We all know that kids start looking forward to their next birthday celebration pretty much as soon as their current one ends (and sometimes even before it’s over!). And the anticipation that builds as they count down the minutes until their big day arrives is almost palpable.
So, we have come up with some imaginative kids’ party themes that will make your child’s next birthday bash stand out from the crowd and be the most memorable mini-milestone yet. From pirates to mermaids and everything in between, read on to discover some of the very best children's party themes, or browse our ultimate guide to milestone birthdays for all ages.
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Harry Potter party at The Medieval Barn | Brecon Beacons
Sleeps 10 + 2 dogs (option to rent further properties on-site for up to 30 guests)
Grab your spellbooks and wands, and magically transform The Medieval Barn into Hogwarts for the ultimate Harry Potter party. The wizarding world is still very much a popular kids' birthday party theme, and this striking period property offers the perfect setting to conjure a soiree that no wizard, witch nor muggle will ever forget.
The enormous double-height dining room with a solid oak table that seats up to 30 guests will become The Great Hall, which you can adorn with potion bottles, chocolate frogs and coloured placemats or tablecloths for the different Hogwarts houses. Enjoy a celebratory feast before hosting a Sorting Ceremony, a fun Transfiguration or Potions Class, or even some Wizard’s Chess. And there is an atmospheric lounge with a wood burner that you can easily transform into your very own Three Broomsticks or Honeydukes, serving some delicious, frothy Butterbeer.
Pirate party at Trenarren | Cornwall
Sleeps 10 + 2 dogs
Set sail into the perilous seas and get ready for a swashbuckling good time with a pirate party at Trenarren in Cornwall. With breathtaking sea views, private access onto the soft, golden sands of Perranporth Beach, and a large, terraced garden with a sunken hot tub, this party pad is an incredible venue for one of the best birthday themes for boys.
Shiver the timbers of the pint-sized pirates you have onboard by handing out treasure maps and sending the wee scallywags on a thrilling treasure hunt on the beach. An outdoor shower offers a handy spot to wash off sandy little feet when they return, before letting them walk the plank to a buffet of treats fit for any captain. Why not try cannonball meatballs, hot dog ships, or vegetable swords?
Enchanting forest party at Fairsnape | Lake District
Sleeps 12 + 1 dog
Lead the kids on a captivating woodland adventure with this unique children's party theme at Fairsnape in the Lake District. Set within 4 acres of enclosed woodland gardens, the owners have created a magical seating area around a large fire pit, offering an idyllic spot for a wild birthday bash to remember.
There are so many woodland party games you could enjoy here, from fairy hunts to woodland crafts and den building competitions. Encourage the kids to look for minibeasts under logs and stones, craft a natural obstacle course using found objects and gather everyone around the campfire for songs, stories and hot chocolate. Fruits, berries, seeds and trail mixes are great snack ideas for a party set in nature, as well as chocolate acorns, ants on a log and pretzel sticks labelled as twigs. And if the grown-ups need a little rest and relaxation after the festivities, there’s a luxurious hot tub to retreat to.
Mermaid party at Oakfield | Somerset
Sleeps 16 + 2 dogs
If you’re looking for birthday party themes for girls, it doesn’t get much more glam than a mermaid party at Oakfield in Somerset. Nestled within 7 acres of gardens, its outdoor heated swimming pool sets the spellbinding scene for an underwater paradise. Throw in the inflatables and while the mini mermaids make a splash and play pool games like musical floats, relay races and underwater treasure hunts, the adults can get the poolside BBQ sizzling.
A pool house makes a great spot to lay out finger food and the all-important birthday cake – why not opt for an iridescent mermaid tail cake with a shimmering iced fish scale design? There’s also a pizza oven, fire pit, hot tub, climbing frame and table tennis table, so you’ll be spoilt for choice with the amount of entertainment on offer here.
Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at Strawberry Wood Barn | Brecon Beacons
Sleeps 11
Fall down the rabbit hole and right into the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland at Strawberry Wood Barn in Wales. The exquisite pastel interiors and sprawling grounds of this grand barn offer the most dazzling setting for a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, another of our top party themes for girls.
Playing cards, pink flamingos, pocket watches and an assortment of colourful crockery will complement the theme, and guests can come dressed as iconic characters, like Alice, the Queen of Hearts, Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee. A trampoline, swingball set and BBQ add further entertainment, and the breathtaking views of the Brecon Beacons are sure to leave all ages grinning like Cheshire Cats.
Teddy bears' picnic at The Pines | Devon
Sleeps 12
If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise… an adorable teddy bear picnic party at The Pines in Devon. One of the easiest kids’ birthday party themes on our list, just ask everyone to bring along their favourite teddy and make the most of this period home’s spectacular 7 acres of gardens, orchards and play area.
Lay out some picnic blankets on a warm summer’s day with a medley of treats, such as bear-shaped sandwiches, cupcakes, fruit and juice, and enjoy the peaceful, countryside surroundings. You could make name badges for the teddies and play games like pass the parcel or pin the bow tie on the bear. A games barn is equipped with table tennis, a pool table, table football and a collection of toys, and there’s even a BBQ lodge with seating if you fancy some grilled goodies at your picnic.
Discover more exciting garden party ideas for a big celebration with our guide.
Farmyard party at Honeyberry House | Scotland
Sleeps 16 + 3 dogs
When it comes to kids’ party themes, you can’t go wrong with cute and fluffy animals, so why not enjoy a farmyard party at Honeyberry House in Angus? This decadent farmhouse is tucked away on a 1,000-acre arable farm where children are invited to help feed the chickens and gather their eggs, visit the ponies and explore the orchard.
There are so many great spots for a party here, with large dining areas inside and outside, plus a 6-metre bell tent with seating. And the children’s play area is sure to delight with a 16ft sunken trampoline, swings, slide, tennis and football nets, a sheltered sandpit and a Wendy house. The adults aren’t left out either with a bubbling hot tub and gym to enjoy.
Plan a party in one of our large houses
From boy party themes to those for girls, there are so many ways you can celebrate a special occasion in one of our family-friendly holiday cottages. Or, why not browse our full collection of large party houses across the UK, many of which feature indulgent extras, including swimming pools, hot tubs, spas, games rooms and cinema rooms? Just click the button below to discover the perfect venue for a party to remember or have a read of our guide to the ultimate party ideas for further inspiration.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.