8 parties that we all used to have

How I sometimes long for parties, they were the best ever, right? Especially that little bag of candy you got to take home at the end was the absolute highlight. With a bit of luck, there were Haribo frogs in it and colorful candy necklaces. The fun of such a party started with the invitation or even earlier in class: ‘Are you coming to my party?’ Well, then you felt a bit special, especially if you actually received the paper invitation in class afterwards. Always an exciting moment: would you be skipped or not?

1. Pool party

If you saw on the invitation that you had to bring your swimwear, you knew it was going to be a great party. In the pool, everyone went completely wild: causing traffic jams on the slides to pushing each other off mats. And as soon as the party threatened to come to an end, everyone naturally refused to get out of that pool.

2. Bowling

Or even better: disco bowling. With those glow in the dark bracelets, a Fristi in hand, and top 40 hits: one big party. The great thing about bowling at parties was the helper tubes, which made it almost impossible not to hit the pins. I still don't understand why that option isn't available for adults too.

3. Dress-up parties

I actually always came dressed up to parties, even if there was no theme at all. I just always felt the need to come as a princess; what do you mean extra? Dress-up parties were my absolute favorite. I will never forget my first official dress-up party, which had a pop star theme. Dressed as Shakira, complete with belly chains and curls from the Carmen curling set. Those were the days.

4. Crafting

Jewelry making workshops, flower arranging, or hand dyeing; crafting parties were always a hit. Quite relaxing for the parents too: the kids were completely focused. At the end of the party, you came home proudly with a masterpiece.

5. Indoor play areas

I don't believe there's a way to get kids any more hyper than taking them to an indoor play area. Do you remember Monkey Town? That place with slides, ball pits, and gigantic bouncy castles: ADHD all over the place.

6. Go-karting or laser tag

For some reason, these two activities always took place in the same space. With a bit of luck, you got to participate in both activities, but often it was one or the other. These kinds of parties were for the ‘older’ kids, around group eight. After all, go-karting was quite risky.

7. Disco parties

Disco parties were only held towards the end of the party era. Colored disco balls, bags of chips, and liters of cola... Disco parties really got exciting, with the main activity: spin the bottle.

8. Sleepovers

If you were invited to a sleepover, you knew it was going to be good. Sleepovers were organized for a very limited number of guests. The party often started with a very scary movie rented from the video store. Afterwards, all the mattresses were laid out on the floor to chat, giggle, and scare each other all night long.