How to Plan the Perfect Menu for a Kids' Birthday Party: Fun and Tasty Food Ideas

The best way to eat a cake

You’ve got the date set and have picked a party theme, but then comes the dreaded task of coming up with the food ideas.  It's often the piece of party planning that people struggle with the most.  How can you create something that is creative, kid-friendly and not too complicated?  Thanks to this handy kids party food ideas list, you won't have to agonize over it anymore!  

We have broken this list down by the time of the day you'll be serving -  from breakfast all the way through to dinner and everything in between - starting with the simplest time, mid afternoon (where no full meals are required!).

*always be sure to check with parents ahead of time if there are any food allergies or sensitivities

A garden tea party with beautifully set tiered pastry trays, colorful fruit platters, and lovely floral decorations makes for a warm and classy vibe.

MID-AFTERNOON

Mid-afternoon is a great time to host a birthday party if you're looking to really simplify the food. A party between 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. means that guests arrive with bellies full from lunch and will be leaving just in time to head home for dinner. As a host, you can put together some simple finger foods that you can make ahead of time and have kids grab and go as they please.

• Veggie tray

• Charcuterie board (our go to fav is from Nurish Kitchen )

• Fruit platter

• Hummus and pita

• Smoothies - try this Strawberry Green Goodness one

• Guacamole (try this kid-friendly version) and nachos 

• Mini muffins (try this Maple Sweetened Banana Muffins from our go-to fav recipe spot Cookie + Kate) 

A fun vegetable platter

BREAKFAST / BRUNCH

Who doesn't love breakfast?  The great thing about breakfast foods is that they can be served at any time of day.  Even if you're not hosting a party in the morning, guests would be delighted with these foods whenever you serve them.

• Mini-quiches in assorted flavours (ham and cheese, spinach, plain)

• Baked French toast 

• Veggie platter

• Yogurt parfaits (our ice cream cups are the perfect serving size)

• Fruit tarts

• Bagels and cream cheese

• Egg casserole (this Easy Cheesy recipe from Gimme Some Oven is a crowd pleaser) 

• Breakfast cereal bar - think Lucky Charms, Fruit Loops, Corn Pops and Frosted Flakes

• Whole wheat wraps with peanut butter (or wow butter!) and jam

• Waffles

• Smoothies

• Hard boiled eggs

Easy cereal bar with vases from around the house

LUNCH

Lunch is a great time to host a party for kids as it offers a lot of simple, child-friendly party food options.  It gives you ample time in the morning to prepare and is easy to create a hassle-free menu.

• Sub sandwiches (veggie, turkey, ham, egg)

• Veggie tray

• Pizza

• Charcuterie board

• Baked mac and cheese 

• Muffins

• Sushi 

• Quesadillas

DINNER

If you're up for a dinner time party then be prepared to have guests expect a bit more hearty of a meal.  Party foods for dinner can still be simple but require a bit more work up front and will need some additional serving time during the party and clean up afterwards.  

• Sliders

• Chili (try this kid-friendly slow cooker recipe from Kitchn)

• Pulled pork sandwiches (trust the NY Times Cooking to come up with this fan favourite)

• Fish 'n chips

• Taco bar 

• Baked crispy chicken tenders and fries 

• Spaghetti and meatballs

We hope these ideas help make party planning a little easier!  If we could offer one tip, it's to make as much of the food ahead of time so that you can enjoy the party too.  Planning on using one of these recipes?  We'd love to see how your party turned out!  

Tag us on social #whimsyandwow24 or e-mail us at info@whimsyandwow.ca.

Happy partying!  

 - Leandri