Clean the Stall

In this game, children race each other in “mucking out” a stall. Don’t worry, this game is totally mess-free because we use air-filled balloons, plastic shovels, and bins. Children use the shovels to pick up a balloon from the stall areas at one end of the room, then race to the bin at the other end of the room. Whoever cleans up the most balloons wins! So much fun, it has become our most popular game. All ages.

Horse Shoe Toss

Aim for the bucket and win! In this game, children use plastic horseshoes and toss them into three buckets with different point values. The team or person with the most points is the winner! All ages.

Horseshoe Hunt

In this game, children search the museum for colorful paper horseshoes. There is even a real silver horseshoe! Whoever can collect the most shoes is the winner!Recommended for ages 4-7.

Hot Horse Shoe

This game works just like “Hot Potato.” Children pass a big plastic horseshoe to music. When the music stops, the child holding the shoe must step out of the circle. The last person in the circle is the winner! Fast, silly, and LOTS of fun! Another of our most popular games. Recommended for ages 4-7.

Harness Racing Museum Scavenger Hunt

Children must use their deductive powers to find clues hidden throughout the museum. Each clue leads to the next and takes the children through our most enchanting exhibits. If they can find the clues and follow the directions they contain, there is a treasure waiting at the end! Requires reading skills. Ages 7 & up.

Buddy Pacers

Two children stand on a set of special planks with ropes attached. Together they must move the left plank, then the right plank…and will end up moving just like a pacing horse! Two teams will race each other across our yard or inside the museum, depending upon the weather. All the children will have a chance to “pace,” and the fastest team will be the winner! Ages 6 & up.

The following are outdoor games and are available from May through September only. The temperature must be at least 75 degrees. For each outdoor game you choose, please ALSO choose an indoor game in case of inclement weather. These games involve the use of water, and the probability that the children will get wet. Lots of paper towels are provided!

Clean the Paddock

This is the summer version of Clean the Stall! Water balloons are placed all over our enclosed lawn. The children split into teams and race each other in picking up as many water balloons as they can by using a plastic shovel. No hands! Break a balloon, and you have to go back and get another one! This is an outdoor game and is available from May through September only.  Sure to be a hit for all ages.

Water Balloon Race

In this wet and wild game, children stand in an oval (the shape of a racetrack!) They pass a water balloon from person to person.  If you break a balloon, you get to sit in the center of the track. The game gets interesting when it comes down to two people at opposite ends of the track!

This is an outdoor game and is available from May through September only.  All ages.

Water Bucket Brigade

For this game, children split into two teams and form two lines. At the start of the lines will be a “trough” full of water. At the end of each line will be a horse’s water bucket. Each child receives a pitcher. The first child in line must fill their pitcher from the trough, then pour the water into the next child’s pitcher, and so on until the last child dumps the water into the bucket. The first team to fill their bucket will be the winner!

This is an outdoor game and is available from May through September only.  All ages.

Happy Horse Faces

This craft is a favorite of the preschool set. Each child takes a pre-cut cardstock-paper horse head and draws the eyes, nose, and mouth, as well as any other designs they wish, in crayon. Next, they use pieces of yarn and glue sticks to add a “real” mane!

Horse Magnet

This is one of our most popular crafts! Children each receive a plain wooden horse cut-out, complete with a magnet glued on the back. All they have to do is paint it in whatever way they choose! The children then bring their creations home to stick on the refrigerator to remind them of their special day. Ages 4 & up

Real Painted Horseshoe *

For children, getting a real horseshoe, worn by a real Standardbred racehorse, is an extra-special treat! The shoes are cleaned and nails removed by our staff prior to the party. The children then paint the horseshoes in whatever way they wish. No two shoes are exactly alike!  Each shoe has the name of a horse currently racing on the back.

Shoes will vary in shape, size, and metal color   * Subject to Availability

Beaded Horseshoe Neclace

First introduced during our 2001 Winter Program, this craft has quickly become a hit. Each child receives a pipe cleaner, bends it into the shape of a horseshoe, and strings it with colorful pony beads. A piece of yarn is then tied to each end of the “shoe” to make a necklace, ornament, or (with translucent beads) even a sun-catcher! Glow-in-the-dark beads are available, too! This craft is lots of fun and mess-free. Ages 4 & up.

Tiny Tack Trunk

Each child receives a small wooden box (complete with a hinged lid and latch) to paint in any way they choose. These miniature “tack trunks” are perfect for storing tiny treasures. They are even the right size to use as an accessory for model horses! Ages 4 and up.

Tissue Paper Pony

A 3-D delight! Children get to squash, mash, and crush small pieces of tissue paper and then glue them inside a pony outline on cardstock paper. The fluffy, filled-in effect is attractive and fun! Ages 6 and up.

Please Note
At the Harness Racing Museum, our games and crafts have been selected with safety in mind.
However, we ask that the above age recommendations, which are based upon our experience,
be adhered to in order to assure a fun, frustration-free experience for the children.

Thank you!