Trampoline Park Party
Don't tell us you haven't spend a Saturday at a trampoline park recently. This is one of the hottest places to host a kid's birthday these days. The best part? There are plenty of opportunities for your guests to get their wiggles out all at once!
Luau / Moana Party
With its tropical, floral setting, a Moana party is perfect for a summer day. Check out these fun ideas from Catch My Party founder Jillian Tobher Leslie. Her Moana party recommendations include a layered hibiscus flower cake, frosted flower cookies, and adorable crab-shaped croissants. If you're looking for activities, check out these fun (and free!) printables from Virtually Yours.
Ice Cream Social Party
What's better than ice cream with all the toppings in the summer? We've got some great sundae bar ideas you can use for inspiration, and once you throw in some classic backyard games, you've got yourself a classic birthday party.
Backyard Bounce Party
Regardless of how you feel about bounce houses, it's hard to deny that kids love them. Plus, with a giant inflatable at the ready, you won't have to do much more in the way of entertainment. You can rent one, which will cost a little bit, or, if you've got super little ones, consider buying one online. We promise that you'll get your money's worth.
Pool Party
You don’t need to take the kids to the pool to host a pool party this summer. Bring the pool to you! Put 5-7 hard sided kids pools around the yard and fill them with games and activities that are best enjoyed when the sun is shining. Make one a crazy shaving cream painting station. Fill another with water balloons for an epic battle. Line another with butcher paper and let kids splatter paint pictures of the perfect summer day. Sand with sand toys is another way for them to play. Be creative with your fillings and the party can last all day!
Under the Big Top Party
Celebrate your circus with a party to match. An afternoon of old-school carnival games and silly prizes to match should keep your crew and friends busy in the great outdoors. Get inspired to try this DIY party at home when you check out our ideas here. From invitations to backdrops to games and prizes, everything you need to celebrate is here.
Cycle Party
Whether your celebrant rides a tricycle, bicycle or scooter like a pro, a cycling theme is a great way to take advantage of sunny skies and warm days. Throw the party at a local park, along a bike trail or in your neighborhood—anywhere you’ve got plenty of room to roam. Then set out bike-themed crafts like handmade handlebar tassels, spoke beads and personalized plates! End with a parade, obstacle course run or loop around a track. Get more ideas here. Ride on!
Camping Party
Whether you DIY simple A-frame tents or pitch store bought ones in the yard, nothing says summer quite like a camping party. Go all in on campfires, s’mores, sleeping bags and fun fishing games when you recreate a camping experience at your place. As for invites, fun eats and a cake that’s unforgettable, check out our favorite ideas here.
Magical Garden Party
This Southern California garden party was a dream come true for all the fairies, gnomes and the magical birthday girl, Rhoa. All partygoers donned a pair of wings as they flitted through the lush fields and snacked on yummy lady-bug apples. See more of the party, from the grassy placemats to the amazing birthday cake, click here.
Plant a Seed Party
Looking for a party that’s eco-friendly and totally green? Well, this fantastic “Plant a Seed” party only cost a crafty mom $58, and it’s one of the best parties we’ve ever seen. Kids got to ride tractors, plant seeds and nosh on delicious potted snacks. Don’t forget to visit Frog Prince Paperie to see the super cute designer-worthy napkins (white cloths lined with green ruffles).
Bubbling Brunch Party
Nothing excites kids more than bubbles. Big, small, soapy or not—this brunch party had bubbles of all sizes and types for kids to pop! From big bubble wands to bubble wrap stations, this party had one of the best party activities ever. Click here to see more of this fun party by Washington D.C.-based planners, Bellwether Events.
Tea Party
Whether you do it indoors or out, tea parties are always a fun birthday theme for kids. We love this how-to guide from The Spruce. They cover everything from food to decor and even games! Looking for a tea set? Check this adorable one we spotted over on Amazon.
American Girl
American Girl celebrates girls with their unique experiences and extensive line of products that will help girls grow up in a wholesome way. American Girl also encourages girls to enjoy girlhood through fun and enchanting play. Click here to find out more.
Drive-In Movie Party
Grab a projector, lots of decorated cardboard boxes and your tot’s favorite movie for this uber-special outdoors party. A throwback to the drive-in movie theatre days, this Curious George party was a huge box-office hit for the kids. They loved sitting in their own car, which also had easy access to snacks, during the whole show. Click here to see how The Party Wagon put this party together.
Painting Party
Throw up king-sized bedsheets in your garage wall and let your kids go to town! The end result could become something like a mural. Plus, at the end of the day, it makes a great group photo background. Find more outdoor art party ideas here.
Picnic Party
What's spring without a good old-fashioned picnic party? Get the kids super excited to head outdoors for a game of bowling or chewing on ants on a log. See our favorite ideas for this classic summer birthday theme here.
Farm Animal Party
Good weather is perfect for a farm-themed party. From bobbing for apples to pin the tail on the piggie, there are a ton of ideas you can set up in a snap.
Gone Fishin' Party
Styled by Laura’s Little Party, this fishing event was a little two-year-old boy’s dream come true. An old lemonade stand was converted into a bait stand, and the birthday boy got to spend his day by the river trying to catch fish. See more of the party over at We Heart Parties.
Mud Run Party
Here’s the quintessential active tot party who kids who loves to get down and dirty. Inspired by Warrior Dash, this mom created an obstacle course that we're dying to join. Boys jumped through tires, exercised their limbs and finished the race with a gold medal in hand. To see more of this fun race, visit Ashley's blog!
Farmer's Market Party
Any kiddo’s favorite outing is going to the market with mom and dad. And, summer is the perfect time to celebrate fresh produce and healthy foods. We love this cardboard market front from Ikatbag.
Pink Lemonade and Pinwheels
Nothing says "we’re ready for summer" like pinwheels and lemonade. Simple and fun, this party by Nothing if Not Intentionalhad pinwheel straws, rock candy, bubbles and more. See all the pictures from this sweet fete here.
— Allison Sutcliffe & Christal Yuen
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