Bobbing for apples, commonly known as "Bobbing for apples", is a traditional Halloween game for children of all ages. It requires nothing more than a large tub of water, enough apples to cover its surface and a group of people willing to wet their faces - and all the rest. It's a very fun game, and we'll show you how!
Steps
Step 1. Find a suitable tub
You can use a bucket, a cooler, anything large enough to fit at least one head. Place the tub on a table or cart sturdy enough to support it when full of water. The top should be about the height of the players' hips.
Step 2. Fill the tub with fresh (not cold) water
Fill it about 3/4 full. Be careful not to put too much, so that the water does not spill and splash out - too much. Make sure it's not too hot or cold.
If you are indoors, place towels at the base of the tub to keep the floor from getting wet
Step 3. Put several apples to float in the water
Put as many as there are, but not too many to keep them from moving: you want it to be a challenge, right?
Step 4. Choose the first player
It is not allowed to use hands to grab apples, so each player must always keep their hands behind their back.
Step 5. Say "Go"
Each player must try to grab an apple between his teeth. Give each 20 seconds, and make the other players count "a thousand-one, a thousand-two …" as the player tries to grab the apples.
Step 6. Name the winner
Whoever takes an apple first wins.
Step 7. Clean up
Grab a towel and dry, and enjoy!
Advice
- If you really want to win, and you don't mind getting a lot wet, here's what you need to do: hold your breath and push the apple to the bottom of the tub before trying to bite it. The side can work too, but it's harder!
- If you want to play a similar game but don't want to get wet, you can also hang apples from the ceiling with string and challenge the players to grab them without hands.
- To make the game more difficult, remove the stalks from the apples. If you want to vary the fruits, try others, such as oranges, pears or peaches, as long as they float.
- A basin full of water is very heavy. Make sure you have something to carry it back and forth.
- Consider variations of the game: it can be made more complicated by using fewer apples and larger apples in the bowl, so that they are less easy to grasp with the mouth. Use smaller, softer apples to make it easier for kids.
- If allowed, wear goggles.
- Between players, remove the bitten apples and replace them with fresh apples. Or ask each player to remove their bitten apple at the end of each round.
- Even if they lose, let them have their apple (especially if they tried to bite it).
Warnings
- Keep in mind that many germs can be transmitted with water. Consequently, the tub full of water and apples is also full of germs! Also keep in mind, however, that it has been a game that has been played for centuries, and is very unlikely to be lethal.
- Never grab apples with your teeth if you wear the appliance, or some parts of it could tear.
- If you can't stand the idea of diving head first into dirty water, then this game is not for you.
- Always keep an eye on children while they play. Don't let a baby stay in apnea for too long.
- Don't let sick people play.
