by Ashley Olson

Created on: June 25, 2009

The laughter in the air, the smell of delicious treats waiting at vendors nearby, all the fun of the prize winning games. Who doesn't love a carnival? This year turn the time honored tradition of attending the carnival into a mega birthday bash for your little one. Whether young in age, or young at heart, all your guests are sure to delight in this carnival birthday event. It will take some attention to detail, and a bit of creativity, but this party will be one that your child never forgets!

In the weeks, or even months ahead for some of us, you will need to start shopping for supplies, mapping out your set up, and creating your games for the party. The first order of business for this, and every party, is to jot down a guest list. Once you have this list narrowed down you will know how many to shop for as well as how many invitations you will need. With the many party websites and party shops available today, you should manage to find an invitation to match your theme. If you are feeling crafty however, these invitations are easy to create.

Using stock paper or poster board in a bright color of your choice cut out large ticket shapes. If you need help in designing your ticket, look to the web to find a cute template to use. Once your tickets are all cut out you may decorate them to your liking, or even have your child help in the design. On the fronts of the tickets you may want to write something like Admit One or a saying such as Come one, Come all, (child's name)'s carnival will be a ball! Now flip your tickets over and include all the party details on the backs.

The most important and time consuming details in making this party a success will be the decorations. First, make a sign to greet your guest at the entrance of your carnival that reads Welcome to (child's name)'s carnival! Make sure to use bright colors, and attach a bunch of balloons on party day. Remember while planning decorations that carnivals are bright and festive, so don't skimp on the brightly colored balloons and streamers. You may also want to consider constructing a few tents around the yard to host your activities in. To construct tents, make a frame using scrap wood or 2x4's, then just drape festively colored sheets over it. Mapping out where you will place all your games, tents, and activities ahead of time will make set up on party day a breeze!

Next, you will need to decide on the different games and activities

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>