Dora the Explorer ranks as one of the most popular kids' characters on television. Dora and her monkey sidekick, Boots, lead children on adventures through tropical locations. Using Dora the Explorer as a birthday party theme allows guests to enjoy a birthday adventure of their own. Use the decorations and party entertainment to make the kids feel like a part of the television show. Does this Spark an idea?
Invitations
Create invitations that resemble a map similar to the one that Dora the Explorer uses on her television show. Create a colorful picture with the party destination and a few major landmarks along the way. Mark the party destination on the map with arrows leading to it. Write the party details on the back of the map. Invite the party guests to dress up as explorers ready for an adventure.
Decorations
Decorate the party area by re-creating some of the common landmarks shown in the television show. This may include the Spooky Forest, Crocodile Lake and Rainbow Road. Make your own cardboard cutouts to set the scene for these Dora landmarks. Use a kiddie pool with toy crocodiles in it for Crocodile Lake. Recreate the bridge that is the home to the Grumpy Old Troll, using cardboard. Have the party guests cross over the bridge as they enter the party area, asking them to solve a riddle as the Troll does in the television show. Add colorful balloons and streamers as more party decorations.
Food
Serve food with a Mexican theme for your Dora the Explorer party. Set up a taco bar that allows the party guests to choose their own ingredients. Other food options include burritos, quesadillas or fajitas. Add chips and salsa or trail mix to complement the main dish options at the Dora the Explorer party.
Decorate the food area in a Mexican fiesta theme. Add brightly colored decorations and serving utensils for the food. Turn sombreros upside down and use them as serving bowls for the food. Use large leaves that resemble rain forest plants to decorate the table.
Entertainment
Create a mission for the party guests similar to the trips that Dora takes on her show. Think of a problem the kids need to solve or a person they need to help. Set up three tasks along the way that the kids must complete as a team. Ideas for the tasks include solving a puzzle, building a block tower or completing a pattern. Select tasks that are appropriate for the ages of the party guests. Create a large map on poster board that leads the kids through the tasks to the destination. Have a treat waiting for the kids when they arrive.
Tags: Dora Explorer, party guests, television show, Crocodile Lake, Dora Explorer party, party area