• Celebrate your child's birthday in the way you know he will enjoy the most.Happy Birthday Balloon image by Dawn from Fotolia.com
  
  There are endless possibilities for what to do at your child's next birthday party. A lot of what needs to be considered involves what your child, and his friends, will enjoy the most. Is your child the adventurous type? The educational type? Once you identify what would appeal to your child the most, you can choose activities and games that correspond to your child's personality the most.
  
  

Games

• Games could include sports, arcade games, board games or skill games. The best type of game will depend on the age group of the children. For younger children of preschool or early elementary school age, games such as Pin the Tail on the Donkey, Bingo, Twister or Duck Duck Goose will work best. Playing games for prizes is better suited for older children of late elementary or early middle school age, who understand about winning and losing a little more. These games could include Pictionary, Hide and Go Seek, or a scavenger hunt. Arcade and board games could be used for many different age groups, even high school age, if the kids typically enjoy playing these types of games.
  
  

Crafts

• Arts and crafts projects keep children busy during the party, as well as give them something to take home with them as a party favor. Crafts could include everything from painting a picture to baking cookies in the kitchen. If the party has a theme, you could choose a craft that goes well with the theme of the party. For example, if your child is having a pool party, the children could decorate foam visors or cotton hats. Or if your child is a spring baby, the children could make cookie bouquets to take home to their families. Be sure to provide plenty of supplies, as children may tend to use more material than you would think. Also, be sure to consider what type of setup and cleanup would be required for each craft you are considering to have at the party.
  
  

Cultural Party

• When choosing a theme for your child's birthday party, try choosing an educational theme that is fun at the same time. You could host a luau and teach the children about Hawaiian luaus, complete with pineapples, leis, and hula-hoop contests. You could also throw an Italian-themed party, have a number of different Italian food options for the children, and teach them about the backgrounds of these popular dishes. Think about what your child is interested in and try and tap into the types of cultural experiences that she will be excited about being exposed to.