We hold a Halloween dance each year... we make over 1,000 each year during this event... the cots is only 3.00 per person, the kids receive a tag that allows them to have 1 slice of pizza, a palm reading (which the kids love), tatoo and 1 pumpkin walk try) we also offer glow bracelets to purchase. We have a great dJ (makes all the difference)... this year we are adding a fun house. We also do what's called Fun day -- like fitness day or field day ( there are 10 stations where the kids move to each station, try the event for 10 min. then move to the next) 1 station they stop at get a snack (healthy or fun) popsicle, fun-fruits, etc. the kids love both of these events... and they are a great turnout for staff and parents. Good luck!
Have you considered holding a Family Fitness Night? Our school and PTA have done several for the last 2 years and they are almost always a big hit. One of our business partners is a fitness company so they bring their trainers to the school in the evening when FFN is scheduled and do a modified workout with the families in attendance. There's something for everyone from the toddlers to the grandparents. This year we had themes for each night: Fitness Boot Camp, Ladies Night (cardio/Pilates/yoga), Martial Arts (a second business partner), and Nutrition Night. Participants received a token of appreciation at the end with their satisfaction surveys (dog tags, pencils, water bottles, rubber bracelets) and we set up information stations with information printed from the internet or ordered from the federal government and other websites for parents and students to pick up on their way out. We also provided water, juice boxes, and cut up fruit for refreshments. We had to cancel the Nutrition Night due to schedule conflicts, but we're looking forward to bringing that one back to life this coming school year.
If you get a DJ that is great with kids, they will dance. OUr school is K-5 and we have the most wonderful DJ in our area. He knows how to get the kids up and dancing. He also does the stroll with them, freeze dance, partner and line dances.
You're theme can also make it fun for the kids. Having something around Halloween, they can wear their costumes. Trying to find something that a 5yr old and a 10 yr old are both interested in, could be difficult. But you may be able to find some common thread.
parent/student events are also great fun. Have them participate as a team through a series of games, challenges, etc. The kids love to have their parents look & act silly so it can be an outrageous night for everyone! You can use a Sports, Surviver or Amazing Race theme for that type of evening.
We are doing a father/daughter mother/son sock hop. We figure if they come with their parents they are more likely to dance and we also like the sock hop because that means the music will be clean. The other thing we are going to do is ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER? We will be using some 5th graders and pull an audience member to play. It is part of our Meeting for the fall.
