Can u help with a water themed 5 yr old birthday party?

howleyshell · July 2011

Dylan's birthday is end of July (ticker wrong).

Every year we throw a kiddie pool in the back yard, a slip and slide, a few sprinkler toys and a hefty supply of water balloons for the big water balloon fight at the end of the party (that lasts maybe 5 minutes).

The kids always love it.

This year? I'm thinking that at age 5 it's just not enough.

Am I over thinking this?

I REALLY want to rent one of those giant inflatable water slides (or even buy one because we'll use it for several years) but DH is balking.

Your thoughts?

At 5 do they need more than a slip and slide and sprinkler toys?

What else could we do that I'm not thinking of?

I've found a deal for a face painter for 2 hours but I don't think the boys will think it's all that cool.

Advice?

Sammysu · July 2011

I don't think that what you have already been doing is not enough for a 5yo. But, if you did want to upgrade to the inflatable thing and you have the room and the money, then go for it! Are the ages of his friends or kids that you are inviting older or about the same? I wouldn't recommend it for younger ones.

I wouldn't do the face painter if you are having a water themed party. Maybe a snow cone machine? Squirt guns?

neverblushed · July 2011

Once my kids were 5ish, I noted that the most popular birthday party activity has always been a tie between the following:

--really simple games like ring or coin toss. My DD's 6th birthday was dolphin-themed, and I bought this inflatable dolphin ring-toss game from OTC. The boys LOVED it. They would have been content to toss rings at the dolphin, eat cake, and go home!

AND...

--free play in the backyard. Once my kids were old enough to invite friends they played with at school every day, the kids seemed to enjoy just playing on the swingset.

I don't think you have to ramp up your party "magic" just because they're 5 now. I have actually found parties need less stuff now that my kids and their friends are older! Woot!

shouldbworkin · July 2011

Those slides are expensive! I've thought about it before b/c DS loves those slides (w/o water), but the cost was prohibitive for us. for my kids' bday party, I bought really inexpensive tatoos, bought some pinatas, bought some crafts and was going to have my neice do face painting with a kit. All really inexpensive and things to keep them busy (their party is at a park with a playground too). I think you'd be fine if you added a few things like that. I also found these on pinterest and thought they'd be fun for a water "baloon" fight and would last awhile too b/c they're reusable.

OCNewlywed · July 2011

Can you find a slide on sale - Toys R Us, Craigs List? I found one on discount at Toys R Us around this time last year, used a coupon and got one at a great price. I first used it for my daughter's bday and the kids had a blast. We have used it again and again, put it up for the fourth of July, and will have another water-themed party this summer - so we are getting our money's worth.

Just a thought!

fabfive · July 2011

i think those activities are fine for a 5 y.o. b-day party. if you can afford it & have space for it, you could add the water slide. personally, i would be a nervous wreck that somebody would get hurt...but i tend to be overly paranoid!

also, face painter + water themed party = wasted money (imo). maybe set up a temporary tattoo station instead?

i love planning my kids' birthday parties...last year's was a carnival theme and i got a bit carried away. your LO will only turn 5 once....might as well make it special!

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