Planning a birthday party at home can take a lot of preparation. Now that the weather has turned warmer a  backyard birthday party keeps the mess outside the house, fun for mom and fun for kids!

Here are some outdoor birthday party ideas that are sure to be a hit with kids.

Obstacle Course Party

photo: Beth & Co.

Kids won't be bored with fun, challenging obstacles to keep them on their toes! If they've ever seen the TV show Wipeout, they'll know what they're in for. Create a course with yoga balls, tires, a slip-and-slide, hula hoops, fabric tunnels, kiddie pools, and slides!


Outdoor or "Drive-In" Movie Party

Set up a screen and speakers in the backyard—reserve one from a party-rental company or set up a dropcloth and a projector—and show a kid-friendly movie outdoors. Serve popcorn, gummy worms, and other movie snacks, and set out sleeping bags, cushions, or even make cardboard box cars for a "drive-in"!

Wet and Wild Party

An "slip-and-slide" waterslide, some sprinklers, and some inflatable pools (borrow as many as you can) and you're in business! Stock up on super soakers and water guns, too, plus some water balloons for a fun and wet afternoon.

Anything water- and summer-themed will work for decorations, food and drink. Serve Swedish fish and ice-cream sandwiches, fill buckets with colored water balloons and hang beach towels for color, and give away beach towels or goggles as party favours.

My family has even rented water slides from SpaceWalk in the past for birthday parties. It was major slip and slide fun!!! Even Mom and Dad got in on the action and everyone had a blast!

So regardless of what type of birthday party you plan for your kids, now that the warmer weather is here there are a ton of options to choose from!