Kids' birthday party ideas (toys, appropriate, children, classes)

[Miborn]

Originally Posted by Marlow

The best party we've ever had for my daughter was a Safari theme party. It started out as a regular backyard party with a not-over-the-top Safari theme. There were only about 8 kids there and we were playing games, etc. In the meantime, my husband had gone out to the front yard and dropped several banana peels and pieces of banana around (after an earlier discussion with our very nice and cool neighbors). He then went to the back yard and told the kids that he'd just heard on the radio that a gorilla had escaped from the zoo (even though we don't have one in our town). The other grown-ups and I gathered the kids and said we were going out to look for the gorilla. We went out front and started seeing the banana peels on the ground and talking to a couple of neighbors who confirmed the sightings. The kids were beside themselves with excitement. When we didn't find him, we agreed to return to the back yard, where my husband was waiting in a gorilla costume. I do have to say that it just about scared the younger kids (3-4) to death, but the older kids LOVED it. He chased them around a bit and then we let each kid who wanted to take a picture with the gorilla and sent it with the thank you letters.

I'm completely sympathetic to the idea that kid birthday parties have gotten too crazy, but this party really was very fun and people are still talking about it 3 years later. It also helped that I told my daughter she could only invite a handful of kids rather than the whole class and we had family friends there as well.

That sounds like a fun time for all!

[Miborn]

Ice skating parties at the indoor rink are fun for all ages. Having a clown come to a party kids love he did magic and made balloon animals for the kids. Pool parties are good too. Kids fun center parties. Renting the jumping thing.

[I love the Bears]

when my son was 4 we had a cowboy party - i bought hats, sheriff stars and bandannas from oriental trading company and we cooked hot dogs on sticks over a small fire and had a huge pot of baked beans. my parents bought him a pony - which is way over the top - but they have a farm!
pony rentals are pretty expensive!
we threw plastic horse shoes and let them try to lasso coke bottles with rope - it was a blast!

[princesspolamalu]

Originally Posted by mom2kids

Maybe try a family bowling center/indoor fun plex (I would avoid Chuckie Cheese at all cost) ...hope it helps!

I really want to avoid Chuckie Cheese but my 5 yr old is demanding to have his October birthday there. It sucks I know.

[rus01]

For her 3rd birthday, my daughter asked for a Nemo and Dory party. Together, we came up with fun games and activities all themed around "Fish School" like story time, snack time, arts & crafts time. She and her "classmates" loved it and we pulled the theme together really well, from invitations to goody bags. See pics here: Great Tips - Kids Birthday Party Ideas

[NJFreedom]

We found this GREAT idea online! A service dog demonstration...brought right to your home! Kids actually learn while being entertained with games with the dogs, and learn how to interact with working dogs! Amazing and different!

The Official Canine and Abled Inc. Site

[Mommy04]

Ourdoor fishing parties are always big hits with boys, or anything to do with sports. There is a fun ooey gooey mess party at Kids Birthday Party Ideas -* Birthday Themes, Kids Games, Party Ideas that is really messy and fun for boys.

[bassman]

How much did this cost? And how did you contact them? I am in Oregon.

[MarsAngel]

My daughter will be turning 2 this year and I am trying to find the perfect party place. Last year we had it at home and I missed most of the party trying to be a good hostess. So we want to go somewhere else this year but everything seems to be too old for her or you get rushed around. I'm totally lost! If anyone has any ideas we are looking in the McKinney, Allen, Plano, Richardson, Dallas, Garland, and basically the entire metroplex!

[Christina92]

I just want an idea for a 13th birthday party dance!