Backyard Birthday Party For Kids – 6 Essentials You Can’t Forget
Want to know everything you need to throw a backyard birthday party for your kiddo? Girl, these have been tested and used for years and are easy for you to follow.
Planning a birthday party for your child can be a bit stressful and time-consuming, and if you are anything like me you are short on “extra” time. As a mom of 4 kids, and a daycare provider, I am giving you the checklist I use every time I am preparing a birthday party for my kids.
You are going to learn about all the backyard birthday party essentials from possible theme ideas, party supplies, food, games, party favors, and more.
After learning about all these party essentials, you will be able to quickly put together a memorable birthday party for your child.
Let's jump into the best way to prepare and throw a backyard birthday party for your kiddo.
My post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read my full disclosure.
Best Backyard Birthday Party
This backyard birthday party planner for your child can be used for a family or friend's birthday party. It can also be tailored for the number of guests you plan to have come.
Birthdays around here are a pretty big deal and I go out of my way to make each of my 4 kids feel like a Rockstar on their day.
From candles in their breakfast donuts, their choice of supper menu and dessert, decorations, scavenger hunts, and of course birthday presents, it is all about the birthday kiddo!
But when it comes to throwing them an extended family birthday party or a friend's birthday party, I confess, I cheat!
We have one giant party for all our 4 kids with our family. Right now, my kids are young enough that I can double or triple up on a friend's birthday party as well.
And we have it when there is a great chance of nice weather so we can be outside. We have a house big enough for the 6 of us to live, not host a huge birthday bash comfortably.
I do this for the family birthday party for 2 reasons.
- We do not live that close to our extended family. The closest one lives about an hour away. I do not want to take up 4 different dates and cause extra driving time for all of them.
- We have a large immediate extended family. If everyone in our extended family was able to make it including us, that would involve feeding and entertain 38 people.
Let’s get into how to make a backyard birthday party a smashing success!
Backyard Birthday Party
Theme
When it comes to choosing a theme for your child’s birthday party the possibilities are endless. Whatever you and your child can dream up, there is a way to turn it into a birthday party.
Some themes that may work for you include:
Classic Birthday Theme with Balloons, Streamers, and a Birthday Banner
Character Birthday Theme
Super Heroes Theme
Favorite Game Theme
Other Fun Birthday Themes - Mermaids, Construction, Painting, Spa, Circus, and Jungle Animals
To be honest with you, I have never really gone crazy on a theme for my kids. I just don’t have extra time to set it all up, take it down, and make any extras that I cannot buy.
Did I mention that I have 4 kids, and run an in-home daycare?
I stick to the classics for our birthday theme decorations.
Backyard Birthday Party
Party Supplies
No matter if you want to keep your child's birthday party low key or if you want to go all out, you will need party supplies. There are must have and nice to have party supplies.
Party Supply Must-Haves
These must-haves have been tested and used at all of our parties.
Party Supplies - Nice to Have
Even if you choose not to go with a full-on theme, it is nice to have a few decorations.
Backyard Birthday Party
Food
You cannot invite people over to a birthday party and not feed them. It is good to always have more food on hand than you think you may need.
This might be one of my favorite things to plan for the party. I usually supply food that I love and can feed a crowd.
One thing you may be stumped on is, how much food should I get? I had this same question when I first started birthday parties for my kids.
Let’s say we are having sandwiches for the main food. I would supply 3 sandwiches for every 2 adults and 1 sandwich for every kid that will be coming.
This will be enough for the main food, with all the “extras” that you will provide too.
Some examples that you may want to consider for your menu may be:
Main Foods
Sandwiches – Build your own sandwich, using sandwich meat and cheese on buns
Tacos
Burgers and Hotdogs
Pizza
Pulled Pork or Hot Beef or Shredded Chicken/Turkey Sandwiches on buns
Sides
Pasta Salad
Baked Beans
Fruit Tray
Vegetable Tray
Meat and Cheese Tray with an assortment of crackers
Chips
Drinks
Bottled Water
Soda
Coffee
Juice Boxes or Pouches
Gatorade
Desserts
It is nice to have at least 2 different kinds of desserts for your guests. You do not have to try to have something that will please everyone, but not everyone can eat the same foods.
Cake
Cupcakes
Cookies
Bars
Pie
“Decorate your own” dessert table - You can set up a table to let your guests decorate their own cupcakes or sugar cookies. Provide different frosting, sprinkles, and candies and let the creativity run wild.
Backyard Birthday Party
Games And Activities
Kids can play by themselves for a while at a birthday party but it is nice to have some structured games and activities lined up for them.
I have tried all the following at some type of party that I have hosted and or been to and they have all proved to be a good time.
Obstacle Course
I do not know what it is about an obstacle course but kids just love them.
You can use this sidewalk chalk and draw one on your driveway.
You can also create one in your backyard using these hula hoops and pool noodles.
My kids set up obstacle courses all year long and will do them for hours.
Piñata
Blindfolded or not, kids love piñatas!
You can stuff it full of your favorite candy, if you plan to dive in there too, haha. I mean, that's what I do!
This is my favorite candy to put in.
As you know though, there is so much more out there to choose from.
And all depending on how many kids are going to be after the candy, you don't have to fill the piñata all the way.
I always make sure to have candy bags for the kids.
These bags work great.
We take the time to write each kid’s name on them before we even start the piñata fun.
Hula Hoop Contest
Play some music on this portable speaker and have a hula hoop contest.
You will want to use this speaker during the whole party.
It is loud enough so you can hear the music all over your yard if you want to play it that loud.
This speaker is a champ too, keeping music playing at our house for years now.
My daughter is a little older now and when her friends are over, they love using this speaker to get their dance parties going.
Have a hula hoop contest. See which of your guests can go the longest.
These hula hoops are pretty sturdy.
My daughter and I have practice sessions all the time.
She always wins!!! But she encourages me to keep trying.
Bean Bags/Corn Hole
You can let your guests just play this game whenever, or you can set up a tournament.
We love these cornhole boards.
I have seen kids as young as 3 play this game for a bit.
It is a staple at all of our gatherings, not just birthday parties.
Face Painting
If you or one of your guests is a bit artistic, try face painting for the kids.
It uses up some of your party time and most kids just love it.
We use this face paint because it washes off easily at the end of the day.
Look to Google or Pinterest for ideas the kids can choose from.
My kids have picked things like a butterfly, a cow, and a pirate. All of them turned out adorable.
If you have a bunch of kids at your party ask a friend or sister to help you with this since it takes a little bit.
Photo Booth with Fun Props
Kids and adults love getting silly in pictures. Create a photo booth or photo area for some fun pictures.
I have done this a few ways for a few different kinds of parties.
One example could be setting up a fun background with signs, balloons, and streamers.
Another example I designed was a character background scene for Halloween. This could be adjusted for the theme of your party.
Don’t forget the photo booth props.
These photo booth props are amazing. And they have lasted through a few parties.
Set up a small table or use a small bin near the photo area to hold these so they won’t drift away.
Backyard Birthday Party
Party Favors
When handing out party favors, consider the age it is going to.
I do believe in giving some type of party favor, after all, your guest is probably bringing a birthday gift.
One thing that I try to NOT do is give the dinky little party favors that every parent really dislikes and ends up tossing out not long after the party.
Those party favors drive me crazy and I would rather give nothing at all instead of those!
Some great gender-neutral party favors you should consider are below.
Bubbles
Are your birthday party guests under the age of 7? Then bubbles are a great party favor option!
If you only have a few guests that need a party favor, out I would recommend checking out this bubble bucket.
It is absolutely amazing.
If you have more than a few guests that need party favors, I would recommend these bubbles.
They make bigger bubbles and will keep kids entertained for a long time.
Small Water Bottles
Water bottles always come in handy.
You can get fun ones that match the theme of your party.
I like getting decent ones like these water bottles because I know they are going to last.
These always go over well, and my kids drink so much more water when they have a water bottle around.
Sidewalk Chalk
Sidewalk Chalk can be given as a party favor to kids about 7 and under.
It will keep kids entertained for hours.
I have seen kids as young as 2 up to adults get caught up in the fun of creating using this sidewalk chalk.
That adult may have been me, ha!
Glow Necklace, Bracelet, Stick…
These glow necklaces and bracelets and sticks will be enjoyed by many.
My kids, nieces, and nephews go nuts over anything that can glow.
Color Books and Colors
Color books and the items to go with them can cover a large age range since adult color books came out.
Sometimes will be able to match your theme as well.
Adding some crayons or markers in with the color books is like icing on the cake. I love the Crayola brand.
When my daughter has her friends over for a birthday, I buy a pack of these gel pens.
I don't get the whole pack to one girl, but instead split them up equally and tie them together with a ribbon.
They are paired with the more advanced color book.
I have also paired them with a journal sized notebook as a birthday gift for her friends.
After all the planning you have done to make this party special for your child, don’t forget to relax and enjoy it yourself. Take in all the happiness of the day and treasure it.
Happy Birthday to your kiddo!
This post was all about how to throw the best backyard birthday party!
Leave me a comment below about what you like to include at your backyard birthday party for your kiddo. We am always looking for new ideas.
I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for stopping by!