Kids' Birthday Party Ideas
Posted: Sunday, June 25, 2006
by Laura Trahan
Before I became a parent, I never realized the importance of a child’s birthday party. As a mom of two, I think I have now been to every party possible. While my son attended preschool, I think it became a competition on who could have the best birthday party. After attending fourteen within three months, I like to think of myself as an expert on kids’ birthday parties.
Party at the Park
OK, so this was mine. I threw my son a party at a local park for his three-year-old birthday. The thought of having three-year-olds running around my house scared me to death. The option of paying a lot for a party place did not thrill me. So we looked into the local park. It was great. We pushed two picnic tables together. We had two coolers-one with juice pouches the other with sodas for adults. I splurged and bought a store-bought cake. We had a piñata and party favors for afterwards. The kids loved expending energy on the slides, swings, etc. It was really great entertainment. Added Bonus: bring bubbles and games for when kids get burned out on slides.
The WOW factor: I bought white t-shirts and bought super big, strong superhero stickers to affix to the front (available at the time at Party City). The kids loved them (even the girls) because they could run around and pretend to be super heroes at the party. As parents, we all loved them because we could sit and visit. If we had a concern, all we had to do is look up for the bright white shirts and quickly find our kids. You could also use puffy paint, iron ons, etc to decorate shirts any way you like.
Bowling Party
My son has been to two of these within the last year. When I first received the invitation, I have to admit I was a little nervous. We have never taken him bowling. He loved it! All the kids did. My suggestion is to not really keep score unless you have older kids-just let them line up and continually bowl for the allotted time.
The WOW Factor: The first one we attended, the mom had little plastic trophies as party favors. She took a permanent marker and wrote each child’s name on a trophy. My son loved it. He put it up with his real trophies and never knew it wasn’t real. The second one had bowling pin water bottles. They were the cutest I have ever seen! She also had all the kids sign a bowling pin for a memory keepsake for the birthday boy.
First Birthdays
It is easy to get caught up in first birthdays and go overboard. My suggestion is to keep it small and have it at home. There will be plenty of time to go extravagant as your little one grows up. I have been to a lot of first birthdays and to tell you the truth, the great part is when they are simple. Babies tend to get overworked if they go too long.
The WOW Factor: With today’s technology, it is simple to become your own movie director. Or on my child’s birthday, I directed a slideshow of pictures recapping her first year. I used iMovie and added music such as “You Are so Beautiful." It was a big hit especially for those family members who are unable to be close and missed out on some events during the first year. It also allows you to realize how much your child has grown over the first year.
Jumping Parties
This is the hottest thing here in Houston right now. We have jumping places on every corner. It is the perfect place to have a party. The kids will completely exhaust themselves and sleep well at night. What mom doesn’t want a party like that? The great thing about these parties is that you don’t have to worry about rental fees of a moonwalk or the weather. Since there are so many opportunities to throw these types of parties, the prices are going down. Plus, there is no cleanup. Just be sure to tip your party hostess.
The WOW Factor: Always look or opt for the package that offers free passes as party favors. The passes are great and ensure a play date at a later time.
Fast food or restaurant birthday
These are also popular and tend to run a bit cheaper. Kids love going to these types of parties as well, especially if there is a built-in playground.
The WOW Factor: We once attended one of these at Chick-Fil-A. What made the event so memorable was that after the kids played and ate their chicken nuggets, the mom pulled out a tray of plain cupcakes with no icing. She then put several tubs and flavors of icing and sprinkles on the table and let the kids have at it. The kids loved icing their own and designing their own tasty creations.
Sport Parties
These are great for any age athlete you have. It can be a trip to the batting cages, miniature golf, a game of football, etc. The Houston Astros now offer birthday parties at the stadium complete with special gifts from the Astros, ice cream and a visit from the mascot. Check out your local team or arena to see what offers they have.
The WOW Factor: Give them something athletic to take home as a party favor. For example, buy little baseball bats, or order inflatable bats as favors. Have each guest sign a baseball, football, softball etc. for the birthday boy or girl.
The great thing about kid’s birthday parties is that kids tend to be easily entertained or amused. As long as there is cake and play, along with some nifty presents, you pretty much in line to make it memorable. There are endless possibilities. Think about what your kid likes. From movie parties to gymnastics to little diva to tea parties to Build-a-Bear. Each offers something unique and memorable. So get creative and feel free to leave other ideas in the comments!
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)He Laura! Great article! is it an idea to add some decoration to the parties with some large balloons . I am sure the kids can make a party with these!Thanks for commenting! Balloons are fun, but also can be dangerous or scary for the real young ones! There are some fun games that can be done with balloons like throwing darts to pop balloons on a board. The static hair trick is always entertaining at a science party. Finally, water balloons can be a blast! Thanks so much for contributing to the article with your great idea!
Great ideas - and I LOVE the cupcake idea - no more trying to get the icing just right on the homemade cakes - or expensive store bought ones!Thanks so much for the comment! Exactly, since God knows I can never get that icing perfect!:)
how about ideas for softball? I have a daughter and baseball is out of the question. i cannot find anything softball, it is all baseball. Judi- new jersey
My son will be 2 yrs in Jan and and coz its summer in Jan, I was thinking of a Beach party.Any Ideas or suggestion for beach party for Kids?
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