Happy Birthday to You! 10 Cool Party Themes

Take the guesswork out of giving your child the best birthday bash ever with these ideas. From simple options to pro-level at-home extravaganzas, we’ve got you covered. Not interested in decorating and hosting the party at home? We have theme-appropriate party destinations to share as well, so you can sit back and celebrate.

Game On

DIY: Decorate the walls with vintage arcade posters, pixel art and beloved video game characters. For a retro feel, decorate cupcakes to resemble Pac-Man characters and create mini cupcakes to look like the mushrooms in Super Mario. Design a fruit and vegetable tray to resemble Tetris. Set up game stations, like air hockey and board games for guests to play. If you have video game stations set up, include both retro and modern options for everyone to enjoy. At the end of the party, give out favor bags with gold coins and small stuffed animal prizes for an arcade feel. Hire the GameTruck for help hosting an at-home party for older kids.

Out and About: Book a birthday package at Main Event, Fun Spot America or Battle & Brew.

Get Artsy

DIY: Purchase a coloring tablecloth or lay butcher paper over the table, along with washable markers or paint, for a combined décor and craft idea. Set up painting stations with paper, paints, easels and water cups. Purchase craft kits for guests to play with. Consider walking guests through a handprint craft for a special keepsake. In the yard, place sidewalk chalk, and tape down large pieces of paper for splatter or finger painting. For older kids, purchase jewelry making kits with beads, charms, polymer clay, wire and more. For a sweet treat, bake sugar cookies in the shape of a palette, and place different colored M&M’S on them after baking.

Out and About: Make a reservation for pottery painting at All Fired Up. Celebrate with an art-themed party at Childway Art Space or Splatter Studio. Design a necklace or a bracelet with CAATINGA! studio. Enjoy a themed party with art projects with Zone of Light Studio.

Animal Encounters

DIY: Decorate cake or cupcakes with clean mini animals and, if you are skilled, add touches to resemble the animals’ habitats. If your guests are older, this can be an activity for them. Hide different stuffed animals around the house or yard for a scavenger hunt activity. Purchase an animal-themed cornhole wrap or cornhole board for kids to “feed” the animals. Bring the zoo to your home with My Petting Zoo Party.

Out and About: Go wild at Zoo Atlanta which offers special birthday party packages, along with different entertainment upgrades. Party at Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary for a dedicated party paddock and an up-close visit with three animal ambassadors.

Rock On

DIY: Set up a dance floor with a disco ball along with string lights resembling disco balls. Cut old sheet music into triangles, hearts or circles for garland you can hang up as décor. Play musical chairs and freeze dance to a special birthday party playlist with your child’s favorite tunes. Purchase or rent a karaoke machine for a contest. Using cardboard, cut out instruments, such as guitars or microphones, and have guests decorate them using glitter glue, paint or markers. Bring live performers to your home with Jam with Jamie or Jason’s Music Party.

Out and About: Book a rockstar experience with a birthday party from School of Rock where kids can play instruments and go home with a copy of their musical creations. Host a birthday party inspired by “Frozen,” musical theater, jazz or other themes with City Dance & Music.

Mad Scientist

DIY: Build snacking contraptions with grapes or marshmallows and toothpicks. Gift guests lab coats that they can decorate with their own name tags and scientific specialties. Explosions are always fun for kids; use Mentos and soda or baking soda and vinegar to make this happen. Set up an area for fossil excavation or digging for geodes. Watch science come to life with Science Creations, or book a fun birthday bash with Challenge Island.

Out and About: Party with the dinosaurs and other exhibits at Fernbank Museum. A party with Discover Science Center features science activities and a take home project or craft.

Secret Agent

DIY: Have an area where guests can disguise themselves with hats, props, wigs and fake mustaches. Tape streamers from wall to wall with painters’ tape for an active game involving avoiding the “lasers.” Search online for ways to teach kids to write secret messages; you can use white crayon and watercolor or lemon juice and baking soda, or create a cipher for guests to figure out. Write out clues for a scavenger hunt with a prize at the end.

Out and About: Recruit friends to work as undercover agents with The Escape Game or Breakout. Maneuver your way back and forth through a safe zone with Activate Atlanta’s LASER experience.

Cool Treats

DIY: Set up a make-your-own sundae bar with ice cream, chocolate syrup, cherries, sprinkles and all the toppings you can think of! Let kids shake up their own ice cream in a bag. Buy craft sticks for painting and creating your own popsicles. For a game, blindfold guests before they scoop cotton balls into bowls, and whoever scoops the most wins! Bring the ice cream to you with a King of Pops cart; you can even customize the wrappers and sticks.

Out and About: Make your own sundae with homemade ice cream, create an ice cream sandwich and more with a party at Flour Power Cooking Studios. Visit Cereal and Cream for making your own sundaes with ice cream, cereal and mix-ins.

Spa Day

DIY: Decorate headbands or hair clips for keeping hair out of faces while you’re getting pampered. Get creative with a manicure station with nail polish, gems and nail stickers. Set out sheet masks (you can find fun animal-themed or character ones online!) and slices of cucumbers for a facial. Allow guests to play with makeup, and take before and after photos in a special photo booth. Get glam with a mobile party from Pampering me Princess.

Out and About: Book a relaxing spa party with Ready Set FUN!’s What’s Sparkle Lounge. Enjoy a party and spa experience with Sweet & Sassy. Tailored and themed parties from Spallywood Kidz can include manicures, pedicures and facials. The Princess Room Spa Parties & More hosts unique parties combining magic and spa-level pampering.

Get Active

DIY: Ask guests to represent their favorite players or teams by wearing jerseys. Set up a tailgate area with hot dogs, nachos, sliders and energy drinks, or opt for mini-Olympics style games, complete with award winners with gold, silver and bronze medals. Play “Simon Says” to move the guests through different exercises, such as jumping jacks or squats. Use your backyard for areas where kids can play different games, or focus on your child’s favorite sport with a mini field. Book an archery tag experience with Archery Tag Heroes. Shape a cheese ball or serve cake pops decorated to resemble different sports balls.

Out and About: Learn archery and play on inflatable obstacles with Archery Attack. Play different sports with Hi-Five Sports Zone or get active with Atlanta Parkour’s party. Leave the planning and setting up to the pros with a party at Monster Mini Golf or Topgolf.

Movie Time

DIY: Roll out the red carpet to welcome guests. In the backyard, set up a home projector and screen, and spread out blankets and pillows for attendees to lounge with. String up lights for a special feel. Serve popcorn in individual containers, or create cardboard caddies for snack  combinations. Before the main movie begins, play a few cartoons or movie shorts to resemble a real movie experience.

Out and About: Book a private birthday party at Cinemark or AMC Theatres, or pack the kids into the car for a retro experience at Starlight Drive-In Theatre.