from a party supply store to the contest winners.
Snake Stomp
Ask the cowboys and cowgirls to rid the "ranch" of snakes by stomping on the creatures for prizes. Buy 20 to 50 un-inflated green or brown balloons. Cut five to 10 2-inch-square pieces of scrap paper and place a snake sticker on each one. Insert the pieces of paper into 10 random balloons before blowing them up. When the game begins, scatter the balloons across a large, paved area to give the children more room. Instruct the children to stomp on the balloons to pop them and present prizes to the players who recover a snake sticker from a popped balloon.
Panning for Gold
Set up a treasure hunt-style game that requires the players to "pan for gold" to find prizes. Bury five to 10 plastic disks with a different symbol drawn on the surface of each in a shallow plastic container filled with sand. Label five to 10 prizes with corresponding symbols. Give each player a cup and allow her to take a scoop of sand from the container. Instruct the child to slowly pour the sand into another container. If she finds a plastic disk in her sand, give her the corresponding prize.
Sharp Shooters
Find the best marksman with a Wild West contest to determine who can shoot the greatest number of empty plastic water bottles off the wall with a squirt gun in 10 seconds. Line the empty bottles along a wall or table. Make the game easier for younger children by letting them stand closer to the bottles. Increase the challenge by requiring older children to stand farther away or asking them to shoot the bottles off in order from left to right.
Cow Herding
Let younger children go on a "cattle drive" for cow stuffed animals hidden around the house, yard or classroom. Place the animals behind or under objects, but allow small parts such as hoofs, ears or tails to stick out. Give a prize to each child who uncovers a cow. Challenge older children by hiding 30 to 50 cow stickers around the yard or classroom and award a prize to the three children who collect the most.
Riding Relay
Test the guests' "horse" riding skills with a simple relay race. Divide the group into two to six teams, depending on the number of guests. Give the first player on each team a broomstick to serve as the team's horse. Instruct him to gallop with the horse to the other side of the yard and back before handing the horse to the next player. Give prizes to the first team to finish the race.
