Summer birthdays have a lot of perks. The sun is almost always shining, it’s warm, the kids have no homework, and everyone is relaxed. When it comes to party planning, keeping things simple is the name of the game. One of the best ways to keep things stress free is to host the party in your backyard, a park or the beach. It will keep costs down, makes clean up easier, and provides a blank canvas for many different party themes. With a little bit of planning, your child’s birthday party will be a magical day.
Jaya Aiyar is the Founder & CEO of Créatif, an art studio concept that integrates art with technology. She says that she wants her child to experience a memorable birthday party and while there are so many themes with superheroes or other characters, she says “you need to consider what your kid will enjoy and learn. Kids love to see a colorful party, and it’s better if you provide an activity that will enhance their creativity.” An art and painting party is what Aiyar suggests and she recommends activities like water pistol painting, rainbow sponge painting, and fruit painting. She notes that personalized art aprons are a great party favor.
Monique Banks and Ariel Banks Baker are the founders of BLUEPRINT, a DIY downloadable party plan that provides pre-designed and custom themed parties. When planning a party in a public space, consider several important factors. “The safety and security of all of the children is paramount. So, while it is always important to have extra pairs of eyes when in a public space like a beach or park, it is also very helpful to create a perimeter in which the party will take place. Whether you use mini cones, sand pales, balloon trees or tiki torches, placing them strategically to set a boundary for the children to stay within will greatly help the energy in the event, as well as, ensuring that no child will wander off.”
In terms of a theme, Banks and Baker say embracing the party space is a must. “Plan activities that will incorporate all of the amazing things that parks and beaches have to offer. For example, relay races with kids filling pails with sand, running to a chosen spot, dumping the sand and returning to the line to hand off the pail to the next participant or if the park has a playground, use the swings, slides, as an obstacle course.” Many of BLUEPRINT’s themes are great for outdoor summer parties including: Beach, Camp, and Field Day. Overall, kids will have a great time with high energy games that are inclusive and are meaningful to the birthday child.
Mother of seven, Rachel Fink is CEO & Founder of Parenting Pod and says that her favorite type of party is a beach theme. In her backyard she uses a couple of DIY sandpits, beach themed party games depending on age group, and summer music playing in the background. Fink says that it’s fun to offer the option for beach style fancy dress and that BBQs are a quick and easy food option that everyone loves. Another type that’s been a hit with kids is an animal themed party which uses DIY foliage which can be made using cardboard and simple craft materials, and using a specific theme such as tropical, desert, or rainforest. Bright colored food and beverages and to the celebratory vibe.
Summer party ideas are all about having fun in the sun. A warm-weather birthday offers plenty of joyful opportunities to pick a theme that both kids and adults will never forget. Plus, excellent DIY options won’t break the bank.
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