Kids' Parties

Back-to-School Party

The end of the summer is usually a bittersweet time for both kids and parents. On one hand, kids are happy to return to their classmates and teachers. On the other, they are often sad to see the end of staying up late, sleeping in, and fun in the sun. A back-to-school party is an exciting way to bid farewell to summer. Themes help make a back-to-school party even more fun. Some appropriate summer themes include:

• Luau
• Barbecue
• Pool party
• Campout (backyard or campsite)
• By the sea

Homeschool Parties

Since homeschoolers do not necessarily follow the traditional school schedule, they have to be a bit more creative in their kids' party ideas. Many homeschoolers throw a "Not Back to School" party. This is a special way to recognize the official beginning of the new year. Invite other homeschoolers and make plans for the upcoming school year.

Homeschoolers also have the unique opportunity to incorporate parties into their curriculum. This is especially true of families using unit studies. At the end of each unit, host a party in the study theme. Studying the American Girls? At the end of each girl's unit, have a party celebrating her period in American history. Guests can come in period dress, create crafts from the era, and even eat snacks that the character would have eaten.

Holiday Kids' Parties

Holidays are also a great time to host a kids' party. Just pick a holiday and find craft projects, snacks, and activities in that theme. Any holiday would work well, but the following are especially fun:

• Christmas
• Easter
• Ramadan
• Eid
• Hanukkah
• Chanukah
• Kwanzaa
• Fourth of July
• New Year's Day
• St. Patrick's Day
• Halloween

Activities that can be adapted for any holiday include:

• Decorate cookies or cupcakes
• Decorate t-shirts in a holiday theme
• Make cards and gifts for friends, family, or the less fortunate
• Make a dinner mat in the holiday theme
• Make a holiday countdown calendar

Easter Example

If you are hosting an Easter party, for example, decorating eggs would be an obvious choice for crafts projects. An egg hunt with fun prizes would be a logical activity. Other, less obvious ideas include:

• Egg toss
• Plant seeds or beans in a cup to symbolize rebirth
• Make Easter cards for sick children or seniors
• Decorate a tree with plastic eggs
• Make papier mache eggs
• Make decorative crosses

Slumber Parties

Girls of all ages enjoy having slumber parties. For the party to be a success, it is usually helpful to have crafts or activities planned. A bit of structure can help prevent boredom and fighting. Like other parties, slumber parties lend themselves well to themes.

For example, a "Nutcracker Ballet" party can be great fun in the winter months. Have each girl bring a leotard or tutu. Rent a copy of one of the many versions of The Nutcracker, and watch while sipping hot chocolate or warmed cider. Afterwards, provide a short ballet lesson or allow the girls to dance free-form. Ballet or [[Christmas Activities for Kids|Christmas] crafts complete the fun.

Other fun slumber party themes include:

• Makeover madness. Break out the makeup and hair accessories and let the girls give each other makeovers. Be sure to take pictures for a party scrapbook.
• Spa fun. This is a great idea for tweens and teens. Either take the girls out for manicures and pedicures, or give these at home.
• Indoor campout. Tell ghost stories, eat smores, and sleep in sleeping bags.
• Game night. Have each girl bring her favorite board games or cards. Games like Charades and karaoke are also a huge hit at slumber parties.

Make Your Kids' Party More Fun

Regardless of the type of party you are hosting, you can make it more fun with a bit of creativity. If you have chosen a theme for the party, use the theme for everything. Your invitations, decorations, favors, crafts, activities, music, and food should all be in theme. Don't feel you have to limit yourself to items available at the party supply store, either. Many decorations can be make cheaply and easily at home. As for games, you can tweak many popular party games to match any theme.