Planning a birthday party for 5 year olds is an exciting task that can leave you with plenty of fun and memorable moments. With so many different elements that can vary from party theme to party theme, we will cover things broadly and cover the basics of things like what kinds of food and drink you can serve, some party supplies and decor ideas, and some basic party activities to keep your party guests having a good time!
We have a few fun themes that you can see if your birthday child has any interest in. We think many 5 year olds would like a unicorn party, a mermaid party,a superhero party, a dinosaur party, a pirate party, or a movie party where everyone gathers at the movie theater or your living room for a showing of your child’s favorite movie with some fresh popped popcorn and a cup of hot chocolate, a Super Mario party, a Star Wars party, etc.
No matter what themed party you end up with, or whether you’re renting out a private party room, or hosting the party at your own home, you’ll have plenty of ideas to work with after reading this post.
Birthday Party Ideas for 5 year olds
Start by thinking about your child’s likes and interests, as this will help you choose the perfect theme for the event.
You could also try to incorporate elements from their favorite books or movies into the party to make it even more special.
Does you child have a special hobby or interest? Make a party theme around that!
Here are some top birthday party ideas for 5 year olds:
- Dance party (at home or at your child dance school- a lot of dance studios offer them)
- Gymnastics party
- Swimming party (if you don’t have a pool or a community pool to look at renting out, check your local gym and YMCA to see if they offer party rentals on their pools)
- Karate party
- Movie party
- Ninja warrior party
- Trampoline park (visit the local trampoline park, or just get a big one for your backyard so the kids can enjoy it longer than just the birthday party)
- Party at the park (outdoor park)
- Cooking party (check your local areas as these little places are popping up everywhere)
- Painting party
- Princess party
- Bowling party
- Crafting party
- Video game playing party
- Sleepover with all his or her friends
- Tea party
- Rock climbing party
- Trampoline park party
- Campout party (in the backyard)
- Spa day (pampering parties- manicure, give them a fancy hair do and maybe a pedicure to really give those spa vibes
More fun birthday party themes
Think of your child’s favorite character and try seeing if they would be interested in that as a party theme. Here are a few common ideas:
- Fancy Nancy Party
- Batman Party
- Iron Man Party
- Spiderman Party
- Superman Party
- Octonauts Party
- Wonderwoman Party
- Any comic book character
- Encanto party
- Frozen Party
- Moana Party
- Mickey Mouse or Minnie Mouse party
Whatever theme you decide on for your birthday celebration, settle on a venue, get those party invitations out (here are some amazing tips at finding appropriate and fun invitation wording if you want to make your own invitations) in the mail and decide if you’re making the birthday cake or if you’re getting a bakery to make the birthday party cake.
Birthday Party Food and Drink Ideas
Planning the perfect 5-year-old birthday party includes finding just the right food and drinks. Refreshing beverages like flavored waters and juice boxes will keep the guests happy, while adding snacks like pita chips, cheese cubes, candied popcorn, or decorated pretzel rods, decorated rice krispie treats, and other snacks can keep them munching throughout the day.
For a special treat, donuts are always a hit, especially with younger kids! You can also have other desserts like brownies, cookies, or dessert bars.
For food, mini sandwiches can be made with small slices of bread and fun toppings like cream cheese, jam or peanut butter.You can also offer options that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Mini hot dogs, pizzas, mini burgers, s’mores bars, popcorn stations, veggie trays with dip, and fresh fruit platters are all popular choices. Drinks could include lemonade, apple cider or smoothies – there are plenty of delicious (and healthy!) recipes available all over!
Pizza is also a great option and most kids will love it, and the adults too! It’s hard to go wrong with this classic party food.
Some more fun bite sized or small handheld snacks or party foods you could serve are:
- Mozzarella sticks
- Cinnamon rolls
- Mini corn dogs
- Pizza rolls
- Pigs in a blanket
- Deli meat pinwheels
If you’re looking for more great ideas to serve your guests, round out your menu with some sweet treats like cupcakes or ice cream to give your little one’s friends something extra to enjoy!
Don’t forget to make some fun cake pops that all the little boys and your little girl will go crazy over. Cake pops are especially great for younger children who don’t need a full slice of cake, but you still want to offer them something sweet to satisfy their sweet tooth at a birthday party.
Birthday Party Supplies & Decorations
Throwing a birthday party for a 5-year-old can be a lot of fun! When it comes to decorations and supplies, you have many options. Balloons are always an easy and affordable way to give any space a fun festive atmosphere.
Don’t forget the fun and festive balloon arch that can go with any fun theme. Glow sticks make for great activities in the dark and look great too! Confetti poppers can be rented or bought – just set them up around the room for a surprise pop of color.
Stock up on paper goods as young children tend to go through more plates, napkins, and plastic utensils than you think necessary!
Birthday Party Activities
Once you have a theme decided, create a list of age-appropriate activities such as arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, karaoke, relay races, dance parties and bubble blowing contests. There are so many fun birthday party games to keep the kids active at kids birthday parties.
If the weather permits, we suggest getting this age group of kids outside and letting them run around and expel some energy. Too many 5 year olds inside can turn into a big ball of pent-up energy.
If you have the space and need some fun ways to get the kids up and moving, we have plenty of classic games and many ways for them to have loads of fun!
Some other fun ideas to keep the kiddos moving are:
- obstacle course
- red rover
- potato sack races
- hopscotch
- tug of war
- relay races (great for team games)
- musical chairs (and other classic party games like freeze dance, red light green light, or Simon says)
- hula hoop contests
- water games party (think water gun fights, water balloon battles, splash pad fun, small pool party)
- contest on your kid’s favorite video games
- treasure hunt
- nature scavenger hunt
- yard bowling and yard Yahtzee
- giant Jenga (such a great game, especially for adults and kids to play together at a party)
- laser tag
- tetherball
- ask the guest of honor what fun game they’d like to play at their birthday party and find a way to make it happen
If you have more low key kids, try seated activities, like coloring, painting (finger painting or regular brush painting), lego crafts or play-doh time. Any of these activities are always so much fun for the kids and adults can even get in on the action too.
Don’t forget to include some messy food-based activities like cupcake decorating or ice cream sundae making for those kids who love getting hands-on!
Bring the party to you
Kids of all ages will love these ideas that you can bring to your party:
- petting zoo with all your kids favorite animals
- face painting
- an appearance from your child’s favorite character
- magic show
As guests are getting ready to leave the party and head home at the end of the party, don’t forget to get your party favor bags out that you stuffed with your favorite party favors and pass them out to all your guests.
Here are some ideas to put in your goodie bags:
- mini play doh canisters
- scratch art set
- pop it bracelets
- wiki stixs
- mini coloring book or color by number
- party themed accessories that go with the rest of your party (jewelry, party hats, super hero masks, etc)
I hope that by now you have your child theme picked out and have some ideas on what to serve for food, drinks, how to decorate, what supplies you need, and plenty of ways to keep the 5-year olds running around and having a good time. Don’t forget to sing Happy Birthday!