Sports Theme
If your child is a sports fan or avid athlete, it’s a no-brainer. You’re all set for a party dedicated to his favorite team or game. You can decorate with team colors, or those that call the chosen sport to mind: black and white for soccer; red, white, and blue for baseball; green and brown for football; and so on. Or you can opt for an all-star sports theme, celebrating many sports with a fun mix of decor and activities. For games, play the real thing if you have space (or see below for venues to consider). You can also adapt many sports to indoor play. Consider hiring a high-school student-athlete, or even one of your child’s coaches, to teach party guests new skills and run them through some fun practice drills.
Active Games for Any Theme
Even if your child wants another, non-sports theme, you can still incorporate plenty of physical activity into the party. Many outdoor and indoor games, as well as relay races, can be adapted to work with different themes—whatever the birthday child enjoys. Of course, you can always mix these active games with more traditional, less-active options that also tie into your child’s chosen theme.
Active Venue
For the simplest party of all, outsource. You’ll pay a price, but you’ll save wear and tear on your home, as well as planning time. And you might not need extra supplies or equipment. Invite guests to join you for an active outing, such as:
sledding, skiing, or snow tubingbowlinginflatables/trampoline centerbatting cagesminiature golfice skatingroller skatinggymnasticshiking or snowshoeingswimminghorseback ridingballet or another type of dancemartial artsclimbing – outdoors or at a climbing wall or gymUltimate Frisbeevolleyballlaser tagpaintball (for older kids)open gym (at a fitness or community center)school track for a field day eventplaying at a playground or adventure park
Most venues are happy to host parties. They may provide a private room for you to use, as well as party favors or coupons for kids who attend, to encourage them to come back and play again. Depending on the type of outing, you may not need to plan any other activities for the birthday party. And you just might introduce some guests to a new sport they’ll enjoy for years to come. Now that’s a nice gift!
