Finding creative activities to keep your kids entertained during the summer can be a struggle. How many times can you make a visit to the pool new and exciting? If you're looking for something different to do with your kids, consider throwing them a party!
Whether you're celebrating a birthday or simply the great weather, a party provides a terrific opportunity for kids to socialize while school is out of session.
Summery Theme
Set the mood for your guests with a great motif like a princess party or a pirate party.
"Opt for a theme that speaks to your child's interests and personality," says Mariam Naficy, CEO of Minted.com, an online stationery store that specializes in custom-designed invitations.
Browsing through kids' party invitations online is a great way to inspire your young ones to help plan the day. Visit www.minted.com for party theme ideas you both can enjoy.
Stay Active
Summer is the best time of year to get the kids moving. Ditch the video games and celebrate the season with relay races and sports in the yard. After an exhilarating three-legged race match, your guests may need to cool off. Tell everyone to bring bathing suits and let them run through the sprinkler.
Cool Eats
Most children won't turn down a piping hot slice of pizza, no matter what the thermometer reads. But you may want to pick some cooler culinary fare for dessert. Opt for ice cream, popsicles and all those other frozen treats that make summer great. It's messy -- but worth the fuss!
Don't forget the grill. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be easy to pull off for a large group, and are always a hit with kids. Let guests "build-their-own-burgers" with a toppings assembly line.
The "Write" Gift
Great gifts for kids that can be used year-round are personalized journals and stationery. Thanking their friends for coming to their party -- in writing -- will be good motivation for them to pick up a pen during their long vacation from school.