Hey there! Team New Mom readers have been asking for a post about Summer First Birthday Theme Ideas!
So, I’ve been brainstorming ways to make this milestone truly special. Here are some fun June, July, and August first birthday themes that will make your little one’s day unforgettable.
Outdoor Summer 1st Birthday Party Themes
1. Beach First Birthday Party
I’m really excited about the idea of having a Beach Party right in your backyard. Picture the kids building sandcastles and splashing around in baby pools—it’s the perfect way to embrace the summer vibes.
You can decorate with beach umbrellas and seashell garlands to create a mini beach paradise.
For snacks, I’m thinking tropical fruit kabobs and a beach-themed cake with blue frosting and graham cracker “sand.”
And how cute would it be to send everyone home with sand buckets filled with beach toys and seashell necklaces?
Check out this DIY (!?!) cake from A Beautiful Mess. If you could pull this off it would be amazing!
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2. Garden Picnic
Another idea I love is a Garden Picnic theme. Since summer weather is usually lovely, you can spread out picnic blankets among blooming flowers and set up activities like bubble stations and a nature scavenger hunt.
Easy finger foods and a floral-themed cake will keep everyone happy, and guests can take home mini potted plants—a sweet reminder of our day in the garden.
3. Farmyard Fun
My little ones were always obsessed with animals, so a Farmyard Fun party would be a hit.
Decorate with hay bales and farm animal cutouts, and think about arranging a petting zoo or pony rides for some extra fun.
Snacks can be farm-fresh and kid-friendly, and a barnyard-themed cake will tie everything together perfectly.
Send your guests home with small stuffed farm animals or farm-themed books!
Check Out Our Ideas for a Holy Cow I’m One First Birthday Party!
4. Teddy Bear Picnic
Does your baby have a favorite teddy bear? A Teddy Bear Picnic theme seems like the sweetest idea.
Picture a cozy setup with teddy bear-themed decorations and a teddy bear parade.
Have storytime with bear-themed books and serve snacks like teddy bear-shaped sandwiches and honey graham crackers.
Of course, there will be a cake adorned with teddy bear decorations.
Guests can even take home small teddy bears or themed coloring books—it’ll be like your own little bear picnic in the park!
Or “Bear Stuffing” would be an adorable favor!
5. Summer Pool Vibes
Summer is the perfect time to throw a Pool Party!
Set up a kiddie pool or two, along with sprinklers and water toys to keep the little ones splashing and laughing.
Decorations can include inflatable palm trees and colorful beach balls to set the summer scene.
This high chair banner really sets the tone:
Refreshing snacks like watermelon slices and popsicles will keep everyone cool, and a pool-themed cake will be the icing on the cake (literally!).
Guests can take home fun pool toys and beach towels as party favors.
This lemon theme take on a pool party by Danielle Moss is gorgeous!
6. Luau Party
For a tropical twist, a Luau Party would be a blast.
Think Hawaiian leis, grass skirts, and tiki decorations to create a fun island vibe.
Have a mini pool and water play stations to keep the kids entertained.
Tropical snacks like pineapple skewers and a luau-themed cake will be a hit.
Guests can take home leis and mini ukuleles to keep the island spirit alive.
Sweet Summertime Theme
Why not go with a Sweet Summertime theme for the ultimate summer first birthday celebration? This theme captures all the joys of summer in one delightful party.
Decorations: Think bright and cheerful—sunshine yellow, sky blue, and grass green. Use picnic blankets, bunting, and lanterns to create a festive atmosphere. Set up a lemonade stand for a cute and refreshing touch.
Activities: Incorporate classic summer activities like a mini obstacle course, lawn games, and a watermelon seed-spitting contest (using black beans for safety!). Have a bubble station and maybe even a mini splash pad for some water fun.
Food: Serve classic summer treats like mini burgers, corn on the cob, and fruit skewers. For dessert, a cake decorated with summer icons like sunflowers, beach balls, or even ice cream cones would be perfect. Add a variety of ice cream and popsicles to keep everyone cool.
Party Favors: Send guests home with summer-themed goodies like sunglasses, beach balls, and mini bottles of sunscreen. A small pail filled with sand toys is also a great idea.
Indoor/Outdoor Summer First Birthday Ideas
These party ideas can done indoor or outdoor in case you live in a region where you just never know about the weather!
1. Rainbow Party
To bring some color indoors, a Rainbow Party sounds like a blast. Decorate with cheerful streamers and set up an art station where the kids can unleash their creativity.
Have washable paints ready and maybe even some smocks to keep the mess under control.
Rainbow-themed snacks and a layered rainbow cake will be a treat for everyone. Think about giving out rainbow-colored toys and stickers as party favors.
2. Animal Safari
For an indoor adventure, an Animal Safari party would be so much fun. Imagine your space transformed with jungle foliage and animal print balloons!
Have safari adventure with toy binoculars and a treasure hunt, and I’m planning jungle-themed snacks and a safari cake.
Guests can leave with mini animal figurines and safari hats as souvenirs of their wild expedition.
We love these Wild ONE First Birthday Party ideas!
3. Little Artist
If your little one loves to finger paint, a Little Artist party is a perfect fit.
We’ll set up a painting station with washable paints and plenty of artistic supplies. I might even provide smocks to keep everyone’s clothes paint-free.
Artistic snacks like colorful cupcakes and an art-themed cake will be a hit, and guests can take home mini art kits to continue their creative streak.
4. Storybook Theme
We’re big on storytelling, so a Storybook Theme party is right up our alley. I would decorate based on a favorite book and plan activities like storytime and themed crafts.
Snacks inspired by the book and a themed cake will add to the magic. Guests can take home small copies of the storybook or themed plush toys to cherish the memories.
The Big One: Surfing Party
If you want to catch the ultimate wave of fun, a Surfing Party is the way to go!
Decorations: Transform your space into a surfer’s paradise with surfboard cutouts, wave decorations, and tiki torches. Use bright colors like turquoise and coral to set the scene.
Activities: Set up a mini surfboard photo booth with props for adorable pictures. Create a “wave pool” with a slip-and-slide or a water play area. Organize a beach ball toss and a surfboard decorating station.
Food: Serve beach-inspired snacks like fish-shaped crackers, coconut water, and tropical fruit salads. For the cake, go with a surfboard or wave design to keep the theme alive.
Party Favors: Send guests home with mini surfboards, beach-themed toys, and sunglasses to keep the summer fun going.
Water Play Themes
1. Splash Party
To beat the summer heat, a Splash Party is a must.
Set up water activities like a splash pad and water balloon toss to keep everyone cool and entertained.
Decorate with water-themed decorations and serve refreshing snacks like fruit popsicles and a splash-themed cake.
And who wouldn’t love going home with water toys and bubbles to continue the fun?
2. Under the Sea
An Under the Sea party would be a fantastic way to explore underwater wonders indoors.
With blue and green decorations and water play stations featuring floating sea creatures, the kids will feel like they’re in an ocean adventure.
Ocean-themed snacks and an under-the-sea cake will be a hit, and guests can take home beach buckets filled with sea creature toys and bubbles.
🎂Download Our First Birthday Party Planner!
If the thought of juggling themes, guest lists, and a cake smash photo session has your head spinning, you’re not alone.
But here’s the thing: having a plan can save your sanity.
You need our first birthday party planning guide – complete with guest list trackers, timeline checklists, shopping lists, menu planner, and budget-friendly tips to keep you on track.
No matter what way you’re leaning, I hope these ideas inspire you to plan a celebration that’s as special and unique as your little one.
Whatever you choose, I’m sure it will be a day filled with love, laughter, and wonderful memories.
Happy planning, and happy birthday to your little one!
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