10 Awesome Outdoor Birthday Party Ideas for Kids of All Ages
Throw an awesome birthday party with these genius ideas. With these plans for beach parties and lawn Twister, birthday party brainstorming just got easier.
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If any of the kids in your family have a birthday coming up, planning an outdoor birthday party can be the main difference in it being manageable or not (20 kids on a sugar high running through your yard is always better than 20 kids running through your house!). And there is no shortage of great birthday party themes for outdoor parties, whether you are turning four or forty. Here are 10 of our favorites to inspire your next outdoor birthday bash!
Alice in Wonderland Party
The story may be a classic, but the theme of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland never gets old, and it's perfect for the outdoors. Recreate the Mad Tea Party from the story with a long table for all of your guests and let the madness ensue just like this adorable party from Daisy Pink Cupcake. The oversize tissue paper flowers add to the surreal decor (perhaps they really did fall down the rabbit hole), and guests played pin the smile on the Cheshire Cat for a thematic twist on the classic game. Everything is wacky in Alice's Wonderland so there's ample opportunity to get creative with this theme.
Water Party
Whether you've got a pool or not, a water party is sure to be a blast. Set up sprinklers, a Slip 'n Slide, water balloons, and water guns and let the kids go wild. They'll be shrieking with joy for hours and never want it to end. Just be sure to close the windows to the house, and make the rules are clear as to where wet kids are allowed. Not only is a water party a lot of fun, but it keeps the kids cool on a hot day.
Beach Party
You don't have to live near the ocean to have a beach party! If your kid loves the beach, get out the beach balls and create an amazing display like Dawn Smith from Not Just a Mommy did here. Crab plates, surfboards, and thematic food in the shape of fish, shark fins, swim noodles, and inner tubes add more fun to this party. The only other thing you need is a sandbox to build some castles in.
Lawn Twister
Just because you've moved your party outdoors doesn't mean you have to eliminate your favorite indoor games from the event. Just make the yard part of the game like Tausha from Sassy Style did with this outdoor Twister game by simply spray painting the game board circles on her grass (it grows out in a few weeks). While Twister is a really fun game, don't limit yourself. How about creating a giant Candyland or Chutes & Ladders game in your yard and letting the kids act as the "pawns" that move on the game board?
Nerf Party
Ever met a kid that didn't love playing with Nerf guns? We haven't either. The folks at Uplifting Mayhem were inspired by their son's love of Nerf and set up some amazing acitivities. The partygoers created cardboard targets, played Nerf bowling, had balloon target practice, and more. The party included super-cute decor, desserts, and a Nerf-themed piñata.
Archaeological Dig
For kids who love the thrill of the hunt or are intrigued by all that came before them, hold an archaeological dig party. Simply bury "artifacts" in a sandbox, at the beach, or in the dirt for them to search out and uncover. You can add an extra element of fun by giving them riddles that help lead them to the buried items or have a contest to see who can find a certain "golden" item that wins them a big prize.
Garden Party
Making the great outdoors the theme of the party is an easy, fun, and educational way to celebrate a birthday, and might possibly even plant the seed in a little one's mind that changes the way they understand nature. This Plant a Seed party designed by Paula Biggs of Frog Prince Paperie featured adorable "garden tool" flatware, mini dirt cakes, tractor rides, and of course, planting seeds just to name a few of the highlights.
Bubbles Party
Kids love bubbles of all shapes and sizes, and what could be more fun than blowing, chasing, and popping bubbles for hours on end? Set up a few bubble machines for a constant flow of bubbles, and then have plenty of individual bottles for the kids to do on their own. Depending on their age, the kids can even create super-size bubbles or make their own beautiful bubble wands as a party favor to take home.
Teddy Bear Picnic
Invite your small guests to bring their favorite furry friend for a picnic for your next outdoor party. Set up some picnic blankets and serve teddy bear-themed treats like bear-shaped sandwiches, Teddy Graham trail mix, etc. The kids will love introducing their favorite bear to their friends and getting to know each other better.
Kite Party
Go fly a kite! While kites can be quite elaborate, it's easy to find very inexpensive ones and it's a fun activity that a lot of kids don't partake in very often. Host your party at a large park (preferably one that is prone to winds) and bring kites for everyone. The kids will love trying to get their kite off the ground and seeing who can fly it the highest, and each kid can take one home as their party favor.
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