MAIN Home Life Entertaining 5-Year-Old Birthday Party Ideas

They're old enough now to pick their own party theme, or help with the planning and homemade decorations. They may even want to suggest an outside venue at a local restaurant or recreation center.

Happy Birthday, Big 5-Year Old!

At this age, you may want to avoid the temptation to compete with the neighbors for the most elaborate birthday party on the block. Kids only remember the activities and fun they had a party, and with all the excitement normally don't give a hoot about the food or decorations - as long as there's plenty of birthday cake!

By 5, party fun may include more competitive games, structured activities or group fun.

Around the Web, check out other ideas for happy 5-year old party fun, with tips, how-to's and suggestions for invitations & decorations, games, activities, party treats and favors...

More about 5-year-old birthday party ideas around the Web:

Birthday Party Ideas for 5-year-olds - Parents join in at this archived message board with ideas for age-appropriate parties, activity ideas and advice on food, games, and favors.

The GIANT List of Birthday Party Ideas - And they're not kidding. Check out this wonderful resource from AmazingMoms.com for tons o' fun ideas, recipes, games, activities, decorations categorized by theme in an A-Z list.

Celebrating Children's Birthdays - Need Some Inspiration? - One-stop browsing for dozens of themes, activities and games the kids will love, with related links to more.

Domino Sugar - Party Central - Sweet ideas for party fun by theme, including Jungle Jamboree, Dinosaurs, Scavenger Hunt, Bug Party and lots more, plus check out the printable invitations, posters, thank you notes, name cards and related party paraphernalia.

Kids Birthday Party Ideas - Visitor submitted party ideas, some with instructions for do-it-yourself decorations.

Birthday-party performance anxiety - Help wanted from a soon-to-be-expecting mom for her son's upcoming 5th birthday party. Read replies from other moms - ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous - and the pros and cons of simple vs. extravaganza.