22 Fantastic Party Favors Kids Will Actually Use

by Oz SpiesDecember 15, 2023

Party favors that don’t end up in the trash are a huge win in our book

If you want to take your kid’s birthday party from fun to fantastic, the secret ingredient is creative party favor ideas for kids that won’t get tossed aside. Whether your little one digs sports, crafts, or princesses, there’s something just right for your celebration. We’ve found 21 amazing party favors for kids that are sure to put a smile on your guests’ faces. These affordable ideas include easy DIY options and a few that even double as party activities. Just add a birthday cake, and you’ll be ready to party in no time!

DIY Seed Bombs

Check out these DIY seed bombs from One Little Project. They will have your kids' thumbs turning green!

Bubble Gum Dispensers

Bubble gum lovers will pop over these mini bubble gum dispensers. The tiny treat holders add a bright touch to any festivities and can be customized with gumballs that match your party decorations. Minted Julep will tell you how to make your own sweet rainbow-colored favors.

Personalized Sand Buckets

You can never have enough sand buckets, especially in the summer months! This is one of the easiest party favor ideas for kids we've seen because it only requires a few colorful buckets, a market, and, if you're feeling up to it, sunglasses, a shovel, or any other warm-weather accessories.

Snack Bag

Complete your camping party with a to-go bag of s'mores ingredients, like mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and graham crackers. Spotted at Catch My Party, this delicious snack bag adds a yummy touch to post-party goodbyes. Plus, snack bags like these make for an affordable kids' party favor option.

DIY Cup & Ball Game

We love party favors that double as a party activity—and they're even better when they rely on stuff that you already have around the house. These affordable, fun cup and ball game party favors use paper towel rolls or toilet paper tubes that can be customized by your party guests. Check out all the step-by-step directions at Hello Wonderful.

Sweet Party Favor Box

You'll win big points with this printable party favor box. Perfect for sports-loving kids, this treat box can be customized with your favorite take-home treat. Just add candy, gum, or bouncy balls. She shoots she scores!

Available from Etsy seller Amy Perotti, $3.

Tattoo Soap Bar

Pass out a squeaky clean favor with these DIY Tattoo Soap Bars that are a solid choice for good, clean fun. This easy party favor can be customized with your kids' favorite temporary tattoos. Slide over to Gluesticks to learn how you can make your own.

Flower Seeds

Seed packets like these eco-friendly favors are perfect for garden-themed parties or tea parties. You can pick up a batch of flower seeds for under a dollar each, and add your own custom labels. Grow on!

Mouse Candy Holder

Nothing could be sweeter than a pastel mouse filled with your guests' favorite candies. These adorable felt mice are perfect take-home gifts for an animal lovers party. Find out all the DIY tips at Minted Julep.

Candy Kabobs

Send your guests home with a stack of sweets. These eye-catching candy kabobs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Head on over to Catch My Party to find out how to make your own, and don't miss the money-saving DIY tips! Bonus: there might be a little candy leftover to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Crayons + Clipboards

Kids love to color, so send guests home with these adorable coloring pages from Something Turquoise. Cleverly packaged with a set of crayons and a sturdy coloring surface, head over to the blog for the free printable and assembly instructions.

Minifig Snowglobe

These LEGO Minifig snowglobes from Mini Eco are double the fun. They're a party activity and favor in one! Your master builders can put together a tiny scene with a few bricks and a Minifigure. Then you can follow Minieco's instructions and turn their creations into a winter wonderland.

Recycled Crayon Hearts

We heart these DIY crayons from My Frugal Adventures. Save broken or worn down crayon pieces and fill a heart-shaped mold with the colors of your choice. Make solid hearts or mix colors together to create swirling designs.

Flower Pens

How does your garden grow? With ballpoint pens and faux flowers! These adorable pens are so easy to make, Musings From a Stay at Home Mom turned this craft into a project for the whole family. Pair with a fun notepad or place them in a bouquet by the door for guests to take as they leave the party.

A New Book

Charlotte’s Web, Harold and the Purple Crayon, the Olivia series, and more. Whether you decide to personalize a custom book or choose one of the classics, books make great favors and welcome additions to your guest’s libraries.

Ballerina Bubbles

Guests will burst with excitement over these bubbly favors. Upcycled baby food jars topped with figurines that reflect the party theme make this idea easy and customizable. Pop over to A Bubbly Life for the how-to and a bubble solution recipe.

Edible Play Dough

This favor from Momtastic breaks the mold. Packaged in personalized containers, this edible play dough is super easy to make and fun to play with. What a delicious idea!

Party Playlist

Get ready to boogie with a mix of your tiny dancer’s favorite tunes. Choose a selection of kid-friendly hits and create your own labels for a playlist guests will be listening to on repeat. Head over to Catch My Party to see all the celebratory details.

Personalized Chalkboards

Earning an A for creativity, Rachel at Maison de Pax created personalized chalkboards for each guest at her son’s birthday party using pre-cut letters and chalkboard paint. Colorful chalk wrapped in twine were the perfect finishing touch.

Crazy Party Sunglasses

We adore this bright idea from By Wilma. Ordinary sunglasses get a high-fashion makeover with a little cardboard, glue and creativity. Get the camera ready! These shades make for adorable photo ops.

Superhero Capes

Custom capes are a super favor idea! Plan a little extra crafting time, and find instructions to make a custom set for your superheroes-in-training here. Psst! It’s not as hard as you think to make a few capes for your superhero and her sidekicks.

Wonderful Wands

Cast a spell on your party princesses with these affordable wands. We love that Aesthetic Nest's wands are both easy to make and full of magic. They make the perfect finishing touch for Frozen superfans.

—with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton and Lauren Hill

The Best Places to Throw Your Kid’s Next Birthday Party in LA

by Melissa HeckscherDecember 4, 2021

Now that virtual birthday parties are (almost) a thing of the past, it’s time to rethink and plan your kid’s next birthday bash. If you want to throw the best birthday party in Los Angeles for kids, look no further than some of your favorite hang spots—from museums and play spaces to farms, beaches and beyond, get ready to RSVP to a birthday party that’s made for the memory books. For outdoor party ideas, be sure to check out our list of the best L.A. parks for birthday parties, too.

Imaginology Kids

At this creative, STEAM-filled lab space, pick from four different themes (earth, wind, water or light labs) where kids get to explore one-of-a-kind materials and think creatively (picture light sculptures, bubble making, ramps and gravity). Bonus points: Parents can relax thanks to a dedicated staff that ensures the kids are having a great time. The results? An unforgettable birthday experience.

Cost: $820 & up
Ages: All ages

2501 West Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: imaginologykids.com

Wallis Annenberg PetSpace

When your Doc McStuffins is having a birthday, there's no better place to celebrate than surrounded by felines, feathered friends and other curious critters. At the Wallis Annenberg PetSpace, a birthday party includes a guided tour of the facility, a craft, games to play, and of course, a pet encounter. All guests receive a goody bag.

Cost: $350 for up to 10 children; $15 for each additional child up to 20 max
Ages: 4-10

12005 Bluff Creek Dr.
Playa Vista
Online: annenbergpetspace.org

CampSurf

Take your little sand crab and their closest friends to the beach and give them a surf-themed birthday party that will have everyone stoked to catch a wave or two. CampSurf can accommodate up to 15 surfers for 2 hours and provides the surfboards, wetsuits (if needed), a shade tent and table, plus land-based activities like volleyball for those non-surfers.

Cost: $650
Ages: 7 & Up

38th St. & The Strand
Manhattan Beach
Online: campsurf.com

Wild Child Gym

With three party options and optional add-ons, your party at Wild Child gym is bound to be as unique as your little mover and shaker. The basic package includes up to 15 kids, 2 hours of exclusive playtime, use of the gym and two instructors that are bound to keep your kid's attention on the fun and games.

Cost: The Aloha package starts at $695
Ages: 0-7

9715 Washington Blvd.
Culver City
Online: wildchildgym.com

Cayton Children's Museum

best birthday party venues in LA — Mathew Tucciarone - Cayton Children's Museum

A birthday party at this dreamy kid's museum will keep everyone entertained for hours thanks to their 21,000 square-foot playground with 35 discovery-based exhibits. When it's time for the actual party, there's a private room along with a dedicated Cayton representative to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. The best part? Choose from any of the restaurants in Santa Monica Place to cater your lunch for a meal even the parents will happily eat.

Cost: Packages start at $1,150 up to 40 kids
Ages: 0-10

395 Santa Monica Pl #374
Santa Monica
Online: caytonmuseum.org/events-and-parties

Underwood Family Farms

Take your city mouse to the country and help them live out their Old MacDonald dreams! Birthday parties at Underwood Farm's Moorpark location include a private wagon ride around the farm (for all your guests), a shaded picnic table area with iconic red and white checkered table cloths, a bucket of feed and a group photo—plus unlimited pony rides, electric train rides, moon-bounces, trike trails, and cow train rides. Party guests can also visit the petting corral and mingle as long as they'd like with the goats, sheep, and bunnies.

Good to Know: Parties are held Mar. through Dec.

Cost: Barnyard Party package is $20 per person (for 3 hours for 20 to 60 people)
Ages: 2 & up

3370 Sunset Valley Rd.
Moorpark
Online: underwoodfamilyfarms.com

Sender City

best birthday party locations in LA — Andie Huber

Kids who love to climb all things climbable will never want their time here to end. Sender City—the kid nook inside the massive Sender One climbing gym near LAX—makes it easy for kids to reach the ceiling safely. The room is outfitted with a colorful assortment of challenges, including stair-stepping "skyscrapers" (featured above), a timed rock wall that lets climbers compete with friends, and a firefighting-themed wall that challenges kids to put out fires (by hitting buttons) as they climb ladders to the top. And don't worry: Climbers are hooked into an auto-belay system while climbing, so the ropes quickly catch them and whisk them gently to the ground every time they jump or fall.

Birthday party packages include 30-minutes of activities and instruction; one hour of climbing time inside Sender City (plus all the gear needed to climb); one hour in the party space; free climbing for the birthday kid's parents (trust us, you'll want to join in on the fun!); plus a party attendant to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Good to Know: Climbers must weigh 35 pounds to use the auto-belay system.

Cost: Starts at $599 for up to 15 climbers
Ages: 5 & up

11220 Hindry Ave.
Los Angeles
Online: senderoneclimbing.com/lax

Trapeze School New York/Los Angeles

If you've got a budding daredevil, a party at the Trapeze School New York (in LA) is the perfect high-flying adventure. Birthday parties on the Santa Monica pier include a 2-hour flying trapeze class to help get all those little fliers airborne. For an additional fee, you can get a photographer (because #FlyingTrapeze) plus other a mix of other aerial and ground activities to keep everyone entertained.

Cost: For a group of ten, parties start at $700 on the weekends
Ages: 6 & up

Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica
Online: losangeles.trapezeschool.com

The MagIQ Room Escape Party

Escape rooms are all the rage for big kids; why not get the younger escape artists in on the action? While most venues will let little kids give it a try, the MagIQ Room in Beverly Hills is the only spot that caters exclusively to the smaller set (it calls its rooms "Adventure Rooms" instead of "escape rooms"). Each 2-hour party includes a 1-hour adventure room experience, costumes to match the theme, party games, framed birthday pictures (sent via e-mail), snacks and drinks.

Cost: $80 per person. Escape rooms have a 10-person maximum; multiple rooms can be booked to accommodate larger parties
Ages: 6 & up (kids should able to read to play)

1446 S Robertson Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: magiqescaperoom.com

Outside the Box

This kid class/resource center for parents can also be used as a birthday party venue whose flexibility and affordability are two of our favorite selling points. We adore the ala carte menu—you can DIY the party yourself and bring in your own entertainment or add OTB's entertainment, crafts, and specialties like the Light Sensory Room as your setting—even adding post-party clean-up. OTB families receive a special discount on items.

Cost: Venue rental starts at $450 for three hours ($350 for OTB families)
Ages: All ages

2550 Foothill Blvd.
La Crescenta-Montrose
Online: otblc.com/birthday-parties/

Aquarium of the Pacific

EDITOR'S NOTE: Birthday parties at the Aquarium are currently on hiatus.

If your animal lover prefers fish over felines, then head south to the Aquarium of the Pacific where you have your choice of throwing your birthday celebration either on the rooftop Veranda or on the Front Plaza. The rooftop Veranda holds up to 50 (seated) guests and has the bonus of offering breathtaking views of both the harbor and Aquatic Park Lighthouse. Another reason to love this location? All seafood served at the Aquarium is sustainably sourced.

Ages: All ages
Cost: $350 site fee plus $49 per person for the birthday package on the Veranda

100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach
Online: aquariumofpacific.org

—Melissa Heckscher & Leigh Crandall

feature image: iStock

15 Birthday Party Favors for $5 or Less

DC’s Best Indoor Birthday Party Venues

by Meghan Yudes MeyersJanuary 7, 2020

Winter birthdays are (almost) always an indoor celebration— but even if you have the space to host, who wants to deal with the post-party clean up? Not us! Thankfully there are plenty of fun, action-packed places to throw a shindig in the DMV. Read on for the best places to throw a winter birthday party.

photo: iFly Oceanside Indoor Skydiving via Yelp

A Daredevil Afternoon
If you have an extreme sport enthusiast in the house, then plan a thrilling shindig with iFly in Loudoun county. Packages start with a thirty minute session which accommodates 12 guests. Included in the price is pre-flight training, flying gear (i.e. flight suits, helmets and goggles) and a video clip of each flight to share on social media. Party goers will each receive a flight certificate.

20315 Commonwealth Center Dr
Ashburn, VA
571-446-4359
Online: iflyworld.com

photo: AMC Mountainside via Yelp

A Silver Screen Party
Many of the region’s movie theaters offer enticing birthday packages that elevate movie viewing to an all afternoon event. But why not keep things simple? Stick to the movie (and popcorn) for a hassle-free (and budget-friendly) party. Head to Reston’s Bow Tie Cinema where tickets are $6 every Tuesday or check out the Two-Buck-Tuesday deal at University Mall Theatres in Fairfax, VA.

11940 Market St.
Reston, VA
703-464-0816
Online: bowtiecinemas.com

10659 Braddock Rd.
Fairfax, VA
703-273-7111
Online: universitymalltheatres.com

Mission Possible
Let your pint-sized spy celebrate their birthday with a an all-out sleuthing adventure. Kids 4 & up will explore the Laser Maze Obstacle Course before they set out on a code-cracking adventure through the museum. Kids under 4 will play a challenging game of I Spy. This party package includes a two-hour rental of a private room to enjoy food (pizza and beverages are included for children), cake and more. Also included is admission for 10 children and 10 adults. Birthday packages start at $400.

35 Market Pl.
Baltimore, MD
Phone: 410-727-8120
Online: portdiscovery.org

Arts on the Horizon
For children ages 1 to 6, try a theatrically themed party with Arts on the Horizon in Alexandria, catering especially to this age group. Book a Birthday Workshop where you choose the subject matter and your child and their guests create the adventure. Parties are led by qualified teaching artists and can be arranged at a venue of your choice, with customizable options. Packages start at $200.

1819 N. Quaker Ln.
Alexandria, VA
571-549-1270
Online: artsonthehorizon.org

photo: Adventure Park USA

Everything (But the Kitchen Sink)
If you can’t decide on a party theme – climbing wall? laser tag? rope course? arcade? — choose “all of the above” at Adventure Park USA in Maryland. Geared more toward the younger crowd (think 10 and under), this amusement park boasts both indoor and outdoor activities. In the winter, the roller coasters and other outdoor attractions are not operating. But there is plenty to do inside the Wild West themed building; in addition to all of the “themes” mentioned above, you also find bumper cars! Birthday parties start at $159.62 for eight guests and includes the use of the party room for one hour, pizza for all guests and access to indoor games and the arcade. Lucky guests may also get to meet Dustin the Cowboy and Tumble the Prairie Dog, Adventure Park’s resident mascots.

11113 West Baldwin Rd.
Monrovia, MD
301-865-6800
Online: adventureparkusa.com

Where the Wild Things Are
Petting Zoos used to be a party experience reserved for warmer weather. Until now! The Leesburg Animal Park recently added an indoor petting zoo to their grounds. Children can mix and mingle with exotic animals like camels and emus in the comfort (and warmth) of a fully heated indoor barn. Kids will also enjoy the indoor play space that includes seven distinct learning zones: a baby The Animal Park’s Safari package is available year-round and includes the use of a private party room for two hours, a pony ride for each child, a souvenir cup filled with animal feed and more. Party packages start at $359 for 10 kids (and 10 adults). For an additional $40, you can add a bounce house to your party room.

19270 James Monroe Highway
Leesburg VA
703-433-0002
Online: leesburganimalpark.com

photo: Magic Ground

Monkey See, Monkey Do
If you have a monkey for a munchkin, a jungle-themed party is in order. Tots who like to oo-oo-ee-ee their way around the great outdoors will enjoy an active, animal-filled birthday celebration at MagicGround. The DC-based indoor playground features a rock climbing wall, jumbo slides, a ball pit. a treehouse, a swinging bridge and more. The resident face painter can transform your party guests into jungle creatures like leopards, zebras and parrots. There is also a game room, a craft space and a toddler play area. Weekday packages start at $200 for 90 minutes of play for 10 guests.

3100 14th St. NW
Columbia Heights
202-370-6656
Online: magicground.com

Sound the Alarm!
Warm up a cold winter weekend with a party at the Friendship Firehouse Museum.Little firefighters will be mesmerized by hoses, ladders and shiny trucks of yesteryear. Party packages, which cost $250, include 90 minutes of hands-on, guided activities including firehouse-themed games and crafts. Each guest also receives a firefighter hat. After exploring the antique firehouse apparatus, head over to one of the two neighboring firehouses that will give your guests a tour of a modern facility (advanced reservations required).

107 South Alfred St.
Alexandria, VA
703-746-3891
Online: alexandriava.gov

photo: BusyBees Falls Church

Ice, Ice Party
If your little one wants the beauty of a snowscape without the actual chill, head to Falls Church-based BusyBees. This indoor playground would make a polar bear feel at home; sleek, Arctic-white vinyl with touches of icy blue, mint green (with pops of pink) make this indoor play place picture-perfect for a Polar Bear party. Your guests can slide down frozen-looking slides that light up (like Northern Lights!) or waddle like a penguin through ball pits. This polar-perfect party space also offers pre-planned party packages; prices start at $35 per child (there is a 12 kid minimum). BusyBees also has a location in Fairfax Corner.

6110 Arlington Blvd.
Falls Church, VA
703-584-5142
Online: busybeesplay.com

photo: Maria V. via Yelp

Let the Sun Shine
Unicorns are mythological and, let’s face it, so are warm, sunny days in the (often) dismal months of January and February. But celebrating your pint-sized Sunshine requires something light and bright, like winged horses and colorful rainbows! If your little dreams of a party dipped in glitter and topped with sprinkles, check out Host and Toast a Reston-based party planning company that brings the level of detail and design usually reserved for weddings to children’s parties. If you want to tackle all things mythical and magical on your own, start with a bare-bones party room, like the one at Nook. These rooms are a monochromatic white, offering a blank canvas to create your fanciful vision.

5649 Lee Hwy.
Arlington, VA
703-270-6388
Online: playatnook.com

Up, Up and Away
Let your child’s party soar with a birthday celebration at Dulles International Airport. Geared for children age 5 and up, IAD offers packages that let kids explore the many aspects of air travel, from scanning luggage to meeting working K-9s. Party packages include party space, free parking and group activities (prices start at $300). You can customize your party with options like touring the airfield ($75) or doing a plane-related craft. Decoration options are limited inside the airport (you wont’ be able to float balloons), but all the activity you’ll see in the skies is sure to make up for it!

1 Saarinen Circle
Dulles, VA
703-572-8296
Online: flydulles.com/iad/birthday-parties

photo: Fairfax Station Railroad Museum

Birthday Crossing
Whether your little one likes Thomas the Train or The Little Engine that Could, The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum is the ideal place to host a choo choo party. Little ones will enjoy exploring the railroad-themed rooms and the miniature train tables, and don’t forget the picture-perfect backdrop for your party pictures: the little red caboose! Audio visual equipment is available to screen your little one’s favorite steam engine. Party packages start at $200.

11200 Fairfax Station
Fairfax Station, VA
703-425-9225
Online: fairfax-station.org

Toddlin’ Off to Party
You’ll find Elemeno between the letters K and P (get it?!); it’s the perfect place for tots still learning their ABC’s. This DC-based play space and birthday venue caters to the under 6 set. Prices start for parties start at $476 (for members; non-members are an additional $119). Prices are steeper here than at other venues, but that fee reserves the entire space for your guests and family. The space can accommodate 60 people, so Elemeno suggests inviting 20 kids (since each comes with one to two adults). Parties are held early morning or late afternoon and last for an hour and a half.

709 8th St. SE
Capitol Hill
202-763-7629
Online: elemeno.com

—Megan Yudes Meyers and Carolyn Ross

featured photo: iStock

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Our Favorite Trending Spring Birthday Party Themes

by Oz SpiesMarch 15, 2019

April showers bring May flowers—and a whole new range of birthday party themes. Give your springtime baby a bash worth remembering with one of these fun spring birthday party ideas. We’ve rounded up 15 kids parties we think will be big this spring and beyond, from celebrations for pool sharks to fun for dino-maniacs and Mary Poppins super fans. Keep reading to see them all.

Everything is Awesome

Mer Mag

LEGO bricks never go out of style, but we predict LEGO parties will be especially big this spring building off of The LEGO Movie 2. We love this theme because the party activities plan themselves. Dump out a pile of bricks and let your master builder have at it. Pass out Minifigs as the perfect party favor. Then, follow Mer Mag's inspired example and set out a plate of rectangular cookies, bright icing, and Spree candies so kids can make their own party treats. For more LEGO party ideas, check out Mer Mag's post.

Fab Flamingo

Catch My Party

Flamingos in party-perfect pink are an extra-festive kids' party theme. We love this party's tropical flair that will brighten up even the rainiest spring day. Plus, flamingos are the hot new bird—suddenly, we're seeing them everywhere. Flap on over to Catch My Party for more flamingo party style.

Make a Splash

Great Wolf Lodge

Think your springtime baby will never be able to have a pool party? Fear not! Pack up your pool noodles and head down to your local pool or an indoor water park. Great Wolf Lodge has 18 locations in the US and Canada full of water slides and wave pools. Bring your kiddo and their BFFs for a wild, splash-filled bash. Bonus: when the kids' fingers turn to prunes, they can have fun out of the water on Great Wolf Lodges' ropes courses or wand-waving magical quests. Check out the party packages with extras like Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream cake.

Camp It Out

Kaye Garcia events via Kara's Party Ideas

You'll want to invite all your forest friends to this woodland lumberjack party. We love that it offers an indoor twist on a camping party, so you'll be ready to celebrate rain or shine. The animal-covered cupcakes are adorable and delicious. Pull out your plaid flannel and get inspired by the Woodland Lumberjack Party featured at Kara's Party Ideas.

Sleepunder + Donuts = Magic

Fancy Schmancy Notes

If you're kiddo's begging for a sleepover, but you're worried about whether or not it's the right time to open that door, throw a sleepunder instead. It's all the fun of a sleepover—think PJs, movies, and giggle-fests—and then everyone goes home to sleep in their own cozy beds. Add in a giant pink donut cake like this one, and we think you've got a super spring party.

Sleepunder invitation available from Etsy seller Fancy Schmancy notes, $14.50.

Fore!

Luxe Studio via Pretty My Party

A golf-themed party is a hole in one. We love Pretty My Party's birthday par-tee. Argyle-patterned pretzels and golf-adorned desserts make it a delicious celebration. For bigger kids, you can add some extra fun with a mini-golf outing.

Bug Out Bash

Events by Taryn via Kara's Party Ideas

Bug out with the tiny critters that are buzzing in your garden. Little explorers will love a creepy crawly celebration complete with gummy worms and ants on a log. Check out this Events by Taryn party for some creature-filled ideas.

A Practically Perfect Party

Pretty Plain Janes via Kara's Party Ideas

We love this supercalifragilisticexpiealidocious Mary Poppins-themed party! With a springtime kite-making station, floral details, and practically perfect party invitations, this is one kids' party idea that won't go out of style. You can even add in a viewing of Mary Poppins returns. Pop open an umbrella and float down to Kara's Party Ideas and trip a little light fantastic.

Art's a Blast

Jim Pennucci via flickr

Art parties are awesome, but having one indoors is absolutely not. Springtime means it’s finally warm enough to go outside and make a mess. Set up easels and art supplies in your yard where you can let the kids get creative without having to worry about paint splatter. For more messy ideas click here.

Dinomite!

Pretty My Party

Take your party back—way back to the Jurassic era. Get inspired by fearsome dino-riffic ideas like using all those leftover plastic Easter eggs for a dinosaur egg hunt. We also love the free printable dinosaur bingo made by Pretty My Party that you can use with delicious dino egg-like jelly beans that double as bingo markers. Roar!

Please Touch the Animals

Blair Photography

The only thing cuter than all the young spring chicks and lambs making an appearance is your own little birthday bunny’s face as she’s surrounded by animals to pet and love. Find a local petting zoo to host your bash and serve up animal crackers alongside fresh veggies to feed the live bunnies and guinea pigs.

A Party They'll Totally Dig

Alison Benbow via flickr

Throw on a few gardening hats and let your guests get their hands dirty with a planting party in your backyard. Have the kids decorate pots and fill them with dirt and seeds and serve up garden-fresh fruits and veggies. Give sets of tot-sized gardening tools as take-home favors.

LOL Surprise Party

Catch My Party

Kids who go gaga over the sparkly-eyed LOL Surprise Doll crew will flip for this party theme. We love the brightly colored decorations featured in this LOL-themed party at Catch My Party. Use dolls as cake toppers, and then let the birthday girl play with them post-party. Get ready for cuteness overload!

Pinkies Up! Party

Kelle Hampton

Tea parties are always fun, but when you throw one in a blooming spring garden it's even more magical. Hit up the thrift shop for real teacups you won't mind getting chipped, dish up delicious desserts and cookies, and play dress up.

Spring Hoedown

Rocket Mommy

Spring is an exciting time on any farm. Decorate your barnyard bash with hay bales and bandana prints. Celebrate your little cowpoke with hats, a rope toss game, and these awesome DIY stick horses from Rocket Mommy. Need more ideas? Check out our favorite farm-themed party games here.

—Oz Spies with Shahrzad Warkentin

Feature photo: Brooke Lark on Unsplash

Score! 7 Awesome Sport-Themed Birthday Party Ideas

by Meghan Yudes MeyersApril 14, 2016

How do you celebrate the birthday of a kid who is perpetually in motion and lives (lives!) for competitive challenges and athletic pursuits? With an an action-packed, adrenaline-filled, sport-themed birthday, of course! From passive players to extreme enthusiasts, we’ve rounded up the best bets for a fun-filled party.

Photo: iFly

A Daredevil Afternoon
If you have an extreme sport enthusiast in the house, then plan a thrilling shindig at the new iFly experience in Loudoun county. Packages start with a thirty minute session which accommodates 12 guests. Included in the price is pre-flight training, flying gear (i.e. flight suits, helmets and goggles) and a video clip of each flight to share on social media. Party goers will each receive a flight certificate.

Cost: Starting at $659.95

20315 Commonwealth Center Dr. (Ashburn, Va)
571-446-4359
Online: iflyworld.com

Sports Boot Camp
Your pint-sized super fan can celebrate the team of their choice at Port Discovery’s Sports Boot Camp—the museum’s deluxe birthday package—that includes sport-themed activities, like decorating a placemat and making a paper football. Included in the deal is a two-hour rental of a private room to enjoy food (pizza and beverages are included for children), cake and more. Also included is admission for 10 children and 10 adults; post-party, your guests can enjoy athletic pursuits, like soccer, surfing and snowboarding in the indoor ExerKids Game arena.

Cost: Starting at $325

35 Market Pl. (Baltimore, Md)
Phone: 410-727-8120
Online: portdiscovery.org

Ice, Ice Birthday
What’s special about the Wheaton Ice Arena isn’t their basic birthday package (although there is nothing wrong with renting a private party room and letting the kids free skate)… with just a minimum of three participants, you can custom tailor a class for party participants (who wouldn’t want to recreate Disney on ice?!). You can also rent the entire rink for an over-the-top celebration (starting at $300/hour).

Cost: Starting at $75/hour (for a private party room)

11717 Orebaugh Ave. (Wheaton, Md)
301-905-3004
Online: montgomeryparks.org

Photo: Great Play

Go for the Gold
Let your little Olympian enjoy the theatrics of a real spectator event; when players enter the Great Play Arena, the lights come down, the music starts and they are the star-attraction as a spotlight shines down on them and their image is displayed on a score board. The Olympic-themed package (think capture the flag and relay races) are geared toward children 5 to 10 years of age; the center offers themes for children starting as young as one.

Cost: Starting at $370 for up to 18 children (90 minutes of play)

11395 Government Pkwy. (Fairfax, Va)
703-246-9550
Online: greatplay.com

Hit it Out of the Park
A day at the ballpark is a great way to celebrate a little slugger’s birthday; Nationals Park has a picnic area and a Family Fun Area that lends itself well to small gatherings, but for true MVP treatment, plan a party at Pfitzner Stadium, home to the Potomac Nationals (the minor league cousin to the Washington Nationals). Party guests will receive unlimited rides in the Kids’ Zone, a team pennant, a hot dog, chips and small drink and special seating. The birthday boy or girl will get special recognition with an on-field celebration.

Cost: $20/child, $11/adults (minimum of 6 guests)

7 County Complex Ct. (Woodbridge, Va)
703-590-2311 (ext 225)
Online: potomacnationals.com

Photo: Urban Evolution

A Parkour Party
Urban Evolution creates gladiator-like themed parties (think America Ninja Warrior) for parties of six or more. Parties are reserved for Saturdays and Sundays from 6 to 8 pm (when classes are not in session). Bring your own food and beverages (they provide the tables). Parkour classes start with basic moves — like how to jump, kick, flip, scale and twist – before mastering the obstacle course.

Cost: $35/child (for 6 to 10 people); $30/child (for 11-15); $25 (for 16+)

5505 Cherokee Ave (Alexandria, Va)
8442 Kao Circle (Manassas, Va)
6801 Eastern Ave (Baltimore, Md)
Online: urbanevo.com

A Vertical Adventure
At Earth Trek’s — a climbing center with local outposts in Rockville and Arlington — a party includes two hours of instructor-led climbing (no experience necessary) for kids six and up. All necessary equipment (read: harnesses) are included. The climbing center provides a table and basic table cloth — you provide the food and refreshments. Included in the package is a free t-shirt for the birthday boy or girl.

Cost: Starting at $295 (for up to 10 climbers)

725 Rockville Pike (Rockville, Md)
240-283-9942
1235 S. Clark Street (Arlington, Va)
800-Climb-Up
Online: earthtreksclimbing.com

Has your sports star had a cool competitive birthday party? Tell us all about it in the comments section below.

—Meghan Meyers

Buses, Trucks and Trains That Bring the Party to You

by Ayren Jackson-CannadySeptember 16, 2014

Of course we lovelovelove celebrating our kids’ birthdays; we just don’t always like the messes that come post-party. Enter: the party bus (and truck and limo). The DMV is full of parties-on-wheels that bring the festivities to you, and cart it all away when it’s over. Here are some of our favorite four-wheelers.

Xtreme Game Experience
Gaming extraordinaires might get heart palpitations when they see this birthday truck roll up. For starters, it’s more limo than truck, offers 50+ games (rated E to M) and has stadium seating for 26 people!! Twenty kids can play simultaneously while outdoor game stations handle another eight gamers. Mom and Dad can pick which games they want the partygoers (and parents) to indulge in. Who’s up for a round of Dance Dance Revolution?! Bonus: They even send out invitations for you!

Cost: $200 and up
866-941-4263
Online: xtremegameexperience.com

Squeals on Wheels
You will win Mom (or Dad) of the Year when Squeals on Wheels delivers a barnyard to your backdoor. Whether your mini-farmer loves goats, chickens, pigs, rabbits, llamas or anything in between, Squeals has just the right friends for your event. Junior might have to share the miniature piglet, but we bet he’ll be pretty happy when Sergio the hedgehog snuggles up for a bit. Pony lovers can even have a pony decorating party where feathers, beads, stickers and glitter are used to doll up “Captain Jack Sparrow,” “Tinkerbell,” or “Prince.”

Cost: $175 and up
301-765-0270
Online: squealsonwheels.us

Bubbaville Fire Unit
Fire truck fans will sound the alarm when they see the Bubbaville Fire Unit outside their house. After calling out the birthday boy or girl and setting up a “safety zone,” recruits line up to try on bunker gear, sit in the captains seat and help work the lights and siren. Depending on the party, the Bubbaville Fire Truck also takes little ones for a ride around the block, complete with “firemen” on board. If it’s really hot out, the fire hoses come out and all the revelers can help “flow” the water and hose down the fire (i.e., the party!).

Cost: $250 and up
443-829-2575
Online: bubbasfiretruckparties.com

Safari Ice
Non-bakers rejoice. The Safari Ice truck brings shaved ice and snow cones (year-round) to Little Miss’ birthday so there’s no need to fuss over baking a cake (errr, picking one up!). Safari guides come ready to help little ones at the “watering hole” choose from over 12 flavors to make the most delicious birthday snowcones! The watering hole comes complete with jungle music like Hakuna Matata, The Circle of Life and The Lion Sleeps Tonight. Roooarrr!

Cost: Call for options
240-765-7627
Online: safariice.com

Fun Bus
Fans of jumping, bouncing, sliding, swinging, climbing and more will be so tuckered out after a run through the fun bus that they’ll have to slide down the chute at the back of the bus to hurry home for naptime (just kidding…sort of). This real life school bus has been filled with padded and safe equipment (no seats!) to help kids of all ages have a funtastic time. Goodie bags, T-shirts and surprises are all part of the party—including a Fun Bus T-shirt for the birthday boy or girl. This is one bus stop they’ll be wide awake at.

Cost: $300 and up
703-652-2511
Online: funbuses.com

Bear Bus
Ladies and gentlemen, kids of all ages…get ready to board the Bear Bus! This all inclusive bearriffic bus pulls out all the stops to build cuddly, lovey, super sweet bears for each partygoer. Each kid can make his or her own bear starting from the “bear skin” to the stuffing to the “bear wear and accessories.” This is sure to get all of the little ones ohhing and ahhing over which bear is their favorite while you sit back and enjoy the ride.

Cost: Call for options
703-277-7033
Online: bearbus.com/nova

Have you booked a kids party with any of these vehicles? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

—Hilary Riedemann

Photos courtesy of Bubbaville Fire Unit via Facebook, Xtreme Game Experience via Facebook, Fun Bus via Facebook

Party favors that don’t end up in the trash are a huge win in our book

DIY Seed Bombs

Bubble Gum Dispensers

Personalized Sand Buckets

Snack Bag

DIY Cup & Ball Game

Sweet Party Favor Box

Tattoo Soap Bar

Flower Seeds

Mouse Candy Holder

Candy Kabobs

Crayons + Clipboards

Minifig Snowglobe

Recycled Crayon Hearts

Flower Pens

A New Book

Ballerina Bubbles

Edible Play Dough

Party Playlist

Personalized Chalkboards

Crazy Party Sunglasses

Superhero Capes

Wonderful Wands

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