We have 2 birthdays coming up in the next few weeks – on the same day but not twins – in the run up to Christmas – it just goes mad in our house. In fact all 3 are winter birthdays. This means that we have loads of birthday ideas for winter babies, as we have had a lot of practise! How I long to have a sunny garden full of children for a birthday party but alas no. So I thought I would share some childrens party ideas for winter birthdays that won’t break the bank.
Ideas for games and themes
My daughter loves craft so for a couple of years we have had craft parties supported by Yellow Moon or Baker Ross. These are perfect for toddler birthday ideas in December and beyond.
We have decorated party bags, boxes, painted fairies, made book marks – not only were they entertained but they made the contents of their party bags an all-round winner! If you are looking for winter themed birthday party ideas, then these are a great shout too.
My son is more of a competitive games boy, so in the local village hall we have held more traditional winter birthday party ideas. We have included the age old staples with games such as:
- Pass the parcel
- Musical statues
- Port and starboard
- The chocolate game!
Some of these are great for younger birthdays too, even the pass the parcel work well for smaller children. If you are looking for winter 2nd birthday party ideas, then you cannot go wrong with some of the more traditional games. They are easier to police as well 😂. We found that a little twist on the pass the parcel game, to include a box of raisins within each layer, helps to keep the younger children’s attention that little bit longer!
Thoughts for older kids
Last year for his tenth birthday he chose a sleepover with two friend’s, pizza and a DVD of their choice. You cannot beat a slumber party for the kids as they get a little bit older. You might have to make yourself scarce though…. 😂
This year he had an archery party which admittedly we held in October. That is nearly a winter birthday party though, right? As they get older it doesn’t matter quite so much if the party is a bit further away from the actual day although no one has been persuaded to have their party in the summer as yet – we are working on it though! 😂
Anyway back to the archery; the boys loved it. It was a bit pricier but this maybe his last party since next year he will be at secondary school.
Other ways to keep the cost down is to restrict numbers, such as only having a car full or one lane of bowling.
Get together with another winter baby
Another good one is to share it, find out if others in their class have similar birth dates. That was the winter birthday parties are a bit cheaper, and you have a few of you to come up with ideas as well. We have done this for the older two when they have been in reception, and my youngest may well share his party with a friend or two next year.
If you can’t bear the thought of a party how about a treat?
- Swimming at a different pool with slides,
- Cinema, as often they have a children’s club at the weekend for a fraction of the normal price, and
- Pantomimes or somewhere else special like this.
Let your imagination run wild!
If they are into something, try and use it as the theme, let them dress up or make masks/crowns and play games accordingly. One year the kids stuck pictures of spiders on Spiderman….he was on a towel pinned on the door!
Games can be adapted so instead of running to port and starboard they can run to Flo’s and the race rack (from Cars) etc.
So to everyone struggling with childrens party ideas in the winter – don’t despair there are things you can do, and with the summer we have just had it maybe that we are not so alone planning for the wet weather anyway!
Seven specific children’s party ideas for winter
We’ve actually put together some specific ideas for you for Children’s Party ideas for winter below – incorporating some of our favourite things in winter, and across the age ranges. Why not take a look and see if any of these inspire you?
1. Ice cream and Hot chocolate bar – A great way to warm up your winter party
Who said ice cream is only for the summer? An ice cream and hot chocolate bar is a great way to add some whimsy to your winter party. Let your kids and their closest friends indulge in a variety of flavors and toppings. Don’t forget the whipped cream and candy canes for that extra touch of festive charm!
2. The thrill of the hunt – Scavenger hunts for kids of all ages
Scavenger hunts are so much fun and a fantastic indoor activity for those cold weather days. You can hide small party favours around your living room or even throughout the house. Add a winter theme by including polar bears, white balloons, and fake snow as part of the hunt. The birthday boy or girl will love leading their best friends on this exciting adventure. If you are feeling brave, you could even use our winter scavenger hunt outside – but wrap up warm!
3. Jump into fun – Trampoline or snow park parties for older kids
For older kids, a trampoline park offers an energetic and thrilling option. Not only is it a great way to escape the winter chill, but it also promises hours of laughter and enjoyment.
If you go to the snow park, you need to remember to pack snow pants for everyone, as these venues can get chilly! The SnoZone is a greaet choice for those in the UK – check it out if you are nearby.
4. Cozy up with hot cocoa and board games
There’s nothing like a cup of hot cocoa to warm up during the winter season. Set up a cozy corner in your living room with blankets, board games, and a hot cocoa station. This is a great idea for those looking for a more relaxed winter party theme. If you’d like some amazing ideas fort hot chocolate bombs, we’ve got you covered here too with frozen bombs, birthday party bombs, and these amazing white chocolate cappuccino ones ones too.
5. Go wild with laser tag and obstacle courses
Laser tag is always a hit with kids and makes for an exciting indoor activity. Alternatively, set up an obstacle course in your living room using cushions, chairs, and tables. Both these options will ensure your party guests have loads of fun.
6. More sweet treats – Sugar cookies and themed goody bags
No party is complete without sweet treats! Sugar cookies are a winter favourite and can be made into fun shapes like santa (as we have managed here), snowflakes and polar bears. Don’t forget to pack goody bags with leftover cookies and other party favours for the kids to take home as well. Give them a theme for an extra twist. We’ve got a whole set of Unicorn party themed ideas you could try – who says you can’t do Unicorns in winter?
7. Embrace the great outdoors – Winter fake snow pool parties
While pool parties might seem like a summer activity, they can be just as much fun in the winter season, but you nee to add a unique and inventive twist! Fill some of the little inflatable pools with fake snow and let the kids have a blast. Just make sure everyone’s bundled up well!
By incorporating these fun ideas into your child’s special day, you’re guaranteed to create a memorable winter-themed party that your little ones and their friends will love.
Does anyone else have any childrens party ideas for the winter? Come on do share below.
We have a few other ideas for parties for you on the site, so why not take a look at these?
Other birthday ideas on KiddyCharts
Here are some more birthday ideas for you on KiddyCharts: From invites to food!
Frozen party food: Hot cocoa bombs
Holding a Frozen party - try these awesome cocoa bombs.
Harry Potter party food: How to make a chocolate Harry Potter pretzel wand
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Rainbow birthday party: All you need to plan one
Everything you need to throw the perfect Rainbow party for all those that love a colourfull day!
Kids Birthday Hot Chocolate Bombs
These Kids birthday hot chocolate bombs combine a flavorful blast of marshmallow and chocolate for a magical surprise.
Do check out others off KiddyCharts as well:
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Take care,
Helen
Photos courtesy of Microsoft Clipart.
Beckie Whitehouse
Beckie is a mum to three kids, and works in the Cambridge area as a coach.Feel free to get in contact for a no obligation discussion.
Sheila
Tuesday 26th of April 2016
Good ideas for kids party in winter I love those ideas
Nikky
Thursday 25th of February 2016
Exactly what a fantastic suggestion ... the images are superb as well as the cake ... what can I state. I bet they all loved it.
Margo Stevens
Thursday 10th of December 2015
Hi i hane an eight year old girl and she's is struggling what to do for her birthday I would do a make up party but she is more into lazer tag sort of stuff ANY ideas Love margo stevens
Helen
Saturday 12th of December 2015
Why not go with what she like if you can?
Sam Brunson
Sunday 22nd of September 2013
I would suggest having a party at your house, but instead of doing things that cost a lot, just play a bunch of games with things that you already have.
Adam
Wednesday 14th of August 2013
Some of the best parties are indoors! Yes, being out in the garden is nice, but this should not limit you.