55 Winter Birthday Party Ideas For Kids

When the weather outside is frightful, indoor birthday parties can be delightful.

Here are some creative and fun indoor party ideas to keep the kids entertained and happy, regardless of the winter chill.

Table of Contents

Indoor Party Ideas

Winter Wonderland Theme Party

Decorations: Transform your living room into a magical winter wonderland with fake snow, icicle lights, and white and silver balloons. Hang snowflakes from the ceiling and use white tablecloths to create a snowy effect.
Activities: Have a snowflake craft station, a snowball toss game with cotton balls, and a photo booth with winter-themed props.
Food Ideas: Serve “snowman” cupcakes, hot cocoa with marshmallows, and snowflake-shaped cookies. For a healthier option, make a “snowman” out of stacked fruit slices.

Indoor Pool Party

Creating a Summer Vibe: Rent a local indoor pool or use a heated pool if you have one. Decorate with beach balls, pool floats, and tropical flowers.
Games and Activities: Organize pool games like water volleyball, a float race, and a diving contest. Set up a craft table where kids can make their own leis.
Food Ideas: Serve fruit skewers, mini sandwiches, and popsicles. Set up a tiki bar with fruit punch and tropical smoothies.

DIY Craft Party

Craft Ideas: Provide a variety of craft supplies like colored paper, markers, glue, and glitter. Ideas include making winter-themed ornaments, painting snowflakes, and decorating picture frames.
Materials Needed: Make sure to have plenty of scissors, glue sticks, and safe crafting tools for all ages.
Tips: Set up craft stations for different activities, and consider having a few volunteers to help the kids with their projects. Send each child home with their creations as party favors.

Movie Marathon Party

Movie Suggestions: Choose a selection of kid-friendly winter or holiday movies such as “Frozen,” “Happy Feet,” and “The Polar Express.”
Cozy Setup: Arrange a viewing area with lots of blankets, pillows, and bean bags. Dim the lights and hang fairy lights to create a cozy atmosphere.
Snacks: Offer popcorn with various toppings, hot chocolate, and themed cupcakes. Consider setting up a candy bar with small bags for kids to fill up and enjoy during the movies.

Science Experiment Party

Fun and Educational Experiments: Set up stations with different science experiments such as making slime, creating snowflakes with borax, and conducting simple physics experiments with everyday items.
Materials Needed: Ensure you have all necessary supplies like baking soda, vinegar, food coloring, and safety goggles.
Tips: Have an adult or older child at each station to guide the experiments. Provide lab coats or aprons for the kids to wear to make it feel more like a real science lab.

These indoor party ideas will keep the kids entertained and engaged while staying warm and cozy inside. Each theme offers unique activities and food options to make your child’s winter birthday party a memorable event.

Outdoor Party Ideas

Snowman Building Contest

Supplies Needed: Provide plenty of scarves, hats, buttons, and other accessories for decorating the snowmen. Have a stash of shovels and buckets to help with the building process.
Prizes: Award prizes for categories like tallest snowman, most creative snowman, and funniest snowman. Small trophies, medals, or winter-themed toys make great rewards.
Tips: Ensure everyone is dressed warmly. Serve hot drinks like cocoa or cider to keep everyone toasty.

Sledding Party

Best Local Spots: Choose a safe, well-known sledding hill in your area. Make sure it’s suitable for kids of all ages and abilities.
Safety Tips: Supervise the kids closely, ensuring they take turns and follow safety rules. Helmets are recommended for younger children.
Food and Drinks: Set up a warming station with hot drinks and snacks like cookies, trail mix, and fruit. Consider bringing a portable fire pit for roasting marshmallows.

Ice Skating Party

Rink Rental Options: Look into renting a local indoor or outdoor skating rink. Some rinks offer party packages that include skate rentals, food, and a party room.
Party Games: Organize skating games like relay races, freeze tag on ice, or a limbo contest.
Food Ideas: Serve warm treats like pretzels, hot dogs, and hot chocolate. For a special touch, offer decorated cupcakes or cookies shaped like ice skates.

Winter Sports Party

Incorporating Activities: If you live in an area with access to winter sports, consider hosting a skiing, snowboarding, or hockey party. Arrange for lessons if the kids are beginners.
Equipment and Rentals: Ensure all necessary equipment can be rented or borrowed. Safety gear, such as helmets and pads, is essential.
Tips: Have a warm-up area with blankets, heaters, and warm drinks. Plan breaks for the kids to rest and refuel.

Winter Nature Hike

Planning the Hike: Choose a family-friendly trail that’s easy to navigate in winter conditions. Look for trails with interesting features like frozen waterfalls or snow-covered forests.
Safety and Comfort: Dress the kids in layers and ensure everyone has proper footwear. Bring extra gloves, hats, and scarves.
Activities: Organize a nature scavenger hunt with winter-specific items like animal tracks, pinecones, and icicles. Bring binoculars for bird watching.
Food and Drinks: Pack a thermos of hot soup, sandwiches, and snacks. Find a scenic spot for a picnic if weather permits.

These outdoor party ideas are perfect for embracing the winter season and providing a memorable birthday celebration. From building snowmen to skating on ice, these activities ensure that the kids stay active and have fun despite the cold.

Creative At-Home Party Ideas

Pajama Party

Cozy Games: Organize classic slumber party games like Twister, charades, and board games. Create a cozy atmosphere with lots of blankets and pillows.
Movies: Set up a movie marathon with kid-friendly films. Choose a mix of winter-themed movies and all-time favorites.
Snacks: Offer a variety of snacks such as popcorn, hot chocolate, and mini pizzas. Set up a DIY snack bar with toppings for popcorn and hot cocoa.

Baking Party

Kid-Friendly Recipes: Plan simple, fun baking projects like decorating cupcakes, making cookies, or creating mini pies. Ensure the recipes are easy to follow and safe for kids.
Decorating Tips: Provide a variety of decorating supplies like sprinkles, icing, and edible glitter. Set up a decorating station with all the tools the kids will need.
Safety: Supervise the kids closely, especially around the oven and other kitchen appliances. Have aprons and hair ties available to keep everything tidy.

Indoor Camping Party

Setting Up Tents: Create an indoor campsite with small tents or makeshift tents using sheets and blankets. Decorate with fairy lights and indoor plants to mimic a forest setting.
Campfire Activities: Set up an indoor “campfire” with a cluster of battery-operated candles or a virtual campfire on a screen. Share stories, sing campfire songs, and have a marshmallow roasting station.
Food Ideas: Serve campfire classics like s’mores, hot dogs, and baked beans. Provide hot chocolate and fruit skewers for a healthy touch.

Superhero Theme Party

Costume Ideas: Encourage the kids to come dressed as their favorite superheroes. Provide capes, masks, and other accessories for those who don’t have costumes.
Games and Activities: Set up superhero training stations with obstacle courses, strength tests, and agility drills. Plan a superhero scavenger hunt with themed clues and small prizes.
Food Ideas: Serve “super” snacks like power-packed smoothies, hero sandwiches, and fruit skewers shaped like lightning bolts. Decorate cupcakes with superhero logos and colors.

Spa Day Party

DIY Spa Treatments: Set up stations for different spa activities like facials, manicures, and foot soaks. Use natural ingredients for safe and gentle treatments.
Relaxation Activities: Create a calm atmosphere with soft music, dim lighting, and cozy seating. Provide coloring books, puzzles, and quiet games for downtime.
Food Ideas: Offer healthy snacks like fruit platters, veggie sticks with dip, and infused water. Serve mini sandwiches and cupcakes for a sweet treat.

These creative at-home party ideas offer a variety of fun and engaging activities that can be easily set up in your own home. Whether the kids are baking delicious treats, camping indoors, or enjoying a superhero adventure, these ideas ensure a memorable and enjoyable birthday celebration.

Party Venue Ideas

Trampoline Park

Booking Tips: Check with local trampoline parks for party packages that include jump time, a private party room, and food options. Book in advance to ensure availability, especially during the winter months.
Party Packages: Look for packages that include extras like grip socks, party favors, and a dedicated party host.
Activities: Organize games like dodgeball, basketball dunk contests, and free jump sessions. Ensure there are activities suitable for different age groups.
Safety: Make sure all kids are briefed on safety rules and are supervised by both park staff and adults.

Bowling Alley

Making It Fun for All Ages: Choose a bowling alley that offers lightweight balls and bumpers for younger children. Some alleys also offer cosmic bowling with glow-in-the-dark elements and music.
Party Packages: Many bowling alleys offer party packages that include game time, shoe rentals, food, and drinks. Look for options that provide a private party area.
Food Ideas: Typical bowling alley food like pizza, fries, and chicken tenders is always a hit. Consider adding a cake or cupcakes to celebrate.
Games: In addition to bowling, some alleys offer arcade games and other activities. Make sure to include these in your party plan for added fun.

Indoor Play Center

Popular Local Spots: Research local indoor play centers that offer climbing structures, ball pits, slides, and interactive play areas. Many centers offer dedicated party rooms.
What to Expect: Expect a variety of play options suitable for different ages. Look for centers with clean and safe play equipment.
Party Packages: Packages often include playtime, a private party room, food, and party favors. Check if they offer themes and decorations.
Tips: Make sure to confirm the number of children included in the package and what additional costs may apply for extra guests.

Aquarium or Zoo

Special Winter Programs: Many aquariums and zoos offer special winter programs, tours, and educational shows. Check their websites for seasonal events and party packages.
Tours and Activities: Arrange for guided tours, animal encounters, and interactive exhibits. Some venues offer behind-the-scenes tours that are both fun and educational.
Party Packages: Look for packages that include admission, guided tours, party rooms, and catering options. Some venues also offer animal-themed party favors.
Food and Drinks: Ensure there are food options available, either through the venue’s catering service or nearby restaurants.

Museum Party

Interactive Exhibits: Choose a museum with hands-on exhibits that are engaging for kids. Science museums, children’s museums, and natural history museums are great options.
Educational Fun: Arrange for educational activities like scavenger hunts, guided tours, or workshop sessions. Some museums offer themed party packages with educational content.
Party Packages: Check if the museum offers birthday party packages that include admission, a party room, and activities. Some packages also include themed decorations and party favors.
Food and Drinks: Ensure there is a designated area for food and cake. Some museums have on-site cafes that offer catering for parties.

These venue ideas provide exciting and engaging options for winter birthday parties. From jumping at a trampoline park to exploring an aquarium, these locations offer unique experiences that make for memorable celebrations.

Themed Party Ideas

Frozen Theme Party

Decorations: Transform your party space into Arendelle with blue, white, and silver decorations. Use snowflakes, ice castles, and character cutouts. Hang shimmering curtains and white balloons to create an icy effect.
Costumes: Encourage kids to come dressed as their favorite Frozen characters. Provide crowns, wands, and capes for those who don’t have costumes.
Activities: Set up a sing-along station for popular Frozen songs, have a snowflake craft table, and organize a game of “Pin the Carrot on Olaf.”
Food Ideas: Serve “snowball” cake pops, blue jello cups, and snowflake-shaped sandwiches. Create an “Olaf” veggie platter with carrots, cucumbers, and dip.

Winter Carnival

Games: Set up carnival games like ring toss, bean bag toss, and a duck pond fishing game. Offer small prizes for game winners.
Activities: Include face painting, balloon animals, and a photo booth with winter-themed props.
Decorations: Use bright, festive colors like red, blue, and white. Hang carnival banners and set up game booths with colorful tablecloths.
Food Ideas: Serve classic carnival treats like popcorn, cotton candy, and hot dogs. Add a hot cocoa bar with various toppings and flavors.

Arctic Animals Theme

Educational Games: Create a scavenger hunt with arctic animal clues, have an animal matching game, and organize a “feed the penguin” bean bag toss.
Animal Crafts: Set up craft stations for making penguin masks, polar bear puppets, and snow owl ornaments.
Decorations: Use arctic-themed decorations with images of polar bears, penguins, seals, and snowflakes. Hang blue and white streamers and balloons.
Food Ideas: Serve fish-shaped sandwiches, “polar bear” marshmallow pops, and fruit arranged in the shape of arctic animals.

Winter Sports Theme

Olympic-Style Games: Organize mini versions of winter sports like ice skating (using paper plates as skates), ski races (with broomsticks), and snowball throwing contests.
Medal Ceremonies: Create medals for the kids using ribbon and cardboard or buy inexpensive medals. Have a podium for photo opportunities.
Decorations: Decorate with Olympic rings, country flags, and sports equipment. Use blue, red, green, yellow, and black as the primary colors.
Food Ideas: Serve energy-boosting snacks like granola bars, fruit, and smoothies. Create a cake or cupcakes decorated with Olympic rings and sports themes.

Cozy Campfire Theme

Indoor Campfire Setup: Use battery-operated candles or a virtual fireplace to create a cozy campfire atmosphere. Arrange seating with cushions, blankets, and sleeping bags.
Activities: Share campfire stories, sing campfire songs, and play games like “I Spy” and “Simon Says.” Set up a s’mores-making station with marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers.
Decorations: Decorate with camping gear like tents, lanterns, and hiking boots. Use green and brown colors to mimic the forest.
Food Ideas: Serve campfire favorites like hot dogs, baked beans, and trail mix. Offer hot cocoa and apple cider to keep everyone warm.

These themed party ideas offer unique and fun ways to celebrate a winter birthday. Whether the kids are singing along to Frozen songs, playing carnival games, or pretending to be Olympians, these themes provide engaging activities and memorable experiences.

Fun Games and Activities

Snowball Toss Game

DIY Setup: Create a snowball toss game using white bean bags or soft balls as “snowballs.” Set up targets like buckets or cardboard boxes decorated as snowmen.
Rules: Divide kids into teams and give each team a set number of snowballs. The goal is to toss the snowballs into the targets from a designated distance. The team with the most snowballs in the targets wins.
Tips: Adjust the distance based on the age of the children. Make it more challenging by having smaller targets or placing them at different heights.

Pin the Nose on the Snowman

Materials: Create a large snowman on a poster board and cut out several orange “noses” from construction paper. Attach double-sided tape to the noses.
How to Play: Blindfold the kids one at a time, spin them around gently, and have them try to pin the nose on the snowman. The child who places the nose closest to the correct spot wins.
Tips: Make it more festive by playing winter-themed music in the background. Have small prizes for all participants.

Winter Scavenger Hunt

List of Items: Create a list of winter-specific items for the kids to find, such as a snowflake, a pinecone, an icicle, a red scarf, and a mitten.
How to Play: Divide the kids into teams and give each team a list and a bag to collect their items. Set a time limit and see which team can find the most items.
Tips: If playing indoors, hide items around the house or party venue. For outdoor hunts, ensure the area is safe and accessible. Provide small prizes for all participants.

Hot Cocoa Station

Setup: Create a hot cocoa station with a large pot of hot cocoa and various toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, and flavored syrups.
How to Play: Let the kids create their own custom hot cocoa drinks. Provide fun mugs and stirrers for them to use.
Tips: Ensure the cocoa is not too hot for younger children. Offer dairy-free options for those with allergies.

Gingerbread House Decorating

Kits and Supplies: Provide gingerbread house kits or pre-made gingerbread pieces, along with plenty of decorating supplies like icing, candies, sprinkles, and edible glitter.
How to Play: Let the kids decorate their gingerbread houses either individually or in small groups. Have a contest for categories like most creative, best use of candy, and best overall design.
Tips: Cover the tables with disposable tablecloths for easy cleanup. Have plenty of napkins and wet wipes on hand for sticky fingers.

These fun games and activities will keep the kids entertained and engaged throughout the party. Whether they’re tossing snowballs, going on a scavenger hunt, or decorating gingerbread houses, these activities add excitement and enjoyment to any winter birthday celebration.

Delicious Winter Birthday Treats

Hot Chocolate Bar

Toppings and Mix-ins: Set up a hot chocolate bar with a variety of toppings and mix-ins such as whipped cream, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, caramel sauce, cinnamon sticks, and flavored syrups (like vanilla, peppermint, and hazelnut).
Presentation: Use large mugs or mason jars and label each topping with cute signs. Provide spoons and stirrers for mixing.
Tips: Offer both regular and dairy-free hot chocolate options to accommodate all guests. Keep the hot chocolate warm in a slow cooker or thermal dispenser.

Winter-themed Cupcakes

Decorating Ideas: Bake cupcakes in winter-themed liners and decorate with white and blue frosting to resemble snow. Use edible glitter, snowflake sprinkles, and candy snowmen to add festive touches.
Flavor Options: Offer a variety of flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and red velvet. For a winter twist, consider peppermint or gingerbread-flavored cupcakes.
Tips: Set up a decorating station where kids can add their own toppings and decorations. Provide small bags or boxes for them to take home their creations.

Snowflake Cookies

Baking and Decorating: Bake sugar cookies in snowflake shapes using cookie cutters. Decorate with royal icing in shades of white and blue, and add edible pearls or glitter for extra sparkle.
Tips: Prepare the cookies and icing in advance to allow time for decorating. Set up a decorating table with all the supplies and let the kids get creative.
Presentation: Arrange the decorated cookies on a tiered tray or in clear jars for a beautiful display.

Warm Savory Snacks

Kid-Friendly Recipes: Serve warm, savory snacks like mini quiches, pigs in a blanket, and cheesy garlic breadsticks. These are easy to eat and perfect for a winter birthday party.
Dips and Sauces: Offer a variety of dips and sauces to accompany the snacks, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, and cheese dip.
Tips: Keep the snacks warm using chafing dishes or slow cookers. Provide plenty of napkins and plates for easy serving.

Birthday Cake Ideas

Winter-Themed Cake Designs: Create a birthday cake that fits the winter theme. Ideas include a snowman cake, an igloo cake, or a cake decorated with snowflakes and winter animals.
Flavors and Fillings: Choose winter-inspired flavors like peppermint, chocolate mint, or spiced gingerbread. Fill the cake with delicious options like chocolate ganache, raspberry jam, or cream cheese frosting.
Presentation: Decorate the cake with fondant or buttercream to create intricate winter scenes. Add cake toppers like snowflakes, polar bears, or a mini winter village.

These delicious winter birthday treats will delight the kids and add a festive touch to the celebration. From a hot chocolate bar to beautifully decorated cupcakes and cookies, these treats are sure to be a hit at any winter birthday party.

Party Favors and Goodie Bags

Winter-Themed Goodie Bags

Ideas for Fun and Useful Items: Fill goodie bags with winter-themed items such as snowflake stickers, mini snow globes, winter-themed pencils and erasers, and small packs of hot cocoa mix.
Presentation: Use blue or silver gift bags and decorate them with snowflake cutouts or winter-themed stamps. Add a personalized thank-you tag to each bag.
Tips: Include a mix of fun and practical items that kids will enjoy using even after the party.

DIY Craft Kits

Easy Crafts for Kids to Take Home: Assemble DIY craft kits with all the materials needed for a fun winter craft. Ideas include snowflake ornament kits, DIY snowman kits, and winter-themed coloring sets.
Presentation: Package the craft materials in clear bags or small boxes and include a printed instruction sheet.
Tips: Choose crafts that are simple and can be completed with minimal supervision. Ensure all necessary tools and materials are included in the kits.

Edible Favors

Homemade Treats and Packaging Ideas: Create homemade treats like decorated sugar cookies, hot cocoa mix jars, or winter-themed cake pops. Package them in clear bags or small jars with festive ribbons.
Tips: Label the treats with ingredients to account for any allergies. Add a personal touch with handmade labels or tags.
Ideas: Consider including a recipe card for the homemade treats so kids can recreate them at home.

Personalized Keepsakes

Custom Items with the Birthday Theme: Give out personalized keepsakes like engraved keychains, custom-made bracelets, or personalized notebooks. These items can be themed to match the party and include the child’s name or the party date.
Presentation: Package the keepsakes in small gift boxes or drawstring bags. Add a thank-you note or tag for a personal touch.
Tips: Choose items that are age-appropriate and durable so kids can enjoy them for a long time.

Miniature Toys and Games

Small but Exciting Party Favors: Include miniature toys and games such as mini puzzle sets, small action figures, snowman building kits, or winter-themed board games.
Presentation: Use small gift bags or boxes to package the toys and games. Decorate the packaging to match the winter theme.
Tips: Ensure the toys and games are suitable for the age group attending the party. Avoid items with small parts for younger children.

These party favor and goodie bag ideas provide a delightful way to thank guests for attending the winter birthday party. From winter-themed items and DIY craft kits to personalized keepsakes and miniature toys, these favors ensure that every child leaves with a special memento from the celebration.

Conclusion

Planning a winter birthday party for kids can be both exciting and challenging.

By incorporating creative and engaging ideas, you can ensure that the celebration is memorable and fun, regardless of the chilly weather outside.

Whether you choose to host an indoor extravaganza with themes like Winter Wonderland or a cozy Pajama Party, or embrace the outdoors with activities like sledding and ice skating, the key is to create an experience that the birthday child and their friends will cherish.