Birthdays + Parties

Unique Party Favor Ideas

Creative and easy party favors kids (and parents) will actually love

Giveaway: Sizzle Into Summer with a Backyard BBQ Feast

Win a $250 feast for your next party from Famous Dave's

My Family Gave Up Birthday Parties

Stress-free ideas for memorable celebrations from a relieved mom

Host a Less Wasteful Birthday Party With These Tips

Plus, eco-friendly birthday themes they’ll love

15 Easy and Awesome Birthday Party Snacks and Treats

Clever party treats for kids — bonus: they’re low-effort, too

10 Crafty Birthday Activities That Double as Party Favors

Adorable DIY arts and crafts they’ll want to keep

Best Indoor Birthday Party Venues Around Seattle for Little Kids

From creative sessions to action-packed adventures, these 12 great party places offer fun-filled bashes to celebrate your little one’s big day in a big way

5 Birthday Party Etiquette Tips All Parents Should Know

How to avoid common party-planning pitfalls and throw a fun children’s event

6 Tips for Throwing an Awesome Birthday Party for Your Introverted Kid

Help shy or crowd-averse kids enjoy their special day

Best Birthday Party Venues for Older Kids and Tweens Around Seattle

Zip tours, glass-blowing, escape rooms and more party ideas

Throw an Epic Birthday Bash at Home Without Lifting a Finger

12+ Seattle-area organizations that bring the party to you

Inexpensive Places to Host Your Next Kids' Party

Party venues that won’t break the bank

Ready for the Best Game Night Ever?

Family-friendly TV show challenges for real-life fun

Indulgent Dry January Mocktails for a Refreshing Start to the Year

Pour yourself a beautiful mocktail and enjoy alcohol-free relaxation

Chinese Zodiac for Kids and Parents

Expecting a bundle of joy in 2024? Read all about the Chinese zodiac sign of the Dragon

Choosing Safe Toys for Kids

Things to consider before your next gift-buying trip

How to Host a Swap Party

Swap parties turn unwanted items into treasure

10 Halloween Crafts and Activities for Kids

Try these ideas for a spooktacular (and crafty) holiday

Have You Heard of ‘Fiver’ Parties?

Bonus: No more scrambling to buy the perfect party gift

10 Best DIY Water-Play Ideas

DIY sprinklers, ice excavation, super sponge balls and more

Unforgettable Spots for Outdoor Birthday Parties in Puget Sound

Pony rides, zip lines, kayaking and more fresh-air party fun

Goody Bag Ideas That Don’t Completely Suck

Ditch the waste and keep the fun with these creative ideas

7 Birthday Party Tips for Kids With Autism or Sensory Processing Disorder

How to host an awesome birthday party for a child with autism or sensory challenges

Giveaway: Win a Birthday Party at Kraken Community Iceplex

Enter for your chance to host your child’s birthday at the official practice facility of the Seattle Kraken

7 Fantastic Fortnite Birthday Party Ideas

V-Buck Cookies, Campfire Cake and Chug Jugs are the perfect fuel for a Fortnite party

Catch a Perfect Pokémon Party With These Ideas

Fun ideas for Poké crafts, treats and games

Chinese Zodiac: The Rabbit Child

The angelic Rabbit child is one of those miraculous tots who can sit quietly in restaurants with adults and occupy herself with books and toys for hours on end.

Inexpensive Indoor and Outdoor Halloween Party Games for Kids

Fast, creepy, cheap and easy ideas

Best Rocket Toys for Hours of Science-y Fun

Powered by water, air or your own two feet, these rockets bring high-flying fun!

5 Unusual Party Games That Your Kids Will Love

Awesome activities to make that birthday party memorable

5 Quick Family Dinners Made With Trader Joe’s Products

Need a quick dinner? Try these simple and satisfying family meals

Cheap Indoor and Outdoor Party Games for Kids

Here are some great ways to entertain (and wear out) your little partygoers!

How to Plan a Magical ‘Encanto’ Birthday Party

Party décor, treats, activities and more

Sweet Fairy-Tale Birthday Party Ideas

Throw your little princess or prince a magical birthday party

Chinese Zodiac: The Tiger Child

Charismatic and bright, he’ll talk an ear off, sharing his many schemes and dreams with his captive audience of the moment.

Chinese Zodiac: The Dog Child

Dog children are like mini adults, capable of independently shouldering responsibility efficiently at an early age and completely worthy of trust.

Chinese Zodiac: The Sheep Child

This child requires an abundance of patient solicitude and TLC to weather the emotional experiences of growing up.

Chinese Zodiac: The Horse Child

Early to talk and walk, the Horse child functions at high mental and physical acceleration.

Chinese Zodiac: The Dragon Child

Incandescent, independent, and resilient, the Dragon child will never fall prey to a foe.

Chinese Zodiac: The Rat Child

These little beings are natural-born charmers!

Chinese Zodiac: The Pig Child

A generous dispenser of hugs, kisses, and bottomless faith, your little Pig is an absolute treasure.

Chinese Zodiac: The Rooster Child

Learn more about your Rooster child

Chinese Zodiac: The Monkey Child

You won’t find a more enchanting and quick-witted tot in the zodiac than the clever and oh-so-curious Monkey.

Chinese Zodiac: The Snake Child

Snakes make sage and fair-minded leaders, and you will notice how other children naturally look up to your Snake child.

Chinese Zodiac: The Ox Child

The Ox possesses the stamina, impressive self-confidence, and willpower to go far in life.

10 Goody Bag Ideas for Busy Parents

Cheap and easy goody bag gift ideas that kids will love

12 Easy Homemade Halloween Treats Your Kids Will Love

Spooky and delicious Halloween treats

8 Trendy Outdoor Birthday Party Themes

Fresh ideas for your kid's big day

Luscious Lemon Cupcakes from ‘Cake Magic!’ Cookbook

Lemon cupcakes with mixed berry syrup and cream cheese frosting

Inclusive and Diverse Toys for Kids

Teach your kids about diversity, inclusion and different cultures with these awesome toys

9 Fun Birthday Ideas and Activities for Kids

Have a birthday party to plan? The kids will love these ideas

10 Birthday Treats That Take the Cake

Unique sweets to serve to your birthday buddy instead of cake

Awesome Ideas to Make That Virtual Birthday Party Extra Special

Collaborative gaming, Lego parties, paint-along activities, magic shows and more

Celebrating at Home: Gourmet Takeout, Treats and Entertainment

Make any event feel special with fancy takeout, cakes, balloons and more

12 Easy Halloween Party Snacks

Give your little goblins and ghouls some festive treats

6 Fun Ideas to Break the Monotony of Quarantine Living

Celebrate and do something different this week

9 Creative Ways to Celebrate Kids’ Birthdays During Quarantine

Fun, cheap and easy ways to make kids feel loved on their special day

10 Creative Ideas for Hosting an Awesome Sleepover Party

Make the most of a slumber party with these entertaining games, crafts and activities

10 STEM-Themed Birthday Party Ideas for Your Budding Scientist

How to throw a mad science birthday

9 'Frozen’ Ideas for Winter Birthday Fun

A roundup of the coolest Disney-themed party ideas

7 Adorable Gender-Neutral Baby Shower Ideas

Eschew pink and blue and try one of these ideas instead

10 Birthday Party Ideas Based on Popular Children's Books

Wow your young reader with these literary-themed birthday party ideas

13 Wild West Birthday Party Ideas

Celebrate your little cowgirl or cowboy Wild West-style with these decorations, games and treats!

10 Summer Birthday Party Ideas

Wear them out with these awesome activities

Why I'm Saying No to Most of My Kids' Birthday Party Invites

Sorry, Rachel Hollis

Why Travel Should Be the New Birthday Party

Give your kids the best birthday ever without any of the hassle

How to Plan the Perfect 'Game of Thrones' Baby Shower

Celebrate your newest prince or princess

How to Throw an Awesome Birthday Bash Without Breaking the Bank

Simple ideas to cut down on costs

8 Creative Birthday Party Themes Your Kids Will Love

Make it your kid's best birthday yet

Vroom Vroom! 10 'Cars' Birthday-Party Ideas

10 birthday ideas that will have you saying "ka-chow!"

How to Throw the Ultimate Lego Birthday Party

For the Lego lover in your life

4 Fun Recipes to Make for Super Bowl 2019

The best part of football? The food, obviously

Build-A-Bear Offers a Huggable Deal

Discount bears Sunday and Monday for National Hug Day

Tired of the Same Ol' Indoor Play Space? Check Out This New Spot

Ball pit, zip line, slides, tea cup spinners and more

December Birthdays Are the Worst...But They Don't Have to Be

Don't let the holidays distract from your kid's special day

12 Marvel Superhero Birthday Party Ideas

Your little superhero will love these ideas

How to Make Birthday Cakes Look More Impressive

The secret to a winning birthday cake is hiding in your toy bin

Need Pumpkin Carving Tips? The Pumpkin Professor Is In

Tips, tricks and ideas from a pumpkin carving pro

All Paws on Deck for a Paw Patrol Birthday Party

Adorable DIY ideas the kiddos will love

9 Grr-ific Ideas for a Daniel Tiger Birthday Party

Get inspired by these adorable DIY ideas

Why You Shouldn’t Skip Out on That Birthday Party

A response to the plea of Rachel Hollis of The Chic Site

Build-A-Bear Offers One-Day Deal This Thursday

Plus, a new special for your kid's birthday month

7 Super Ideas for an 'Incredibles 2' Birthday Party

From invites to masked balloons, everything you need to have a super time

16 Angry Birds Party Ideas

Ideas that'll get your family all atwitter

8 Tips for a Perfect Tea Party

Celebrate the Royal Wedding with an English tea party

Best Ninjago Birthday Party Ideas

DIY ideas for your next birthday bash

16 Birthday Party Ideas Featuring Minions

These are perfect for any kid who is crazy for 'Minions' and 'Despicable Me'

10 'Finding Dory' Party Ideas

Channel your inner Dory with these fun ideas

Minecraft Party Genius

Planning a Minecraft party? Ideas to get you started

15 Homemade Goody Bag Ideas

Parents and kids alike will say 'oh goody!' to these ideas

15 Creative Birthday Cakes and Treats

Cool cupcakes, cakes and more creative party desserts

10 'Star Wars' Party Ideas

Throw the best party in the galaxy!

10 Neon Birthday Party Ideas

Glow on with these illuminating ideas

12 Tech Gifts Your Kids Will Totally Love

Rack up the cool-parent cred this holiday season

10 Trendy and Adorable Birthday Party Themes for Kids

Emojis, Pokemon, Wonder Woman and more fun ideas

15 Allergy-Free Treats for Kids

Sweet allergy-free recipes and on-the-go snacks

9 Fun Freebies and Giveaways for Kids

Sign up for these sweet giveaways from chain stores

Parent Goody Bags and More Inspired Party Ideas

Unexpected birthday rituals up the bonding for everyone

Top Chef Birthday Parties

Party ideas for your foodies-in-training

You're a Wizard, Harry! 11 Party Ideas From the Wizarding World

Add some magic to any celebration with these fun ideas

Go Wild for These 12 'Jungle Book' Birthday Party Ideas

Your kids will love these Tarzan invitations, jungle decor and more!

BFG Birthday: 10 Big Friendly Giant Ideas to Help You Celebrate

Roald Dahl fans, rejoice! Your BFG birthday party ideas all in one spot

Golden Teddy 2016 Activities for Kids

Winners and finalists for 2016

Parenting Abroad: Birthday Parties, Language Barriers and Hurt Feelings

What I learned from throwing my son's birthday party abroad

What to Do If Your Kid Feels Left Out

Not getting invited can actually be a blessing in disguise

Go Hawks! 7 Football Birthday Party Ideas

Score a touchdown with these inspired ideas

Budget-friendly Party Plans

How to have an at-home party during the rainy season without chaos

Sweet Success: How Molly Moon Neitzel Makes It Work

"Ice cream can be where a multigenerational community gathering happens."

Rent to Play: Awesome Toy Rental and Subscription Services

From Legos to science kits, services that rotate the toys for you

'American Girl'-Themed Birthday Party Ideas

Have a ball, dolls and all, with these crafts, snacks, goodies and more from American Girl

16 Woodland Birthday Party Ideas

Delve 'Into the Woods' with these fun birthday ideas to please any Little Red Riding Hood

Why Having Twins With a Winter Birthday Is the Worst

It's a doube-edged sword and both of those edges are expensive

From 'Frozen' to Lego: Popular Themed Gift Ideas for Kids

From cheap to splurge, we've rounded up themed and movie gifts for fans of Minecraft, American Girl Dolls, Minions and more

10 Star Wars Crafts to Help You Channel the Force

Celebrate Star Wars Reads Day with super-galactic fun

Get Your Glow On!

After-dark party games and outdoor gear for kids and families

6 Spots for Lego Fun (and Parties) in Greater Seattle

The perfect antidote to a rainy day is big brick fun

Rite of Way: Coming-of-Age Rituals for a New Generation

Doing Good: Birthday Dreams for All

Easy Homemade Goody Bag Ideas

8 Fantastic Party Themes

Throw a fantastic birthday party with these fully planned party ideas

Green Bites: Alone Time in the Family Spa

15 Amazing Kids’ Birthday Party Themes

2012 Golden Teddy Winners: Activities for Kids

20 Inexpensive Goody Bag Ideas for Kids

Cheap and fun goody bag ideas

Essential Party Guide: Lots of great options and resources for your child's next birthday bash

Sweet spot: Tour of Theo Chocolate, Seattle's organic chocolate factory

Great gifts for under $10 and $20

Three great ideas for a musical birthday party

Great, cheap birthday parties

Earth: Plan an eco-friendly bash

Low-Cost Birthday Party Ideas for Kids

Issues: Perplexing party problems

Great party ideas from ParentMap staff and readers

Birthday games for the whole gang

On best behavior for birthday parties

Gifts for kids with special needs