How to Plan the Best Spy Party

The secret agent training activities were games, mostly traditional.

We had a three legged race to "help them learn to work with a partner", limbo to improve their dexterity (dodging lasers and such).

Secret identity training was supplying the kids with dress-ups, accessories, face paint and fake moustaches. The kids paired up and some gave each other "make-overs" and of course the boys dressed as girls.

To practice lying (do we really want to encourage this?) I had each child say three things about him/herself, two were true and one was a lie. The other children had to pick the lie.

After the training was completed they were sent on their secret mission.

Every spy party needs a mission.

For young children the mission could simply be to have fun, but with pre-teens, we wanted them to use their brains and devised a type of scavenger hunt.

My husband couldn't be at the birthday party so we included him by having him record the secret mission on his laptop which he then e-mailed us.

When it was time for the mission I popped the laptop on the table and played the video.

"Good morning agents. I have a top-secret message for you from HQ."

We kept the message short, and of course it had to end with "This laptop will self destruct in 10 seconds".

We then divided the group into two teams who competed against each other. I chose the eldest (or most reliable) child in each team to be a double agent. Their job was to misdirect or to simply disagree with whatever the group was saying or doing. They didn't know the whole plan, but it's not hard to find someone who likes to cause a bit of mischief.

The mission was a type of treasure hunt around the house. We had clue cards which each team had to figure out and which then led to the next clue.

Our chosen mission was to solve a murder. One of our very large teddy bears was the victim, and was in the basement surrounded by "Do not cross" tape which the kids loved. I should have bought more of it for them to play with. They inspected the scene and found the clue card and worked in teams to solve the mystery.

I recommend doing this well in advance and inviting an older sibling to run through it if possible. We had a few glitches, but it all worked out in the end.

Fake Mustaches

Cheap black sunglasses (a big hit)

Magnifying glasses

All of these can be bought in bulk quite cheaply. If I had thought of it I would have bought more Crime Scene Tape which was a huge hit.

Spy Memories Vinyl Banner Each

Hang our Spy Vinyl Banner to post birthday wishes! This Spy Banner features a techno design and the words Happy Birthday. The 18" high x 54" wide banner is weather-resistant so you can hang it inside or outside and includes grommets for hanging.

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