What can I do for a 3 yo's backyard bday party?

We bought our house last April, so we didn't have time to get the yard together for Ava's birthday. One of my big things about wanting a house was that I really wanted to be able to have birthday parties for Ava in the backyard because her bday is June 12. But now that I am getting ready to plan her 3rd bday party, I'm realizing that I have no idea what to do for a 3 yo's bday party I'm not good at coming up with activities for the little ones, it seems. It seems like everyone has bday parties out at a "place" these days, and I just want to make sure it's fun. Thanks!

Re: What can I do for a 3 yo's backyard bday party?

sand/water table
maybe a clown?
ice cream party

Re: What can I do for a 3 yo's backyard bday party?

SLip n slide!!!!!

Oh wait! The adults may want to do that instead.

Re: What can I do for a 3 yo's backyard bday party?

we had DS 1st bday outside last year. we had a catered BBQ (we had about 75 ppl and i didnt want to have to worry about serving everyone-i wanted to enjoy the party), and a clown that did face painting, balloons, sno-cones, and cotton candy. my sister brought over her inflatable bouncy so we didnt have to rent one.

ETA: this is who we used for the entertainment...they were great and pretty reasonable $...a few of my friends have used them since and everyone has been happy:
Arty's Parties

Message edited 4/11/2009 10:45:31 AM.

Re: What can I do for a 3 yo's backyard bday party?

DD will be 3 June 25th and we are doing a backyard party as well. We did it last year and the kids had fun really with just the swing set, water table, DD's power wheels, and we have a jumping castle. This year I am going to plan some games for them to do as well and eliminate the jumping castle (I think). Maybe a pinata and pin the tail game. My DH is going to bbq and mabye just order a hero. I try not to go too crazy, she is only 3.

Re: What can I do for a 3 yo's backyard bday party?

My brother got a huge card board box (think washing machine size). He cut out a door and windows. All the little ones painted it for the construction theme party he had. It was a huge hit. The favors were construction hats and tool aprons with their names painted on.

Re: What can I do for a 3 yo's backyard bday party?

I had my DD's party in the yard last summer and we did pinata, pin the tail on the donkey, guess how many swedish fish are in the bowl. Sand table, our own inflatable bouncer and all their toys out. No one was bored. I didn't get any entertainment, it was fine. I didn't bother with crafts or water play - too messy and too much IMO. A few organized games and the rest, just let the kids play. They will have a blast.

ETA: I got cold cuts and rolls (I rolled it all up on trays so everyone could make their own sandwiches), PBJ & bread, pasta salad, fruit salad, drinks. My DD wanted cupcakes so that was simple enough and I also made chocolate covered pretzels. I set up all the food inside since we have a slider to the yard so the food didn't get hot and gross.

Message edited 4/11/2009 2:14:48 PM.

Re: What can I do for a 3 yo's backyard bday party?

My birthday is in July and I have to say that some of my most amazing childhood memories are of the birthday parties my mom planned. When I turned three, four, and five we had a clown come and do a magic show. Do people still do this? I don't know... but I know I loved it! Have fun planning!

Re: What can I do for a 3 yo's backyard bday party?

Ive seen people do petting zoos. Though do you need all that cr@p on your lawn
those inflatables are cool as well.
OR
that bus that comes to your driveway and lets the kids do gymnastics on the bus...I forget what its called.

Re: What can I do for a 3 yo's backyard bday party?

We are doing Jack's party in the backyard this summer too (also in June.)

We are keeping it simple. Here's what we have. We got it all on sale at TRU (they have that backyard sale, plus coupons)

DD had a play house (we got this last year, same price plus a $20 off coupon)
house

A sand and water table (we got this one last year, but only paid like $40)
house sand table

An inflatable bouncy house (got this year at TRU on sale - much less than this price)
bouncy house

A slip and slide (didn't buy yet and they have a ton of them, most for under $20)
slip and slide

Slides (the one it the pic we have, much cheaper at TRU during their sale. Its for the younger kids and we a borrowing a bigger one from my neighbor)
slide

A tunnel thing from BJ's. Huge maze of tunnels. It was only like $20. Can't find pic.

A small plastic pool (although I saw today they some some really cool inflatable one's with slides for under $30)

I'm buying a bunch of inflatable beach balls (cheap on Oriental Trading) and that will be the favor

I'm renting tables with umbrellas (much cheaper than a tent)

and ordering some finger foods and an ice cream cake.

Now if it rains I'm screwed!!!

Message edited 4/11/2009 2:31:43 PM.

Re: What can I do for a 3 yo's backyard bday party?

All great ideas, everyone! OK, now I have some planning to do! I'm excited

Re: What can I do for a 3 yo's backyard bday party?

Pinata
They sell a cardboard box house you can color if you don't have an appliance box.
Small bouncy house.

Re: What can I do for a 3 yo's backyard bday party?

Crafts have been a huge hit at the parties we go to at people's houses and even better when you can do them outside.

My friend made little purses out of felt and the girls got to decorate them.
They got to decorate a princess crown made out of the foamy stuff you can put the foamy stickers on.
Markers and lots of paper is fun.

Water is always a hit in the summer time. Kiddie pools and sprinklers.

Even though it's not easter do some kind of egg hunt/scavenger hunt. I did a Dragontales birthday one year and we did and egg hunt with "dragon" eggs. The kids loved it.

Re: What can I do for a 3 yo's backyard bday party?

make sure to write on the invite kids will get messy please provide a second set of clothing and to have them wear things that are easily washable.

take washable colorsafe paint and let the kids dip their feet or hands into it and put it on paper. Use the hose or kiddy tub to rinse the feet or hands off.

take balloons and cover with shaving cream and have them play catch.

make cookies and let them decorate

Re: What can I do for a 3 yo's backyard bday party?

Re: What can I do for a 3 yo's backyard bday party?

Posted by PrincessP

Posted by LSP2005

make sure to write on the invite kids will get messy please provide a second set of clothing and to have them wear things that are easily washable.

take washable colorsafe paint and let the kids dip their feet or hands into it and put it on paper. Use the hose or kiddy tub to rinse the feet or hands off.

take balloons and cover with shaving cream and have them play catch.

make cookies and let them decorate

I was with you until the shaving cream part...
I'd have a heart attack if dd was playing in shaving cream

Re: What can I do for a 3 yo's backyard bday party?

I would also suggest the catered BBQ. We did it for Ava's 1st B-Day. It was great!

As for entertainment, you could rent a bouncer and do your own face painting.

Re: What can I do for a 3 yo's backyard bday party?

u can hire those characters to come to your house..it hink for my little cousin's 2nd or 3rd bday they hired an ELMO.

at first she didnt know what to make of him, but then she loved it.

they have all sorts of characters.


or maybe rent a petting zoo set up....i've seen people do that before.

Clowns scare me..

Re: What can I do for a 3 yo's backyard bday party?

I had Alex's 3 year old party at our house, mostly in the backyard. Hers was in October so it was halloween-themed, but I made sure I had one big "craft" for the kids to do - this year, I bought fabric pumpkin treat holders and bought lots of washable paint, and the kids decorated their own treat bag. Then I had prepared some sugar cookie dough the night before and chllled it, and then the kids made their own sugar cookies and decorated them.

I usually put all the toys outside on the porch, buy a few little arts and crafts to occupy them, and then end with a pinata hanging on one of the trees. Another idea, that I haven't done, is some kind of treasure hunt through the yard.

I get rave reviews for all of our outdoor, backyard parties, though I have to say, it's a LOT more work than a party at a location!

ETA - the best place to browse for good, kid's do-it-yourself crafts is Michaels. They have a whole bunch of seasonal activities that are cheap and fun.

Message edited 4/12/2009 10:05:38 AM.

Re: What can I do for a 3 yo's backyard bday party?

Posted by Charly



I'm renting tables with umbrellas (much cheaper than a tent)


Now if it rains I'm screwed!!!

Re: What can I do for a 3 yo's backyard bday party?

Posted by Sweets13

Posted by Charly



I'm renting tables with umbrellas (much cheaper than a tent)


Now if it rains I'm screwed!!!

Can I ask where you are renting table with umbrella's? I like this idea!

Re: What can I do for a 3 yo's backyard bday party?

My BIL rents a huge inflatable slide thingy. Both kids and adults do it for HOURS. They also blow the bouncer for the kids.

This year DS will be 2. I will have an inflatable pool. DS is getting the rolicoaster from Step 2.

I have a small metal swingset too.

Party theme:

Tiki theme
Pool parties
bouncers/slides
Petting zoo
Clowns
Face painting
rock climbing (for older kids)