It’s that time of year again. Your son is counting down the days until his birthday and that is stressing you out. What can you do this year? Theme parties are popular with all ages. The ideas for carnival themed parties are numerous. Clowns and balloons on the invitations will set the mood. Carnival food is fun to make and fun to eat. Monetary prizes will put a smile on every guest’s face knowing they’ve been earned.

Outdoor parties have an advantage if the weather is nice. You can find many activities to keep them busy outside. You can have refreshments served outside and have less cleanup afterwards.

  • Moon walks or inflatable jumpers are always a hit. They can be a little pricey to rent, but your guests will be entertained for hours. Make sure you have an adult supervising the children. Limit the number of players and expel those who do not obey the rules. You don’t want anyone to get hurt and ruin the party.
  • Dip tanks are fun for teens and adults. These are very popular in the hot summer months, so be sure to reserve your dip tank at your local rental store in advance. You will need a hitch on your vehicle to tow the unit, ask for delivery.
  • Frozen drink machines (for children or adults). Frozen drinks are very refreshing on a hot summer day. If you use a commercial frozen drink machine from your neighborhood rental store, be sure to follow all instructions.
  • Party canopies for shade and rain. Rainy days can spoil a party. If you don’t have a covered terrace or garage, it’s a good idea to rent a party tent. Even if it’s not raining, older guests attending the party will appreciate the shade on a sunny day.
  • Duck pond games will ensure that even the youngest guest gets a prize. You can make your own with a small inflatable pool and plastic ducks from the dollar store. Put a number or a star on the bottom of the ducks before placing them in the water. Some rental stores rent out duck ponds like the ones they use at real carnivals.

Indoor parties will require a little more planning. Hopefully you have a large room or base to host the birthday party. You may have to limit the number of guests.

  • Balloons are always a wonder. You can buy helium balloons at a party store. Make sure you get enough to decorate, play with, and for guests to take home.
  • Cotton Candy is the first place kids run to when you go to the carnival. Small units are available to purchase, but they are usually small and will take you a long time to craft while impatient visitors wait in line. Call your rental store to see if they offer package deals if you rent more than one machine. They will have the sugars and bars and show you how to use the machine correctly.
  • Hotdogs are easy, inexpensive, and most kids’ favorites. Boil them or grill them if you’re outside. Sno-Kones will refresh kids after playing and jumping in the fun house. Rent a professional machine with original syrup and your guests will think they are in a real carnival.
  • Popcorn is a healthy snack. You can pop a few bags in the microwave and serve them in individual servings of lunch bags. Professional popcorn machines and pre-measured packages of movie theater popcorn are available at most rental stores.
  • Ring or bean bag toss games can be built with household products. Visit your dollar store for hacky bags, buckets, and balls.
  • Complete the party with a clown or magician according to your budget.
  • The prizes for the games can be candy or snacks. Search your dollar store for toys like bubbles and balls for prizes.

A carnival-themed birthday party will be more fun and cost less than a restaurant party. When the party is over and you’ve returned all your rental gear, relax, you deserve it. How will you get through this next year?