MAIN Home Life Party Ideas 5-Year-Old Birthday Party Ideas

Happy Birthday, Big 5-Year Old!

They're old enough now to pick their own party theme, or help with the planning and homemade decorations.

By 5, party fun may include more competitive party games, structured activities or group fun.

5-year-old birthday party ideas

Barbie, Spiderman, Batman, Dora the Explorer, a sports party theme, dinosaurs, or a  pirate party may be just the thing for your 5-year-old.

They may even suggest favorite kids party venues such as a local restaurant or recreation center that other kids their age have attended.

At this age, you may want to avoid the temptation to compete with the neighbors for the biggest birthday party on the block.

Kids only remember the activities and social interactions they had a party. So - go ahead and rent that bouncy house for a few hours. But carefully consider that party clown or live entertainer which may get negative reviews from discerning 5-year-olds!

And if you're budget doesn't allow for a birthday extravaganza, opt instead for a generic all-purpose kids birthday party. Make festive and colorful, and save big on printing up invitations at home. Start with a catchy headline such as "Madeline is turning FIVE and we can't wait for you to arrive!" followed by the location, date, time and RSVP details.

The party menu? Since all the party excitement may interfere with young appetites, keep it simple by including their favorite quick and easy finger foods like English muffin pizzas or homemade chicken nuggets, as well as individual juices and platters of sliced fruit.

Around the Web, check out other ideas for happy 5-year old party fun, with tips, how-to's and suggestions for invitations & decorations, games, activities, party treats and more ...

More about 5-year-old birthday party ideas around the Web:

Birthday Party Ideas for 5 - 7 year olds - Parents join in at this archived message board with ideas for age-appropriate parties, activity ideas and advice on food, games, and favors.

Kids Birthday Party Ideas - Visitor submitted party ideas, some with instructions for do-it-yourself decorations.