Creative Outdoor Party Themes for Baby Showers to Kids Birthdays

Hooray for summer! The sunny weather and warm breeze just beckon to you to celebrate your special occasions outdoors. So, whatever milestones you’ll be marking this season, we may just have some themed outdoor party settings to catch your fancy.

These are 6 creative party themes for baby showers to kids birthdays from our own styled shoots! And each one features a creative mix of DIY elements and readily available decorative items and craft supplies. In other words, totally doable!

Theme: Jungle Safari Baby Shower

A jungle safari theme is hugely popular; you can find loads of great ideas for this online. But what we’re quite thrilled with in this set we pulled together is that it uses items you probably already have (no printables needed). And although this was styled as a baby shower, it can just as well be a little one’s birthday party!

Key elements to create the look:

1. ‘jungle tree’ centerpiece accompanied by stuffed toy animals on bamboo trays
2. linen table runner topped with scrapbook paper place mats
3. tree bark napkin accents paired with wooden jungle animal puzzle pieces
4. a candle in a tabletop lantern
5. wooden garden or kitchen chairs decorated with colored napkins and tree bark strips
6. safari themed menu cards
7. a welcome table that doubles up as a gift station

See our Fiesta themed party for colorful decorations and favors!

Theme: Circus-themed Birthday Party

A circus theme is another all-time favorite for children’s parties! The trick is to tweak the tons of fun elements possible, and make them suit your kiddie celebrant. Our particular shoot was designed with a little girl in mind. Hence the fanciful and frilly touches mixed in with traditional circus decor.

Key elements to create the look:

1. an unconventional circus palette of fuchsia, purple, red, aqua, and yellow (actually sparked by this fun striped fabric we used as table covers!)
2. DIY centerpiece simulating a circus animal cage with vintage scrollwork
3. cute little pennant table numbers held by a pretty doll
4. glittery ringmaster top hats in place of party cone hats
5. ‘Admit One’ ticket strips used as napkin and utensil bands
6. cookie-filled tulle favor purses with DIY name cards to mark each guest’s place
7. petite bunches of carnations and paper flowers in glass votive holders
8. vintage-style circus animal candlesticks as table accents
9. a festive candy table with circus treats and birthday cake
10. easy-to-make hat favor cones

See our Cowboy Theme for a cowboy boot centerpiece and sweets table! Yeehaw!

Theme: Sailor-themed Birthday Party

Balmy summer days are tailor made for this next outdoor setting: a sailor party! Again, the details are all easily DIYable and/or available at your local Target or craft store. So your little ‘matey’ can have the nautical party he wants with minimal effort and expense from you!

Key elements to create the look:

1. striped fabric in snappy red and white and/or blue and white to lay on the tables (you may want to reuse these for future parties, so no need for actual table cloths)
2. a DIY paper lighthouse to hold the table name
3. a sailing ship model for a centerpiece (optional—that’s why we included the lighthouse should no ship model be available!)
4. sailor hats made of red board stock, with little medallions marked with an anchor and each guest’s name
5. blue plastic plates and red plastic glasses (also reusable)
6. assorted seashells, a bit of rope netting, and white beach sand to complete the seaside ambiance
7. a scavenger hunt with “treasure” themed favors
8. a nautical birthday cake and treats table
9. nautical themed party favors

See our fun Painting Theme with DIY centerpieces and a dessert table teeming with colorful treats.