Kids LOVE birthday parties, but sometimes they can become a little….repetitive. It’s time to get creative and try something different this year – we bet you will love it as much as the little ones! Don’t worry, crafting a uniquely themed party doesn’t mean cleaning up a huge mess at the end or chasing after the kids yourself. Here are 10 unique themes you may like to consider for your next kid’s birthday party!

1. Traditional sports game party

This is a fantastic way to get the kids outdoors and sharpen their skills in any number of sports – think cricket, soccer, football, t-ball or volleyball. Kids love a bit of healthy competition, so why not harness that with a mini-game or two. If your birthday boy or girl has one particular sport they love, you can keep it to just the one, or mix it up by offering a variety of traditional sports games to keep them amused. The best part is that this theme can be all outdoors, making it super easy to clean. Don’t forget the healthy food, active kids are hungry kids!

2. All time favourite games party

Following on from traditional sports games parties is another great outdoor party idea; a party based around childhood favourite games of tug-o-war, poison ball and relay races. These games also require minimal equipment and setting up, making it super easy to locate your party at a nearby park or oval if space is an issue at your house.

3. Life games party

If you have little kids, you will surely have come across the parachute – it is so much fun, and the kids are fascinated by how the large chute moves as they work with the group to swish it up and down. Games such as these are called ‘life games’ because they can be played by anyone, regardless of their age, gender, background or ability. As an added plus, these games use minimal equipment are are mess-free. Earth ball (or push ball) games also fall under this category and are a great way to get the group working together. There are a multitude of uses for the ball, including relays and cooperative games.  Life games really boost teamwork skills, self-confidence and make movement so much fun.

4. Unique pool party

If you are lucky enough to have a pool at your place and scored beautiful warm weather for party day, then nothing beats a pool party for a cost-effective and easy-to-manage celebration. While this type of party is relatively common, make yours unique by incorporating games such as water polo, novelty noodle and kickboard races or have a mini-water Olympics with races and diving competitions. It goes without saying, this one needs close supervision from several adults. Swimming makes kids extremely hungry too, so have light healthy snacks ready to go, such as cut up fruit, veggie sticks and crackers to help them refuel along the way. To keep cleanliness at bay and help stop the food table becoming soggy, have a couple of spare towels laying by the table.

5. Beach party

Warm weather means beach weather, so if you have a summer party in mind – head to the sand! Kids love building sandcastles and splashing in the water, but make your party something extra by planning some games such as flags or relay races. Take a few kickboards too, or jump in the water and teach the little ones to body surf. These ideas are inexpensive and the kids love it – winning! Make sure you have plenty of food, but keep it simple to ensure cleaning and packing up at the end of the day is easy.

6. Initiative and creative games party

If the weather is not great for swimming or playing outdoors, there are many other things you can do for a unique, fun and memorable party. Older kids will love experimenting with activities such as learning to human knots and four letter words. Initiative games are a great way to get them working together and can include word puzzles, card games or team-building type games that encourage group participation and communication. Keep activities short and sweet and it pays to have a number of games planned so the kids can choose which they would like to try. Break regularly for food and keep the day light-hearted and fun.

7. Survivor games party

Based on the popular television show, this unique party theme is sure to be a hit with older children. Encourage them to come dressed up and ready for battle to really set the scene! Ideas for activities here include relay races, obstacle courses and a scavenger hunt. Ropes courses are a fun way to get the kids doing something different while challenging their bodies to a new and interesting form of physical activity. This one takes quite a bit of planning and preparation, so why not enlist some help to make it happen?

8. Mini Olympics

There is no better demonstration of sportsmanship than the Olympics. Coupled with the variety of activities this theme enables, the Olympics makes for a fantastic unique party for kids and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune or be a mammoth effort on your part. As with the Survivor theme, encourage participants to come dressed up, either as their favourite athlete or from a country of choice. While this is a competition-based party, keep it light-hearted and fun and make sure everyone gets a go and feels included in the special day. Choose Olympic sports that require little mess such as track and field, backyard gymnastics, long jump into the sandpit or shotput using a cricket ball. You will need plenty of space for this one, so if your yard is a little small, consider moving to a park or sports field.

9. Outer space party

Bust out your best alien and spaceman outfits for a fun-filled day in outer space! To make this theme your own unique version, plan a selection of space-inspired games such as a moonwalk challenge, planet scavenger hunt (where they need to find all eight planets!) or toss the ring on Saturn. Out-of-this-world food is a must, such as green alien cupcakes, moon rock biscuits, asteroid popcorn or star-shaped fruit or sandwich cutouts. Keep cleanliness at bay with handy bin bags and plenty of wipes or washcloths to keep little sticky fingers free of crumbs and ready for the next game.

10. Popular character party

Who is your child’s favourite television or book character? Little kids love Bob the Builder or Dora the Explorer, or older kids may enjoy a magical Harry Potter-themed day. You could also keep it more generic with something along the lines of a pirate party or fairy party. Kids love to dress up, and a themed party such as these is the perfect excuse! Whichever your pick, there are many unique ideas to construct a fun, interactive and very special day for your little one. Think craft activities (but be prepared for some cleaning up!), novelty games, a mini-stage show put together by the kids themselves, or just let them have some creative free play and see what they get up to!