Today’s post is all about outdoor birthday parties. Summer is the perfect time to plan an amazing party in your own backyard! {And let’s face it, it’s easier to keep the mess in the yard than to have it in the house, right?} Here are 8 ideas for an outdoor birthday party the kids are sure to love.

1.If you’ve got a daughter with an inner cowgirl, lure it out with a cowgirl-chic party. It’s the perfect party to hire a pony, or supply stick ponies for a wildly fun time.

2. This party would also be tons of fun in a neighborhood park. It’s a scavenger hunt party that the kids are sure to love.

3. Throw a fiesta-themed party, complete with a candy-filled piñata. Check out Martha Stewart for the details.

4. Have a “color run.” Make some bags of colorful non-toxic powders, and let the kids have a blast turning each other all the colors of the rainbow while playing outdoor games.

5. A backyard fire pit is the perfect place to throw a bonfire birthday party, complete with camping food and make-your-own s’mores.

6. A luau-themed party like this one from Kara’s Party Ideas would be so much fun to put together, and perfect for the heat of summer. I’m dying over that cake!

7. Throw a backyard ice cream party. It’s the perfect place to set up an ice cream bar and let everyone build their own banana splits, sundaes or waffle cones.

8. Host an outdoor movie birthday party complete with a cute concession stand to serve popcorn and snacks.