Summer is the perfect time for planning children’s birthday parties, as the weather is typically nice and kids are in the mood to have some fun. If you are planning a birthday party for a child this summer, you might be wondering how you can make it special and get away from the typical beach party theme. Well the good news is you have many options, and we have included some fun suggestions for you below. Below you will find 10 ideas for planning a successful summer birthday party for kids, so you can enjoy a party that is sure to dazzle all your guests! Thanks to Hoodsie Cups for sponsoring today’s summer birthday party tips post!
Summer Birthday Party Tips for Kids
1. Make your own party garlands.
You can make your own party décor using summer items such as pool noodles, colorful craft paper, or ribbon. You can chop pool noodles into segments and string them onto ribbon for a quick garland, or cut triangles out of craft paper to make a bunting banner. With all of the themed craft paper available, you can create any party theme you wish. You can also keep things super simple and just use paper streamers. The kids won’t care, I promise.
2. Freshen up your beverages and snacks.
Make your party punch pop when you add colored ice cubes (just mix food coloring with water and or chopped fruit into the mix. You can even add a few scoops of sherbet to get the beverages tasting fresh and tasty. Make some quick and easy snacks by threading fresh fruit, veggies, cheese, and meats onto wooden skewers. These are easy to make, and easy for kids to grab and go. They are the ultimate finger food and still offer guests some variety!
3. Make a photo “booth”
We used some lumber my husband had that we literally laid against a tree branch. I got these printable photo booth props from Etsy and printed them myself. A few dollars for the download, glued onto cardstock we already had, taped to skewers in the drawer…and we have amazingly fun and personal thank you card photo memories to share with my daughter’s friends!
4. Make a mini sundae bar.
Hoodsie Cups to create a mini sundae bar. Give each child a Hoodsie Cup and have bowls of sprinkles, marshmallows, gummy bears, cherries, and other toppings available. Let kids make their own sundaes and create a dessert that is as unique as they are. Really, you can also just put the Hoodsie Cups out. Kids love them. Even my non sweet loving husband adores Hoodsie Cups!
5. Create some fun outdoor games.
Since the weather is typically nice in the summer months, enjoy some outdoor games. Have a basket available with balls, jump ropes, chalk, and other outdoor activities so kids can easily grab them and go. My husband made a super inexpensive bookshelf using wood we already had… and put a strip of carpet tack on the back of each shelf… kids threw tennis balls at the balloons, not darts…when the balloons hit the tack strip, they’d pop. I think we went through 200 balloons in 2 hours. With 9 kids!
6. Cool off with some water games.
A water balloon fight or Slip n Slide is also a fun party activity. You can also use spray bottles or a water table to help kids cool off and have fun at the same time. Kiddie pools also offer the chance to cool off, as do squirt guns! A sure fire hit? Water pinatas!
7. Enjoy some free tunes.
Turn to Pandora to find some summer music play lists. This way your guests can enjoy some sweet summer tunes and they won’t cost you a dime! You can even have a dance off if you wish or other fun musical games like musical chairs.
8. Enjoy food picnic style.
Have plenty of blankets or towels on hand so kids can enjoy their food and treats picnic style. They will love camping out on the grass to eat AND it will make clean up easier for you as well.
9. Send home some summer themed favors.
Give guests summer themed items as favors. Some examples might be a squirt gun, some flower seeds, a popsicle mold, or even some sunglasses to enjoy. They will love having a token to remember the party by.
10. Make it fun for parents too!
Should parents be coming to this party as well, consider some adult food items such as grilled chicken and veggie skewers or adult themed punch. Make sure there are plenty of lawn chairs and include a basket of sunglasses for guests to pick from.
Nora Moore says
Having a photo booth for your kid’s birthday party is a fun idea. Kids love dressing up, so that would probably be a hit. They are great at hamming it up in front of the camera. This way everyone has a fun keepsake from the party as well.
Katie says
I love planning birthday parties. These are great tips for summer parties. I love the water games.
Winter White says
These are such awesome tips! I actually love them for an adult party as well.
Mimi "MimiCuteLips" Green says
This looks like my type of party. My kids have winter birthdays so we’ve never had the chance to do outdoor activities.
krystal says
We totally do photo booths at EVERY party we have! It is a great way to get people up and moving!
Erin says
I love the idea of a Photo Booth! We’re doing a big back to school party and a Photo Booth will be perfect for that!
Uplifting Families says
The photo booth sounds like fun. You can even use wrapping paper as the back drop.
Rebecca Swenor says
These are surely awesome games and things to do for a summer birthday party. I love the idea of a photo booth which I would have never thought of for sure. Thanks for sharing.
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
Everyone has been mentioning ice cream today when I have none in my fridge right now! The torture! I don’t have kids, but I know some grown ups who would like these as their party too! LOL 🙂
HilLesha says
My favorite is making a photo booth. I’ll have to try that at the next birthday party!
Chrystal | YUM eating says
My birthday is in the middle of July, so ice cream is a must! I cant party without it. Kiddos birthday is in January, so we get creative with her parties.
CourtneyLynne says
OMG these are some great ideas! I really wish my daughter had a summer birthday! They are so much more fun!
Rosey says
I think sundae bars are a good idea. I have a Sept. baby and the rest were born in March. 🙂
Michelle @ Dishes and Dust Bunnies says
These are some great ideas and tips for hosting summer birthday parties for kids! My son is a spring baby but I do have a few summer babies in the family so I’ll keep these in mind! Thanks so much for the tips.
Mykidsguide says
These are great and fun party ideas. We also have an August birthday and I am definitely including some of these ideas in the party.
Nina Say says
I am an August baby, and would have LOVED a photo booth. At every single birthday, nothing new needed, just new memories.
Lynndee says
I totally agree with you – parties doesn’t have to be hard and pricey. I love the idea of a sundae bar. Sounds really good! 🙂
Alyssa C says
My daughter has an August birthday and we always struggle with ideas that are fun and keep the kids cool.
Chubskulit Rose says
I absolutely agree with you when throwing a party. Aside from entertaining the kids, you have to entertain the parents too!
Annemarie LeBlanc says
Great party ideas for a summer birthday celebrant! I love the sundae bar and the “photo booth” idea. Would recommend these to my friend from high school.
Joanne T Ferguson says
What great summer birthday party tips for kids! Refreshing the drinks and love the sundae bar!
rika says
awesome party tips! My son and daughter will have birthday soon . we have no plan. I think we’re going to the park and BBQ party
Shelley Zurek says
Your Spray away game is perfection. I want to play it but I want to eat my ice cream cup first (I adore those)
Joseph says
This is a great post! Very easy and economical ways to throw a summer party and save money. These tips will definitely come in handy for my family.
Dawn says
These are all lovely ideas! I like the idea of colored ice cubes. That is such a simple, yet creative idea!
Kristin says
What cute Party ideas. Looks like they had a great time. Thank you for Sharing all your tips.
Alli says
Photo booths are so much fun, especially when they are homemade. And summer parties always call for water games. Love all your tips!
Diana Villa says
They looks so happy! Thanks for sharing those wonderful Birthday party ideas 😀
Megan Elford says
These are great ideas. I love the idea of doing a Hoodsie sundae bar – it’s the perfect way for each child to get exactly what they want!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
These are all great ideas. I’m a real do it yourselfer when it comes to parties. I rarely buy party decorations.
Jeanette says
my son’t birthday is coming up in a month and I needed some new idea. I might take a couple of these. It is still HOT here in September and I need something that will cool us off.
Jenn says
My daughter and I share Summer birthdays! I agree it is such a great opportunity to throw a bday party! I love these suggestions!!
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
Both of my boys are August babies, so we do one big party with pizza and a bouncy house!