Summer is officially on its way, and that means one thing – it’s time to start planning the ultimate kids party! If you are anything like me, you want to plan. Maybe the party is only at the end of July or August and still a little while away, but now is the time to start planning and thinking about ideas and details so then it is not a frantic rush on party day.
From pool parties to backyard BBQs, there are so many exciting ways to celebrate your little ones’ special day in style. But with so many options out there, where do you even begin? That’s where we come in! We’ve scoured the internet and talked to party planning experts from coast to coast to bring you the Top 10 Kids Party Ideas for Summer 2023. Whether your child wants a themed extravaganza or just some good old-fashioned fun in the sun, this list has got you covered. So grab a pen and paper, take notes and get inspired because this summer is sure to be a blast!
1. Carnival Themed Party
A carnival themed party is a great way to beat the summer heat! Set up some fun games like a water balloon toss or a water gun race, we have all the tricks and tips for you to scroll through on this one! The key is… have some delicious carnival food like cotton candy and snow cones. Don’t forget the prizes for the winners!
2. Beach Party
If you’re looking for a summer party that’s sure to be a hit with the kids, a beach party is the perfect option! Just add sand, sun and water – and you’ve got all the ingredients for a fun-filled day. Here are some tips to help you plan the perfect beach party for your little ones:- Choose a location that’s close to public restrooms and has plenty of shade.
– Make sure everyone is wearing sunscreen, hats and sunglasses.
– Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as well as beach toys, games and floats.
– Set up a designated play area away from where adults will be relaxing.
– Keep an eye on the weather forecast and have a backup plan in case of rain.
3. Pool or Waterpark Parties
When the weather outside is a little grim, indoor pool parties are so delightful! Whether you’re planning a birthday party, end-of-summer bash, or just a fun get-together with friends, an indoor pool party is always a hit with kids. All you need is a pool, some pool toys, and lots of energy! Here are some tips for throwing the best indoor pool party ever:
– Send out invitations that specify the time and place of the party, as well as what to bring. Don’t forget to include your contact information in case parents have any questions.
– Choose a theme for your party and decorate accordingly. Make sure all of your decorations are safe and waterproof.
– Have plenty of snacks and drinks on hand to keep everyone energized. Remember to pack extra towels in case anyone gets wet.
– Most importantly, make sure there is adult supervision at all times!
4. Water Balloon Party
Summer is the perfect time to have a water balloon party! Here are some tips to make sure your party is a success:
– Get enough balloons – You’ll need about one balloon per child, plus a few extras in case some pop.
– Fill the balloons ahead of time – This will save you time on the day of the party. You can fill them with water from a hose or bucket.
– Set up a target – Use a plastic cup or bucket as a target and see who can hit it from afar. Bonus points if they can do it in one try!
Have fun! – Water balloon parties are all about having fun and getting wet, so don’t forget to join in on the fun yourself!
5. Indoor Scavenger Hunt Party
If you are looking for a girl, boy or gender neutral party, this is really one that you could tailor to suit any age or gender! Is there anything more frustrating than chasing your kids around the house when they’re trying to hide from you? If you’re looking for a way to tire them out without resorting to physical activity, an indoor scavenger hunt is the perfect solution… get them to do the ‘finding’ for a change!
You can tailor the difficulty of the scavenger hunt to the ages of the participants, but generally speaking, you’ll want to hide about 10-15 items around the house. These can be anything from their favorite toy to a piece of fruit. Once everyone is assembled, give them each a list of items to find and let the fun begin!
If you really want to up the ante, make it a competition by timing how long it takes each child to find all the items on their list. The one with the fastest time wins a prize!
6. Outdoor Adventure Themed Party
Kids love spending time outdoors, so why not throw them an outdoor adventure themed party? This can be a great way to beat the summer heat and have some fun in the sun. Here are some ideas to get you started:
– Set up a treasure hunt with clues hidden around the yard or park.
– Have a water balloon fight or water gun battle.
– Have a picnic lunch complete with games and activities.
– Set up an obstacle course and get them burning off all those birthday treats!
– Go on a nature walk and collect items along the way to make a collage or memory board back home.
7. Glow in the Dark Party
If you’re looking for a truly unique party idea, why not host a glow in the dark party? This is a great option for kids of all ages and is sure to be a hit with your little ones. Here are some tips to help you plan the perfect glow in the dark party:
To set up a glow in the dark party, you’ll need to purchase some blacklights and neon paints. You can find these at most craft stores. Once you have your materials, set up the blacklights around the room or outdoors in a darkened area. Then, let the kids go wild painting their bodies and clothes with the neon paint!
For added fun, you can also purchase some glow sticks and add them to the mix. The kids will have a blast dancing around in the dark, glowing like bright little fireflies!
8. Movie Night Slumber Party
One great party idea for summer is to have a movie night slumber party! This can be done indoors or outdoors and is sure to be a hit with the kids. Here are some tips to make sure your party is a success:
– Pick a fun movie that everyone will enjoy. If you have younger kids, make sure to pick something age-appropriate.
– Have plenty of snacks on hand, including popcorn, candy, and drinks. You could even do a themed menu if you’re feeling creative!
– Set up a cozy spot for everyone to watch the movie. If you’re outdoors, blankets and pillows are always a good idea.
– Make sure you have enough space for everyone to crash after the movie. An air mattress or two should do the trick!
9. Sports Themed Backyard Bash
If you’re looking for something a little more active than the standard pool party, why not host a sports-themed backyard bash? This is a great option for kids who love to be outdoors and stay active. Here are some tips to make your sports party a success:
– Choose a sport: The first step is to decide which sport you’d like to focus on. This will help you determine the activities and games you’ll include at the party. Some popular options include football, basketball, baseball, or soccer.
– Set up some fun games: Once you’ve chosen your sport, it’s time to set up some fun games. If you’re hosting a football party, consider setting up an obstacle course or having a contest to see who can throw the longest pass. For a basketball party, you could have guests compete in a free throw contest or see who can make the most baskets in a minute. And for a baseball or soccer party, set up some fun relay races or have guests try to hit a home run or score a goal.
– Serve healthy snacks: Instead of serving sugary snacks and drinks, opt for healthier options like fruits and vegetables or juices and waters. You could even get creative and serve snacks that are shaped like balls or bats!
– Give out prizes: Everyone loves winning prizes, so be sure to have some chocolate medals on hand for everyone as party favors! It is a lovely way to make everyone included just for having fun and participating!
10. Art Themed Birthday Bash
Another great option for a summer birthday party is an art themed bash. This can be tailored to any age group and can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like. For younger children, set up stations where they can paint, color, or make crafts. Older children may enjoy creating more sophisticated art projects. You can even hire an artist to come and give a lesson on a specific technique or medium. Serve light refreshments and snacks that coordinate with your theme, and don’t forget the birthday cake!
There are endless possibilities when it comes to planning a summer party for your kids this summer. But most importantly have FUN!
Have a look at our editable countdown to Summer Chart to really start building up the excitement to all the fun ahead!
