70 Of The Best 8th Birthday Party Ideas For Boys & Girls

This is a fun phrase to use for a bike-themed birthday like this one from Box of Balloons. If you want to go all-out, keep the invite list on the smaller side and have kids bring their bikes for a birthday bike ride. Make sure to remind everyone to bring their helmets too. This theme could also work with motorcycles or any other type of vehicle that your son is into.

Whether your son is obsessed with ninjas, is into karate, or just likes to watch American Ninja Warrior, this party fits the bill. Decorate with Japanese-inspired décor and ninja accents, and set up an obstacle course in the backyard. You can also order involved ninja warrior courses online or buy them at sporting goods stores. Another option is to consult with companies that can come to you and set up a course, or you can go to their gym and host your party there.

Why choose just one sport when you can showcase them all, like this birthday bash from Catch My Party? If your son plays a particular sport, he might prefer to highlight just one, but if he loves sports in general, you can do it all. Feature some more popular options like football, basketball, soccer, baseball, etc. You can also decorate with some of your child’s favorite sports teams and set up some opportunities to do various drills outside.

Made It Ate It Loved It chooses a popular kid’s toy as the focus of this birthday party — NERF blasters and guns. Decorate with NERF’s iconic colors of blues and oranges, have blasters ready for guests, and set up some targets. If it’s summertime, make it water guns and have a splash zone. You can let guests take home their NERF guns as party favors and also have fun accessories like headbands and sunglasses.

Minecraft is a popular game that encourages kids to design and build pretty much anything and everything that they can imagine. It’s a favorite of many kids, and if your son is a Minecraft fiend, then take some inspiration for his birthday from Midwestern Mama. Use different shades of green to decorate, pull images from the game as décor, and make some DIY Minecraft swords for party favors. You can also set up some time for kids to play the game.

Turn your son’s birthday into the ultimate secret mission with a spy-themed party like this one from Birthday Express. You can set up coded messages for guests to decipher, have a scavenger hunt, create an escape game, and so many other ideas for this party. Give out magnifying glasses, sunglasses, decoder kits, or other secret agent accessories. For some added fun, play the song Secret Agent Man and let your son make a special entrance before cutting the birthday cake.

The Bewitchin Kitchen puts on a mad scientist party that lets kids explore their inner Einstein in fun and creative ways. You can decorate with science and laboratory accessories, like beakers, microscopes, and test tubes. Plus, arrange to do a few simple experiments with your guests. You can even hire an outside company that specializes in hosting kids’ science-based birthdays. They’ll come to you with everything necessary to run an exciting experiment. Lab coats and safety goggles are fun party favors for this one.

Maybe your son already dreams about joining the army, or you or another family member is in the army. Perhaps, it’s just because he recognizes and appreciates some of our nation’s greatest heroes. No matter the reason, an army-themed birthday has become a popular choice for many young men. Little Farmstead sets up a vintage-inspired military birthday with classic decorations and items reminiscent of the era. You can also do a more modern spin on things, use camouflage patterns and drapes, and set up some activities like an obstacle course for kids to participate in “boot camp.”

Star Wars and all of the franchise’s characters have endured for generations, and it’s very likely that your son is a fan too. Printable Crush hosts a Force Awakens party, featuring decorations that showcase the characters and various elements from the film. Character face cut-outs make fun props for a photo booth. Have light saber fights, a make-your-own light sabers activity table, or bring in some LEGO Star Wars for some hands-on building excitement.

If your child likes the spookier side of things, they might have already read the Goosebumps books. Or, maybe they’re into the television series, especially since the release of the latest movies based on the books and shows. Play Party Plan bases their birthday party on the franchise, with eerie decorations and scenes from some of the classic stories. For added fun, send everyone home with a copy of one of the books.

Here’s a party idea from Pinterest that will make your daughter glow, literally. Turn down the lights and hand out glow sticks, glow-in-the-dark decorations, black light effects, and similar décor. It’s lots of fun and opens up the door to lots of activities. You can set up a designated canvas and Day-Glo paint for kids to create a glowing masterpiece. Make some glow-in-the-dark jewelry, and crank up the music for a dance party.

Squishmallows are a huge fad that’s likely to stick around for a while since kids and adults love the squishable creatures. Many kids have started collecting them, and if your daughter is one of them, then this birthday from Fawn Handcrafted Celebrations makes a lot of sense. Decorate with her squishies, and serve marshmallow kabobs and other gooey treats. It’s a fun theme to tack onto a sleepover, and everyone can bring their own squishmallow.

Get crafty at the birthday party like Dimples and Tangles, and plan several things that guests can make. You can set up a few stations so guests can make things like bracelets, picture frames, hats, sculptures, and anything else you can think of. Or set up a couple of tables with a hodge podge of crafting materials and supplies and let their imaginations go wild. To add an extra challenge, set crafting missions. For example, “create an accessory for your room that serves a function and includes pom-poms and glitter.”

You don’t have to look too far these days to find emojis everywhere. They aren’t just on the computer or your cell phone anymore. Emoji images have found their way onto throw pillows, notebooks, and, yes, lots of party supplies. There are even kids that want parties that highlight the poop emoji(hey, to each their own). At Home with Zan focuses on the more polite emojis, with lots of happy faces and hearts.

JoJo Siwa first gained popularity from her appearance on Dance Moms but skyrocketed to fame through her various YouTube channels and social media presence. She dances, sings, and acts, and her iconic colorful bows and personality are well-known among young girls. You can even find JoJo Siwa merchandise in the toy aisles (and party aisles). If your daughter’s a fan, set up a party with lots of colors like Zuly G. Have everyone wear their biggest bow, and rock out to her favorite tunes.

Many girls absolutely go gaga over American Girl dolls. They come with tons of accessories and enable girls to create a doll that matches them to a tee. For example, if your daughter loves horseback riding, you can get an equestrian accessory set for her doll. If your daughter loves getting dressed up and doing fancy things, check out this American Girl Tea Party from Olivia Michelle. Invite your daughter’s guests to bring their dolls along if they want.

Everybody loves donuts. They’re delicious, sweet, colorful, and a perfect birthday theme. Davis and Scout decorate with the pretty treats and lots of pastel colors. You can set up a donut-decorating station where kids can select their donut of choice and frost it, add toppings, and of course, eat it. Serve milk, including strawberry and chocolate milk, to help wash it all down, and use playful donut décor to complete the vibe.

Harry Potter is a top-rated series for young kids (and even adults). They love the tales of Harry and his friends going to Hogwarts and battling Voldemort. Lay Baby Lay makes the birthday girl the star, with a Hermione-esque look and lots of fun, magical touches. Set up the main room of the party like the Great Hall and let kids nibble on treats themed to the books and movies. For example, Bertie Bott’s Flavor Beans, Pumpkin Pasties, and Cauldron Cakes.

If your daughter loves dogs, or you have a family pup that’s her best friend, she’ll love this party idea from Inspired by This. This puptastic party celebrates all things dog, and it’s super cute. If you’re willing, and your dog’s well-behaved, invite a few close friends and welcome their behaved pups too. Serve doggy-shaped cookies, decorate with cute pup pics, or even pictures of your own dog. If you do invite some four-legged guests, make sure to have some water bowls and treats for them too.

Take it to the beach with this charming and sophisticated take on a beach-themed party from Pink Peppermint Design. The cake takes center stage, looking like a real sandcastle you just made on the beach. You can go with this look with soft pastels, pinks, and delicate seashells. Or go more tropical and vibrant with bright colors, paper umbrellas, and surfboards. If your daughter is a beach bum, ask her which style she prefers.

Let kids channel their inner artists as they compete in a classic game of Pictionary. Set up a large easel with a sketch pad and have kids take turns drawing pics for others to guess. Split the group into teams and for added fun, choose pics that have to do with the theme.

Set up a cornhole game in the backyard for guests to play. It’s a great game for an outdoor party. If you don’t have cornhole boards, you can set up a similar idea using bean bags and buckets. Or play a simple game of bean bag toss.

If you ever went to a carnival, you probably ran across this popular fair game. It’s a bunch of balloons on a board, and the kids take turns trying to pop them by throwing darts. You can find different styles of this game for sale online or make your own.

Your Modern Family shows off a great activity for an art-based party, outdoor event, or rainbow theme. Grab a bunch of colorful sidewalk chalk and some painter’s tape. Let kids tape off a pattern on the ground, then fill the various sections with chalk. When you remove the paint, you get a stunning stained glass effect.

Here’s a twist on another famous carnival game, knocking over bottles. Alisha Gray sets up score levels on a ladder to track kids’ progress. Set a bottle on the bottom rung and have a player try to knock it over. If they succeed, the bottle moves up one level, and so on, until they hopefully reach the top.

This activity isn’t only fun to play, but it’s hysterical to watch. All you need are some log scarves or strips of fabric. Pair kids up to participate in a three-legged race to the finish line. They’ll have to work together and match each other’s pace to succeed.

Twister might be one of the most famous party games of all time for kids and adults. You can purchase the game at any toy store or places like Target or Wal-Mart or online. Or, you can even make your own using an old canvas drop cloth and paint to create the playing board.

Make sure you have some room to spread out for this game of Giant Jenga because, eventually, everything will come toppling down. It’s so much fun, and kids will squeal with delight when the blocks come tumbling to the ground. But, it’s also a fun challenge to try and make it stand upright as long as possible.

Play classic dodgeball or variations of the game if you’re having an outdoor party or are in a large space. It’s a fun activity for small and large groups, and it gets kids moving around and active. It’s always a plus when you can keep kids engaged and let them blow off some steam too.

If you’re having a birthday party outside, whether at a park or in your backyard, organize a bunch of classic outdoor party games. Some examples are limbo, ring toss, tug-of-war, and spoon relays. You can have everyone play through games in a certain order or have them going on simultaneously and let guests rotate through (a better option for very large groups).

Here’s a tasty, sweet, squishy treat that would be a perfect fit for a Squishmallow party, tea party, or sleepover. Planning with Kids makes pretty marshmallow kabobs with pink marshmallows and juicy strawberries. It’s a fun snack to eat and easy to take on the go, so kids can keep the fun going.

Taste of Home whips up some super tasty fudge fit for a birthday party, complete with sprinkles and lots of yummy flavor. You can use this recipe or create any type of fudge you choose that would work well with your party theme. Even classic chocolate fudge is a winner; it’s just so delicious.

Give kids something satisfying without having to slow down the party fun. These cute cheeseburger cups from Delish are the easiest way to eat your burgers on the move. All you need are a few ingredients and a muffin tin. They’re filled with cheesy goodness that you can eat in a few bites.

The Organised Housewife shows off how to make some deliciously appetizing sausage rolls with beef and veggies (shhh…they’ll never know). It’s a great party food that keeps kids and adults returning for more. Pile them up on a festive platter and provide toothpicks or plastic forks for people to snag some hands-free.

How are these colorful snacks for a donut-themed party? (or any theme, really!) Hello, Wonderful puts a healthy spin on the idea of a sweet donut. Slice up some apples, use flavored cream cheeses, or dye cream cheese in different colors to create your spreads. Then add sprinkles or top with chopped-up nuts.

Let guests put together their own food with a designated taco bar that offers all the fixings. Thriving Home sets out some soft tortillas, a bowl of taco meat, then all sorts of toppings. Include shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, and some sour cream and guacamole. You could also offer some chicken as an option.

It’s always nice to offer a few healthier options on your food table. Grab a bag of Tostitos Scoops or similar chips and create these tasty veggie bites from Healing Tomato. Talk about a great way to get kids to eat their veggies. Plus, the presentation makes it easy to grab one and pop it in your mouth.

Planning a kid’s party seems to always end up including pizza. But you don’t have to be like everyone else and just call up Domino’s (although there’s nothing wrong with that). Instead, you can create some fun pizza shapes like these from Pillsbury. Use cookie cutters or freehand with a knife to make shapes that match your theme.

You always need something to drink at a party, and setting out some sodas and water is perfectly fine. But why not turn your party drinks into one of your activities like Fun Squared? Set up a drink creation station with various flavor add-ins, ice, fresh fruit, and other items with a note encouraging kids to create their own unique drinks.

If you prefer to serve some ready-to-go drinks in bottles or pouches, you can still line them up with your theme. Give juice bottles a little facelift by making them look like different characters or objects. You can find lots of ideas on Pinterest. Or, you can print out customized labels to attach to your drinks.

For many people, cereal isn’t just for breakfast. It has also become a popular snack. Putting together some individual cereal packs and spoons like Marla Workman does makes a cute favor for kids. It’s an especially good pick for a sleepover or brunch-themed birthday. Offer a variety of options so kids can choose their favorite.

If you’re in a DIY mood for your party favors, check out these tattoo soaps from Gluesticks. You can personalize homemade soap to match your party theme by choosing compatible tattoos. They’re super easy to make, and you can even have the birthday child get in on the action. Or, make the soaps as a party activity and let guests take home their creations at the end.

Make some colorful journals out of basic store-bought notebooks like these tie-dye beauties from Waldorf Moms Gather. Adding a few colored pencils is a nice touch. This is another favor you could turn into a party activity. Kids can make their own and take it with them when they leave.

Check out Amazon or craft stores for various paint sets that feature all sorts of different characters or sculptures. These kits usually feature an unpainted item and a bunch of paints and brushes, giving kids everything they need to get the job done. You can typically find pretty much anything from trucks to animals to movie characters.

These bright candy kabobs from Girls’ Life are excellent party favors for rainbow birthdays, sweet shop parties, summer fun, and more. Let your kid help you make them pre-party, or set up a candy bar area for kids to create their own. Simply put out a bunch of candy and skewers and let guests fashion their own delicious favors.

If you just want to keep favors simple, you can find tons of trinkets and goodies at party supply stores or online. These puzzle cubes will give kids an exciting and engaging challenge, making them a fantastic favor option. You can find them in different sizes, too. So give out larger ones solo or incorporate mini ones into larger goody bags.

Another option for an easy favor is to fill a container with all sorts of candy, stickers, and other goodies. You can use water bottles, simple loot bags, or decorate mason jar cups like these. It’s super easy to blend favors like this to your theme. You just need to find a container that makes sense and decorate them to match.

Give your party guests the gift of reading with a book to take home. You can buy books in bulk or visit your local library to see if they have an upcoming book sale. These are often a great way to snag lots of amazing books at incredible prices.

Slime’s always a winner, and it’s a fun addition to a party loot bag. But glow-in-the-dark slime is even better, and it’s especially fitting for a glow party or mad scientist theme. You can buy it ready-to-go or have kids make their own as some of the party festivities.

If you’re throwing a donut, sweet shop, or similar party, check out these budget-friendly favors from Kimspired DIY. You can find simple tins at the dollar store and decorate them to look like donuts. Fill them with donut-flavored sweets or maybe even a coupon to your local donut shop.