Hey girl, today let’s chat about summer birthday party ideas for toddlers that you have to try.
Are you on the hunt for the best summer birthday party ideas for toddlers that are perfect for your kiddo? Girl, I have you covered!
As a mom of 4 and an aunt to 13, and let’s not forget all the friend birthday parties I have gone to, I have a killer list of summer birthday party ideas for toddlers for you to try.
And even though we are going to focus on summer birthday party ideas for toddlers, these are great party ideas for 5-year-olds and up as well.
I can’t wait to hear how your party turned out (let me know in the comments below).
Let’s get into the tried and true summer birthday party ideas for toddlers that your kiddo will have a blast with (and I know you are going to have a great time as well😊).
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Best Summer Birthday Party Ideas for Toddlers
1. Ice Cream Party
Kids love ice cream (and adults do too) so have an ice cream party.
You can go hog wild and have a toppings bar which would include goodies like chocolate sauce, hot fudge, mini chocolate chips, nuts, sprinkles, fruit, chopped-up cookies, whipped cream, and so much more.
Consider going the extra mile and making your own ice cream. You won’t regret it.
Use this ice cream maker and you will have fresh ice cream that is ready in about 25 – 30 minutes.
You can also make the ice cream ahead of time and store it in freezer-safe containers if you plan to go through a lot of ice cream.
2. Bounce House
If you rent a bounce house, you won’t see any kids until the end of the birthday party. Kids love jumping around in these.
Last year, my son went to a birthday party that had a water slide bounce house and it was such as hit!
3. Water Party/Pool Party
Kids are drawn to water like moths to a flame.
If you have a pool whether it be blow up or otherwise, I would run with that.
However, if you are like me and do not have a pool then you can go with a sprinkler, water balloon pinatas, water tables, water blasters, and don’t forget about fun water games.
There is so much to choose from and your kiddo is going to just love playing in the water.
4. Mermaid Party
Is your little girl into mermaids? There are so many creative, cheap, and easy decorations and food ideas for you on Pinterest.
I just spent over 30 minutes checking them all out for you and now I want to throw a mermaid party😉.
I love the color theme of mermaids. It is so beautiful.
5. Character Party
Does your kiddo have a favorite TV character? Have a character theme party.
This works great for older kids as well. My boys love Super Mario Bros. so I bet you can guess what kind of party they are having this year.
6. Rainbow Party
Get so colorful, girl!
From the decorations to food to games and more, your rainbow loving kiddo is going to go bananas over this party!
7. Candy Land Party
Girl, I always wanted to do a Candy Land party but I couldn’t get my daughter on board (even though it was one of her favorite toddler games). And don’t get me wrong, this isn’t only for girls.
I searched all over Pinterest for this and there are so many great ideas. From spray painting colored squares in the grass to making huge lollipops to fun game pieces and more, your party is going to be amazing!
Don’t forget to create a cute photo area to completely capture the day!
8. Bubbles Party
If there is one thing that I know toddlers love during the summer, it is bubbles, bubbles, and more bubbles.
The best bubble juice out there is the Gazillion Bubbles. Seriously, it is the best.
You can also get bubble machines, bubble blowers, and bubble wands.
Our previous mailman was kind enough to keep my kids and a constant supply of bubbles and my kids couldn’t get enough.
9. Scavenger Hunt
Get their brains working with a scavenger hunt.
This could be as simple as hiding a bunch of plastic Easter eggs all over the backyard (we did this for a birthday party once and it was a huge success, just count them first) or have the kids look for specific items either in nature or that you hid.
Depending on how young or old the kiddos are will let you know how difficult this hunt should be.
10. Obstacle Course
Make an obstacle course in your yard.
You can use pool noodles, hula hoops, balls, movement - do your favorite dance moves, jumping jacks, and so on, go down a slide, and more.
We did this for my daughter’s birthday party one year and all the kids ran through it a few times and then they changed the rules and wanted to see who could do it the fastest.
11. Art Party
Set up a table or 2 outside and bust out a bunch of art supplies. You can either have the kiddos all make something similar or let them be creative and make whatever they want.
Have you ever tried squirt gun painting? I have always been so curious about it but we have never done it. Painting snow, on the other hand, is a big hit around here in the winter.
12. Pirate Party
Walk the plank matey!
Get your pirate birthday party on with festive pirate hats, telescopes, and even a treasure hunt.
This will be a party that your little boy will remember for so long!
13. Construction Party
Bust out your dump trucks, loaders, and excavators for a fun construction party.
We did this one year and it was so much fun. Thankfully we have an epically large sandbox with tons of construction equipment sand toys. The boys were more than entertained the whole party.
14. Cookout
Are you throwing a friend and family summer birthday party? Have a cookout!
The kids can run around and just play. This is the most low-key birthday party idea on this list but will be a total blast.
I love gathering with everyone in such a relaxed setting.
If you are going to do a cookout, have a fun activity or 2 planned for the kids like yard games or a pinata.
15. Carnival Party
Set up a few carnival games like pop the balloon, spin the wheel, ring toss, and ball toss to name a few and this party will be one your guests will never forget.
If you know someone a bit artistic and willing to help, have a face painting area too. I have been using this washable face paint on my kids and it is dynamite.
If that seems like too much, you could do temporary tattoos instead.
Don’t forget the carnival snacks like popcorn, cotton candy, and even corn dogs – yum.
16. Camping Party
There are so many things you can include in a camping birthday party.
You can have a tent or 2 for the kids to play in, a scavenger hunt, make s’mores, roast hotdogs, sing songs, paint birdhouses, and so much more.
Flashlights make amazing party favors!
And this is not just for the boys, you can keep this all the same for your little girl or change it into a “glamping party” if you have a camper. So cute.
17. Park Party
Are you looking to save on the wear and tear of your house? Take your party to a local park that has a playground suitable for toddlers.
All you have to serve are drinks, snacks, and dessert.
18. Outdoor Movie
Is your toddler old enough to stay up a little late for a special occasion? Host an outdoor movie party.
This would work great if you have an evening cookout.
We have been using this outdoor movie projector and the kids can’t get enough.
So, lay out a few blankets don’t forget the sunscreen.
This post was all about the best summer birthday party ideas for toddlers.
What are your favorite kinds of birthday food, and don’t forget the dessert? Let me know in the comments below.
I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for stopping by.