Stuck trying to come up with unique winter birthday party ideas? Here are 10 fantastic party themes and activities that kids of all ages will love!
Parents of winter babies, I feel for you.
From figuring out what to do with a gaggle of kids indoors for a couple hours to praying that the weather doesn’t keep guests away, it’s a struggle to host birthday parties during the coldest months of the year!
Well, fear not. There are some birthday party themes that are actually perfect for wintertime. Take a look at these winter birthday party ideas that your kids will love…and they can all be held inside your own home!
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10 Winter Birthday Party Ideas They’ll Love
DIY Stuffed Animal Party
Build a Bear Parties are just the cutest, but they can get expensive fast! Thankfully, Brandy of Gluesticks Blog figured out an awesome tip to have just as much fun for a fraction of the cost with her DIY Stuffed Animals Party.
This party theme is perfect for little kids…right on down to the 3 year olds!
Indoor Camping Party
Camping may not be the first thing that pops into your mind when you’re thinking about winter birthday party ideas, but just imagine how fun it would be for bigger kids.
You can turn your living room into a campground with teepees, plenty of faux greenery, and a fake fire pit. Make some amazing marshmallows, drink hot chocolate, and munch on camping themed snacks.
To make it even more memorable, close the curtains, turn down the lights, create a starry scene with a star light projector and have the kids tell scary stories around a fake indoor campfire (just add some twinkle lights, and it’ll be a hit).
Talk about an amazing winter birthday party for children that will get them really excited for warmer weather to come!
RELATED>>>>See more fantastic DIY ideas for your own camping party
All Grown Up Coloring Themed Party
Have a daughter that loves to color? This coloring-themed party from Dukes & Duchesses is just adorable. She really took the time to think about the details…even down to the cupcake toppers (you really need to check those out!)
Indoor Pool Party
Thought pool parties were only an option in summer? Think again! This photo was taken from my niece’s birthday party a few years ago…in mid-February. It was freezing cold outside and we were all enjoying a dip in the water.
What made it especially fantastic is that it was fun for all ages of kids, from the 3 year olds to the ten year olds.
I also love the way this ‘Swimsuits and Snowballs” winter pool party combines the fun colors of pool parties with floating snowflakes. So simple and so adorable!
It’s easier to host an indoor pool party than you realize. Here are a few easy options:
- If your neighborhood has an indoor pool, you’re set!
- Check to see if your local county or city has an indoor swim facility (we did this one year and it was a huge hit!)
- Many children’s swim schools open up on weekends for parties
- And, if you’re lucky enough to live close to an indoor water park, you’re guaranteed a hit!
Indoor pool parties are less about decor and all about fun, so just remember to show up with some fun snacks, a few small and creative decorations, and an awesome party favor.
Dino Dig Party
I don’t know any kid who wouldn’t love to dig for dinosaurs, which makes this Dino Dig party from Chicken Scratch NY so ridiculously cute. Best of all, they held the dig activity in the garage, so no worrying about messing up the house!
(Don’t forget to check out our ultimate guide to dinosaur birthday party ideas right here!)
Winter Olympics
This is probably the ultimate of all winter birthday party ideas for a bunch of kids with too much energy. (Hello boys!) And it doesn’t have to be an olympics year to host a party with this theme, either.
Here are a few ideas for some indoor fun:
- Sled Pulling relay: Attach some heavy twine to a laundry basket, and put the kids in teams of two. Set up a start line and a finish line and let them race to the end!
- Snowball Fights: Grab some indoor snowballs (my kids LOVE these, and they’re super soft) and put them in a bucket. Trust me, they’ll get started even before you shout “Go!”
- Minute to Win It Games. Play Party Plan has a fantastic list of minute to win it games that are fantastic for Winter Olympics themed parties.
- Create an indoor skating rink by having the kids slide around on carpeted floor with wax paper under their feet, or socked feet on a wood floor.
One word of caution: Fake sensory snow is a ton of fun, but it can get messy fast. You’ve been warned.
RELATED>>>>Fun Shaving Cream Crafts to Do with Your Kids
Star Wars Themed Party
Looking for another party idea for the boys? I haven’t met a single one yet that doesn’t love Star Wars.
But buying lots of licensed decorations for a popular party theme can get pricey fast. Amy from DIY Candy shows how to host a budget friendly Star Wars party with the cutest R2D2 cup crafts to go along with it.
Sleepover Themed Parties
Is your child begging to have sleepovers, but you’re not really ready for it? Have sleepover themed party instead! Invite kids to come over for a late afternoon party wearing their pajamas and serve breakfast foods (or their look-alikes) for dinner.
One popular way to decorate for a sleepover themed party is to simply dress up your table as though it’s a bed. Add a fake headboard against the wall and add pillows. Easy and cute!
Bonus: This is one party where I would have no problem letting the kids chill out in front of the TV with a movie and some popcorn. After all, that’s a traditional sleepover activity, isn’t it?
But that doesn’t have to be the whole party. I love the ideas of letting the kids color in pillowcases with fabric markers and decorate flip flop ‘slippers’ as engaging activities that also double as party favors.
Spa Parties
Spa Parties are always fun for girls, especially tween girls between 9 years old and 12 years old.
I’m especially in love with the way Sunflower Mom organized the timeline for this spa themed 10th birthday party.
Winter Wonderland Party
No list of winter themed birthdays would be complete without the classic Winter Wonderland theme. Take advantage of all the fun outside and bring it indoors with snow themed food and games. I just love this red and teal version from Uncommon Designs. The uncommon color scheme really pops! (See what I did there 😉 )
More Party Themes You’ll Love
- The most adorable baking birthday party
- Luau party ideas to steal from a professional event planner
- LOL Surprise Party Ideas
- A 3-year-old’s party at the local kiddie gymnastics studio!
Now It’s Your Turn
I can’t guarantee that the weather will hold out for you, but with these 10 awesome winter birthday party ideas, you can definitely have a blast celebrating those special littles in your life.
Do your kids have winter birthdays?
Did I miss any winter birthday party ideas? Share them in the comments!
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Candace Playforth says
I love the indoor camping party idea! I can’t tell you how many of my poor February born daughter’s birthdays were cancelled from snow. Winter birthdays are tough. These are such great themes for those cold months :).
Leslie says
Your poor girl! On the bright side, though, she has a fantastic reason to celebrate during some of the gloomiest months. Is there any better reason to be happy than a birthday? Thanks so much for stopping by!
Aubrey says
My last few party’s gave been at the skating rink cause i didn’t know what to do so this article really helps
Amy says
Oh, great post! My daughter will be two in early February. We haven’t really gotten to a birthday party age, but I have already thought about the fact that winter birthday parties could be tough. I love the camping idea! And one of my own most memorable parties from when I was a kid (even though I’m a spring baby) was a pool party. Thanks for the ideas!
Leslie says
Happy birthday to your daughter! Two is such a cute age. I’m sure you’ll do great when it’s time for her birthday parties!
Jen says
These are all such fun party ideas! This year my goal is to work less on parties, so indoor ones at a venue other than my house sounds pretty fab 🙂
Leslie says
I keep thinking we’ll do something outside the house, but then I still overdo it. It’s a sickness, really. Best of luck on paring down. If you figure out a secret to it, let me know. ?
Tammy says
The winter olympics party sounds like so much fun. After being inside all winter, the actives are perfect for burning off some energy. I can only imagine the giggles that will follow along with the fun activities. Thank you for sharing!
Leslie says
I’m definitely an advocate of sending kids outside to release as much energy as possible. Especially for birthday parties!
Janine Huldie says
All of these are truly awesome ideas for winter themed parties, especially the sleepover themed one and may have to keep that in mind for our November birthday girl here for her next birthday. Thanks Leslie!! 🙂
Leslie says
Your girls are the perfect age for a sleepover themed party!
kristin mccarthy says
So creative! I have four kids and not a single winter party…go me!
#happynow
Leslie says
Definitely go you!
webmdiva says
I swear everyone in my family has a winter birthday. Where were these ideas when I was a little girl? Love these ideas! Pinning!
Leslie says
Most of my husband’s close family has winter birthdays, and both of my siblings were winter babies too. That said, I don’t remember their birthdays being as fun as some of these, either!
Peachy and her Mommy says
Peachy’s birthday is in December. Her first birthday just passed. We had a 5 Little Ducks theme as that is one of her favourite songs. We were very happy with how it turned out. #happynowlinkup
Leslie says
What an adorable theme! Let me know if you share pictures!
Katy @ Experienced Bad Mom says
The two times I hosted home birthday parties for my December birthday girl were the best! They really worked out just fine. One theme was geology (uh, thanks for that theme, kid!) and the other was snow.
#happynow
Leslie says
The nerd in me thinks that a geology theme could be a lot of fun. Of course, snow is always classic. Thanks for stopping by!
Selena, The Rambler says
I love the camping one and the sleepover party! A sleepover that won’t cause major malfunction of my sanity is an awesome idea! =) Those cupcakes were cute and perfect. #HappyNowlinkUp
Leslie says
Haha! We definitely want to avoid any mama losing her sanity!
Barrie Bismark says
These are all really great ideas! I have one baby with a birthday at Christmas, so we try to do her friends party sometime in January after things have calmed down a bit. I wish I would have seen this before we scheduled it!
Leslie says
Aw! Both my siblings are December birthdays, and it was always difficult to fit in a big celebration. Happy (very) belated birthday to yours!
Carolina Twin Mom / Mary Peterson says
Great ideas, especially the indoor pool party idea. Water play is such a novelty during the winter months. Never would have thought of that, but it’s genius!
#happynowlinkup
Leslie says
My kids love going to indoor pools and water parks in the winter. Well, at least they do until they walk outside with wet hair. ?
Debbie says
Hi Leslie, winter birthday parties can feel a little dull, but with your ideas, there is no excuse anymore. I love the sleepover idea. A sleepover is what children dream of and the stuff nightmares are made of for parents. Your party idea is a good compromise until children are older.
#HappyNowLinkUp
xx
Leslie says
Ha! That is probably the best way I ever heard someone describe sleepovers. You should totally make a meme out of that.
Maria Cynthia says
So creative ideas! I have two winter kids and hopefully, we will have a big blast party in upcoming winter.
Deb Pearl says
My son’s birthday party is coming up soon and have been wondering what kind of theme I could do. Thank you for all the birthday party theme ideas. I love the idea of doing a winter sports theme. He loves anything to do with sports.
Candy says
The indoor camping theme is my favorite. Found you on Bloggers Pit Stop link party
Joanne says
These are great ideas! I wish I had thought of the stuffed animal party when my winter birthday boy was younger; he’s almost 14 and STILL has a HUGE collection of stuffed animals. He collects animals from all around the world and truly has tried to collect different species of them. Pinned.