{"id":8073,"date":"2017-07-26T06:00:35","date_gmt":"2017-07-26T10:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.elfster.com\/?p=8073"},"modified":"2023-02-10T14:00:28","modified_gmt":"2023-02-10T19:00:28","slug":"best-summer-birthday-party-ideas-toddlers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.elfster.com\/blog\/2017\/07\/26\/best-summer-birthday-party-ideas-toddlers\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Summer Birthday Party Ideas for Toddlers"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Adorable<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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They only turn two once | Image courtesy Unsplash user kazuend<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As someone who was born in July, I can say with confidence that summer birthdays are the best\u2014especially when you\u2019re a kid. <\/span><\/p>\n

When I was little, my parents threw the best parties for me; looking back they were quite simple, but I loved them. Every year my friends would come over in the mid-morning and we\u2019d frolick in the grass as the skirts of our party dresses whooshed in the warm breeze. At lunchtime, we\u2019d all gather around the picnic table in the yard for a birthday barbecue complete with burgers, hot dogs, and crinkle cut chips. Afterward, we\u2019d hit the beach just steps from my front yard and build sand castles, hunt for pretty rocks, or splash in the lake for hours. <\/span><\/p>\n

In the spirit of making special birthday memories, like the ones that are still so near and dear to my own grown-up heart, throw your summer baby a celebration they won\u2019t forget. Here are a few of the best summer birthday party ideas for toddlers that are sure to be a big hit with the little ones. <\/span><\/p>\n

Toddler Summer Birthday Party Theme Ideas<\/h4>\n

I never had a themed birthday party, but my childhood friend Leanne always did\u2014and I loved them! Choosing a theme is a great idea; it can help you to focus your vision for the party if you don\u2019t know where to start. Once you have a theme, everything else tends to come together\u2014the activities, the food, the decor, and even the favors. Here are a few hot summer birthday theme ideas that little ones will go nuts for.<\/p>\n

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Sparkly safari animals should be on your cake | Image courtesy Etsy seller BeholdCo<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Summer Safari <\/b><\/p>\n

Round up your little explorers and start the special day with a trip to your local zoo or petting farm. Hand out toy binoculars and safari hats so the kids feel like real explorers. Stop for an animal cracker snack midway, then head home at noon pre-nap for a safari lunch. Little ones can munch on animal-shaped sandwiches and <\/span>a lion face veggie and hummus tray<\/span><\/a>. Safari-inspired cake toppers are also a must!<\/span><\/p>\n

For a fun afternoon activity, set up a face painting station in your backyard and turn the little ones into little animals!<\/p>\n

Moana Tropical Luau<\/b><\/p>\n

Is there a better birthday theme than one that honors the hottest Disney movie of the year? Blast the movie soundtrack and hand out leis (which double as a party favor) so the kids can get their dance on.<\/p>\n

Set up a temporary tattoo table where kids can decorate themselves, and create a rock painting station for them to make their own hearts of Te Fiti. Toddlers will love splashing in the enchanted ocean\u2014aka a kiddie pool and sprinklers!<\/span><\/p>\n

\"toddler<\/a>
Crown her in flowers | Image courtesy Etsy seller VanessaandShay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Decorate your yard with real coconuts, pineapples, and colorful tassels. For the cake, go bold and colorful with big flowers and greenery. <\/span><\/p>\n

Summer Garden Party<\/b><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve yet to meet a kid that doesn\u2019t like diggin\u2019 in the dirt. Give each little one their own plant pot to paint when they arrive. While they dry, it\u2019s time to get the kids wet with some garden hose limbo\u2014it\u2019s like regular limbo, but the stream of water is the bar that kids have to pass under!<\/p>\n

When the pots are dry, fill them with soil, pass out kid-friendly garden tools, and teach the tots how to plant seeds. Everyone gets to take home their own plant as a party favor so they can water it and help it grow.<\/span><\/p>\n

Swap out birthday cake for old fashioned <\/span>worms \u2018n dirt pudding cups<\/span><\/a> filled with chocolate pudding, Oreo cookie crumbs, and gummy worms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Toddler-Friendly Activities for the Best Summer Birthday Bash<\/h4>\n

While having a theme can be loads of fun, it isn\u2019t the only way to throw a stellar shindig (as my parents proved). Instead, you can plan your party around <\/span>fun outdoor summer activities<\/span><\/a> that all kids will love while keeping things a little more low-key. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Beach baby | Image courtesy Unsplash user Leo Rivas-Micoud<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Here are some stand-alone activity ideas to make your little one\u2019s birthday extra special:<\/span><\/p>\n