Day at the Circus Kids' Birthday Party

Throw a birthday party that's more fun than a three-ring circus.
Circus-Themed Birthday Party Banner and Snacks

Circus-Themed Kids' Birthday Party

A circus-themed birthday party is a great idea for kids of all ages. Transform your home into a day at the circus with bold hues of red and yellow and circus activities like face painting. Serve circus snacks like popcorn in striped containers you can find at any crafts store. Guests will feel they're enjoying a day at the circus.

By: Laura Fenton

Make your child’s birthday the greatest show on earth with a circus-themed party. While the real circus comes to town rarely, you can recreate the fun of a day under the big top for your child and his friends. Younger children will especially enjoy the games and accoutrements of this carnival-like fiesta.

CI-Laura-Fenton_circus-kids-party-invites-tickets_s4x3

Give Them a Ticket to Fun

For circus-inspired invitations opt for boldly hued red and yellow papers and inks. Make sure each invitation is sent with a ticket to the circus: "Admit One" tickets can be purchased at office supply stores or you can make your own. On the party day, don a top hat, a vest and, if you’re really in the mood, a fake mustache, for a ringmaster-like look. The kids will feel they’ve arrived at the circus when you collect tickets from them at the door.

CI-Laura-Fenton_circus-kids-party-circus-banner_s4x3

Set the Stage for the Show

You don’t need to rent an actual tent for the party – create the atmosphere of a three-ring show with less expensive details. For example, a couple yards of red and white striped fabric make a festive table covering that recalls the stripes of a circus tent. Bunches of red balloons are an absolute must, and guests can each take one home at the end of the party.

CI-Laura-Fenton_circus-kids-party-popcorn_s4x3

A pair of circus-inspired banners will give your party space some flair. To create the banner above, cut yellow cardstock to size with a pair of pinking shears. Then print out the word "circus" in a huge size of an old-time-y font (ours was Rosewood Std Regular). Once printed, use scissors to carefully cut out each letter and glue each to the center of a yellow card. Then affix cards to a length of grosgrain ribbon with double-stick tape and hang. The red garland was crafted from red labeling stickers and curling ribbon. Simply adhere a pair of stickers to one another over the ribbon; we spaced ours every three inches.

Serve Circus Snacks

Personalized Animal Cracker Boxes

Animal Cracker Party Favor

What represents a circus better than a box of animal crackers? This party favor is a healthier option than candy-filled party favor bags. Laura Fenton suggests decorating the boxes with some ribbon and name tags.

What represents a circus better than a box of animal crackers? This party favor is a healthier option than candy-filled party favor bags. Laura Fenton suggests decorating the boxes with some ribbon and name tags.

Let kids nibble on circus-worthy bags of freshly popped popcorn or boxes of Cracker Jack. If none of your child’s friends have allergies, shell-on peanuts are another fun-to-eat and healthy snack. When serving a full meal, hot dogs and hamburgers with all the fixings are a go-to choice for a big top-themed party. Decorate a cake with simple stripes, or if you’re feeling more intrepid, cupcakes can be frosted to look like clowns. Alternately, ice cream cones, candy apples or cotton candy would all make for interesting variations to the usual birthday cupcake.

Let Them Clown Around

CI-Laura-Fenton_circus-kids-party-giraffe-toys_s4x3

For activities, pin the tail on the donkey is a classic game that fits right in with the circus theme. Face painting is another carnival-like activity that little ones love. All you need are a face painting kit (usually less than $15) and an artistic friend or two to man the station. Provide red foam noses for those who want a clown face. If the event is outside, a water balloon toss is sure to give your guests a laugh.

Laura Fenton is a Brooklyn-based writer and stylist whose work has appeared in many publications, including Country Living, Family Circle and Good Housekeeping. She is also a regular contributor to Shelterpop.com.

Next Up

Print Our Birthday Scavenger Hunt for Your Kid’s Next Bash

Bring joy to any birthday celebration with this interactive scavenger hunt that you can print, cut out and hide throughout your home.

Tips for Creating a Comfortable, Safe Room for Your Child

Learn how to incorporate safety, storage and style into a space your little one will love.

21 Buys to Help Kids Celebrate Earth Day Every Day

These fun finds will get kids outside learning about the world around them and how they can impact it in a positive way.

How to Make a Scratch-Off Card for Father's Day

Give Dad a break this year with a DIY scratch-off lotto-style card with prizes like breakfast in bed, a free pass from mowing the lawn and a car wash.

20 Fun, Affordable Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Kids

Save the cards and candy for class, and surprise your kiddo with a little something off this list.

What You Need to Survive a Theme Park Day With Your Kids

Let the days of sunshine, roller coasters, long lines and park food begin. Check out these essentials for making the most of your day at a theme park with kids.

Planning a Birthday Party

This timeline will help ensure your party is a success.

Totally Nautical Kids' Birthday Party

This kids' party is a boatload of fun.

Baseball Bonanza Birthday Party

Take the kids out to the ballpark for a fun birthday get-together.

Birthday Parties: Season by Season

Throw a party for your child with themes tied to the time of year.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Home Town

7am | 6c

Home Town

8am | 7c

Home Town

9am | 8c

Home Town

10am | 9c

Home Town

11am | 10c

Bargain Block

12pm | 11c

Bargain Block

1pm | 12c

House Hunters

7:30pm | 6:30c
On Tonight
On Tonight

House Hunters

8pm | 7c

House Hunters

8:30pm | 7:30c

House Hunters

9:30pm | 8:30c

House Hunters

10pm | 9c

House Hunters

10:30pm | 9:30c

House Hunters

11pm | 10c

House Hunters

11:30pm | 10:30c

House Hunters

12am | 11c

House Hunters

12:30am | 11:30c

House Hunters

1am | 12c

House Hunters

1:30am | 12:30c

House Hunters

2:30am | 1:30c

House Hunters

3:30am | 2:30c

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.