My 10 Favorite Birthday Party Ideas for Kids (I’ve Tried Many!)

If you had told me when I was single that I would love hosting kids’ birthday parties, I would have been extremely skeptical. But here we are: Now, as a mother of two, I find genuine joy and pleasure in making a special day of celebration for my two kids, 13 and 7, on their birthdays. I only have a few rules for a good kids’ party: Make sure the guest of honor is on board with (and excited about) the plan, practice gratitude by personally thanking every guest for coming, and, of course, have fun! These 10 ideas are some of my favorite kids’ birthday party concepts, whether you host them at a venue or at home.

1. Field Day

Get those kids outside and touching grass with a Field Day-inspired party full of silly outdoor games. Choose from classics like a sack race, egg toss, relay race, or tug-of-war; or use big outdoor games like Jenga or giant inflatable skee-ball. Offer lots of different prizes for each game. A Field Day birthday is perfect for active kiddos with warm-weather birthdays, but be sure to have a back-up plan or rain date in case of inclement weather.

2. Doll/Stuffed Animal Party

I’ve hosted two doll-centric parties for my now 7-year-old, and she’s attended several others. What I love about this concept is that it’s all about PLAY. Young kids still need active playtime to help strengthen their imaginations, foster creativity, and teach problem-solving skills. And beyond its psychological merits, it’s just what they love to do, which makes it a great, low-effort choice for any birthday party.

I like to encourage kids to bring their favorite doll or stuffed animal, as not every kid connects with one or the other, and the doll itself isn’t the important part — the playtime is.

3. DIY Crafts

My kids were (and still are) very crafty, and several of their birthday parties included time to make a craft that our guests could take home as a party favor. We even hosted one birthday at one of those glaze-your-own pottery studios, which was adorable and less messy than you might imagine for a group of 4-year-olds.

For a crafty birthday party, choose one specific age-appropriate craft project that kids can make from start to finish during party time (a little extra drying time is OK, but be prepared to deliver the projects when they’re finished if they don’t take them home). Assemble all of the materials, and designate a safe area where the kids can gather around to work. Be prepared to demonstrate, answer questions, and stay nearby to help with any issues that come up. You may even want to have another caregiver, sibling, or friend on-hand to help the kids with their projects.

4. Movie Screening

This is one of my favorite party ideas for kids’ birthdays because it’s so easy — and who doesn’t love a good movie? You have two main options for a movie screening party: at a movie theater, or at home. Many theaters offer birthday party packages that allow your kiddo to choose either a new release or their favorite DVD or Blu-Ray to show on the big screen.

Because they’re hosted in a theater, the capacity is a bit higher than some other birthday venues (our local theater’s private parties are for a max of 30 guests), and you will likely have to purchase food directly from the theater. Pro tip: You can often get a less expensive rate for hosting a party earlier in the day, which is great for kids anyway.

For at-home movie screenings, you can create a movie theater indoors or outdoors and screen any movie your child loves. Be sure to provide popcorn, candy, and drinks for the guests to complete the experience.

5. LEGO Party

Builders are gonna build, and a LEGO party is a great way to get them using those LEGO bricks with friends. Both LEGO-certified retailers (aka The LEGO Store) and independent LEGO retailers (like Bricks and Minifigs) offer birthday party packages.

However, if you’ve amassed a staggering collection of LEGO at home (like me), you can center a party around your own supply. Organize LEGO in bins by color, pulling out minifigs and special pieces, and provide a big working space for kids to build. Offer prompts and print out directions for simple builds. Use LEGO bricks as party favors, and make some LEGO-inspired snacks (LEGO candy is a must!) to play on the theme.

6. Pokémon Party

They’ve gotta catch ‘em all, and a birthday party is a great place to do it. Depending on their age or interest level, kids can battle with their Pokémon decks; play one of the Pokémon video games; or play Pokémon-inspired party games like scavenger hunts, trainer relay races, a Poké ball punch game, or a piñata filled with Pokémon cards. These parties come together pretty easily because there’s no shortage of decorations or even Pokémon-themed snacks to choose from.

7. Sports Party

Young sports enthusiasts will love combining their birthday celebrations with their favorite sports, whether you host a soccer game in the yard or watch a football game on the big screen. Go all-in with team decorations, astroturf, and other sporty touches, and offer a menu of classic game-day snacks.

8. Bubble Party

Bubbles are nothing short of fascinating for kids, and blowing and chasing bubbles is an activity that can last for hours. For a kids’ bubble party, you can work with a pro to make your bubble dreams come true. These providers can create dazzling bubbles that are huge in scale and magnificent to behold.

But for a more DIY approach, you can make your own bubble magic, with bubble machines in the yard, individual bubble wands for each kid, and bubble-related activities like painting with bubbles or making your own giant bubbles. Pair a bubble party with outdoor sprinklers, and encourage guests to wear clothes that can get wet (or just have them come in their bathing suits) because kids are sure to get messy with this one.

9. Animal-Lover Party

If animals hold the key to your little one’s heart, an animal-themed birthday is a great choice. We hosted my older kiddo’s birthday at the SPCA one year and then allowed them to pick out a kitten as a birthday present — that’s the kind of present a child will never forget. SPCA parties are led by staff members who teach kids about what the organization does and lets them meet some of the adoptable animals on-site. They also lead the kids in an activity, like making toys for the animals. You can also find animal birthday parties at some humane societies and other animal shelters.

10. Science Party

With science experiments, activities, and science-inspired snacks, a science birthday party is a fun, not-too-common option for kids who love STEM. You can find these kinds of parties at science museums or from other providers, depending on where you live, but it’s also possible to recreate the idea at home. Choose one big, central experiment to do with the entire group (like an erupting volcano or making elephant toothpaste), and include a few smaller activities kids can do on their own (like making slime or straw rockets). You can give every kid a lab coat and goggles that they can take home as party favors.

Further Reading

You’re Not Allowed to Lock Strollers at Disney Theme Parks, So Instead I Do This

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49 Stylish Nursery Ideas for the Unique Baby Room of Your Dreams