June 24, 2014

Circus Party Tips

Circus Party

by: Spaceships and Laser Beams

I am so thrilled to have Spaceships and Laser Beams sharing tips on how you can create your very own Circus Party {even on a budget}! What child doesn’t love some part of the circus? I know I loved it all as a child, even the clowns!

Bright colors, yummy treats and interesting games—what’s not to like about a circus birthday party? Whether you opt to suggest a circus with a dessert table decoration or set up your own entire backyard version, the circus/carnival theme is a popular birthday party idea for a wide range of ages. If you hope to transport guests to a vintage era or stick with contemporary times, whatever your rendition of the circus, there are common elements that make this celebration the colorful experience it is. So what supplies do you need to host a circus party? Here’s a check-list to get you started thinking about what represents “circus”:

Decorations for a Circus Birthday Party

Balloons
Big Top tent, at least an allusion to the famous stripes
Marquee lights
Criss-crossed pennants
Concession stand/s
Colorful circus pedestals

Cast of Characters for a Circus Birthday Party

Clowns
Master of ceremonies
Strongman
Trapeze artists
Animal trainers

Animals for a Circus Birthday Party

(stuffed, cardboard or real!)

Elephants
Roaring lions/tigers
Monkeys, gorillas
Performing seals
Dancing dogs
Ponies

Food for a Circus Birthday Party

Candied/caramel apples
Peanuts
Cotton candy
Rainbow lollipops
Elephant ears
Lemonade

Circus Birthday Party Activities

Face painting
Bounce house
Clowns
Jugglers
Dunk tank
Balloon art
Sack races
Relay races
Duck shoot/arcade type games
Games such as ball or ring toss
Pony rides, even stick ponies amuse little ones
Don’t forget to offer prizes for game winners, too.

Of course not every element on this list will be at every circus themed party but hopefully this gives your imagination a jumping off point.

I’ve seen families successfully suggest the sweetest big top circus on a small-scale dessert table and I’ve been amazed at over-the-top parties with actual kiddie rides and animals in private backyards. In every case the birthday child was celebrated and guests were delighted with this fun theme that doesn’t fail to amuse!

For more specific suggestions and visual inspiration, check out my circus and carnival theme categories at Spaceships and Laser Beams.

Stephanie Keeping is a wife to Mike, mom to a boy named Sam, a blogger, and an Etsy-preneur. She celebrates boyish charm at Spaceships and Laser Beams, where she talks about all things boy and birthday party. You can connect with her on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, Twitter and on Etsy.