Top 13 coolest birthday party ideas
Littlies 3-5 years:
Pirate
Little boys particularly love swashbuckling eye patches, swords, and all kinds of pirate paraphernalia. Whether it’s inspired by their favourite TV programme or book, pirate parties lend themselves to lots of fun. Have a competition for the best “pirate speak”. Decorate the birthday cake as a treasure map, and then have a real life treasure hunt.
Princess
There’s hardly a little girl out there who doesn’t dream of being a princess. Whether it’s inspired by Disney movies and books, the Barbie DVDs or bedtime stories, the perfect princess party is easy to pull off. Lots of pink, white and silver balloons, a castle cake, some royal wand and crown making, and you’re way to party success.
Fairy
Come spring, the garden is the perfect place for fairy party. Essentials include fairy wings, fairy dust, an afternoon fairy tea party and picnic blankets. Have a special storytelling and include party participants as characters, see who can make the longest daisy chain, and hide pixie treasure in easy-to-find places around the garden.
Superhero
Once again, dress up is king at the superhero party. Get participants to come as their favourite super hero. This is a great party for face painting, superhero competitions, lolly scrambles, and cartoon watching. Don’t forget the cake with your little person’s favourite superhero!
Bigger kids 6 – 9 years
Jewellery/craft making
As kids develop their fine motor skills, it’s a great time to enjoy craft and jewellery making. Select a craft that your child loves, pick up easy-to-make preset kits or ask an expert to come to show and tell. Party participants get to explore their creativity and take home their own, hand-made, special gift.
Horse riding
Most girls dream of having a horse riding party at some point in their life, or go through a “horse” stage. Many horse riding centres have specially developed programmes and facilities to enable small groups to experience riding and then enjoy feasting festivities afterward.
BMX tracks
We all know that boys love a challenge – particularly if it’s physical. Some local BMX clubs will hire out bikes and facilities to enable kids to give it a go out on the track. They’ll be tuckered out afterward, so make sure you’ve got plenty of party food to feed those hungry tummies.
Rugby/soccer/sport-based party
Designing a party around your child’s favourite sport is easy. You can make up a sports trivia competition, have PlayStation or Xbox competitions, take the kids out to a special game and create a cake around your sport theme.
Movie party
It’s almost impossible to go wrong here. Pick a popular movie (that you have pre-screened and checked for suitability), and turn your lounge into a movie theatre complete with popcorn, ice cream, lollies, and all other movie-related party food. Have an intermission with party games.
Preteens 10-12 years
The sleepover
The sleepover party usually starts in the preteen years, when kids are starting to show more independence. Let them stay up late, and even create a special midnight feast for them. By this age, they may not want you organising activities for them – they may just want to “hang out” and make their own fun.
Pizza party
Home-made pizza is always fun and delicious. Supervise your preteens in the kitchen as they come up with wild and wacky pizza combos. Try a piece – it may even taste okay!
Barbecue at the park/beach
If you’ve got a fine and sunny day, there’s plenty of party fun to be had at the park or beach. Maybe try your hand at some miniature golf, stoke up the barbecue, and supervise the kids for a swim.
Pool party
A pool party is always a winner. If you are lucky enough to have your own pool, that’s perfect, or otherwise make the most of your local facility with indoor/outdoor swimming, wave pools and hydroslides. Many facilities will let you host your own party and bring food to enjoy in the vicinity, or else return home for some well-earned birthday cake afterwards.
