The Kid's Birthday Fun Review » Summer Party Ideas

Celebrate Summer With a Kid’s Water Obstacle Course

Linette — Mon, 24 May 2010 20:09:26 +0000

It’s gotten super warm here in the last couple days. With Memorial Day coming up in just a few days, school will be out before you know it! Woot! I think it’s time to celebrate summer!

If you have a summer party coming up, or if you’re just looking for a fun way to keep a group of kids cool this summer, and entertain them at the same time try setting up a water obstacle course.

You can use any water feature you want to in your water obstacle course, just make sure it’s safe and no one can get injured. I have a few ideas to help you get started, but you can probably come up with several more to go with them.

Here are a few water obstacle ideas for your course:

Water balance beam~ Keep the beam low, so if they “fall off” they’ll just step into the grass. Have the kids walk across a low narrow board with a pail, or jug of water in each hand. If they fall off the beam they have to go back to the start of the beam, refill their pail and try again. Have an adult there to be a spotter, and to help any children who have a hard time.
Set up a slip and slide~ You can purchase a slip and slide, or make your own with a tarp and a hose. Set it up on a small incline or hill if you have one available, and have the kids slide down it for one of their challenges.
Water balloon toss~ Have the kids toss a certain number of water balloons into a large bucket, or into the center of a hula hoop. Set up a certain number that have to make it into the bucket or hoop before they can move on to the next task.
Have the kids fill a container with water from a small pool carried by soaking a towel, or their clothes in the pool, then running down and wringing as much water as they can into the container. They can move to the next task when the water in the can is filled to a certain level.
Have them sit in a small pool and get themselves completely wet before moving on to the next task.
Have the kids run through a sprinkler, or series of sprinklers.
Have children walk 5 or 6 steps while balancing a small water balloon on their head, if the balloon falls off they have to start the task again.

There are many more ideas you can use to set up your water obstacle course for some summer fun. Just use your imagination and a little water and many regular obstacle course events can be made “wet.”

Make sure you have plenty of adults to man your obstacle course stations, for the kid’s safety, and to help any children who struggle.

More summer water fun:

Snap!™ Crackle!™ Pop!™ Candy-Coated Bananas

Linette — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:00:22 +0000

I have a really fun late summer treat for you today, courtesy of one of my favorite cereals, Rice Krispies. Don’t tell the kids, but it’s healthy too!

You can make these ahead of time for a late summer or fall birthday party. They would also make a fun after school snack!

Snap!™ Crackle!™ Pop!™ Candy-Coated Bananas

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

4 medium bananas, peeled and halved horizontally
2 1/2 cups Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies® cereal (crushed to 1 1/4 cups)
1/2 cup coarsely chopped dried fruits or flaked coconut
1 package (16 oz.) vanilla-flavored candy coating or vanilla-almond bark
8 ice cream sticks

How to make them:

Place banana pieces on foil-lined baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap. Freeze until needed.
In shallow dish combine KELLOGG’S RICE KRISPIES cereal and fruit. Set aside.
With adult help, in small saucepan melt candy coating according to package directions. Remove from heat. Pour into another shallow dish.
Remove bananas from freezer and insert an ice-cream stick into cut end of each banana piece. Dip banana halves into melted candy coating, letting excess drip off. Roll in cereal mixture until evenly coated. Return to baking sheet. Freeze for 15 minutes. Transfer to airtight container. Freeze for 2 hours to 1 week. Let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

Kid-friendly Kitchen Tips courtesy of Kelloggs:
Children of all ages should have an adult assistant with them at all times when cooking.

The youngest chefs, 3 to 6 years old, will be very good at inserting the ice cream stick into the banana halves and they will love to crush the Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal.
Older chefs, ages 7 to 9, can use a table knife to cut the banana in half and they will enjoy “dipping” the bananas into the melted candy coating too.
Kids, older than 9 years, may stir the candy coating on the cook top or help prepare it for the microwave and may also help read directions to the younger kids.

Butterflies and Caterpillars Birthday Party: Butterfly and Caterpillar Rice Krispy Treats

Linette — Mon, 04 May 2009 21:17:44 +0000

I want to focus on some ideas for a butterflies and caterpillars birthday party for the next week or so, first up I have a couple recipes for some fun Rice Krispy Treats that would be a hit at any child’s birthday party.

First up the Butterflies:

Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies Treats® Butterflies

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 12

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons butter or margarine

1 package (10 oz., about 40) regular marshmallows – or – 4 cups miniature marshmallows

6 cups Rice Krispies® Canned frosting Assorted candies

Directions:

In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
Add KELLOGG’S RICE KRISPIES cereal. Stir until well coated.
Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 15 x 10 x 1-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool slightly.
Using cookie cutters coated with cooking spray cut into butterfly shapes.
Decorate with frosting and/or candies.

Best if served the same day.

Next up those adorable caterpillars:

Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies Treats® Caterpillars

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 12

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons butter or margarine

1 package (10 oz., about 40) regular marshmallows – or – 4 cups miniature marshmallows

6 cups Rice Krispies®

Canned frosting or decorating gel

Assorted candies

Directions:
1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.

2. Add KELLOGG’S RICE KRISPIES cereal. Stir until well coated.

3. Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 15 x 10 x 1-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool slightly. Using small round cookie cutters coated with cooking spray cut into circles.
4. Place eight to nine circles next to each other, forming caterpillars. Decorate with frosting and/or candies. Best if served the same day.

MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS for Both:
In microwave-safe bowl heat butter and marshmallows on HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Follow steps 2 thru 4 above. Microwave cooking times may vary.
Notes For Both:
For best results, use fresh marshmallows.
1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow creme can be substituted for marshmallows.
Diet, reduced calorie or tub margarine is not recommended.
Store no more than two days at room temperature in airtight container. To freeze, place in single layer on wax paper in airtight container. Freeze for up to 6 weeks. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Kellogg’s has reduced the sodium content of Rice Krispies to meet current consumer flavor- and nutrition-preferences. Rice Krispies Treats made with the lower sodium cereal taste great without any added salt, but, if you desire, add 1/4 teaspoon salt to the butter before melting. Continue with recipe as directed.

Butterflies, caterpillars, and bugs. Oh My! Over the next week or so I’ll have more outdoor garden caterpillar, butterfly, bug, creepy crawly party ideas. You can use any or all of them to make a really fun summer outdoor party for kids. Stay tuned!

Images and recipes courtesy of Rice Krispies

Summer or Pool Party Snack Idea

Linette — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 21:27:34 +0000

If you’re planning a summer birthday party in the back yard, or in the pool, here is a yummy (and nutritious) frozen treat you can serve up to your little guests. Shhh! Don’t tell them it’s healthy!

They’re easy to make and pop in the freezer until party time.

Frozen pops don’t have to be a just a sometimes treat when you have these healthful delights waiting in your freezer. They are low in added sugar and full of flavor and nutrition. If you don’t have Popsicle® molds, they also work great in small paper cups. Kids can peel away the paper and lick the pops right out of the container. Check out this recipe from Mealtime.org

Fruity Frozen Fudge Pops

Ingredients:

1 can (15 ounces) pear halves, in extra-light syrup, not drained
1 1/2 cups 2% reduced fat milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1 (3 1/2 ounce) box instant chocolate pudding

Preparation Time: Approximately 3 minutes
Preparation:

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on medium-high for 1 minute. Pour into 3 ounce Popsicle® molds or 3-ounce paper cups with Popsicle® sticks inserted. Cover and freeze until solid, at least 3 hours. Freeze for up to 1 week.

Serves: 10

Yum! Makes me ready for those summer parties!

Image via mealtime.org

Wiggly Worms and Caterpillar Treats

Linette — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:18:16 +0000

I’ve been working on some inspiration for a summer bug party. I stumbled on this really cute idea for wiggly worm and caterpillar treats. They would be fun to make for a summer party, a bug party or a special treat for the kids at a backyard barbecue.

Your kids will have a blast helping you make them, and eating them!

Ice Cream Cone Cake Pans

Linette — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:28:48 +0000

Summer is just around the corner, I have to say I’m ready! If you’re planning a Summer ice cream party, pool party, or backyard gathering you’ve got to check out these ice cream cake pans.

First up the Nordic Ware Platinum Collection Ice Cream Cone Cupcake Pan:

They’re perfect for making a cone shaped cake to top with either icing or ice cream.

Next up Wilton Dimensions Multi Cavity Ice Cream Cone Pan

This one has the bottom and the top of the “ice cream cone.” You can cut the center out of the cake and put in an ice cream surprise.

Add a sundae bar, and let the kids top their own ice cream cone cakes or ice cream with sprinkles, candies, cherries, or crunched up cookies.

Bird’s Nest Spring Treats

Linette — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 02:37:27 +0000

If you’re planning an Easter party, a spring or garden party you can make these simple treats to share with your party guests.

I’ve also heard them called Robin’s nest treats or cookies. They’re simple to make, and you can put them out for party food, use them as a cupcake topper, or a party favor.

You can double or triple the recipe, depending on how many bird’s nest treats you need to make.

Bird’s Nest Recipe

1 cup white melting chocolate

3-4 cups chow mein noodles

Whoppers Robin’s Eggs, or any egg shaped candy or jelly beans

Melt the white chocolate in a double boiler, or by microwaving 30 seconds at a time until melted. Mix the chow mein noodles into the chocolate and coat completely.

Spoon the mixture out onto wax paper and shape into nests. Add two or three eggs to each nest.

Planning a Beach Or Pool Birthday Party

Linette — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 23:34:38 +0000

Planning a beach party, or pool party may take a little extra pre-planning since you’ll have to keep everything cool, until you get to your destination. Cake Icings and ice cream don’t do well in the heat of summer. Make sure you have plenty of coolers, and ice on hand.

Keep decorations to a minimum, make sure you have a sign or two directing people to your party location, especially if it’s a large beach or pool.

Have plenty of adult supervision, or encourage parents to stay and keep an eye on their children. Don’t rely on the lifeguards in a busy swimming area to see what every child is doing.

Plan some fun water games:

Play hot potato with a beach ball.
Simon says in the water.
Have relay races where the children run or swim out around an adult and back to the start to tap another player.
If the pool or beach will allow it have a water balloon toss.
Have a set of rubber rings, and have a couple teams try to see who can pass the ring over all their players the fastest.
Set up a water obstacle course.
Set up a water volleyball, or basketball game.
Don’t forget to just let the kids have their own time to swim, and just have fun.

Pool or beach parties can be really fun in the heat of summer. You can use a beach or luau theme, pirate and mermaid themes also work well, or any theme you choose, just have fun with it!

Surf’s Up Deluxe Party image via Birthday in a Box

Technorati Tags: summer party,beach party,luau party,pool party cake,games for a beach party,games for a pool party

A Cool Summer Party Treat: Watermelon Sandwich Cookies

Linette — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 20:42:30 +0000

My blogging partner at Robust Cooking, Sandy, found a wonderful website loaded with watermelon goodness. There are several fun watermelon recipes that would work really well for summer birthday party snacks.

This is one of my favorites:

Kids Watermelon Sandwich Cookies

Ingredients~: 12 (3-inch) blueberry pancakes, cooled to room temperature
1/2 cup white frosting
6 (2/3-inch thick and 3-inch round) seedless watermelon slices, drained to remove excess moisture
How To Make Them~: Evenly frost the bottoms of each pancake with the white frosting. Arrange six of the pancakes, frosting side up on a serving platter. Place a slice of watermelon on each of the frosted pancakes on the platter. Top each with the remaining pancakes, frosting side down. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. This recipe serves 6.

Watermelon Sandwich cookies recipe and image courtesy of NWPB

Technorati Tags: watermelon recipes,watermelon for parties,watermelon snack ideas,fun with watermelon,summer desserts,summer snacks,watermelon dessert ideas,fun party desserts