Go wild with these 15 safari theme party ideas
Does your little explorer spend all their time slashing through the dense jungle in the backyard with their pretend machete? Or maybe their room looks like a wildlife refuge with all their ferocious stuffed safari animals. If either of those descriptions sounds like your child, then we’ve got the perfect birthday party theme for you.
With a safari theme birthday party, your mini adventurer is guaranteed to have a ferociously good time while also showing off their love for nature. Keep reading for more safari theme party ideas than there are zebras on the savannah.
“Giraffe Birthday” by Rifle Paper Co. for Paperless Post; image via Pexels.
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Plan a journey to the wilderness… or to the backyard
You know that a safari theme birthday party would be perfect for your little animal lover—but what exactly does the party planning look like? There are a ton of exciting options to make this next birthday a special one, both at home or out in the wild. Here are some ideas to add a bit of adventure to your safari birthday party.
1. Visit a local zoo or wildlife center
Zookeepers actually make great party hosts, especially when they bring some of their furry (or scaled) friends for each guest to take a look at. Plus, they often have party rooms you can rent out where the explorers can enjoy safari snacks on-site.
2. Create a backyard safari
In many places, it’s possible to hire an exotic animal handler who will visit your home with their menagerie. Your little adventurer will never forget the birthday they hung out with a boa constrictor!
3. Plan a wild dress code
For your safari theme party idea, encourage guests to show up in animal masks, animal prints, or full-on costumes of their favorite beasts.
Due to the *nature* of a safari theme birthday party, there’s a good chance that it includes some kind of outdoor element. But what if the weather isn’t cooperative? Hardy adventurers won’t let a little rain or snow stop them… but it might stop your birthday plans. Luckily, there are plenty of fun safari activities you can plan for indoors.
4. Put on a movie
There are so many fun animal movies to choose from. Might we suggest “Madagascar,” “The Lion King,” or “The Jungle Book”?
5. Play some games
Whether you’re playing Monkey in the Middle or Sleeping Lions, plan some fun kids’ birthday party games to have everyone feeling like a true party animal, indoors or out.
6. Create some safari crafts
With a few simple party supplies, you can set up a safari craft station where your young guests can make their own artistic safari animals.
Safari-themed party supplies are available at Paperless Post Party Shop.
Decorations for a wild safari party
Whether you’re hosting at home or elsewhere, you’ll want the venue to give off serious jungle vibes for your safari-themed party. Seek out garlands and streamers that look like vines, and balloons in varying shades of greens and browns. Some other decoration options to consider include the following.
7. A fun garland to set the mood
Set the mood by inspiring guests to Party like an animal with this decorative garland, featuring an elephant wearing a party hat.
8. An animal-shaped pinata
Fill this cheeta party pinata from Paperless Post Party Shop with treats for the kids to enjoy.
9. Creature-shaped plates
From animal print plates to plates shaped like animals, themed plates help bring your safari theme to life.
10. Animal-inspired costumes
Get into the safari spirit with safari animal print party hats and lion masks.
11. Delightful safari-themed party favors
Thank your guests for a roarin’ good time by sending them home with safari print party bags filled with trinkets like temporary animal tattoos.
Feeding hungry safari explorers (aka partygoers)
Of course, a day spent exploring will leave your guests licking their chops and circling the birthday cake like it’s a water buffalo. So, what kind of food does one serve at a safari-themed birthday bash? Animals eat all kinds of things, but these explorers will probably have a taste for cakes and treats, above all else.
12. The birthday cake
Maybe it’s shaped like your child’s favorite jungle animal or decorated with a scene from the safari of their dreams. Also, some animal candles make the perfect topper.
13. Cupcake decorating kit
For desserts that can double as an activity, have your guests decorate cupcakes with animal-themed toppers.
14. Animal tail treats
We love this idea of decorating chocolate-covered pretzel rods to look like tiger tails!
15. Veggies… but shaped like a lion
For a healthy snack, you can make a safari-themed veggie tray by using a dip (like hummus or ranch) as a lion’s face and surrounding it with peppers and carrots to form a lion’s mane.
Wording for an adventurous invite
Once you’ve picked out your favorite safari-themed invites, it’s time to invite your child’s fellow adventurers with the perfect birthday invitations. If you’re more of a Tarzan than a Jane and have trouble choosing the right words, consider the below examples for your kids’ birthday invitations to get those creative juices flowing.
Welcome to the jungle!
Axl is turning FIVE
Saturday, April 2nd
The adventure begins at:
4 o’clock in the afternoon
[address]
Please RSVP
Or, if your safari theme party is taking place at a location other than your home, you might use the following wording on your safari invitation:
Calling all critters!
Join us at the John Hammond Zoo
Saturday, April 2nd
4 o’clock in the afternoon
[address]
Please RSVP
Animal print attire is highly encouraged!
“Wild One” Flyer by Paperless Post.
Have a roaring good time with Paperless Post
If party planning has you feeling like you’re lost in the jungle, Paperless Post is here to make it a walk in the park. Not only is Paperless Post your one-stop destination for exotic invitations and party decorations, but our app—available on both iOS and Android—makes organizing your birthday safari even easier. You can send invitations and track RSVPs right from your phone, plus communicate directly with other parents about things like dietary restrictions for all those safari snacks.
With Paperless Post, your adventurous safari theme party will have your guests howling for more.
Looking for other kids’ birthday party themes? Try our articles detailing how to throw parties for mermaids, race car fans, and unicorn lovers.
