Summer is a pretty magical time [1] to throw a birthday party. Not to knock Winter [2] or anything, but Summer parties let you experience great outdoor weather and a lot of fun activities [3] that otherwise would be closed. If you're planning a birthday party this Summer for your little one (even if they're not so little anymore), it's helpful to have a handy list of ideas to get them excited. While some trips and plans are great for older kids, others are more simple and laid back. Keep reading for a ton of fantastic Summer birthday party ideas for different age groups that will help the celebration get going [4].
Ages 2-3
Children from a young age are fascinated by a lot of neat things. While they won't likely remember these birthdays at such a young age, this is a really fun time to watch their little minds get blown by getting to explore different activities.
- Petting zoo party
- Train-riding party with a picnic at the end
- Obstacle course party at the park
- Summer carnival party [5]
- Kiddie pool party
- Backyard tea party [6]
- Mermaid/under the sea party [7]
- Animal/safari party [8]
- Summer rainbow party [9]
- Backyard beach party
Ages 4-7
As children get older, they can start to appreciate more intricate and awe-inspiring activities. Keep them focused and entertained with some of these ideas.
- Baseball game party [10]
- Hawaiian luau party
- Mini-golf party
- Campfire slumber party [11]
- Unicorn party [12]
- Tailgate football party [13]
- Frozen in July party [14]
- Watermelon-themed party [15]
- Backyard fairy party [16]
- Gone fishing party [17]
- Popsicle party [18]
- Nautical party [19]
Ages 8-10
This is the age where things can get turned up a notch. At this point, they probably have a steady group of friends that they know really well, and they start to take more of an interest in adult-like activities while still loving the games of childhood.
- Backyard water Olympics party
- Go-kart racing party
- Tie-dye t-shirt-making party
- Water park party
- Backyard movie party [20]
- Ice cream-making party
- Tropical vacation party [21]
- Mystery/neighborhood scavenger hunt party [22]
- Backyard concert party
Ages 11 and Up
At this age, children start to transition into tweens and teens, who are responsible enough to be left on their own. Give them a chance to play with their friends by themselves (while monitoring from a distance, of course), and they will have the best birthday.
- Age-appropriate music festival party
- Theme park party
- Movie theater party
- Kickball tournament party
- Concert party to see their favorite musician
- Lake house weekend party (invite the parents, too!)
- Backyard dance party
All Ages
There are some birthday party ideas that are great, no matter what your age is. Here, everyone can have fun.
- Pool party
- Beach/sandcastle-building party
- Outdoor pizza party
- Bonfire/s'mores party
- Mud race obstacle course party
- Backyard BBQ party