12 Birthday Party Ideas for 5 Year Olds

On the hunt for birthday party ideas for 5 year olds? We’ve got a list of party ideas that are sure to give your five year old their best birthday yet.
Five years old! A whole half a decade!

Chances are, you’ve got an excited little kid on your hands, mama, and it’s time to celebrate.

Looking for inspiration? We’ve got this list of birthday party ideas for 5 year olds ready to go.

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Extra-fun ideas for birthday parties for 5 year olds

If you’re asking yourself, how do I celebrate my 5 year old’s birthday?

One of the best recommendations we have is—ask them!

Your little five year old is probably full of ideas, and now is a great time to get them involved in the party-planning process.

If they don’t have an idea ready to roll, why not propose one of the following?

1. Breakfast pajama party

Pajama parties are always exciting—but imagine having one in the morning!

Now that’s a real novelty. Invite your kid’s friends over for pancakes, waffles, or bagels for breakfast, but give them a strict (and comfy) dress code.

2. Calling all singers and dancers

If your little one and their friends enjoy performing, host a talent show in your very own living room.

Clear an area so that you’ve got a bit of a stage, give everyone a turn, and offer some props like microphones or hula hoops.

Dish out trophies for all participants at the end.

3. Ol’ fashioned classics

Potato-sack races. Egg-and-spoon races. Musical chairs. Twister. Tug-of-war.

These old-fashioned games are sure to be new to the world’s youngest generation, but they’re tried-and-tested classics that are still heaps of fun.

Giggles guaranteed.

4. Pizza party

Who doesn’t like pizza?

And how great to be able to make one of your very own!

Chop up some toppings, and let every kid make their own mini-meal.

(This can be a little time-consuming, and will require a bit of space in your oven, too, so you might want to opt for a smaller guest list here.)

5 year old birthday ideas for boys

Your not-so-little boy might go for one of these ideas.

(But that’s not to say your little girl might not love them, too!)

5. Bugs galore

A bug-themed party is perfect for any budding entomologist.

Grab a few rubber toys to decorate and play with, and make some weird, crazy bug-themed food.

6. Get artsy

Let your guests’ inner artists out by providing them with a few essential art supplies.

Show them how to paint a rock, or help them make their very own superhero mark.

If you’re worried about little hands covered in paint, maybe do this one outside.

7. Wheel around

Five year olds are always on the move, but even more so if they’re on their favorite set of wheels.

Invite your kid’s friends to a wheel party, where they bring their skates, scooters, trikes, or bikes, and go for a ride together.

You’re going to need a bit of space for this one—why not head to a nearby park?

And bear in mind that things can get a little unruly, so maybe only invite a few close friends.

8. Movie madness

A movie screening is a super-easy party idea that kids usually love, especially if you create a huge cozy place to hang out on the living room floor.

Think bean bags, cushions, and blankets.

Because it’s indoors, this is a particularly good winter birthday party idea for 5 year olds.

5 year old girl birthday party ideas

So, what should a 5 year old girl do for her birthday?

Let’s look at some party ideas for girls.

(Again, these could be a good fit for your little boy as well.)

9. Puppet show

Much like egg-and-spoon races, puppet shows are a bit of a dying art.

You could hire a puppeteer to come and put one on.

Or you could introduce your little guests to the concept yourself, by creating a mini stage and giving everyone a finger puppet to play with.

10. Tie-dye

How do you entertain a 5 year old at a party?

Give them something cool to do!

This activity-based party idea isn’t just entertaining, it also gives everyone something to go home with.

Set up tie-dying stations with different colored dyes and invite your kid’s friends to dye white T-shirts.

11. Dive into five

Mermaids, seahorses, fish, and dolphins.

Decorate your home with a variety of ocean-themed accessories (blue streamers work wonders) and welcome your guests under the sea.

12. Spa day

Everyone loves a bit of pampering.

Nail painting, hairdo, and face mask stations will keep your young guests entertained for ages.

And remember that no party is complete without a few activities.

Scavenger hunts, pin the tail on the donkey, pass the parcel, follow the leader, and tag are all great games for five year olds, no matter what kind of theme you choose.

Where can I take my 5 year old for their birthday?

Of course, you don’t have to host a traditional birthday party.

It’s quite a responsibility having lots of kids in the house, and it usually involves a bit of preparation and cleaning up, too!

If you or your five year old are looking for something different, you might consider taking them out on a special outing, maybe with one or two friends, or just your immediate family.

Think of unique and interesting places you haven’t taken your kid to before.

This could be an aquarium, an age-appropriate theme park, a movie theater, a science or natural history museum, a boat tour, or a trampoline park.

Whatever you do, make your five year old feel seen and special.

Happy planning, mama!