How to Throw a Sporty Birthday Party

When your littlest athlete has a birthday, throw a sporty party that will keep all the guests playing. Here are some ideas.

Instructions

1. Fill your backyard with every type of ball imaginable. If you can find colorful, inexpensive blow-up balls, they can also do double-duty as party favors and decorations.

2. Borrow multiple kid-sized basketball hoops and soccer nets and set those around the yard. Baseball tees are fun if you have enough room and enough supervision.

3. Create an obstacle course for the kids using household items such as cones, jump ropes, hula hoops, tires and chairs.

4. Have relay races and make sure every kid gets a medal.

5. Using a hula hoop or a large sheet, make a target for throwing games. You can use tennis, baseball, football or soccer balls.

6. Team up for a game of tug-o-war, with one parent on each team to keep things interesting and safe.

7. If your child has a favorite professional athlete, enlist a friend to dress up as that person and surprise the birthday child. If he's a super fan, this could be better than Santa visiting!

8. Make the cake follow the theme. An oversized ball, a playing field with figurines, a baseball cap or a team jersey will satisfy any sweet tooth.

9. For a unique decoration, use large pieces of butcher paper to create a mural of a playing field or a stadium full of fans.