This list of birthday party themes for kids by interests take the stress out of party planning for the parents of young children.
Themed children’s birthday parties allow limitless fun and creativity.
But it can be a little overwhelming to decide on a theme and then plan a successful party around it.
Here are some tips, ideas, and sample birthday party themes for party planning.
Components of a Children’s Birthday Party
Parties are comprised of the following six elements that require attention when planning:
1. Invitations (we have a full guide to help you figure out what to write in a child’s party invitation)
2. Decorations
3. Games and activities (check out this huge list of birthday party games)
4. Refreshments and/or lunch
5. Cake
6. Party favors for guests
It’s best to choose a theme and then somehow incorporate it into each of these 6 elements.
Themed parties can be simple and inexpensive, or they can be elaborate and costly.
Decide on a budget and how much time and effort you will ideally spend on the party ahead of time to eliminate headaches later.
You can easily get everything you need for a themed party at Oriental Trading, or you can DIY everything.
Choosing a Children’s Birthday Party Theme
Virtually anything can make a great birthday party theme if it’s done right. The best way to choose a good birthday party theme is to make a list of the birthday boy or girl’s favorite:
- colors
- board games
- TV shows or movie themed party
- animals
- hobbies and interests
- subjects in school
- heroes
- what child wants to be when s/he grows up
Just by making a list, some good ideas should already be coming to mind. Don’t forget to ask for input from the birthday boy or girl if they are above the age of 2 or 3.
Big List of Kid Birthday Party Themes
Animal Birthday Themes
- Dinosaurs
- Elephants
- Penguins
- Turtles
- Bugs
- Horses or ponies
- Fish
- Dogs
- Butterflies
- Baby Animals
- Zoo Animals
- Jungle Animals
People and Occupations that Make Awesome Party Themes
- Jungle Explorer
- Cowboy/Cowgirl
- Pirate
- Fireman
- Police Officer
- Superheroes
- Astronaut
- Doctor
- Farmer
- Football player (or any sport)
- Cheerleader
TV and Movie Characters as Party Themes
- Barbie
- Disney Princesses
- Tinkerbell
- Dora the Explorer
- Cars
- Batman
- Spiderman
- Transformers
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
- Hannah Montana
- High School Musical
With appropriate planning and foresight, it’s easy to choose a great theme and put together a birthday party that kids love.
Always remember that the party is about the birthday boy or girl, so keep them at the center of all potential plans.
Check out our favorite party themes for girls and party themes for boys too!
More Party Planning Resources
Need help planning the party? Grab our free party planning checklist and check out these other party tips and ideas: