Last weekend we attended three children’s birthday parties. Aside from the sheer exhaustion of spending three straight days chasing after 3-9 year olds, it was enjoyable to spend the time outside and being active. All three party planners wisely choose to incorporate the gorgeous Florida spring weather into the festivities.

One terrific idea for a child’s party is a day at the park. Our Friday party was at a local park, and the festivities included obstacle courses, climbing, and water play. The kids spent two hours racing around the grassy fields, contentedly communing with nature by hurling water balloons at each other and racing for bragging rights.

The beach party was a big hit with a Hawaiian theme. We had crab walk races, a limbo contest, sack races, and fantastic water sports. The water was cold by local Floridian standards, but kids just don’t seem to care. They frolicked about in the water for hours, culminating with the kids shrieking in delight as they whipped around the lake on an inner tube pulled much too quickly by speedboat.

After two very nice parties on Friday and Saturday, I have to confess that I was not feeling very enthusiastic about Sunday’s party. Not because of the theme; I thought a day at the ranch was a great idea. But two days racing around with the kids was enough for me. I quietly hoped for a rain out to postpone Sunday’s party at the R&R Ranch.

How wrong I was. The ranch party was great. Chickens, goats, horses, ducks, and a pig greeted us at the gate. The kids all took turns horseback riding. The goats danced on the tables. The chickens were remarkably tame and willing to be handled by the kids.

Compared to a typical party in a confined place, all three outdoors parties were a refreshing break. Granted, if your birthday party is in January in Minnesota, there may not be much that you can do. But if possible, consider hosting your next party outdoors and away from the ordinary.

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