Party Ideas for Kids

Need party ideas that your children will love and that still fit into your budget? Over the years, we hosted many parties, and my children were often central to the party planning. We had all of our children's birthday parties at our home. We had a blast creating the themes, planning the menu, and decorating the house. I'm sure they have fond memories of their childhood parties. Below you will find some simple and fun party ideas, including lists of materials needed and pictures to spur your inspiration. Allow your child to be involved in the planning. After all, it is their party! I hope that this inspires you to create wonderful memories with your children.

Party Planning Tips

• Keep it simple. A party doesn't have to extravagant to be incredible.

• Let your child be involved in the planning. They will love the time you spend together.

• Brainstorm ideas together. Let your child pick an activity or item they want at the party, even if it is not what you imagined. Remember it is their party!

• Select a theme for the party, such as gymnastics, dance party, rodeo, etc.

• Select a color scheme to use for the decorations.

• Purchase disposable plates and utensils for easy cleanup.

• Let your guests know if they are to dress a certain way for the party (i.e., western dress, leotard, princess dress, etc.).

• Set a time limit for the party by putting an arrival time and pickup time on the invitation. Two hours is more than enough to entertain children.

• Ask about any food allergies among the guests.

• Make sure you have phone numbers for all of the parents.

• Rotate the activity every 15 minutes, and leave very little down time. Boredom leads to things getting out of control. Try alternating between a physical activity and a quiet craft to keep kids engaged.

• Set up stations in different areas of the house for eating, playing, and crafting.

• Have everything set up before the guests arrive. This goes for any type of event you are having at your home.

• Create an agenda for the party and stick to it.

• Have a few adult helpers to transition the children from one area to the next. You can also have one of the helpers cleaning up a section and one prepping the next area.

• Make food kid-friendly and not too messy.

• Save the party favors for when the children are leaving your home to ensure that no one leaves part of their favor at your house. This also ensures that the party ends on a fun note!

• Remind your child to use their manners and ALWAYS thank their guest for the gift and for coming to their party.

Sample Party Schedule

10:00 am - Guests arrive.

10:15 am - Play a game outside or in the garage.

10:30 am - Craft in the kitchen.

10:45 am - Play a game outside or in the garage.

11:00 am - Snack and drink in the kitchen.

11:15 am - Open presents in the family room.

11:30 am - Craft in the garage.

11:45 am - Cake and sing in the kitchen.

12:00 pm - Give out party favors and thank guests.