12 Birthday Party Ideas for 6 Year Olds

We’ve got some great birthday party ideas for 6 year olds. Get inspired with simple, fun ideas to make your 6 year old’s birthday the best birthday yet.
Your little one is turning six and it’s time to celebrate!

But what are some of the best birthday party ideas for 6 year olds?

Not to worry, mama, we know you’ve got your hands full. We’ve got this one covered.

By six, your peanut likely has a better sense of who they are, and what they like and don’t like.

It’s also possible that they’re starting to develop a stronger circle of friends through school.

This is great for party planning.

It means that your little one can tell you what kind of party they want to have, what they want to do, and who they want to be there.

If they’re turning to you for options, though, the following ideas are sure to inspire.

In this article: 📝

How do I make my 6 year old feel special on her birthday?

Making your little one feel special isn’t about spending lots of money on them, mama.

It’s about paying attention to what makes them feel seen, appreciated, and loved.

Spending quality time together, sharing a tasty meal, and enjoying their favorite activity is usually a recipe for success.

How much should you spend on a 6 year old birthday?

There’s no definite answer to this, and what you spend is really up to you.

Set yourself a budget that you can afford and stick to it.

While birthdays are a lovely opportunity to spoil your little one, try and be selective if they present an endless list of gift ideas.

What can I do instead of a birthday party?

Remember that you don’t have to have a birthday party.

Maybe financially you can’t quite manage to host one at the moment, or big events make your peanut feel quite overwhelmed.

If that’s the case, plan something smaller.

A special family-only movie night, a day trip somewhere out of town, or tickets to their favorite game could all work well.

The best 6 year old birthday party ideas

Here are some of our favorites.

1. Bonfire!

There’s nothing more captivating than a fire—at any age.

Enjoy an evening together by making a small fire somewhere safe.

Roast marshmallows and smores, and tell fireside stories.

If there’s a guitar player among your friends or family, have a little singalong.

2. Semi-sleepover

While some six year olds are at ease with sleepovers, others aren’t quite there yet.

Cater for both groups by hosting a semi-sleepover, complete with pizza, movies, heaps of cushions and blankets, and some essential fort-making!

Ask parents to pick their little ones up shortly before bedtime.

3. Glow in the dark

This one’s perfect if you’re looking for winter birthday party ideas for 6 year olds.

Buy some black bulbs and glow sticks, and you’re ready to roll.

Glow-in-the-dark stickers and white T-shirts covered in highlighter pen will be fun, too.

6 year old boy birthday party ideas

We’ve given a few options for boys’ and girls’ parties here—but really, you can choose from any of the options.

A party’s a party, after all!

4. More music

Have you got a little musician in the family?

If so, why not host a music-themed party, complete with fun musical games, like musical chairs, and pass the parcel?

You could even hold a drumming circle (but maybe warn the neighbors!).

5. Welcome to the big top

The circus is in town!

Use big, bold, colorful decorations to make your home feel bright and festive, and serve circus-appropriate snacks, like popcorn, hotdogs, and snowcones.

Hiring a clown—or becoming one yourself—will guarantee laughs.

6. My favorite character

Is there a fictional character your little one loves?

Maybe it’s a superhero from their favorite movie, or a great adventurer from one of their best storybooks.

Host a character party where everyone comes as someone different.

Serve your peanut’s favorite snacks.

6 year old girl birthday party ideas

Your little girl might enjoy some of the following ideas.

7. Have your cake and decorate it, too

Cake eating is often the best part of a birthday party (and with good reason—who doesn’t like cake?), but what if your little one and their friends could decorate their own?

What a treat!

Give everyone a small cupcake and some tasty toppings, and you’ll have them entertained for ages.

8. Super scientists

Nurture your little one’s love for science by hosting a science party.

Create science-themed snacks, like green jello in test tubes or cookies that look like different plants, and demonstrate some easy but impressive experiments.

The baking soda rocket is a hit every time.

9. Too many tutus

Tutus make for a super-easy dress-up party, and can help your six year old’s guests feel like a ballerina, a fairy, a princess, or all three!

Include a wand-making session, and offer special sweet treats, such as macarons, mini fruit bowls, and a sparkly cake.

Outdoor birthday parties for 6 year olds

Got a summer baby on your hands?

Here are some great outdoor party ideas for 6 year olds.

10. DIY water park

Six is the perfect age to introduce your little one and all their friends to the joys of a slip ’n slide!

If you’d rather skip the cost, other water-based games (like passing a wet sponge down the line to see which of two or three teams can fill up a bucket the quickest) make for great summer fun.

11. Outdoor treasure hunt

Send your little guests on a grand adventure. In between the bushes and the roses.

To the shed.

Underneath the pot plants.

Hide clues wherever you can and let them lead to a wonderful box of treasure!

12. Theme park time

A theme park that caters to smaller children (as opposed to one that has serious roller coasters designed for older kids) can be a great day out.

Invite one or two friends, and enjoy a day in the sunshine.

Have the best party, mama!