Awesome Airplane Birthday Party

A no-sew cap and goggles create the perfect look for would-be barnstormers.

Hat: Find our template below. For each hat, stack two layers of brown fleece, fuzzy sides together. Pin the template on top, trace it, and cut through both layers. Run a line of fabric glue (we used Fabri-Tac) to join the panels along the curved top. When the glue is dry, trim the seam edges if needed, then turn the hat right side out.

Goggles: Find our template below. Trace it onto black and gray craft foam and cut out the shapes. Stick the rims to the goggles with glue dots. Pierce a hole near each strap end, then thread a 10-inch length of elastic cord through the holes and knot the ends together.

Originally published in the August 2014 issue of FamilyFun magazine.

To keep your guests' heads in the clouds, tie white helium-filled balloons to chair backs and other spots in the party area. Add an extra-festive touch with paper-airplane garlands. (Find instructions for folding the familiar dart model shown here, plus a slew of other designs, at thepaperairplaneguy.com.) Cut string to the desired length, then run it through the central fold of each plane, securing it in place with double-sided tape.

Originally published in the August 2014 issue of FamilyFun magazine.

For a heavenly dessert, bake your favorite cake and ice it with light blue frosting. Add meringues (we baked our own, piping them into cloud shapes, but store-bought meringues will look terrific, too). Top it with a plane made from vanilla sugar wafers cut into two triangles and a rectangle. Assemble it as shown, using frosting to hold it together and a toothpick to secure it to the cake.

Originally published in the August 2014 issue of FamilyFun magazine.

On a length of gray or black wrapping paper, place two rows of runway markers, made by snipping wide drinking straws (the type used for slushy drinks) into 1-inch pieces and sliding them onto battery-operated tea lights decorated with washi tape.

Originally published in the August 2014 issue of FamilyFun magazine.

Balsa wood planes are old school but still incredibly awesome. Have some on hand and challenge guests to get gliding!

Originally published in the August 2014 issue of FamilyFun magazine.

To let partygoers get their game on, divide them into two teams. Give each group a small suitcase and a pile of clothes. Have half of each team's members stand on the far end of a room. The first player packs the clothes, closes the case, and runs to dump the contents in front of his teammate. The teammate has to repack it and race back to the starting point to dump it again. The first team to complete the dash wins.

Originally published in the August 2014 issue of FamilyFun magazine.

Banish midair munchies with a meal that's much better than the real-world version! Pack individual lunches in segmented food containers, as shown; for a flight-worthy look, add some labels (find our customizable ones below).

Originally published in the August 2014 issue of FamilyFun magazine.

Be sure all pilots claim their goodie bags and passports before departing. For the suitcase, cover a box of 64 crayons with kraft paper. Cut a 6- by 1 1/2-inch handle, fold it in thirds lengthwise, and attach it to the box with double-sided tape. Add travel stickers (we found ours on amazon.com) and brown ribbon straps, secured with double-sided tape. Print a photocopied passport cover or our hand-drawn one (find it below) onto card stock. Cut paper to fit inside, and staple the booklet together. Add a "Baggage Claim" sign.

Originally published in the August 2014 issue of FamilyFun magazine.