Throw a Summer Birthday Party for Toddlers

If your toddler has a summer birthday and you are dreading planning the party... don't! Summer actually gives you an excuse to drag the party (and mess) outdoors and opens up some new creative options. My own little girl has a July birthday so I have some experience in the matter. I'll share my ideas and help you plan a party that will thrill your child and keep the adults entertained too.

Make mine two scoops, please. Kids of all ages love ice cream and on a hot summer day it's the perfect treat! Set up a help yourself ice cream bar with three flavors (vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate) and all the fixings and then go wild. Also consider putting out a low fat option such as frozen yogurt and some fresh fruit to top it with for your more diet conscience guests.

Make a splash. Kids love to get wet! Set up various water related activities around the yard. Include a sprinkler zone, a baby pool, and even a slip and slide if you have one. For the littlest guests consider a pool of their own. Keep the water shallow and fill it with rubber duckies for safe fun. Remember to let your guests know on the invitations that bathing suits and towels are required. Be sure to have extra towels and lots of sunscreen on hand for anyone that forgets.

Carnival Fun. What child doesn't love a carnival? You set a simple one up in your own yard! Use a baby pool filled with rubber balls as a ball pit. Set up a ring toss with a hula hoop and a traffic cone. Serve traditional carnival fare such as hot dogs, cracker jacks, and cotton candy. If your budget allows you can even hire a company to come in with a small, mobile petting zoo. The best part? The mess (and animals if you choose) are all kept outside!

Now that I've armed you with some fun summer birthday ideas sure to please your toddler it's time to get planning! Create a theme around any of the ideas I've suggested and go wild. For the ice cream party send construction paper ice cream cone invitations. For the splash party create favor bags with water related goodies such as goggles and small water guns. For the carnival party stamp each guests hand as they arrive as if they have entered a real carnival. Summer is right around the corner and the fun is about to begin!