Entertain Babies and Toddlers with these great Birthday Party Ideas

Birthdays are major milestones in both children and parents’ lives. If you’re looking for ideas on how to celebrate that special first, second, or third birthday, check out our tips.

Toddlers at the Zoo

• Invite family members and close friends with children to a zoo-themed party in your home. Choose an assortment of animal masks. Have your adult guests help children pick out and put on the masks. Be sure to have a mirror handy so the kids can see themselves.
• Take turns making animal noises and have the children name the animal.
• Decorate with animal print balloon bouquets. Many party stores sell zebra and cheetah patterned latex balloons. Just ensure you remove any popped balloons immediately and keep out of baby’s reach.
• Hire an animal trainer to bring an animal to the party. Gerbils, rabbits, or turtles make fun party guests!

Musical Baby

• Set out classroom instruments for little ones to play during the party. Choose child-friendly music they can play along to, and have them play their instruments while marching around the room like they’re in a parade.
• Play a game of Musical Chairs. Set out mats for babies. Start the music and encourage the children to dance around in a circle. When the music stops, have them find a mat to stand on. Do NOT remove any mats – babies at this age won’t understand, and they will enjoy the game without playing the “official” way!
• Have the babies sit in a circle and sing a popular song, such as “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” or “Happy Birthday to You.” If you know baby sign language, add that to the song.

Baby on Sesame Street®

• Decorate for the party with Sesame Street® posters and party favors. Create your own Big Bird® footprints using yellow construction paper. Place them in a path around the room and have the babies follow in Big Bird’s® footsteps.
• Decorate with character balloons. Many party stores sell official Sesame Street® balloons. Just ensure you remove any popped balloons immediately and keep out of baby’s reach.
• Play a game of “Get Grover®” using a stuffed Grover®. Set him in the middle of the room and tie string around him. Have the babies take turns trying to “Get Grover®,” as you pull him just out of reach. Let the babies have him after a few tries.
• Put on a puppet show with stuffed Sesame Street characters. After the show, let the babies have a turn playing with the characters.

Bonus Tips

1. Keep the party short and sweet. For ages 1-3, an hour or an hour and a half is usually sufficient.
2. Plan the party to begin in the late morning or late afternoon, when babies aren’t too tired.
3. Get extra help – whether it’s family members, other parents, friends or hiring a babysitter or two to assist you with the party planning and hosting.
4. Keep the babies busy so they don’t become bored or restless, but don’t overwhelm them with activities; keep it simple.
5. Invite parents to come so they can watch their babies play safely and enjoy the fun.

Lastly, take billions of pictures and videos! Children have birthdays every year, but each one is special. Documenting their parties is a great way to cherish those memories over time.

Share your party with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Note: Adult supervision is required when using balloons. Please read all warnings and precautions on the Balloon Time carton.