Age characteristics
Toddlers like being the center of attention! They enjoy other children but may have difficulty interacting with each other while they play. They also love to feel they have accomplished something such as memorizing words to a song or placing that last block on top of the ABC tower.
Guest list
Toddlers enjoy being with other children. If your child is in a play group, invite the children in the group. Or invite the children of your family, friends, and neighbors. Keep in mind that they may get afraid when the adult accompanying is not present so account for a few extra adults.
Length of party
1- 1 ½ Hours
Entertainment for age
Children at this age tire easily so try to keep the party simple and flexible so that you can keep their attention. They are beginning to learn about themselves and the world around them. They enjoy singing, dancing, finger and copying games.
Toddlers sometimes get confused with what is real and pretend, therefore entertainers such as clowns and make-believe characters are great to amuse them.
Games
Keep games short and simple.
Follow the Leader
Sit in a circle and play finger games such as :
The Itsy Bitsy Spider
This Little Piggy
Pat-a Cake, Pat-a-Cake
Safety for age
Childproof your home, covering sockets and closing off bedroom doors, exit and entry ways so that children don’t wander. Avoid foods and items that are choking hazards, such as broken balloons, small party favors, hard candles, hot dogs and popcorn.
Circus/ Carnival Party
Birthday Child’s Starring Role
Acting as ringmaster for the day, your child will be the hit of the party. Everyone will enjoy being under the “big top”.
Party Settings & Games
A large open space is ideal for this party. Whether in your home or a local gymnasium. Create a mini carnival with different stations: face painter, fake tatoos, bean bag toss, etc. Don’t forget to have plenty of game prizes which can double up as favors. Use lots of decorations of your own or cheat a little with this Giant Carnival Decorating Kit
Buy trinket prizes
To make your own booths, ask friends and family members to be in charge of each booth.
- Basketball Shooting (draw a line on the driveway, 3 shots per try)
- Ball Toss (toss 3 softballs into a basket, win a grand prize)
- Mini Golf Putting Challenge
- Guess the number of jelly beans or animal crackers in the jar (and win them all at the end of the party)
- Quarterback Test (throw a football through a hanging hula hoop)
- Face Painting (have easy to draw designs like rainbows and suns, or use peel off tattoos)
- Mystery Box (put your hand inside a cardboard box and guess what lies within. Peeled grapes can feel like eye balls and really give you goosebumps.)
- Hot Dog Vendor.
- Photo board
cut outs. Have a fun or silly image on a cardboard with a cut out for the face. Take plenty of photos or use a Polaroid camera so kids can take their special momento home.
Enroll a family member who is great at juggling or magic to teach the guests. And don’t forget a popcorn stand with retro popcorn boxes.
As your guests arrive hand them out a ticket
Party Leader
Hire a circus act or a clown to join your party. Ask the leader to hand out Clown Noses 
Party Tunes
Circus, carnival music
Party Menu
Carnival and boardwalk food are ideal for this party. Corn dogs, french fries, soft serve ice cream, cotton candy and lots of juice to keep hydrated. Top your juice
Party Finale
A circus parade showing off the new skills learned by the guests or their freshly painted faces led by the ringmaster will certainly be a hit. Videotape the procession and let the children watch during cake time.
Birthday Presents & Favors
Juggling Balls
