To some, the thought of a backyard birthday party is terrifying. I will agree that it is so much easier taking your child’s party to Pump it Up or Chuck-e-Cheese! If my kids would ask for one of those parties, I would be more than happy to oblige. However, except for the movie theatre party last year, my three kids have always wanted their parties to be at home. I did the math recently and this means that I have planned and executed 29 kid birthday parties at our home. I guess that makes me an expert. But the fact is, you are never really an expert because each party is different. They all have their own vibe depending on the age of the kids, the amount of kids, the weather (of course) and the activities. The only truly predictable part about having a party at home is that things never go as planned. You have to be able to relax and let the party take you where it wants to go. You have to relinquish control and focus on just one thing… the birthday child. As long as they are smiling, your party is a success!
The birthday child rarely, if ever, cares about what your vision is for their party. They (and their friends) would be more than happy to just run around the house and swing on the swing set. Nonetheless, most of us moms are crazy enough that we plan for weeks to make the party as creative and pretty as possible.
You can find my Backyard Party To-do List here.
For party themes, game ideas, and arts + crafts, download this PDF to help you plan.
My free printable Treasure Hunt Party invitations can be found here.
My flubber and playdough recipes are always big hits at a party. Either at a table for those kids who want to be mellow, or as favors.
Speaking of favors, here is my post on the Art Kit party favors I did for this party.
You can hit my Pinterest boards for more kid + party ideas.
I hope these lists help you plan your next outdoor party. Just do it!
xo Bar
{photography by Alix Martinez}
Oh I am for sure bookmarking this! We had our first backyard birthday party a couple of weeks ago, with water balloons and relays and such. It was a great time but I felt like the girls were more interested in splashing each other and running around all crazy than actually playing the games. I gave up after the first hour and then felt guilty for the ensuing chaos. Next year maybe I’ll try a treasure hunt!
congratulations and kudos to you! backyard parties are their own beast. it’s hard to let go of the plan in your mind’s eye of how things will go, but it’s always a sign of a great party when kids are splashing, running around and having fun…regardless of the games you worked so hard on. it really takes practice and low expectations to be able to enjoy those backyard parties yourself. but i am sure your daughter will always remember it! well done!
Alix! These photos! Incredible. I’m inspired.
This is so great. The pics are amazing! And the party looks like so much fun. I have Gigi’s backyard party in two weeks. I refuse to go nuts over this year. I may just have to make purple flubber though…and that’s it! xo
This looks like so much fun. Oh how I wish we lived in the same neighborhood!
omg…me too!! that would be like totally amazing! xx bar
Oh I love this! Every party I went to as a kid was in a backyard. I love seeing the classic games and your amazing attention to the details!
thank you Ana!! this was the one party where i went all out. each kid gets one like that 🙂 there is only one birthday party that i remember as a kid and it was in my backyard, and there is even a photo of it! my mom was not big on birthdays, but for this one she went all out (and by that I mean there were friends, presents AND a cake!). the outside parties leave the strongest memories! xo