Birthday Party Theme Ideas for 2- to 4-Year-Olds

The Dinosaur Party

Have a prehistoric party with the living lizards. Now is the time to indulge in your little one's fascination with the Jurassic cast of characters. Dino parties provide plenty of game and favor ideas.

Game: Sandbox Fossil Hunt. If you've got an outside sandbox, you're golden. Bury toy plastic dinosaurs in the sand and arm your guests with spoons, handheld sifters, and collection boxes. No outdoor space? Don't worry. You can create your own tabletop sandbox. Large water basins or even big foil turkey roasting pans will do in a pinch. (For inside fossil hunts, figure two children per sand container.) Check a local hardware or garden shop for sand. Be prepared to vacuum up after the party's over.

Party favor: Temporary dinosaur tattoos.

Planning timeline

• One month before party day: Make guest list, plan menu, send invitations.
• Two weeks before party day: Shop for party favors, paper goods, and items you will need for the fossil hunt. Ask a friend or relative who has RSVP'd to act as your assistant on party day.
• One week before party day: Shop for menu items.