These days, kid’s birthday parties seem like extravagant and elaborate theatrical productions, requiring funds for professional cakes and costumed characters. Though your child growing older is certainly a cause to celebrate, it doesn’t necessitate the hair-pulling stress of organizing a larger-than-life birthday bash. Planning a fun-filled get-together doesn’t have to be budget-busting. Instead, take note of these fun birthday ideas that won’t break the bank. 

Backyard barbeque bash 

For hot summer birthdays, a backyard barbecue bash is a perfect avenue. Keep kids busy with activity stations, like hula-hooping, water toys, or hopscotch. You can find inexpensive water battle essentials, discounted hoops, and colorful chalk at your local dollar store for a budget-friendly bash. 

Best of all, you get to enjoy great grilled grub at the party by breaking out the barbecue. If you want a neat summer treat, grill slices of watermelon as a surprising twist on dessert, or whip out the skewers for a delicious veggie and protein spread. For a gift that keeps on giving, splurge on an outdoor kitchen setup from “Palm Beach Grill Center” (www.palmbeachgrillcenter.com). That way, you can throw backyard BBQ birthday parties for years to come. 

Film festivities

A movie night at your home-turned-theater is a fabulous and cost-effective party idea that will have the kids feeling like movie stars. Roll out the red carpet by inviting guests with ‘tickets’ (extra points if you add a perforated edge that they can tear off when they arrive at the ‘theater’). Doll up popcorn with drizzled chocolate for the sweets-lovers, or go bold with garlic salt to add a tangy twist. Up the ante with costumes so the kids can dress up like their favorite stars. 

Safari soiree 

Kids will love monkeying around during a safari-themed party. Set up stations where they can get a stamp on their ‘passports’ for completing small challenges, such as roaring like a lion or running like a gazelle. For a unique spin on pin-the-tail, have the kids color a made-up animal and tack it up on the wall, allowing them to compete for prizes. 

Space and stars celebration

Blast off with a party out of this world. Let kids launch their imagination with a play rocket created with simple cardboard boxes. Or, let creative children coloring their very own flying saucer onto a paper plate, then toss to see which goes farthest. For a galaxy-like ambiance, poke holes in black construction paper and wrap it around a lampshade, simulating the perfect starry sky. 

Sea spree

Here’s a party that’s a swimmingly good time. Set up a fishing station where kids throw a clothespin tied to a string over a curtain. Attach small candies or coloring activities for them to ‘reel in’ and watch them cackle as they catch sweet treats and prizes. Additionally, bubbles are always a hit and add ambiance to your deep-sea celebration. 

Pajama party

Switch things up by serving breakfast for dinner and enforcing a pajama-only dress code. Build fabulous forts for hours of fun, allowing guests to build individual rooms for an added twist. Finish off the night with a pillow fight and watch as tired-out guests crash after a night of fun. 

Superhero celebration

Create a photo booth complete with capes and masks for a fun dress-up adventure. Not only will your guests love taking snapshots, but they’ll also have a keepsake to remind them of fun times. After you’ve captured precious memories in your makeshift photo-booth, set up a relay race and watch as your guests leap over obstacles and race faster than a speeding bullet.

Wrapping up

Planning the perfect birthday bash doesn’t have to break the bank. Break out your creative mind and makeshift themes out of everyday household items, or pursue your local dollar store for an inexpensive night of fun.