Kid's Party Themes: Plan an Oktoberfest Party for Kids!

Oktoberfest originally started in Germany in 1810. Prince Ludwig of Bavaria extended an invitation to the general public to join in the celebration of his marriage. At that time, allowing the public to enjoy a royal celebration was unheard of. Countless people attended the celebration, which quickly became a yearly tradition. While the true Oktoberfest is held for sixteen days each year in Germany, it is a wide-spread tradition that is now celebrated in countries worldwide. Most Oktoberfest celebrations include eating popular German food, like bratwurst and drinking various German made beers. However, the tradition of Oktoberfest can be celebrated in many ways and will also make a unique theme for a fall kid's theme party or a great kid's birthday party theme.

Decorations

The decor for a kid's Oktoberfest party should incorporate both fall decorations and traditional German decor. The German state of Bavaria is home to Oktoberfest and their official colors are cobalt blue and snow white. Using these colors to decorate a kid's Oktoberfest party will give the party more of a German feel. Look for streamers, table clothes, balloons, and plastic plates and silverware in these colors. If the child's theme party will be outside, hay can be thrown strategically on the ground to create a "fall" feel. Other party decorations may include: German flags from some of the various German states, Beer Steins instead of flower vases that hold wheat or dried flowers, and even pumpkins in various sizes. German style hats can also be picked up at any store that sells party supplies. They can either be used as table decorations or given to the guests to wear since dressing up is one of the German Oktoberfest traditions.

Food and Drink

Food is a huge part of any Oktoberfest celebration. However for a kid's theme party, bratwurst, sauerkraut, and German sausages probably won't go over too well. Instead, try things like mini hot dogs, potato chips, and cut up apples with peanut butter (check with parents for nut allergies.) Since children obviously can't drink beer, try cups of apple cider to keep with the "fall" feel of the party. Setting up a metal bin filled with ice and bottled water is also a good idea so the children can grab drinks as they get thirsty.

Games

What's a child's party without games? Kid's games for an Oktoberfest themed party should put a German twist on traditional children's games. Since Oktoberfest is a carnival type celebration, carnival games can also be included. Things like throwing a football through a tire, picking a numbered duck out of water, and water balloons go over great with kids. However, if setting up a carnival in the backyard isn't an option, try some fun Oktoberfest themed kid's games.

Apple Cider Relay Race

Separate the children into two teams and have them line up at a starting point. Each team will have either a plastic cup or plastic beer stein filled with apple cider. The kids must race to a pre-determined spot and back to hand off the cup/beer stein to the next child in line without spilling it. If they spill it, they have to come back for a refill. The team who finishes the race first wins.

Barrel Relay Race

This can be done using wooden or plastic barrels or even decorate trash cans. Divide the kids into various teams and each child needs to roll the barrel to his/her teammates to switch off. The team who completes the entire relay first wins.

Pass the Pumpkin

A small pumpkin can put a new twist on the traditional game Hot Potato. Have an adult operate a CD player equipped with a CD that plays polka music. The children must sit in a circle and pass the pumpkin until the music stops. When the music stops, the child holding the pumpkin is "out." Continue the game until only one child is left. The last child in the game is the winner.