Backyard Movie Party: 5 Fun Themes for Kids' Birthdays

A Backyard Movie Party is a slam-dunk idea for a kid’sbirthday. Everyone has a great time from the kids watching the movie on a big screen in the backyard to the parents who tag along to hang out. Pick one of these 5 cinema favorites and theme your birthday party to the movie.

Backyard Movie Party Set Up

This party will run itself once the guests arrive with these simple planning suggestions.

Your Movie Lobby & Theater

Create two specific areas in your yard for the party:

• The “movie lobby” is where your food & drink will be set up. Consider renting a popcorn machine and offering a grab bag of movie theater candy concession items.

• The “theater” is your viewing area, which should have ample ground seating and an electrical outlet nearby.

DVD Projector & Screen

When I was a kid, we’d have family movie nights with 8mm films and a projector. Today, the DVD projector is the way to go.

The Epson MovieMate 50 is great for those who want to buy a projector. It's easy to use with a built-in DVD player and it has terrific clarity on the screen.

Or you can rent a projector, screen and electrical / speaker cords for the evening.

Research DVD projector rental vendors in your area and ask a lot of questions. If you are not the “technical type” make sure that you set up everything in advance with the help of a tech-savvy friend so there are no mishaps at the party. Or, ask the DVD rental house to draw you a diagram if you are unsure of how to set up the equipment.

Here is a list of items that I usually rent or use for my movie parties:

• DVD projector & player
• Movie screen (or you can use a white wall or hanging white sheet)
• 2 speakers for stereo sound
• Speaker receiver with cords that hook up to the DVD projector & player
• Speaker cords that are long enough to extend from the screen back to the receiver
• Extension cords
• Table to set equipment on
• Duct tape or mats to secure cords so kids don’t trip on them

Top 5 Backyard Movie Party Themes

These movies are perfect for a backyard party. Be sure to rent more movies to watch after the party is over in your cinema under the stars.

1. Willy Wonka

A nostalgic movie that is great for all ages, you can max out this theme with a candy-clad birthday cake and movie tins full of candy for party favors.

2. Lady & The Tramp Italian Theme

Who can forget the “spaghetti scene” from Lady & The Tramp? A kid’s movie with Italian overtones is easy. After all, pizza delivery is the #1 kid’s party food and a red-and-white-check motif is classic Italian decor.

3. Super Hero

Super Hero movie themes are simple, as there are plenty of decorations specific to Batman, Superman, Spiderman, or the current movie hero. Add to the atmosphere with hanging metallic stars.

4. Pirates of the Caribbean or Sea Themes

For older kids, a “Pirates of the Caribbean” party is ideal with adventurous food and “treasured” décor. For a younger crowd, go with a sea-themed movie such as “The Little Mermaid” or “Finding Nemo”.

5. Harry Potter

Oh, the magical décor a “Harry Potter” movie party conjures up! For party favors, give guests a simple magic trick or a collapsible wand. Ask everyone to come as his or her favorite “Potter” character and stop the show with a magician at the movie’s intermission!

For more ideas, visit our Birthday Party page or post a question in the Celebrations forum.

 

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