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Birthday Party Activities For Toddlers
Welcome to a fun-filled list of epic birthday party activities for toddlers your child is sure to rave about!
As the owner of a Playschool for 0-5 year olds, and the mom of twin toddlers, I am well-versed in activities that capture and keep toddlers’ attention.
Because the toddler age range can be 1-3 years old, I have included a mix of activities that will suit all the different ages and keep the fun going for hours!
I’m all about having ‘stations’ set up where toddlers can freely explore and play during the birthday party, rather than having planned and timed, activities with lots of rules, as those can be hard for children this age and for their parents.
Below I share the activities I love for toddler birthday parties, and how to set them up.
Here’s to creating a memorable birthday party for your busy little toddler!
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1. Bounce Around In A Castle
Oh me oh my, this is a stunning castle bounce house that always wows the toddlers, girls and boys!
No rental needed, buy this and use it year ’round instead for a couple hundred bucks!
This is one of my favorite birthday party activities for toddlers because they will come back to it for hours and are really just so in awe about it!
It is huge, only takes 2 minutes to inflate, comes with a blower and can easily accommodate a handful of toddlers at a time! (We honestly use ours weekly, and it’s only a couple hundred bucks – so worth it!)
For toddler birthday parties, I’ve paired this castle bounce house with a few other activities to make it like a mini-park setup and the kids go nuts for it! Here is what I used:
- A variety of bouncy balls, including these extra large exercise balls and the children LOVE it! They just bounce and slide, toss balls, kick balls, run and roll around on the big exercise balls.
- A radio flyer the kids can take turns being pulled in and getting ‘dropped off’ at the bounce castle and a miniature trampoline.
- Disk swing climbing rope hung from the tree
A mix of these things makes a very fun birthday party set up for busy toddlers right in your own front or back yard!
*To keep things safe for the younger, smaller toddlers – I make sure to always have an adult monitoring the bouncy castle and I create set times with timers where the younger toddlers can bounce separately from the older toddlers.
2. Spin & Roll Roller Board Activity
These boards are the best! Even the youngest toddlers can sit and be pushed, or lay on their tummies and roll around.
This is one of the best birthday party activities for toddlers, especially those who love to move, spin, go fast, and test their abilities!
Just set these bad boys out and the kids are sure to be back and forth to them throughout the entire birthday party!
So many games can be played with these roller boards – racing, push your lovey on the board, spinning, push your friend, and more! (We use ours daily here at my Playschool alongside our little play house,
These could easily be taken to a park for a park toddler birthday party, and would make a fun addition for movement play that parks don’t have!
3. Spiderman Hero Bean Bag Throw
Are you going to be doing a Spiderman theme for your toddler’s birthday?
This is one of the must-have birthday party activities for toddlers if you’re doing a superhero theme (or not!). Even the adults like to get in on this game with their child!
Toddlers are always so excited and amazed by the superheros on this.
They love to toss the bags, go and get them, then do it again!
For setup, it’s easiest to have two poles, like on a gazebo, or two trees you can tie the top and bottom ropes to.
4. Dance It Out Activity
3 year olds+ love this game!
This is one of the birthday party activities for toddlers that 3 years old and older really love because of the bright lights, the music, and the challenge to follow along.
We use ours each month, no birthday party need, haha!
For setup, find a flat, smooth surface, so it’s comfortable to stop on and no rocks or rough concrete will tear the bottom.
Consider using some sort of double-sided tape to secure it down, so it’s not slipping around while the kids are trying to dance.
5. Pop Up Soccer Game
Pop up soccer is one of those easy and awesome birthday party activities for toddlers!
These lightweight goals snap right into place out of the box and don’t get blown away in the wind.
If you are using a park to host the birthday party, this could be a great addition to add into an open grassy section!
For setup, just put these bad boys out, put a bin with a few toddler-size soccer balls next to one of the goals, and let the kids have fun!
This is a set of 2 goals total, no balls included.
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6. Felt Board Sticky Play
This is one of the birthday activities for toddlers that all ages will enjoy!
Even the youngest 1 year olds, who aren’t yet walking, can be sat by the felt board, given pieces and place them on the board!
We have our felt board hanging up in our resting room, and use it for letter matching, number matching etc, before nap time.
I love that it can be used for a special event like a birthday, and on a regular basis as well!
For set up, place on a wall with command velcro strips (I like to use these strips instead of hooks even though the board has grommets, because then I can hang it anywhere, sticking the top and bottom to the wall, and don’t have to worry about the kids pulling on it/breaking a hook). Place a few of the felt pieces on the board and leave a little bin with the rest of the pieces for the toddlers to place on themselves.
7. Mess-Free Doodle Station
The mess-free option for a ‘craft/paint station’! Parents everywhere are thankful for this, haha!
This art mat always amazes toddlers and parents alike!
Set one or a few of these up, depending on how many children are expected, and you’re sure to have one of the best birthday party activities for toddlers that they will love coming back to again and again!
These mats provide a nice break from running around, or a great spot to perch up for more of the quiet, chill, art-loving toddlers.
For set up, find a spot with space where they children can sprawl out and not be cramped or in the way of people passing by. If you are outside, consider putting them under shade. Use double-sided tape to keep them in place. I prefer to place them on the ground, but you could put them up on a wall too.
8. Punching Bag Bopper Game
All the toddlers love this one! And us parents love that they can get out those wiggles, kicks, punches in an appropriate place!
These bopper bags make for an excellent addition to your mix of birthday party activities for toddlers, especially the ones who are active and busy!
Most toddlers are so excited at birthday parties, this is a great game that can release all that pent up energy. Even the younger ones like to push it, and watch it go back and forth.
What I love about these bopper bags specifically, is they are from a brand that sells just these, so the quality is high. They last a lot longer than other brands, they come with the bottoms already filled with sand and hold up well!
We love our bopper bags and I think your birthday party attendees will too!
For set up, it comes with a repair kit but no air pump. I like this handheld airpump.
8. Ninja Course Climb, swing, & play
This will be one of those unforgettable birthday party activities for toddlers that will have the kids addicted, and the other parents asking you where you got it!
We actually have ours up permanently in the backyard, and it gets so much use from all the ages!
This keeps toddlers moving and interested for hours!
I pair this ninja course with a couple slides like this, so even the shorter toddlers can reach the handles (and they can slide!).
Because of their age, I only use the top slackline, not the one for the feet, as that would be too challenging for most at this age.
For set up, you want to have two sturdy trees or two sturdy posts to run the slackline in between. See instructions for size of trees or posts that are needed. You will use the ratchet they send to tighten the slackline, and add the accessories for climbing and swinging. It took us 1.5 hours to set up. Place it toddler-reach distance from the ground, nice and low, so they can grab and go for it!
9. Relax in Cozy Corner Pop Up Tents
A favorite!
With all the other busy birthday party activities for toddlers, these little tents make the perfect pop up ‘cozy corners’ for some quiet time, chill time, reading, hide and seek and more!
The toddlers here love these tents for in and outdoor!
You could set a couple up with a blanket, a couple little books, and a couple pillows – this is what I do. And, I tell the children what they are for/the rules, ie: “No mud or rough play in the tents. These are for taking a break, resting, relaxing for a little bit before going back to the busy play of climbing, running, digging, etc….”
For set up, everything you need comes in the box except batteries for the little button inside that makes noise. I leave the battery out depending on the event. Pop the pvc pieces into the slots, and voila! Your tent is ready in 5 minutes!
10. Spray Bottle Aim Game
A toddler obsession!
If you have never seen toddlers with spray bottles, you have to try this!
A perfect addition to an assortment of birthday party activities for toddlers outdoors, this game will be a guaranteed hit! And you really only have to fill up the bottles and set them out.
Once the toddlers see the bottles and get their hands on them, they will be spraying away!
You can use some chalk to have them spray and wipe away, you can show them how if they spray the concrete it changes colors, you can have them spray plants… Just give them an idea of how to do it and they will be off and spraying endlessly!
So simple and easy, and an activity toddlers really love!
For set up, just get however many bottles you need for your headcount, fill up with water and place on the ground near plants or a wall – any area you are okay with them spraying. Set the rule of ‘no spraying people’ and that’s it – play time!
11. Car Wash Water Play
So much fun!
This arch sprinkler comes in Frozen and Finding Nemo designs also.
It’s 6x8ft.
If you are having an outdoor bash with ability to connect to a hose, the toddlers will love this!
The wide bottom design makes this the sturdiest arch sprinkler and the kids who love water play will be all about it!
For set up, you’ll need a pump. I like this wireless, rechargeable kind. Inflate, attach to hose, and car wash water play!
12. Do Cool Tricks With A Stunt Car
Tons of fun for the older toddlers!
I have a few of these and the children are always wowed by all the tricks and wild things these cars can do!
For birthdays, I just set them out and help the toddlers take turns with them when there is an issue.
Otherwise, they just grab them and play!
When using these as one of the birthday activities for toddlers, I’d recommend you get 3-4+, so several toddlers can have a turn at the same time, rather than only having one and everyone having to wait for it (and hounding the person with the car to give them a turn – ah!)
I love having remote control cars in the mix because it is also a lot of fun for the adults!
For setup, just give time for the cars to charge (they are rechargeable), and be sure to bring the charger along or have it handy to recharge if needed. Also, consider bringing extra AA batteries for the remote (AA batteries come in the box).
13. Run & Fly Mini Kites
Perfect for tiny hands!
Larger kites can be too difficult for young toddlers. These mini finger kites are the easiest to use for toddlers on their own, without getting frustrated.
If you are hosting an outdoor birthday party, these little things could be a great activity or goodie bag gift!
Each one is 4-5 inches, and ready to go. No set up needed.
You can order 1-20, depending on your headcount.
14. Wiggle with hula hoops
Build your own hula hoops!
This is one of the birthday activities for toddlers that you can do many things with:
– you can have the older toddlers try and build their own
– you can lay them out as part of an obstacle course
– toddlers can use them like a jump rope or spin them on their hips/arms…
These come in a pack of 6 and while they aren’t the harder quality I am used to from my childhood, they are easy to put together and serve the purpose for a birthday part activity. And, the toddlers love them!
For setup, just put the pieces together to build out the hula hoop. Keep these in a grassy area at the park or out in the yard if you are hosting at home.
15. Egg Chalk Art Station
Egg chalk is a must for toddlers!
These are the perfect addition to your birthday party activities for toddlers because they are so easy for toddlers to hold and don’t break easily!
They come in a 12-pack carton as pictured.
For set up, just set these out near a wall or sidewalk area you don’t mind the children drawing on and they will have a blast!
So simple, but a major favorite that the kids will love!
16. Chase and pop bubbles
Hands-free bubble play!!
Parents rejoice! You don’t have to blow the bubbles for hours or hold anything!
This bubble machine is hands-free, swivels 360 degrees and will go for about 5 hours! A perfect addition to your birthday part activities for toddlers!
For setup, you’ll want to charge the machine for 3-5 hours before using it. This will give you about 5 hours of bubble play. Have some extra bubble solution on hand, place on a flat, sturdy surface, and press the on button.
That’s it, hands-free bubble fun!
17. Make some Monster Bubbles
Get ready for shrieks of excitement!
This is one of the birthday party activities for toddlers that you are going to have to have someone helping with the entire time, and it is worth it!
The older toddlers and preschoolers can man this on their own, but still, it can be messy and difficult, so having an adult to help is best.
Most adults have a blast with this too!
For setup, you will need water and maybe some extra bubble wands. We use a bucket like this (or one from home depot) to hold the bubble solution, which also helps keep mess and spills down.
Dip the wands in and make those massive bubbles!
18. Make A Dress Up Corner
16 pieces of dress up fun!
Great for an in or outdoor activity, having a dress up station can make a wonderful addition to your birthday party activities for toddlers!
The younger toddlers can enjoy wearing hats and some of the accessories, while the coats and such will be a good fit for 3 year olds.
The toddlers here love to dress up and chase each other playing policeman or grab their firetrucks and the hose and pretend to be a firefighter, or grab their dolls and play doctor. Hours of fun!
For set up, simply place out in a bin or a basket and let the children discover and try on!
Maybe add in some trucks, dolls, a blanket, and offer to take some photos of them so they can see themselves.
19. Musical Instrument Station
Music and movement fun!
You can either let the children do as they please with the different instruments or you can also organize ‘music time’ or ‘band time’ and have all the toddlers choose an instrument and make music together.
You could also turn on their favorite kid songs while they are using the musical instruments.
All the toddlers love making music with these instruments, so this musical set could be a great addition to your mix of birthday party activities for toddlers!
For set up:
If you are inside – you could set this set out in a low, clear bin at a designated time and then put away, this way the noise is controlled.
If you are outside, you could set out in the grass near the dress up corner with a blanket, and let the children explore freely throughout the day.
Sure to be a hit!
20. Gold Coin Pirate Treasure Hunt
Toddlers LOVE a treasure hunt and this looks like real treasure!
The younger toddlers will love finding these and the older toddlers will love finding and counting theirs!
For set up, consider getting little baskets for each child like these. Hide the coins all around the house/yard/park, in places that aren’t too difficult to find. Tell all the kiddos the rules and let them go for it!
21. Bounce Around On Hopper Balls
Race! Chase! Hop! Roll!
These are so wonderful for movement and body limit exploration and expansion that toddlers can’t help but love them!
From hopper ball races, bouncing around during dance parties, balancing on their bellies or backs, even hanging them on a door handle and using them like a punching bag, toddlers love these hopper balls for so many things!
These make an excellent addition to birthday party activities for toddlers!
For set up, get a handful so the toddlers can take turns with them. Then, just use a pump (i like the wireless, rechargeable kind) and blow them up, set them out, and let the children go for it!
22. Take Turns Driving a Kids Car
Such a hit!
This can be perfect for a park birthday party or a large backyard birthday party.
Toddlers love driving this jeep!
The doors on the side make them feel secure and there are 2 speed settings, so you can set it slower for younger or scared toddlers, and faster for older, more adventurous toddlers.
For set up, be sure to charge the car before the day of the party and consider using a helmet. Have the parents help their child take turns and do laps around the park!
This kids car will be a super fun addition to your mix of birthday party activities for toddlers!
23. Build With Bristle Blocks
A great quiet, wind down activity!
These are unique and different than the typical building blocks, but still allow for that creativity toddlers love.
There are some smaller pieces, so read up and use discretion when deciding on having them for toddlers under 3 years old.
Bristle blocks stick together with their bristles and can be made into all sorts of creations!
Excellent for a quiet, focus activity at your child’s birthday party!
For set up, set the bristle blocks out in a low, clear bin on top of a blanket, for all to access.. Maybe choose a spot under the shade.
24. Go Up & Down On A Teeter-Toter
Remember these from childhood?!
Toddlers love this teeter totter! It’s one of my favorites too, and it doesn’t take up a ton of space.
A great addition to a backyard birthday party for toddlers, this durable teeter totter is sure to get lots of use!
Be sure to assist the younger ones with this.
Even the adults love this one! It can support up to 300lbs.
For set up, find a flat, sturdy surface to place it on. Give yourself 30 minutes to 1 hour to set it up.
25. Pre-made Snack Station
Easier snacking!
I like to use containers like these with some pre-made, toddler-safe snacks in them instead of using paper plates and buffet style for toddlers.
Its fun for them to open, they get to choose their own color, it can be recovered, keeps mess down, and is much easier for parents to manage than a flimsy paper plate in the wind while trying to wrangle their toddler(s) too.
Depending on how many toddlers will be at your birthday party, you can have these as grab and go, or ask families to just leave them there and you can gather them at the end of the party.
For set up, depending on what you have in the containers, you can set these out on a blanket in the grass, a low table or in a cooler on the ground that the toddlers can access themselves at snack time/meal time.
We usually have a separate table for the adult stuff and it works out well.
More often than not, most of the toddlers are so busy playing and running around, they aren’t eating a lot. Snacks are typically enough.
How Do You Entertain A Toddler At A Birthday Party?
To keep toddlers entertained at a birthday party, the best things to do are:
- Get them comfortable
- Show them around to all the options and how to do things
- Let them freely choose what to do and explore according to their interest and comfort level
- Have multiple activities available to do, rather than just one activity
- Have a mix of busy activities and quiet, calmer activities. The activities I share above will have all types of toddlers busy for hours!
- Have snacks and drinks available for them, as needed
- Avoid forcing them to play or be involved in something they don’t want to do. They may take time to warm up or not want to do a certain activity at all. Both are ok.
- Do a mix of free play time and organized activities/activities done together, usually in 20 minute intervals is a great balance
- Encourage teamwork with their fellow birthday party goers
- Introduce them to other children who may play well with them or invite them to play with them
- Play fun, calming, and upbeat music they recognize
- Bring along your child’s favorite lovey, toy truck, and/or their tablet, in case they want a break or need comfort from something they know
How Do I Make My Toddler Party Fun?
Toddlers truly can be so easily entertained, and the things that they love most might in fact be the most simple, like the spray water bottles above and treasure hunting over and over and over again, haha!
Keep things simple for yourself when planning your toddler’s birthday party.
Go off of their current interests, maybe even ask them to choose 1-2 things they really want at their party (like the kind of cake they want and the theme) and then, create multiple ‘stations’ to cater to all different types of toddlers – busy activities and more chill ones.
Doing this will make for a well-balanced party!
When you have a few different activity options like: water play, bubbles, chalk play, a bouncy house, a couple swings, something to climb, and a kids car to drive, plus some fun kid-friendly music, you are sure to have some happy toddlers!
I think a key point to remember is: set up the birthday party space so it is fun, engaging, safe, and easy for toddlers to play freely as often as possible.
This way, parents can ‘oversee’ and ensure safety and the children can run free and enjoy themselves within the setting that you’ve created.
When everyone is more relaxed and comfortable, the birthday party is sure to be more enjoyable!
How Can I Make My Own Birthday Party Invitations For Free?
If you want to create your own birthday party invitations, you can use Canva.com for free and have them printed at your local print shop, a Fedex location, a Postal Annex or the like.
Canva has so many great, free templates that you can use to easily design a great looking invite.
To avoid printing altogether, you could create the free invite in Canva, screenshot it, and then text it to everyone on your invite list – this would be completely free!
If you are asking people to text you their RSVP, doing your invites this way would make sense and be easy and 100% free.
