Parties are moving from sprinklers and pools to hayrides and costumes. If you’re looking for kid-friendly party ideas to celebrate a special occasion, we’ve got you covered. We’ve put together a list of party ideas perfect for autumn. 

Whether you’re planning a birthday party or just love this time of year, review these party themes and supplies you’ll need to create the perfect atmosphere.

Autumn Kid-Friendly Party Ideas 

This time of year is all about leaves, harvest, and new ways to light up parties given that it is dark earlier in the day. Find ideas for making your party extra special with these fall themes.

1. Outdoor Movies

In the summer, it’s dark after most children go to bed. That makes it challenging to do moonlit activities. But autumn is a great time for outdoor movies. 

Invite friends to bring lawn chairs and picnic mats to sit out and watch movies outside. Make fun foods made with apples, pumpkin and maple. Buy some glow sticks and set the mood.

2. Harry Potter

You can have a Harry Potter-themed party any time of the year. But it works especially well in autumn. You’ll be decorating in black, creating fake floating candles and playing hat-sorting games. 

Wizard hat cupcakes are adorable and not too hard to make. Invite children to make potions from general household goods and play quidditch using hula hoops and balls.

3. Pumpkin Decorating/carving

Depending on the age of your party guests, you can host a pumpkin decorating or carving party. If your guests are old enough to be trusted with sharp objects, get them started with pumpkin carving. Otherwise, get smaller pumpkins that are easy for little hands to hold and paint. 

Set the tone for the party with autumnal centerpieces and themed snacks of apples and even some candies. 

4. Fall Harvest

There are so many fun ways to celebrate the season, but a harvest party is one of the most popular ways. Set the scene with leafy garlands and pumpkin or gourd decorations. 

Invite children to wear costumes or to look the part of a farmer ready for the harvest. You could also do a costume contest for the best-dressed animal. 

Get a pinata that is harvest-themed and give kids the opportunity to take a turn trying to break it. Consider some healthier treats inside since Halloween is fast approaching and will offer plenty of candy for families.

5. Costume Party

Since Halloween is one of the most popular events that takes place during Autumn, a costume party is an ideal way to celebrate. October is an ideal time for costume parties, even if you aren’t celebrating on October 31.

Host a contest to encourage your party guests to get creative with their costumes. Invite children to be part of a parade. Or decorate their bikes to use as a float that matches their costumes.

6. Host a Bonfire

You don’t need a large open field or a true bonfire to roast marshmallows and get in the spirit. You can get a small campfire going in your backyard using a small fire ring or tabletop solo stove. 

In fact, when hosting for young children, the smaller the fire, the better. Make it easier to manage by only having a few roasting sticks so you only manage a couple of kids near the fire at once.

Then build a s’mores bar where children can decide what to add to their dessert. While it isn’t a traditional ingredient, you can offer various types of sprinkles since every kid loves sprinkles.

Supplies for Autumn Parties

Now that you have your theme for your party, you’re ready to start purchasing decorations and supplies. Here’s a look at what you should consider as you celebrate the season.

1. Latex Balloons

Set the tone with the right mix of latex balloons. Consider oranges, reds and yellows to celebrate the harvest season. Or if you’re going with a Halloween or Harry Potter theme, get black balloons.

You can make the balloons even more fun for evening parties by putting a glow stick inside. While they won’t float with helium once you add a glow stick, they will be lots of fun for kids as darkness falls. Use the lit-up balloons for games and activities to excite young party guests.

2. Table Cover

Get ready for your party with fall-themed colors on your tables. Use a red or yellow table cover and add orange leaves as your centerpiece. You can purchase one roll of table cover and use it for all tables at your party.

Consider using it to protect your table when engaging in crafts or pumpkin carving and decorating. That way you can just remove the table covering as a fast way to clean up. Quickly cover the table again to transform it back into a dessert table or for other uses.

3. Balloon Garland

Build your own balloon garland using the balloon garland kit and purchase ideal balloon colors that fit your theme. Or if you’re hosting a Halloween-themed party, cut out some of the work and purchase the themed balloon garland kit for the Day of the Dead. This kit comes with everything you’ll need to complete your garland and make the perfect backdrop for photos and activities.

4. Themed Cups

If you’re planning a harvest party, consider the farm-themed paper cups. These are a great size for children because they are just 9 ounces. You’ll get 24 so you can host your child’s class or host a smaller party and allow children to just toss the cups when they don’t know which one is theirs. 

Get the matching themed plates to celebrate farm life and set the theme for your harvest party.

5. Decorations

Make your party venue feel like a celebration. Get decorations that set the tone for the party. Consider decoration swirls, centerpieces and party favors.

Thankfully, kid-friendly parties don’t need a ton to make them feel festive and fun. Balloons are a big hit with children and will clearly indicate that they are at a celebration. Don’t make yourself crazy but have fun with the decorations.

Sourcing Quality Decorations

Party decorations and supplies are an essential part of planning a fun celebration. Whether you own a convenience store and you’re looking for a new revenue stream from add-on products that your guests are likely to pick up and add to their orders or you’re a party planner looking to purchase decorations in bulk to delight your customers with the perfect setup, SoNice Party is your go-to destination.

Get wholesale discounts on goods and come back for creative kid-friendly party ideas to keep your customers returning for additional party help and resources. 

Sign up for a wholesale account now to get started.

Further reading:

• Graduation Party Supplies Wholesale for a Memorable Celebration
• Party Planning Tips – How to Organize a Stress-Free Event
• Back-to-School Party Essentials Wholesale at SoNice Party