Hey girl, today let’s chat about everything you need to make this summer birthday party one for the books!
If you are anything like me, you love a good summer birthday party. There is just something about the fresh air, amazing food, and yard games that make a summer birthday party better than the rest.
As a mom of 4, I try incredibly hard to make birthday parties around here as special as they can be.
And that is why I am so excited to share with you all of these fantastic summer birthday party ideas that will take your party to the next level. Trust me, your kids are going to flip over this birthday party.
So, put your party pants on, and let's get into everything you need for this dynamite summer birthday party.
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Best Summer Birthday Party
Summer Birthday Party Decorations
1. Photo Booth
No matter what kind of decorations you go with or how few/many, you have to include a photo booth area.
Everyone is more willing to take pictures. And if you are anything like me, you love to get a bunch of pictures at parties.
You can easily put it together with a simple foil curtain background (which is pretty cheap) and some fun photo booth props.
If you want to go all out with this photo booth, pick up this Instax Camera and some film to go with it.
Your party guests will be able to take a picture or 2 home with them.
My daughter has this camera and it is so much fun to use.
2. Birthday Party Decorations
What do you like for decorations at your parties? Do you like just a few or do you “Go big or Go Home?”
I am a mix and it all depends on the location of the party for me. If we have it at home, I usually go all out.
Birthday decorations are the best way to elevate your summer birthday party, in my opinion.
Below I am going to share my favorite summer birthday themes and give some decorations to match those. But you can always go for the classics – balloons and streamers.
Summer Birthday Party Games
Yard Games
I like giving my party guests the option of playing yard games during the summer. Kids like running around but sometimes they want some structure too.
The ones I always set up include bean bags (corn hole), lasso golf, and laser tag. Laser tag is a recent addition but kids and adults (especially the guys) have really gotten into it.
It is fun to watch everyone get up and be a little competitive.
Music
Also, what would a party be without music? Snooze fest!
Ok, that is probably a bit dramatic but I do enjoy having music when a party is going on.
This speaker is dynamite and is small but mighty!
Summer Themed Birthday Party
1. Luau Party
A luau-themed party is one of my favorites, I think it is because I love summer so much and it screams summer.
You have to check out these Luau decorations. They are so fun and they get everyone in the party mood.
We got these Hawaiian leis and all the kids were bananas over them.
By the way, have you ever been to Hawaii? I have not but man oh man it is on my bucket list! If you have, let me know in the comments below what you would recommend!
2. Ice Cream Social
An ice cream social is perfect for those hot summer days!
You can easily set up a toppings table and watch your guests go nuts over it.
Here are some delicious toppings to include: whipped cream, chocolate and caramel sauce, hot fudge, mini Oreos, a variety of chopped nuts, maraschino cherries (one of my favorite toppings), sprinkles, and candies.
What are your favorite ice cream toppings? Let me know in the comments below!
Do you want to be the queen of the ice cream scene? Snag this ice cream maker, which is incredible, and make some homemade ice cream.
If you have never made or had homemade ice cream, ooo girl, you are in for a treat!
You can even make the ice cream a day or 2 ahead so you can visit with your party guests.
3. Outdoor Movie
We did an outdoor movie party a few times last year with our neighbors and the kids couldn’t get enough of it. We used this movie projector and screen.
Just don’t forget the bug spray! We ended up spraying the yard down right before our party even started and it worked to keep the mosquitos at bay.
4. Water Party
Holy smokes, get ready for hours of fun.
We just had a water party and the kids were on the run for a good hour before they stopped for a snack. Then they were right back to it.
Set up your sprinkler, get water balloons ready, and snag a bunch of these water squirters.
5-gallon buckets placed around your yard work as filling stations.
5. Carnival Party
Set up a carnival in your backyard! It is so much fun.
We had a ticket booth (the kids loved that the tickets were free😊), yard games with small prizes, face painting, and an obstacle course.
I looked up face-painting ideas on Pinterest and there are so many to choose from.
Summer Birthday Party Favors
Birthday Party Favors
Kids are nuts over birthday party favors, and sometimes I am so annoyed with them. You know the kind I mean, the ones that break in about 2 days.
But these party favors are ones that all the kids love and some of them will get used many times. My favorites are the sunglasses and drawstring bags.
Summer Birthday Party Invitations
I have tried making party invitations before and to be honest, when all is said and done, it is just cheaper to buy the invitations. It is also a time saver, and with 4 kids, I need all the help I can get in that department.
Here are a few summer birthday party invitations that are fun and easy on your wallet.
Summer Birthday Party Food Ideas
When it comes to any party, it seems I spend so much time planning the food. Can you relate?
Here are some easy summer birthday party food ideas that go over well with a crowd.
And believe me, I know how to feed a crowd. I am one of 8 kids and when we all get together there are 35 of us now. Whew, now that is a party!
My favorite and it seems to be a fan favorite for most party guests, is a walking taco bar. Absolutely delicious!
Main Food
Burgers
Brats and Hotdogs
Walking Taco
Pulled Pork
Shredded Chicken
Sides
Cold Pasta Salad
Potato Salad
Coleslaw
Chips
Dips (there are a ton to choose from!)
Drinks
Pop
Water
Juice Boxes/Pouches
Gatorade
Desserts
Cookies
Ice Cream
Popsicles
Cup Cakes
This post was all about planning the best summer birthday party ever.
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Let me know in the comments below what other fun plans you have lined up for the summer. We plan to go camping, boating, hiking, and visit the zoo just to name a few.
I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for stopping by.