Circus Birthday Party Ideas

Come one, come all...circus birthday party ideas.  From snacks and food to fun games and activities, we'll be sharing some amazing ways to transform your party space into a festive circus setting.  Take advantage of the vibrant colors, whimsical designs, and playful atmosphere of the circus to throw a birthday party to remember.

Circus Birthday Party Ideas

Ready to toss your hat in the ring?  Grab your popcorn and cotton candy, put on your clown nose and let's get started with the most amazing circus birthday party ideas you've ever seen...

Circus birthday invitations.

When the circus comes to town, the word travels fast.  These personalized invitations are much more personal with the birthday boy or girl's name highlighted.  When the kids see them, they know who is having a party that they don't want to miss...

Get the show on the road with fill-in invitations...

Circus themed birthday party supplies.

Themed party supplies have always been an important part of a kid's birthday party.  With bright colors, playful patterns, and whimsical details, these circus inspired party supplies are the perfect way to bring the big top to your backyard...

Personalized party supplies.

Take a look at these party supplies that offer much more than simply plates and napkins.  You can customize with any text and there are lots of matching items available to continue the theme...party favors, edible frosting rounds, napkin bands, tags, and more.    

Big top.

Making your circus birthday party ideas as authentic as possible requires some effort, but it's worth it.  Whether you prefer to hang fabric from the ceiling or set up a tent, staging a big top in some form or fashion makes a big statement.

Circus birthday party decorations.

Looking for amazing ideas for decorations that will transform your party space into a festive circus setting?  From colorful balloons and streamers to custom banners and centerpieces, we've got everything you need to create a magical and unforgettable celebration. So, whether you're a seasoned party planner or a first-time host, we hope our tips and tricks will help you create a truly special circus-themed birthday party.

Personalized banners...

Circus themed first birthday photo banners...

Paper lanterns...

Balloon circus birthday decorations...

Circus birthday party ideas for centerpieces...

Creative party hats that are sure to delight...

Yard signs.

Circus themed yard signs are a fun and colorful way to decorate your lawn or front yard.  They typically feature images of circus performers, such as clowns, acrobats, and animals, and are often designed in bold, vibrant colors to make them stand out.  Here are some of our favorites...

Cardboard standups.

Incorporate the magic of the circus into your child's special day with cardboard standups.  Whether used to decorate the party space or as photo opportunities, they're sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.

Circus birthday shirt.

The playful atmosphere of the circus makes it the perfect inspiration for a special birthday outfit.  There are as many choices as there are ways to personalize them...

Photo shoots.

Taking photos can be a fun way to create lasting mementos of a special birthday.  Start by choosing a backdrop or setting that evokes the circus atmosphere.  Add props and accessories to enhance the theme, such as oversized clown hats, clown wigs, big red noses, colorful streamers, or vintage circus posters.  To really bring the circus theme to life, have a clown interact with guests as they pose.

Welcome to the circus-themed birthday party games extravaganza!
From traditional carnival games to fun filled activities, and everything in between, these circus birthday party ideas are sure to keep your party animals entertained and engaged.

Fun house mirror...

Pinatas are fun for all ages...

Another way to enjoy the fun of a pinata.
Pull string pinatas...

Pin the nose on the clown.

Blindfold players and have them try to pin the nose on a poster of a clown.  Closest pin wins.

Spin the wheel and win a prize...

Duck games.

Fill a kiddie pool with rubber ducks and let the games begin.  Play a matching game, have a water gun shooting contest, or simply pick up a duck and win a prize.

Tattoos, anyone?

Toss game.

Give this game your best shot.  Set up a toss game and have players test their skills hitting a circus-themed target.  Take a look at these ready to play toss games...

Tin can knock down...

Ping pong game.

So much action, so little effort.  Line up glass fish bowls on a table and allow kids to throw ping pong balls into the fish bowls.  For younger participants, place the fish bowls close together to encourage a successful outcome.

Drop and win...

Face painting.

Paint faces with circus-themed designs like clown faces, animal faces, or balloons.  Practice before the party to determine which designs are easiest for you or enlist the help of an artistic friend or professional.  These face painting kits will help get you started...

Scratch off...

Cupcake walk.

Yes, it's okay to play with your food...have a cupcake walk.  Start the music and let kids march around a numbered path.  When the music stops, draw a number and the player standing on that number wins a cupcake.  Make your cupcakes as enticing as possible...

No regrets here...
Hire a clown, magician, or juggler.
The kids will be amazed and so will you.

Balloon twisting.

Making balloon animals is a fun way to entertain kids.  Preparation is key, so practice ahead of time and offer a couple of choices on party day that are not complicated.  Make it easy on yourself with an all inclusive kit...

Circus birthday party ideas for food.

Stick with the theme and serve food and snacks that are typically found at the circus.  Hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, popcorn, and peanuts (the marshmallow kind) are tasty options that can easily be eaten on the go.  Consider setting up a concession stand to make serving the food an authentic carnival experience.  And don't forget to have trash cans available for guests to dispose of plates and cups.

Not so ordinary treat stands...

Food snack trays...

Grab and go circus themed snacks...

Snack or ice cream cups...

Life is short, make it sweet.
Buy or rent a cotton candy machine...

Cotton candy essentials...

Get your sugar rush here.
Pre-packaged cotton candy...

Set up a popcorn station with different flavors
and toppings like butter, caramel, and cheese...

The perfect fair snack.
Snow cones....

Cupcakes.

Clowning around with the cupcakes is easy with carnival inspired wrappers, toppers, and picks.  Take a look...

Edible circus birthday cake toppers...

Drink ideas.

Serve soda, lemonade, or punch in a fun circus-themed cup.  Pour on the personality with silly straws, umbrellas, fruit, etc...kids like fancy drinks too.

Joining the circus...water bottle labels.

Party favor ideas.
Party favors are great to thank guests for coming and keeping the memories of the party alive.  Choose items that are fun and exciting, but also functional or useful in some way.  Clown noses, miniature circus animals, stickers, popcorn containers or cotton candy bags. Other fun party favor ideas could include mini juggling balls, temporary tattoos, or even circus-themed coloring books...  

Favor boxes and bags.

And don't forget to package your party favors in a fun and colorful way to make them even more exciting to receive.

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