How to Host a Successful Preschool Birthday Party

If you have a little one at home who is celebrating a birthday soon, look no further than our guide for hosting a successful preschool birthday bash.

Cute little girl celebrating 3rd birthday with friends in backyard, blowing birthday cake candles.

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For many kids, their birthday is their favorite day of the year. And why not? It is a day dedicated entirely to them—complete with cake, balloons, singing, and presents.

Although parents sometimes stress over the idea of planning a birthday party, the preschool age is actually an ideal time to throw one. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you keep your sanity while ensuring that everyone has a good time.

First, Choose a Theme

Whether your preschooler loves trucks, princesses, Dora, or Paw Patrol, chances are you can find birthday party goodies that span the spectrum. But, it's not just about decorations. Popular characters lend themselves to other facets of the celebration, like party games, food, and crafts.

At a Dora party, for instance, you can set up an adventure course and make an animal mask. Or, for a train-themed party you could serve up sandwiches cut from train-shaped cookie cutters.

And if you are so inclined, the big finale can be when the birthday child's favorite character shows up. No matter where you hold the party, the theme is something your child is going to want to be involved with, so make sure to get their input.

Next, Think About the Guest List—and the Ages of Your Partygoers

When planning a preschool birthday party—from activities to goody bag treats—make your choices with preschoolers in mind. If you have invited a wide range of ages, focus mostly on the age of the birthday child.

As for how many kids to invite, consider whether or not they're in school, and if you'd like to invite the entire class or keep it small.

Age also plays an important role in setting the theme and deciding where to have your party. Some younger children might be more comfortable at home, while others enjoy visiting a familiar, fun location, such as a children's museum or park.

Some kids enjoy active parties, like those hosted at a gym or bowling alley, while others will be more interested in a dress-up party at a local salon. The key is to make sure the venue and activities are age-appropriate and something your child would enjoy.

Create the Invitations...and Don't Forget the Adults

An invitation should include all the basics—address, date, time, and the guest of honor's name—but there are other important nuggets of information that your guests' parents may be wondering about.

Indicate if a child should be dropped off or if you would prefer an adult to stay. Dropping off usually begins around age 5 or 6, but it's still a good idea to let your preference be known. If parents do leave their children, get a phone number where they can be reached in case there are any problems. If parents are expected to stay, consider whether or not you'll need an adult head count for any food or supplies.

Also, note if you are serving food so people know if they need to feed their kids. Communicate the menu in case some of your guests have food allergies or sensitivities. Include an RSVP date, the best method to contact you, and don't feel funny about following up if you don't hear back.

Organize Activities in Advance

Spontaneity is always fun, but for a preschool birthday, scheduling—with some wiggle room—is the way to go. Try planning activities over a short timespan, such as every 10 to 15 minutes. And if you have anything special planned, do it before the cake, a surefire sign that the soiree is winding down.

If you can, avoid activities where kids have to wait their turn, especially if there are lots of guests at the party. Think bubbles, coloring pages, freeze dance, or even a craft station, complete with clay, paper, glue, and other assorted items that kids can create with.

Having at least one adult helper for each activity is usually a good idea, as well. You can talk to the parents of your guests about helping out or you can ask friends or family members to assist you. Even teens in the neighborhood might want to supervise some games or craft stations.

Preschool Birthday Party Activity Ideas

If you're stumped on ideas, look no further than these ones below!

  • Do a scavenger hunt
  • Do face painting
  • Give out bubbles and/or have a bubble-making machine
  • Go to a local park or playground
  • Hand out instruments and have kids march around the block making music
  • Have a dance party
  • Have kids make a craft
  • In snowy weather, play in the snow
  • In warm weather, turn on the sprinklers
  • Invite kids to come dressed in costumes
  • Make s'mores
  • Play board games
  • Play field games like tag or red light, green light
  • Put on a puppet show
  • Put on festive music
  • Rent a karaoke machine (or use an app on your phone) for a sing-a-long
  • Set up an obstacle course
  • Turn food into an activity by having a make-your-own sundae, salad, pizza, baked potato, or decorated cookie station


Choose the Menu—and the Cake

Pizza is on the menu of many preschool parties, but it certainly isn't the only option. Chicken nuggets, small sandwiches, vegetables, dip, and fruit are all kid-friendly favorites that are easy to prepare and likely to please adult guests, too. If your child and/or guests are 4 years old or under, be aware of choking hazards.

The reality is, this is probably one area you don't have to worry about spending a lot of money. Chances are your pint-sized guests won't eat that much, especially with all the excitement of the day.

As for dessert, talk to your child about what they would like. A traditional birthday cake is a good option, but so are cupcakes, ice cream sundaes, cake pops, ice cream sandwiches, or even cookies.

You can incorporate the theme—if you have one—by baking your own cake and decorating it with small toys. Or, local bakeries, grocery stores, and many big-box retailers like Costco, Sam's Club, or BJ's can also make theme cakes to order.

You may even want to let your young guests get in on the act.​ Bake a bunch of cupcakes, put out icing, sprinkles, and other decorations, and let them get to work creating a culinary masterpiece.

Prep the Goody Bags

If you're handing out goody bags, be sure to distribute them at the end of your party to reduce the chance of lost items or misunderstandings. There are plenty of options for favors related to your theme, such as small toys, stickers, notepads, craft supplies, and more at all different price points.

If you aren't thrilled with the idea of buying a bunch of small toys, consider buying one item, like a shovel and pail, a book, or a coloring book and crayons, for each guest. Make sure whatever you choose is clearly labeled with the child's name.

Prepare for Presents...and Have Fun!

Presents can be a highlight of the special day. If you decide to open them during the festivities, you may need to coach your child a little. If your child gets a duplicate or something they do not like, make sure they understand not to announce it to the world. Toys and gifts should also stay in their boxes to avoid losing pieces. If you're worried about hurt feelings, or the presents-opening portion of the day taking too long, there's nothing wrong with waiting until you're home to have your kiddo open their gifts.

When all is said and done, be sure to mail—not email—thank-you notes. This job will most likely fall on you, but your child can certainly practice ​good manners by drawing a picture, writing their name, or even decorating the envelope.

Ultimately, a preschool birthday party can feel like a lot of work, but at the end of the day, it will be a special day full of memories to last for years to come.

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