Kids' Birthday Party Themes

Planning a Birthday Party

The theme is one of the most important factors when planning your child's birthday party. However, there are many things to consider when choosing a theme including:

• Budget -- Birthdays parties don't have to cost an arm and a leg, but remember, some of the food, props and activities can get pricey. After you decide on a budget, sit down with your child (if he or she is old enough) and make a list of what will be eaten and done at the party. Try and stick to the budget.
• Guests -- Parties with a larger amount of guests will not only cost more but you may have to move to a different venue to accommodate them. The party theme can reflect this as well. Decide ahead of time if you want:
  • A large or small party
  • To invite only a few of your child's friends or the entire class
  • If the party will include family members
• Child's age -- Planning a party for a two-year-old is much different than one for a 12-year-old. The complexity of themes is different, so keep this in mind.
• Timing -- If your son or daughter's birthday is on or around Christmas or another major holiday, remember that some families travel during these times and may be unable to attend. Plan your party for a date and time when you know others can attend. It doesn't always have to be on the exact date your child was born.
• Location -- Nowadays, many restaurants, gymnasiums and even specialty bounce house companies offer private birthday parties. You won't have to worry about entertaining the children, nor is there a mess at your house to clean up.
• Food -- Decide if you are planning a meal for the party or just cake, ice-cream and other treats. Check with guests' parents to find out if any children have food allergies so you can properly accommodate them. A cake related to the party theme is a good idea.

Themes for Younger Kids

Kids' Birthday Party Themes for young children should be simple, especially if the child is younger than five years old. These parties shouldn't last more than two to three hours and should not be planned during a nap time. The birthday cake should reflect the theme, as well as any planned activities or games. Some of the more popular themes include:

• Sesame Street
• Cars or other Disney movie
• Winnie the Pooh
• Care Bears
• Blue's Clues
• Little People
• Dinosaurs
• Cars, trucks or trains
• Princess
• Mad Hatter tea party
• Flower power
• Clifford the Big Red Dog
• Under the sea (or Little Mermaid)
• Ballerina
• Clowns

Themes for Older School Children

As your child grows, kids' birthday party themes that come from a speciality store may not be as popular. Parties at this age are all about good food, friends and having fun. Birthday cakes are still a good thing to have, but structured games are replaced by activities. Those include:

• Having a slumber party with a few friends
• Going to a restaurant for a fun pizza party
• Creating fun crafts
• Running, jumping, and tumbling at a local gymnastics center
• Getting simple hair makeovers
• Taking two or three friends to the movies
• A pool party during the hot summer months
• Baking and decorating fun treats
• Miniature golf, batting practice or even a trip to a local baseball or basketball game
• Laser tag, hyperspace simulators, or virtual reality games
• Go-cart racing
• Rock climbing
• Bowling

Resources for Kids' Birthday Party Themes

• Birthday in a Box
• Birthday Party Ideas
• FamilyFun.com
• Zoom Party
• The Party Works