A party should be about more than cake.
Sometimes it can be difficult to come up with a theme for a birthday party. Instead of just balloons, cake and ice cream, throw a party that creates a lifetime of memories. Does this Spark an idea?
Bowling Party
Have a bowling party. A bowling party should not be for young children. Most bowling alleys will rent lanes for birthday parties and might be able to accommodate up to 15 kids. Bumpers, or side rails, can be used to prevent the bowling ball from rolling into the the gutters, a fairly common occurrence with children. The bowling alley might have various party packages that include food, drinks, balloons and even a cake. Rent one or two other lanes for parents who also might enjoy a game or two. For the birthday child, consider having a custom bowling shirt made.
Circus Party
Turn a room or the backyard into a circus. Set up streamers, balloons and circus booths. Booths can include one for popcorn, face painting, carnival-style games and refreshments. For a booth, set up card tables and throw colorful tablecloths over them. Lets children create posters before the party for each booth. If you have an event tent, set it up for an outdoors party. Hire a clown or a magician. Hand out tickets at the beginning of the party so children can present tickets at each booth.
Wild West Party
Put on a Wild West party. Send invitations weeks beforehand so parents can find appropriate attire, such as cowboy hats and boots, for children. On the invitation, take black-and-white photo of the birthday kid and glue it to the invitation. Write "wanted" over the picture and the party information. Have children wear western wear, such as jeans, boots, cowboy hats and plaid shirts. Cover tables in red-and-white checkered clothes. Hang old ropes, cowboy hats, bandannas, wagon wheels and wanted posters. Use old cowboy boots or cactus plants as centerpieces on the tables. Play pin the tail on the donkey, and let kids decorate vests. To make a vest, cut neck and arm holes out of supermarket-size brown paper bags. Put fringe on the bottom of the "vest." Set out glue, scissors, markers, glitter and construction paper. Buy country western stickers at a craft store. Lay down newspapers for an easy clean up process.
Tags: cowboy hats, each booth, party should, Wild West