Kids' Party Food Ideas

A birthday party isn't a party without good kids' party food. When planning your menu, keep things simple and stick with your theme.

The following tips and ideas will help you prepare foods that everyone loves.

Make Your Kids' Birthday Food Familiar

Birthdays are not the time to introduce new menu. Save yourself time (and peace of mind) by preparing tried and tested food items, such as sandwiches, pizza, tacos, and hot dogs.

You can make these foods more impressive by jazzing up the presentation or the name to fit your theme. For example, at a Harry Potter party regular sandwiches can be renamed Professor Alastor's Sandwiches.

Don't Forget the Cake

Behind every memorable party there is a great cake. Each featured birthday theme has a cake recipe included - make sure to check it out!

Prepare Your Dishes Ahead

To spare yourself stress on the day of the party, make as much food as you can in advance. Bake and freeze the birthday cake or cut vegetables for serving them raw.

Serve Drinks for Thirsty Guests

Offer children a drink when they arrive - juice boxes or chocolate milk for a child or party punch for an adult. To free space in your refrigerator, pack the drinks in coolers with ice.

Keep your guests hydrated during party games.

Serve Finger Food Items

Make bite-size food items to feed your "hungry gang" - finger sandwiches, cheese and crackers, and mini fruit kabobs. If you plan an assortment of, say, six appetizers, plan two per guest. Provide a big bowl of munchies, such as tortilla chips (and salsa), popcorn, pretzels, or party mix.

Balance Sweets with Nutritional Snacks

Kids usually tend to load up on too much cake and ice cream. Therefore, be sure to serve nutritious snacks. Not only will this balance out your birthday food menu, but it will keep the games under control too.

Kids' Party Food Ideas and Tips