- Let the kids run wild with an outdoor-themed birthday party. If the weather permits it, book a shelter at a local park, pack a cooler full of juice or soda, take the cake and keep the kids entertained with games that make use of the space you have, such as a rousing game of Tag. Set up several large blankets on the grass for a picnic-style snack. Direct the kids toward the play equipment after presents and cake while you clean up. Outdoor-themed gift bags can include balls, flashlights and sunscreen packaged inside a clear plastic bug catcher.
- Boys and girls alike love to dance and are often becoming aware of popular culture and music at this age. Throw the ultimate dance party for your child and designate a space in your home for moving and grooving to her favorite tunes. Make a playlist just for her or let her act as a DJ -- place her in charge of taking requests and playing her friends' favorite songs. Gift bags can include items featuring her favorite artists or a music-themed selection featuring harmonicas or other small instruments.
- First sleepovers begin to happen at around age 7, so incorporate that into a night of festive fun for your child and his friends. Encourage his friends to come dressed in pajamas. After everyone has arrived, give each child a plain white pillowcase and have him personalize it with fabric crayons, markers or paint. For dinner, serve breakfast -- sausage, bacon and eggs paired with pancakes are favorites of children. Spread sleeping bags on the floor and pop in a movie while you serve popcorn.
- Roll out the red carpet for your child's party guests as you host a Hollywood-themed birthday party. Many young girls love glamor and dressing up, so let her be a star. On your invitations, encourage your child's friends to dress up for the party. Purchase several yards of inexpensive red fleece or felt to create a realistic red carpet. Call local movie theaters to see if they have any older movie posters they will part with (they often will at no charge). Serve fancy appetizers, such as sandwiches cut into small squares and speared with toothpicks. Take plenty of pictures and print them out before they leave and send them home with pictures of their Hollywood premiere.
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