Summer-themed birthday party
A summer-themed birthday party for kids can be a fun and exciting way to celebrate. Here are some ideas to make the party a success:
Choose a fun summer theme: Beach party, Luau, Pool party, Water balloon fight, Carnival or Circus, Picnic in the park, or Outdoor movie night.
Decorations: Use bright, vibrant colors that are associated with summer like blues, greens, yellows, oranges, and pinks. You can use beach balls, beach umbrellas, and beach towels, create a tropical atmosphere with tiki torches and hula skirts, or set up a colorful carnival or circus scene.
Activities: Set up a water balloon toss, water balloon pinata, beach volleyball, relay races, pool games or have a scavenger hunt.
Food and drinks: Offer refreshing and kid-friendly snacks such as fruit skewers, popsicles, ice cream, smoothies, and lemonade. Set up a food station with summer-themed treats such as hot dogs, hamburgers, and corn on the cob.
Party favors: Give your guests a summer-themed party favor such as beach balls, sunglasses, bubbles, or water guns.
1. Beach Theme -
Sandcastle Centerpiece: Use sandcastle molds to create a centerpiece for your party table. Fill them with sand and add a few seashells and beach-themed toys to create a fun centerpiece.
Beach Ball Balloons: Use colorful beach balls as a base for helium-filled balloons. Tie the balloons to the top of the beach ball to create a fun and playful decoration.
Seashell Garland: String together seashells to create a garland that can be draped around the party area. This is a simple yet effective way to bring a touch of the beach to your party.
Beach Umbrella Table Decorations: Use mini beach umbrellas as table decorations. Place them on top of the party table and use them to hold drinks or snacks.
Nautical Flags: Hang nautical flags around the party area. You can find printable versions online or create your own using construction paper and markers.
Surfboard Cutouts: Cut out surfboard shapes from colorful paper or poster board and hang them on the walls or around the party area.
Fish Netting: Drape fish netting over tables or hang it from the ceiling. Add some seashells or small fish toys to create a realistic beach scene.
Beach-themed Backdrop: Create a beach-themed backdrop using blue fabric for the ocean, sand-colored fabric for the beach, and add some seashells or beach toys for decoration.
Beach-Inspired Tableware: Use beach-inspired tableware such as plates, cups, and napkins with designs of beach balls, sandcastles, and sea creatures to add a fun touch to your table settings.
Beach-Themed Photo Booth: Create a beach-themed photo booth area with props such as sunglasses, beach hats, and beach balls. This will provide a fun activity for kids to enjoy and take home some memorable photos.
2. Hawaiian Luau Party
Tropical Flowers: Decorate the party area with tropical flowers such as hibiscus, plumeria, and orchids. You can use fresh flowers or purchase artificial flowers to create beautiful arrangements.
Tiki Torches: Tiki torches can add a fun and festive touch to your party. You can use them to line the walkway or create a perimeter around the party area.
Palm Trees: If you have access to palm trees, use them to create a tropical feel. If not, you can purchase inflatable palm trees or make your own using brown paper bags and green construction paper.
Fruit Decorations: Pineapples, coconuts, and other tropical fruits can be used as decorations. You can use them as centerpieces or to create a fruit display.
Seashells: Scatter seashells around the party area to create a beachy vibe.
Beach Balls: Beach balls can be used as decorations and also make great party favors.
Luau Banners: Hang a colorful Luau banner to welcome your guests and set the tone for the party.
Table Decorations: Use brightly colored tablecloths and napkins and decorate the tables with tropical flowers or fruit.
Grass Hut: Create a grass hut as a photo backdrop for the kids to take pictures in front of.
3. Tropical Jungle Party -
Balloon Garland: Create a balloon garland with green, brown, and yellow balloons to mimic the colors of the jungle. Add some animal balloons like monkeys, parrots, and tigers to complete the look.
Leafy Backdrop: Create a backdrop by cutting out large tropical leaves from green construction paper or using pre-made jungle-themed backdrops. You can add some vines and flowers to the backdrop to make it look more realistic.
Table Decor: Use brown tablecloths with green table runners to create a lush, jungle vibe. You can also add some tropical flowers or leaves to the table to make it look more festive.
Animal Props: Create life-size animal props like a large parrot, a monkey, or a tiger using cardboard or foam. These props can be placed around the party area to give the impression of a real jungle.
Faux Grass: Lay down some artificial grass on the ground or on the tables to create a more jungle-like atmosphere. You can also use small plants and flowers to decorate the party area.
Jungle-inspired Food and Drinks: Serve jungle-inspired food and drinks like tropical fruit skewers, animal-shaped cookies, and green-colored lemonade to complete the theme.
Dress up Area: Create a jungle dress-up area where kids can wear animal masks, grass skirts, and other jungle-inspired accessories.
4. Under the Sea Party -
Start with a blue and green color scheme to create an underwater vibe. Hang blue and green streamers, balloons, and crepe paper throughout the party space.
Use fish nets, seashells, and starfish to create centerpieces and table decorations. You can also scatter seashells and sand on the tables to add to the beachy feel.
Use fish nets, seashells, and starfish to create centerpieces and table decorations. You can also scatter seashells and sand on the tables to add to the beachy feel.
Hang a "Happy Birthday" banner featuring sea creatures such as fish, dolphins, and seahorses.
Create a backdrop using blue or green fabric and cutouts of sea creatures. You can find these at party stores or make them yourself using construction paper or cardboard.
Use clear or blue balloons to create a bubble effect. You can add some glitter or confetti to the balloons to make them look like bubbles.
Hang a variety of sea creature cutouts from the ceiling or on the walls. You can find these at party stores or make them yourself using construction paper or cardboard.
Create a DIY photo booth using a backdrop and props such as snorkels, goggles, and beach hats.
Use a large inflatable pool or kiddie pool as a decoration. Fill it with blue balloons and plastic sea creatures to create a fun underwater scene.
Use ocean-themed tableware such as plates, napkins, and cups featuring sea creatures or waves.
Finally, consider playing ocean-themed music or sound effects to create a fun and immersive atmosphere for the party.
5. Flamingo Theme -
Flamingo Balloons: Get some pink and white balloons and draw flamingos on them using a black marker. You can also use flamingo-shaped mylar balloons for a fun twist.
Flamingo Centerpieces: Create centerpieces using small pink and white tissue paper pom poms or honeycomb balls, and attach flamingo cutouts to them.
Flamingo Centerpieces: Create centerpieces using small pink and white tissue paper pom poms or honeycomb balls, and attach flamingo cutouts to them.
Flamingo Banner: Create a banner using pink and white paper or fabric, and attach flamingo cutouts to it. You can also use flamingo-shaped banners for a fun touch.
Flamingo Tablecloth: Cover the tables with pink and white striped or polka dot tablecloths, and sprinkle some flamingo confetti on top.
Flamingo Cups and Plates: Use pink cups and plates, and draw or attach flamingos to them using stickers or markers.
Flamingo Straws: Get some pink and white striped straws and attach flamingo cutouts to them using glue.
Flamingo Lights: Hang some pink and white string lights around the party area, and attach some flamingo cutouts to them for added flair.
Flamingo Photo Booth: Create a photo booth area using a pink and white backdrop, and attach some flamingo cutouts to it. You can also provide flamingo-themed props for guests to use in their photos.
Flamingo Party Favors: Give out flamingo-themed party favors, such as flamingo-shaped sunglasses, stickers, or keychains.
6. Pool Party -
Inflatable pool toys: Add some colorful inflatable pool toys such as beach balls, floating animals, and pool noodles to the party area.
DIY balloon garlands: Create a DIY balloon garland with colorful balloons and hang it near the pool area or behind the dessert table.
Beach-themed decor: Use beach-themed decor such as seashells, starfish, and sandcastle decorations to give the party area a beachy vibe.
Tiki torches: Add some tiki torches around the pool area to create a tropical atmosphere.
Pool float decorations: Decorate pool floats with balloons, ribbons, or streamers to add some color to the pool.
DIY photo booth: Create a DIY photo booth with a colorful backdrop and some fun props such as sunglasses, beach hats, and pool floats.
Water balloon decorations: Fill some water balloons with water and hang them around the party area for a fun and playful touch.
Drink station: Set up a drink station with colorful straws, cups, and a variety of refreshing beverages for guests to enjoy.
7. Icecream Theme -
Ice cream cone balloons: Blow up colorful balloons and attach them to cardboard cutouts shaped like ice cream cones.
Ice cream cone garland: Cut out colorful paper in the shape of ice cream cones and string them together to create a garland.
Ice cream sundae centerpiece: Fill a large bowl with colored tissue paper or confetti and place a plastic sundae cup in the center filled with flowers.
Ice cream parlor sign: Create a sign that looks like an ice cream parlor, complete with the words "Ice Cream" in bright colors and bold letters.
Paper lantern ice cream cones: Use paper lanterns to make colorful ice cream cones, complete with tissue paper "scoops" in different flavors.
Ice cream cone piñata: Fill a piñata shaped like an ice cream cone with candy and small toys for the kids to break open.
Ice cream cone tablecloth: Use a white tablecloth and paint colorful ice cream cones on it using fabric paint.
8. Watermelon Party -
Watermelon Balloons - Fill up green and pink balloons and stick black paper cutouts on the pink ones to make them look like watermelons.
Watermelon Tablecloth - Use a green and white checkered tablecloth as the base and cut out black circles and attach them to the cloth to make it look like a watermelon.
Watermelon Banner - Cut out triangle shapes from green and pink paper and attach them to a string to create a watermelon banner.
Watermelon Centerpieces - Cut out watermelon shapes from foam sheets and place them in the center of the tables. Add some fake vines and leaves to make them look more realistic.
Watermelon Photo Booth - Create a watermelon-themed photo booth by hanging up a green and pink backdrop and adding props like watermelon hats, sunglasses, and slices.
Watermelon Piñata - Create a watermelon-shaped piñata and fill it with candy and small toys for the kids to enjoy.
Watermelon Plates and Cups - Use green and pink plates and cups to serve food and drinks to tie in with the watermelon theme.
Watermelon Popsicle Stand - Set up a popsicle stand and offer watermelon-flavored popsicles for the kids to enjoy.
9. Surfing Theme Party-
Choose a surfing location: Research local beaches or surf parks that offer lessons or rentals for kids. Make sure to check the age and skill level requirements to ensure everyone can participate safely.
Send out invitations: Send out invitations that include all the necessary information, such as the location, date, time, and any special instructions or requirements. You could also include a surfing-themed dress code or ask guests to bring their own beach gear.
Hire a surf instructor: Hire a qualified surf instructor to teach the kids the basics of surfing and ensure their safety in the water. The instructor can also provide boards and other necessary equipment.
Provide snacks and drinks: Surfing can be tiring, so make sure to provide plenty of snacks and drinks for the kids to enjoy. Healthy options like fruit and water are always a good choice, but you could also include some fun beach-themed treats.
Plan other beach activities: While waiting for their turn to surf, the kids can enjoy other beach activities like building sandcastles, playing beach volleyball, or simply lounging in the sun. Make sure to have plenty of sunscreen and shade available.
Capture the memories: Take plenty of photos and videos to capture the fun memories of the surfing party. You could even create a scrapbook or video montage to share with the kids after the party.
10. Pirate Theme party-
Pirate flag banners: String up pirate flag banners across your party area to create a pirate-themed atmosphere.
Treasure chest centerpiece: Fill a large treasure chest with gold coins, plastic jewels, and other pirate-themed trinkets. Use it as a centerpiece for your party table.
Jolly Roger balloons: Inflate black balloons with a skull and crossbones design to add a touch of piracy to your decor.
Pirate ship backdrop: Hang a pirate ship backdrop behind your party table to set the scene for your pirate adventure.
Pirate hats and eye patches: Provide each guest with a pirate hat and eye patch to wear during the party. You can either purchase pre-made ones or make your own using black construction paper.
Sandcastle decor: If your party is taking place at the beach, consider incorporating sandcastles and beachy decor into your pirate theme.
Pirate-themed snacks: Use pirate-themed snack labels to decorate your party food. Some ideas include "cannonball grapes," "pirate's booty popcorn," and "treasure map trail mix."
11. Shark Theme Party -
Shark Balloons: You can get shark-shaped balloons or regular balloons with shark prints on them. Inflate the balloons with helium and let them float around the party area.
Shark Cutouts: Cut out shark shapes from blue construction paper and hang them from the ceiling or tape them to the walls.
Ocean Backdrop: Create an ocean backdrop by hanging blue fabric or paper on the wall and adding sea creatures like fish and seaweed cutouts. You can also use an ocean-themed tablecloth.
Shark Fin Cups: Use blue cups and glue shark fin cutouts onto them to create shark fin cups. You can serve drinks in these cups.
Shark Tooth Necklaces: Make shark tooth necklaces by stringing together small shark tooth-shaped beads.
Shark Attack Cake: Decorate the birthday cake with shark fins, gummy fish, and blue frosting to create the illusion of a shark attack.
Shark Zone Sign: Make a "Shark Zone" sign and hang it at the entrance to the party area.
Beach Balls: Scatter beach balls around the party area to create a fun and playful atmosphere.
Shark Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with shark-themed props like shark hats, shark fins, and shark masks.
Shark Pinata: End the party with a shark pinata filled with candy and toys.
12. Mermaid Theme-
Create a DIY Mermaid Backdrop: Hang a backdrop behind the party table with a blue or teal tablecloth, then use tissue paper or fabric to create a cascading effect of seaweed and coral. Add in some seashells and starfish for extra decoration.
Balloons: Use balloons in shades of blue, green, and purple to create an underwater effect. You can create balloon clusters or use them to create an arch over the party table.
Table Decorations: Set the table with blue and green plates, cups, and napkins. You can also use seashells, sand dollars, and starfish as table decorations.
Mermaid Tail Banners: Create a mermaid tail banner by cutting out mermaid tails from cardstock or construction paper and stringing them together. Hang them on the wall or use them as a backdrop for the party table.
Beach Balls and Pool Noodles: Use beach balls and pool noodles as part of the decorations. You can create a mini pool or beach scene in a corner of the party area.
Jellyfish Lanterns: Create jellyfish lanterns using paper lanterns, ribbons, and tissue paper. Hang them from the ceiling to create an underwater feel.
Mermaid Cutouts: Cut out mermaid silhouettes from cardboard or foam board and place them around the party area.
Under the Sea Photo Booth: Create an under the sea photo booth with props like snorkels, goggles, seashells, and mermaid tails. You can also set up a mermaid tail backdrop for guests to take pictures in front of.
13. Lemonade Stand Party Theme -
Lemonade Stand Backdrop: Set up a yellow and white striped backdrop with cutouts of lemons and lemonade glasses.
Lemonade Stand Banner: Hang a banner that says "Lemonade Stand" or "Sip, Sip, Hooray!" across the party area.
Lemon Balloons: Inflate yellow balloons to look like lemons and scatter them throughout the party area.
Lemonade Glasses: Place lemonade glasses filled with yellow candies or popcorn around the party area.
Lemonade Stand Table: Set up a table as a lemonade stand with a yellow and white striped tablecloth, jars filled with lemon slices and lemonade, and a chalkboard sign with the menu.
Lemonade Stand Photo Booth: Set up a lemonade stand photo booth with a yellow and white striped background and props like lemonade glasses, lemons, and signs.
Lemonade Stand Standee: Have a cardboard cutout of a lemonade stand for the kids to take pictures with.
Lemonade Stand Piñata: Create a lemon-shaped piñata filled with yellow candies.
Lemonade Stand Garland: String together yellow and white paper lanterns or pom poms to create a festive garland.
Lemonade Stand Centerpiece: Create a centerpiece using a large jar filled with lemons, lemon slices, and flowers.
14. Sports Theme-
Create a fun and colorful banner with images of each sport. Hang the banner above the party area to set the theme.
Use balloons in the colors of each sport to create a festive atmosphere. For example, use green and white balloons for cricket, orange and black balloons for basketball, red and white balloons for baseball, and so on.
Set up a table with sports-themed centerpieces. You can use miniature cricket bats, basketballs, baseballs, footballs, hockey sticks, and Kabbadi balls as centerpieces.
Create sports-themed tablecloths and napkins. You can use green and white checked tablecloths for cricket, orange and black for basketball, red and white for baseball, and so on.
Hang sports-themed posters or cutouts of players on the walls. You can also use sports equipment, such as helmets, pads, and balls, as decorations.
Create a photo booth area with sports-themed props. You can use hats, jerseys, and other sports-related accessories.
Use sports-themed plates, cups, and napkins to serve food and drinks. You can also use sports-themed cupcake toppers or cake decorations.
Play sports-themed music during the party. You can create a playlist with songs related to each sport.
Set up a sports-themed activity area with games related to each sport. For example, you can set up a mini cricket game, a basketball hoop, a mini baseball field, a football toss game, and so on.
Give sports-themed party favors to the guests. You can give each child a mini cricket bat, basketball, baseball, football, hockey stick as a party favor.
Cricket:
Set up a cricket pitch in your backyard using white chalk or paint.
Hang cricket bats, balls, and gloves around the party area.
Use green and white balloons to create a cricket ball effect.
Set up a scoreboard and display the teams' names.
Basketball:
Hang basketball hoops or cutouts around the party area.
Use orange and black balloons to create a basketball effect.
Set up a mini basketball court using chalk or tape.
Display team jerseys or t-shirts.
Baseball:
Set up a mini baseball diamond using chalk or tape.
Hang baseball bats, gloves, and balls around the party area.
Use red, white, and blue balloons to create a baseball theme.
Display team logos or jerseys.
Football:
Use green turf carpet or a green tablecloth to create a football field effect.
Hang football helmets, jerseys, and foam fingers around the party area.
Use brown and white balloons to create a football effect.
Set up goalposts and display team logos.
Hockey:
Use white or blue tablecloths to create a rink effect.
Hang hockey sticks, pucks, and jerseys around the party area.
Use black and white balloons to create a hockey puck effect.
Set up mini hockey nets and display team logos.
15. Movie Night Theme -
String Lights - String lights are a great way to create a warm and cozy atmosphere. Hang them around the area where you'll be showing the movie. You could also hang them from trees or bushes to create a magical feeling.
Balloons - Use bright and colorful balloons to decorate the area. You could create a balloon arch at the entrance to the party or use balloons to create fun shapes and characters.
Picnic Blankets - Spread picnic blankets on the ground for guests to sit on while they watch the movie. You could even provide some cozy pillows and blankets for added comfort.
Movie Posters - Create a movie-themed backdrop by printing out posters of the movie you'll be showing. Hang them up on a clothesline or string them up with some twine.
Snack Bar - Set up a snack bar with all the movie snacks kids love. You could serve popcorn, candy, and soda in fun, colorful containers.
DIY Marquee Letters - Create DIY marquee letters to spell out a special message for the birthday boy or girl. You could use foam board and string lights to create the letters.
Outdoor Games - Set up some outdoor games like bean bag toss, ring toss, or a scavenger hunt. This will keep kids entertained before the movie starts.
16. Garden Party Theme -
Balloons: Balloons are a classic party decoration, and they can add a festive touch to your garden party. Consider using brightly colored balloons in shades of green, blue, yellow, and orange to create a fun and playful atmosphere.
Banners and Garlands: You can hang banners and garlands around the garden to add color and charm to the party. Use paper or fabric to make banners with messages like "Happy Birthday!" or "Welcome to the Party!" and string them up on the trees or fence.
Flower arrangements: Flowers are a natural decoration for a garden party, and you can use them in many ways. Consider making centerpieces using flowers in mason jars, or scatter flower petals around the party area for a natural look.
Table Decorations: Set up a table with colorful tablecloths and plates in fun, bright colors. Add a centerpiece of flowers or a fruit basket to add to the ambiance. If your garden has a tree with branches, consider hanging paper lanterns or fairy lights to create a cozy atmosphere.
DIY decorations: You can also get creative and make your own decorations using materials like paper, cardboard, or fabric. For example, you could make tissue paper pom-poms, paper fans, or fabric bunting.
17. Superhero Training Camp Theme-
Welcome Sign: Create a welcome sign that reads "Superhero Training Camp" and hang it up at the entrance to the party area.
Balloon Arch: Create a balloon arch using red, blue, and yellow balloons to add a pop of color to the party area.
Superhero Cutouts: Print out superhero cutouts and hang them up around the party area. You can also use them as table centerpieces.
Superhero Backdrop: Create a superhero backdrop using a large piece of fabric or paper with a superhero scene on it. You can use it as a photo booth backdrop for guests to take pictures.
Training Obstacle Course: Set up a training obstacle course using cones, hula hoops, and other materials create a challenging course for the kids to complete.
Superhero Masks and Capes: Set up a table with superhero masks and capes for the kids to wear during the party.
Superhero Props: Set up a table with superhero props like shields, swords, and other superhero gadgets for the kids to play with.
Superhero Pinata: Hang up a superhero pinata filled with candy and toys for the kids to enjoy.
Superhero Banners: Hang up superhero banners that say things like "Happy Birthday" or "Superhero Training Camp".
Superhero Snacks: Create superhero-themed snacks like Captain America shields made out of fruit, Superman popcorn, and Wonder Woman bracelets made out of candy.
18. Rainbow Theme -
Colorful Balloons: Fill the party area with colorful balloons in all the colors of the rainbow. You can create balloon garlands and arches to add more visual interest.
Rainbow Table Settings: Use rainbow-colored tablecloths, plates, cups, and utensils. You can even create a colorful table runner with construction paper.
Rainbow Backdrop: Hang a rainbow-colored backdrop behind the dessert table or the birthday child's chair. You can make one with streamers or ribbons.
Rainbow Streamers: Hang rainbow-colored streamers from the ceiling or along the walls. You can twist them together to create a fun spiral effect.
Rainbow Centerpieces: Create rainbow-colored centerpieces using flowers or balloons.
Rainbow Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth area with a colorful backdrop and props that match the rainbow theme.
Rainbow Party Favors: Fill party favor bags with rainbow-colored goodies like candy, bubbles, and small toys.
19. Carnival Theme -
Balloons: Fill the party area with colorful balloons of different shapes and sizes. You can create balloon arches or balloon garlands to add a playful touch to the decor.
Banners: Hang up carnival-themed banners with bright and bold colors. You can use banners with circus animals, carnival rides or carnival-related slogans.
Streamers: Use streamers to create a festive look. You can hang them from the ceiling or use them to create a backdrop for a photo booth.
Centerpieces: Create fun and colorful centerpieces for the tables. You can use items like popcorn boxes, cotton candy cones or jars filled with colorful candies.
Circus-themed props: Set up a photo booth with fun props like clown noses, mustaches, hats, and masks. You can also use carnival-themed props like tickets, balloons, and banners.
Table settings: Use bright and colorful tablecloths, plates, and napkins to create a festive look. You can also use carnival-themed plates and cups.
Lighting: Use colorful lights or string lights to add a festive touch to the party area. You can also use spotlights to highlight specific areas like the photo booth or the cake table.
Signs: Use carnival-themed signs to direct guests to different areas of the party. You can use signs with arrows or signs that point to different carnival-themed attractions like the photo booth or the games area.
20. BBQ Theme -
Balloon garlands: Create a colorful balloon garland using red, yellow, and orange balloons to mimic the colors of flames. You can also add some green balloons to represent grass.
DIY BBQ props: Create DIY props such as a cardboard cutout of a grill, burger, hot dog, and kebab. Paint them with bright colors and use them as a backdrop for photos.
Table decorations: Use a checkered tablecloth in red and white to create a picnic-like atmosphere. Add some sunflowers or other summer flowers to create a beautiful centerpiece.
Summer themed cutlery: Use paper plates, cups, and napkins with summer themes such as watermelons, pineapples, or lemons. You can also use utensils with a barbecue theme such as fork and spatula.
Outdoor lighting: Hang some string lights around the party area to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. You can also use some tiki torches or candles to add some ambiance.
Lawn games: Set up some fun lawn games such as cornhole, frisbee, or badminton. You can also have a water balloon toss or a squirt gun battle.
Kid-friendly drinks: Serve some kid-friendly drinks such as lemonade, fruit punch, or iced tea. You can also create a DIY lemonade stand to make it more fun.
BBQ-themed cupcakes: Bake some BBQ-themed cupcakes such as hamburger, hot dog, or corn on the cob cupcakes. Use colored frosting to make them look realistic.
