24 Fun Summer Birthday Party Ideas That Kids and Adults Will Enjoy

paper marbling party snacks table — Photo: Buff Strickland

Celebrating a warm-weather birthday? We have plenty of joyful summer birthday party ideas for kids and adults. Get our best birthday recipes and ideas for DIY decor to host a summer party on a small budget. These summer party ideas are all about having fun in the sun. After you pick your party theme, brush up on our expert outdoor party-planning tips before the guests arrive.

01 of 24

Ice Cream Social Party

no-churn ice cream varieties and scoop — Carson Downing

This summer birthday party idea is all about the season's sweetest treat! A colorful lineup of crafts and foods keeps guests entertained all afternoon, and an ice cream sundae bar is a tasty way to end the evening. Now that's a sweet shindig!

02 of 24

Outdoor Game Night

Painted ring toss yard game on lawn — Chelsea Foy of Lovely Indeed

An outdoor game night with yard games like bocce ball, ring toss, DIY cornhole, and giant Jenga is a perfect summer birthday party idea for any age. Set up different game stations around the yard, so no one gets stuck waiting for a turn. Since this theme is casual, you can keep the decor to a minimum: A cooler of drinks and a simple snack bar are all you need!

03 of 24

Cupcake-Decorating Party

Summer is the time for something sweet. This birthday party for kids is all about getting creative with candy. Set out frosted cupcakes and a variety of colorful sweets. Let the kids decorate their take-home party favor. Keep the decor bright and colorful—just like summer!

04 of 24

Watercolor Summer Birthday

A new take on painting and pinot parties, this summer birthday party for adults is filled with rosé and watercolors. Gather the girls for a night of painting on the porch with pink sips and summer appetizers. All you need is white card stock, watercolor paint, and brushes. Set everything up on a table covered with paper, and you're ready to go. Arrange a food buffet nearby food buffet to break for bites.

05 of 24

Backyard Movie Night

outdoor movie party with projector — Rebekah Molloy

This summer party is worthy of the silver screen! Set up a backyard movie night complete with concessions, theater decor, and popcorn. Create a simple DIY movie screen, and you're ready for the show to begin!

06 of 24

Mimosa Party

close-up poolside mimosa cart — Adam Albright

Host a morning mimosa party! Invite the gals over for a casual birthday celebration over drinks and brunch. Set up a drink cart with different kinds of juice so each guest can create their own mixture to drink a toast to the birthday girl.

07 of 24

Birthday Bagel Brunch

BHG-Bagel-Brunch-07_0f5897d6b63da5ee57c5db7b83670e1490948e9d.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg

Skip the late-night party and throw a leisurely birthday bagel brunch! Set-up is easy: Pick up a selection of sliced bagels and arrange a tray with all your favorite toppings and spreads so each guest can help themselves. And don't forget the coffee and juice!

08 of 24

Rainbow Kids Birthday Party

Parents Magazine girl dog rainbow — Ari Michelson

Nothing says summer party like bright colors and outdoor games. This rainbow kids' birthday party is filled with easy recipes and DIY decor. Get our favorite recipes for fun rainbow food to serve at the party.

09 of 24

Root Beer Float Party

Looking for a summer party idea that won't break the bank? Celebrate a warm-weather birthday with root beer floats! Create a mobile float station with ice cream, soda, straws, and glasses. Set out yard games and relax. Toss a bottle of bourbon in your wagon if you're hosting this summer birthday party for adults.

10 of 24

Bright Outdoor Fiesta

Make your backyard a party-worthy place with just a few simple DIYs. Colorful glassware and bold paper flowers set the scene for this festive fiesta birthday party. Go all-out on party food (we recommend a tres leches cake rather than a traditional birthday cake) and a signature cocktail.

11 of 24

Summer Spa Party

spa party woman hand soak flower petals bowl — Rebekah Molloy

Need a last-minute summer birthday party idea? Create a beauty bar right in your living room. Set out assorted nail polish colors, robes, and towels in bright colors for a fun girl birthday bash. Serve up easy-to-eat finger foods and fruit-infused spa water.

12 of 24

Summer Pool Party

This ocean-theme birthday bash is perfect for celebrating outside by the pool. From under-the-sea snacks—like blue Jello and fish-shape crackers—to easy party decor (these layered blue tablecloths resemble ocean waves), this summer pool party is "shore" to be a blast!

13 of 24

Summer House Party

Don't stress about hosting a summer birthday party. Instead, have guests gather in the backyard for a casual celebration filled with potluck foods and summer sips. Add a fun party playlist, and let the party begin!

14 of 24

Luau Birthday Party

close-up make your own lei station plaque — Adam Albright

Bring a tropical twist to your birthday party with a luau birthday party—complete with a make-your-own lei station to greet guests upon arrival. The key to this party is lots of bright flowers and a tasty spread of tropical fruit.

15 of 24

Backyard Shrimp Boil

This Southern-inspired shrimp boil is the ultimate summer birthday party for adults. The main attraction is a spicy feast of shrimp, sausage, and corn. Round out the party with DIY nautical decor and plenty of cold drinks.

16 of 24

Outdoor Watermelon Party

watermelon party refreshments table — Marty Baldwin

Make this fabulous summer fruit the center of your summer birthday party theme with watermelon drinks, watermelon snacks, and watermelon decorations. Guests will dig this sweet-but-healthy birthday bash, especially the watermelon fruit pizza.

17 of 24

Outdoor Brunch Birthday

overhead table view with two plates of eggs benedict — Carson Downing

Who says a birthday party has to be in the evening? Get the party started early on those hot summer days with an outdoor brunch. As a bonus, our outdoor brunch menu features grilled breakfast pizzas, fruit, and a bloody mary bar—no standing over the stove all morning.

18 of 24

Summer Garden Party

completed concrete block bar with buffet of fruit lemonade and desserts — Cameron Sadeghpour

Celebrate the beauty of summer with this flower-inspired backyard party. Set up a DIY mimosa bar and handmade paper flowers for a sweet afternoon gathering. Plus, get our best tips for creating hand-lettered party invitations.

19 of 24

BBQ and Brews Party

This summer birthday party for adults is all about beer and BBQ! Host a fun beer tasting and finish the party with a few DIY yard games. Plus, get our recipes for s'mores cookies and more—yum!

20 of 24

Trail Mix Bar

Save the hassle of preparing food for your birthday party and have the guests do it themselves! This party theme doubles as the menu and party favor. Set out an assortment of trail mix ingredients, including granola, dried fruit, nuts, seeds, and chocolates, then have each guest create their own mix in individual Mason jars.

21 of 24

Rosé Birthday

glass of sparkling rosé iced bottles crudites — Jason Donnelly

Center your birthday around a favorite summer drink—rosé! Keep this party light and bright, just like the drink. Pair with your favorite charcuterie options, sit back, sip, and enjoy the party.

22 of 24

Summer Burger Bash

july burger party toppings spread — Annie Schlechter

Gather friends and family to for a grill-out birthday party and burger bash! Making juicy burgers isn't hard with a few of our tips. Set out your favorite toppings and side dishes and your party is on its way!

23 of 24

Tie-Dye Birthday Party

Since this iconic trend is making a comeback, a tie-dye theme birthday bash is the perfect retro party to throw this summer. Prepare by ordering white shirts (or any other white cotton item) and have guests decorate each item with colorful dye. Be sure to let each person's shirt dry completely in the sun before sending them home with their creation as a party favor.

24 of 24

Have a Birthday Picnic

picnic with sandwiches, charcuterie, and pink plates — Carson Downing

Summer is peak picnicking time, which makes it the perfect summer birthday party idea for summer! Picnics are all about good food, good conversation, and enjoying the outdoors—all of our favorite warm-weather party activities!

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