Hey girl, today let’s chat about the best summer birthday themes that will work for everyone.
When it comes to your kiddo’s birthday party, I know you want to make it extra special and the best way to take the party to the next level is with one of these top summer birthday themes.
As a mom of 4 kids, I do everything that I can to make sure each of them has the most epic birthday they can. My daughter’s birthday is near the end of May and since there is so much going on with the end of school we wait and she always gets a summer birthday party.
These are birthday themes for boys and birthday themes for girls, you can even adjust them and they can be birthday themes for teens.
Whichever of these memorable summer birthday party ideas that you end up picking, I can guarantee that your kiddo is going to have a fantastic time.
Let’s get into all of the summer birthday themes that you have to consider for your birthday party.
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Best Summer Birthday Themes
Summer Birthday Party Essentials
1. Photo Booth
The number one thing that you have to have no matter which summer birthday theme you choose is a photo booth area. You can keep it simple or go bananas on it.
Don’t forget the photo booth props!
People are more willing to get their pictures taken and show their silly side when props are involved.
2. Yard Games
The other thing that you can’t forget about with any summer birthday party is yard games.
One time, we tied cups to the tops of the kids’ shoes and then filled the cups with popcorn. The one to make it through a race and have the most popcorn left in the cup wins. This was a hoot to watch.
We love bean bags, lasso golf, and laser tag the most. Sometimes we even set up an obstacle course.
3. Party Food
Unless you are telling your guests to bring a dish to pass (which is for sure the way to go these days), make sure you provide more than enough food.
Boy oh boy, can some of my guests eat!
4. Party Music
What would any party be without music? Just not that exciting, that's what!
This speaker will let you hear it from a ways away.
We have had this speaker for years now (this is the newer model) and it is a rockstar!
Summer Birthday Party Ideas
1. Pool Party Theme
Nothing screams summer more than a pool!
Obviously, the pool party theme will work best if you have some kind of pool.
But if you don’t have a pool there are so many other amazing birthday themes below to choose from.
2. Luau Party
Everyone gets into the spirit of a luau even if it is in your backyard. This is one of my favorite summer birthday themes.
Kids go nuts over Hawaiian leis, I know mine do!
I have never been to Hawaii or a Luau but you can bet that it is on my bucket list. Let me know in the comments below if you have had the privilege to visit Hawaii.
3. Ice Cream Social
Set up an ice cream bar for this party with all the toppings you could ever dream up and these festive ice cream bowls. (This is another one of my favorite summer birthday themes!)
Here are some of the toppings we had: whipped cream, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, hot fudge, mini Oreos, nuts, maraschino cherries, sprinkles, and candies (M&MS, Reece’s Pieces, and so on).
If you want to go all out, you have to pick up this ice cream maker and whip up homemade ice cream. It is so simple and tastes better than any ice cream you can buy, hands down.
You can make this ice cream a day or 2 ahead so it is all ready for your party.
4. BBQ Party
This BBQ party is all about the food! Plan out a delicious menu that you can mostly make on the grill.
I love a good cookout and even though we have not done this theme, I know that it would be a hit with anyone who tries it.
5. Camping Theme
If your family is into camping, like mine, you have to look into a camping theme birthday party.
There are so many cute decorations and party supplies to make this party a success.
6. Outdoor Movie
A few times last summer we did an outdoor movie block party and all the kids were nuts over it. I highly recommend this one no matter how old the birthday kiddo is.
7. Yard Games
As I mentioned above, we love playing yard games at any summer party.
Bean bags, laser tag, and lasso golf get everyone involved, no matter their age.
8. Beach Theme
I am not talking about turning your backyard into a beach, although that would be dynamite. These beach theme decorations will be helpful.
Fire up a sprinkler, set out water squirters, and fill up those water balloons. Fill up buckets of water ahead of time so they have a chance to warm up a little bit.
9. Taco Party
Having a taco bar party is such a hit that I have a hard time steering away from it no matter which theme we go with. Everyone loves tacos.
Make sure to get a pinata and fillings for it. If you are anything like me here, you add in a bit of candy that you like (I always end up eating some of it).
10. 80s Theme Party
My sister is turning 40 this summer and we are throwing her an 80s party.
11. Patriotic Party
Is your party going to be close to the 4th of July? Go for the patriotic theme.
There are so many arts and crafts you can find on Pinterest, along with creative food options.
What is your favorite part of the 4th of July? I love seeing the fireworks the most!
12. Mermaid Birthday Party
My daughter never got into mermaids, even though I always wanted her to just so I could throw her a mermaid party.
There are so many fantastic options to transform your party into a mermaid wonderland!
13. Pirate Theme
A pirate birthday party can be so fun.
You can get a pirate bounce house. We have done it and it was such a hit!
Or you can set up an obstacle course and have the kiddos walk the plank for their final obstacle.
If you have a sandbox, you can bury “treasure” and have the kids go on a treasure hunt too.
14. Under the Sea Theme
I love these tabletop decorations for an under-the-sea theme.
And these bubble strings, let me tell you, girl. Everyone wanted to take them home. They are so much fun!
15. Jungle Theme Party
We did a jungle theme birthday party for my husband, of all people, and my kids had a blast.
16. Carnival Theme Party
You can make this carnival theme a complete smash by putting in some extra effort. Set up carnival games, decorations, and even this ticket booth.
I love this face paint and it washes off easily with soap and water.
This party will be one that your guests will remember forever!
17. Baseball Theme Party
Set up decorations, a ball game, and get the stadium food going.
This summer birthday theme would work so great at a local ball field. We are so lucky to live right next to one that also has a playground on sight.
18. Fishing Theme
This photo booth prop decoration set will be an instant hit with all of your guests.
Fishing is one of my kids’ favorite things to do during the summer.
19. Snoopy Party
I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t love the Peanuts Gang, especially Snoopy.
20. Surf Party
There is not an ocean in sight where I live but that didn’t stop me from trying a surf’s up theme for a summer birthday party.
21. Painting Party
I saw something on Pinterest where you set up a tag board, large paper, or canvases and then use squirt guns filled with paint to make a creation.
We have yet to try it, but it sounds amazing.
This post was all about the best summer birthday themes.
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Let me know in the comments below what you like to do/give for your kiddo’s birthday presents.
I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for stopping by.