How to Plan a Birthday Party for Elementary Age Children - Party Ideas!

Have fun and celebrate!

Planning a birthday party for a younger child can be very challenging. Here are some tips to make the process fun.

Things You'll Need

• paper to make a list
• internet (optional)
• money!
• friends to help out a bit

Instructions

1. A good place to begin is determining an appropriate theme for your child's big day. What are your child's favorite characters? Ideas can come from their favorite books, movies, or even television shows. Doing an online search for children's birthday party themes, will get you a list of ideas quickly. A trip to your local party store will help too. To select the best birthday party theme, offer a few ideas and have your child pick their most favorite.

2. The time of the year can be a large factor in planning the type of birthday party. If your child's birthday is during a time where the weather may not cooperate, plan an indoor party. Indoor parties can be great fun. Check out pricing with your local bowling lanes, children's entertainment spots, ice skating, indoor moon walk / bounce establishments, roller skating or even your local restaurant.

3. Once my son attended a birthday party at a 50's diner and it was a unique way to have the party at a restaurant. The kids were all dressed in 50's attire. There was a dining area where the kids could play games and visit while waiting for lunch. Photos were taken of the kids, on a motorcycle. With the use of a digital camera and printer we were given a keepsake on the spot. Even the goodie bags came with 50's stickers to use for a handmade frame or scrapbook page.

4. Many entertainment establishments have large rooms for birthday parties and groups. Other indoor settings are movie theaters, neighborhood recreation centers or children's museums.

5. When planning a birthday party during the warm weather months there are plenty of outdoor ideas. Neighborhood pools and municipal pools are available for rental, but plan early, these generally start getting booked early spring. If you have a pretty young crowd, select a pool that has a large shallow area or a water play spot.

6. Other great outdoor birthday party ideas include, spray parks, water parks, theme parks, or just good old parks. One of the most fun parties my son attended was at a large shady park. There was a barbeque lunch and some small craft activities for the kids. The kids were happily kept busy with running, sliding and swinging. If you go with an outdoor option, at a large venue, be sure to include information on the invitation so that parents understand you'll need them on hand to keep everyone grouped together.

7. If you decide to have a backyard party, backyard games and some planned entertainment is your best bet. Ideas for entertainers include a magician, pony rides for the younger set, or live cartoon characters for a timed appearance. There are even Mad Scientist shows that are very entertaining. All of these come with a price tag, so be sure to plan early.

8. If you're looking for party game/activities the internet can be a fabulous resource. One year my son had a Rockets, Planes and Trains party. I researched party games online and found a simple idea. We made a cardboard rocket and made a large square cut out on it. My husband held the cutout over his face and allowed the 3 year olds to throw wet sponges at him. This activity was shear joy for the kids and all the parents as well. Some of the most fun party ideas are not costly and can be quite memorable.

9. All of these party ideas work great for both boys and girls. Be sure to add just enough entertainment to enhance the birthday party, but it's recommended not to over do it. Include food, cake and drinks and you are set.

   To have a great birthday party it's recommended you plan ahead, mail detailed invitations 2 weeks prior to the date and have planned entertainment. With whatever type of party you choose, be sure to keep it simple, so your kids and you can enjoy the birthday party fun together.

Tips & Warnings

• Get your child involved in selecting the theme.

• Make your own invitations online or on your computer.

• Mail invitations 2 weeks in advance of the big day.

• Keep the planning simple, over do it and you'll be frazzled.

• Keep water safety in mind when planning a swim party. Most pools have lifeguards, do your homework to make sure.

Resources

• Big Ideas for a Party!
• Indoor moonwalks etc... Check to see if you have one in your town.