How to Plan a Kids Surprise Birthday Party

Kids often have a difficult time keeping a surprise party under wraps, so you might consider, depending on the ages of the kids, simply mailing the birthday invitations to the parents and informing them to keep the party a secret until the date gets closer. This way, the kids are less likely to accidentally spoil the surprise for the guest of honor.

You don't have to go overboard and blow your budget with an elaborate surprise party, but you should have a theme and some activities lined up that are age appropriate and will entertain your guests for the duration of the party.

Movie Extravaganza

Kids love entertainment, and you could throw a surprise movie celebration. Send out birthday invitations with movie reels on them, but clearly indicate that you are throwing a surprise party.

You could tell your child that you are going to the movies to celebrate his birthday, and then surprise him with a group of his friends gathered outside the theater to join him. Afterwards, everyone could go out for pizza and talk about the movie.

You could also bring a movie party home by renting several movies in one genre, like action movies or romantic comedies, for example. Then, invite a group of friends over to surprise the birthday girl, enjoy some dinner, cake, snacks and soda while they watch movies. You might even organize a surprise sleepover and arrange for guests to spend the night.

Ice Cream

Another budget-friendly surprise party option would be to host an ice cream social. You could easily host this type of party in your home, and through the birthday invitation, even ask guests to bring their favorite ice cream sundae topping to share. An hour or two before the party, get the guest of honor out of the house so you can set up for the party – you might even send your child to a friend's house (who's in on the surprise) until it's time for the party.

Bowling Party

Kids have a lot of energy, and what better way to expel that energy than by going bowling? Send out surprise birthday party invitations featuring bowling pins and balls, and let everyone know to bring their bowling shoes, if they have them. If you will be paying for the rental of bowling shoes, indicate this on the birthday invitation as well.

You could simply tell your child that the family is celebrating with a quiet afternoon of bowling, but have a group of your child's friends gather at the bowling alley to surprise her once she arrives. You could have your spouse or friend get to the bowling alley early to make sure everyone arrives and gets into position to jump out once you arrive. You might even decorate the birthday lanes with balloons, streamers, and a happy birthday banner.

Pool Party

If your child's birthday falls in the summer, you might consider a pool party at your neighborhood pool. Of course, if your child's birthday occurs during a colder month, you could find an indoor pool, perhaps at your community center, that would host a winter pool party. You could organize games like Marco Polo or water volleyball for the kids until it's time to get out and enjoy some birthday cake. Make sure you send out birthday invitations that show the swimming theme so that all children arrive with their swimming trunks and towels.

Whatever type of surprise party you plan, it's sure to be a success and ensure your child's birthday is unforgettable.