From guests lists to birthday invitations, to party decorations, to the party clean up: there’s a lot that goes into planning a 3rd birthday party. But the best way to get started party planning is to find the perfect theme, and create something you’re excited about. Whether that’s putting together a bubble party for some fun in the suds, or an all pink birthday perfect for Pinterest, we’re here to help. Check out our top 3 year old birthday party ideas below to get started.
Jump to:
- Where to Have a Three Year Old Birthday Party
- 3 Year Old Boy Birthday Party Ideas
- 3 Year Old Girl Birthday Party Ideas
- Other 3rd Birthday Party Ideas
- 3 Year Old Birthday Party Food Ideas
Where to Have a Three Year Old Birthday Party
Before you can send out invitations, you’ll need to figure out where you’re hosting the birthday party. For toddlers, this can be a little tricky. You need to pick a location that you can easily chaperone, is safe for the kids, won’t be deterred by weather, and works with your budget and theme. For some parents, the perfect party location might be their backyard. And for others, it might be a hired party space. For more help finding the right birthday party location, make sure to visit our resources on where to have a birthday party and how to plan a birthday party.
3 Year Old Boy Birthday Party Ideas
These birthday party themes for boys are as cute as they are simple to implement. Pick your favorite from the themes below or use them to inspire an idea all your own.
1. Dinosaur Birthday Party Ideas For 3 Year Old
A dinosaur birthday party might be your perfect party theme if your child loves all things T-Rex and Triceratops. Filled with plenty of their favorite dinosaur toys, Jurassic decor, and maybe even a Dino cake, this theme is a guaranteed hit for all the party guests.
2. Truck Themed Birthday Party
If your toddler is a fan of everything trucks, make it the star of their birthday party. For food, turn chocolate donuts in to tire wheels and cut sandwiches in the shape of a big rig. You can also paint large cardboard boxes to look like different trucks. Then each child can pick their favorite and use it for the whole party.
3. Pirate Birthday
Pirate birthdays make the perfect party for little ones who’d love nothing more than to spend the day treasure hunting. Along with a scavenger hunt, you can fill the birthday with fun activities like face painting, dress up, and even a “pirate” guest appearance.
4. Firefighter Birthday Party
For this easy to make party you’ll simply want to stick to a red color scheme. Along with badge stickers, you’ll want to stock up on red balloons, frosted cupcakes, and red and orange streamers. And with plastic firefighter helmets for the kids, everyone can feel like a hero. You can also consider taking the party on a short field trip to the local fire station. Just make sure to call ahead first.
3 Year Old Girl Birthday Party Ideas
Whether your birthday girl loves pink and princesses or owls and safaris, you want to make sure she has the best birthday possible. And with the following fun birthday party themes for girls, you’re sure to find something she’ll love.
5. Princess Birthday Party Ideas For a 3 Year Old
If the birthday girl loves everything castles, ball gowns, and tiaras, treat her like the princess you know she is. Fill your princess party plenty of pink and purple decor, plastic tiaras, and a crown jewel cake. You can also hire a professional “princess” to make an appearance at the party, for a special touch the kids are sure to love.
6. Unicorn Birthday Party
Throw a unicorn party full of all the magic your daughter’s been dreaming of. Between the glittering decor and a unicorn cake, it’ll be a birthday to remember. For specific ideas, make sure to visit our resource on unicorn birthday party ideas.
7. Mermaid Birthday Party
Turn your three year old birthday party into a mermaid’s kingdom with blue and green streamers and underwater decor. This theme is especially perfect for summer, where you can add inflatable pools with mermaid inspired floaties. For additional ideas, make sure to visit our resource on mermaid birthday party ideas.
8. All Pink Birthday Party
All pink birthday decor helps you craft a picture perfect birthday. From pink lemonade to tutus to pink frosted cookies, our resource on pink birthday party ideas will help you choose every element to pull of the ultimate 3rd birthday.
Other 3rd Birthday Party Ideas
Looking for three year old birthday party ideas that work for everyone? Then make sure to check out the kids birthday party ideas below. Once you find the right inspiration, you’ll be ready to send out your kids birthday invitations in no time.
9. Paint Party
For toddlers that love to make a mess, add a little color to your celebration by throwing a paint party. Stock up with plenty of non toxic paints and lots of construction paper or small canvases. The artwork created at the party also makes great take-home party favors (once they get the chance to dry).
10. Outdoor “Drive-in” Movie Night
For this fun 3 year old birthday party idea, all you need is an outdoor space and a little creativity. First, transform empty cardboard boxes into “convertible cars” with construction paper and paint. Make sure the boxes are big enough to fit a toddler and there’s enough for every child. Then set up an outdoor space with a large TV screen or projector sheet and arrange the “cars” facing the screen. The kids will love their “drive-in” movie!
11. Bubble Party
Bubble parties are fun themes for any outdoor birthday in warm weather. Just make sure there’s enough non-toxic bubble makers for everyone. For giant bubbles, set up adult run-bubble station using large wire hoops and a small inflatable pool full of a dishwasher soap, water, and sugar mixture.
12. Tea Party Birthday
Throw an Instagram-worthy birthday celebration by hosting a mini tea party. Decorate with picnic baskets, pastel colors, and break-resistant tea sets. And make sure there’s plenty of finger sandwiches, biscuits, and cookies to go around. Not only will your child love playing grown-up, but the adult chaperones will have fun, too.
13. Rainbow Celebration
If you have a color obsessed toddler, throw them a vibrant rainbow birthday party. Decorating for this party is simple, just make sure you get your streamers, plates, napkins, cups, and balloons in every color of the rainbow. And if your child has a sweet tooth, stock up on clear jars filled with various rainbow candies.
14. Candy Land Birthday
A Candy Land birthday is the perfect birthday for any sweet tooth motivated toddler. Just decorate the party with jars of all their favorite candies and sweets. Look for brightly colored balloons and streamers and make sure to include a cupcake decorating or sundae station.
15. Winter Birthday Party Ideas For 3 Year Olds
If your child’s birthday falls in the snowy months, consider turning their birthday party into a winter inspired festival. Craft a hot chocolate bar, make snowmen out of marshmallows and toothpicks, and bake s’mores cookies. Just don’t forget the snowman and snowflake decorations.
16. Summer Birthday Party
For birthdays that fall within the warmer summer months, consider taking the party outside. For a full list of our favorite ideas for an outdoors summer birthday, make sure to visit our resource on summer birthday party ideas.
3 Year Old Birthday Party Food Ideas
Looking for some food ideas to match your party decor? The following party food options aren’t just easy to put together, they’re also toddler approved and perfect for your 3rd birthday party.
17. Puppy Chow
Puppy Chow, AKA muddy Buddies, is a powdered sugar, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and cereal treat. With the recipe made of simple ingredients and steps, puppy chow is a great treat to make with little ones, or to prepare ahead of time for a party.
18. Themed Cookies
Cookies are a party classic for a reason. Whatever your child’s favorite is (chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, sugar cookie, oatmeal, or other) they’re sure to love seeing it on their birthday table. Just make sure to have a few other healthy snacks to balance out the sugar high.
19. Smash Cake
Smash cakes are small, special cakes designated for the birthday boy or girl. They’re simply frosted and meant to be eaten by hand (or destroyed), making them perfect for babies and toddlers birthdays. You can order one from your local bakery or make one yourself with their favorite flavors.
20. Mac n’ Cheese
Everyone loves mac n’ cheese, and the little ones are no exception. And for a party perfect sizing, scoop servings of the mac n’ cheese into muffin tins before baking. This will leave you with plenty of bite-sized party favorites.
21. Mini Sandwiches
Make a variety of mini sandwiches for the party platter. This may include peanut butter and jelly, ham and cheese, veggie, or any other favorites. And for bonus points, consider using a cookie cutter related to the party theme to cut off the crust.
22. Themed Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets are an easy party food that most kids love to eat. And what’s more, they’re available in many different shapes and themes. This makes them a great addition for your upcoming birthday party.
23. Tater Tots & Toppings
If your kids loves tater tots, turn them into a party food favorite. Top them with cheese, bacon crumbles, green onions, sour cream, and anything else you know the birthday boy or girl will love. Just add a serving spoon for an easy to make and easy to serve party dish.
24. Fruit Salad in a Watermelon
Looking to add a little color to your food table? Chop up some of your child’s favorite fruit for a delicious fruit salad. Then, instead of adding them to a serving bowl, use a carved watermelon to hold the fruit. You can even take this idea a step further and carve the watermelon into a fun shape that works with your party theme.
Resources Related to 3 Year Old Birthday Party Ideas
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