10 Fun Birthday Party Ideas For an 8-Year-Old
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Eight is an extraordinary age.
Children who turn eight are full of wonder, excitement, and energy.
A successful party for an eight-year-old should have some clear plans in place to keep everyone safely having a great time before they are loaded up with sugar and sent home to their parents.
Birthday Party Ideas for an 8-Year-Old
I am a strong supporter of themed birthdays. I love picking a favorite topic or activity, and then planning parties around that theme.
That said, pretty much any activity can be on theme with the right decorations and a few alterations.
You don’t have to spend several hundred dollars on games and supplies that you will never use again.
The items you purchase for your 8-year-old’s birthday party should be ones that you can still use when they turn nine, 10, 11, and 12.
You might need to switch up the context, but you will theoretically have a one-time expense that will last for years.
Alternatively, you could purchase items for the birthday party that could still be used every day once the party is over.
1. Volleyball
What is It?
Volleyball is a great outdoor game that nearly anyone can play. Set the net up anywhere you have ample room.
Give the kids a volleyball and enjoy watching them play. Get a volleyball set with badminton equipment for even more ways to play.
Is it for Indoors or Outdoors?
Outdoors
Items Needed
- Fun for everyone: This go-to complete classic sport can be enjoyed by all ages as the net can easily…
- Easy to assemble pole system includes a 1in diameter poly pole that adjusts from 5 feet 1 feet to 8…
- Accessories are all included: (4) steel badminton rackets, (2) nylon birdies, (6) stakes and guy…
Cost: About $40
2. Nerf Battle
What is It?
There is something about attacking each other with foam that kids love.
A Nerf battle combines your desire to have a memorable party for your child with the guests’ needs to run around your home having fun.
If you don’t have a yard that is big enough for a Nerf battle, hit the park! Just remember to pick up all of the ammo after you’re done.
Kids who have winter birthdays can still have a Nerf battle by renting out a gym or setting up in a large basement.
Is it for Indoors or Outdoors?
Outdoors are recommended though indoor Nerf battles are possible.
Items Needed
- MINI-SIZED VERSIONS OF FAVORITE NERF BLASTERS: This bundle pack includes favorite Nerf blasters in a…
- CLASSIC AND SPECIAL COLORS: 4 blasters come in their classic Nerf color schemes, and 2 blasters…
- FIRES 1 DART AT A TIME: Each single-shot blaster fires 1 dart at a time and is hand-powered (no…
Cost: $120 and up
3. Cars
What is It?
Eight years old is still young enough to enjoy playing with toy cars.
The brilliant thing about having a space for cars at your party is that it requires no guidance.
You can simply set up a collapsible storage mat, load it with cars and leave it available for children who want to play.
Is it for Indoors or Outdoors?
Either!
Items Needed
- 100-CAR SET FOR KIDS – This car set contains 100 die-cast metal / plastic cars for kids – great for…
- SET INCLUSION – This set of toy cars includes 48 racing cars, 46 die-cast/plastic cars, 2 rescue…
- GREAT IMAGINATIVE PLAY – Encourage your child’s creativity, storytelling, and problem-solving skills…
Cost: $45
4. Pictionary
What is It?
Pictionary is a great board game that is truly for all ages. Players are divided into teams.
One at a time, they take turns drawing items prompted from the included cards while their team members attempt to guess what is being drawn.
Have an adult on hand to settle any disputes and read item prompts that some kids might not understand.
When the party is over, you will still have a fun board game that your family will love.
Is it for Indoors or Outdoors?
Indoors
Items Needed
- This special edition features unique white-barreled pens with black ink and an exclusive Catch-All…
- Pictionary is the classic quick-draw game that’s been a family favorite since 1985.
- Being an artist isn’t required; in fact, if players ‘can’t draw,’ the game can be even funnier.
Cost: $20
5. Friendship Bracelets
What is It?
Children learn how to make friendship bracelets at an early age.
They are inexpensive and simple enough for even young children to understand how to create them. Once they have been made, children exchange them with their friends.
Making friendship bracelets is a fun activity for an eighth birthday that your child can continue long after the party day is over.
Is it for Indoors or Outdoors?
Indoors
Items Needed
Friendship Bracelet Making Kit
- What’s inside: 1 portable bracelet loom, 33 colorful pegs, 15 bracelet threads, 15 sturdy…
- Easy to create by yourself: It’s simple for you to make bracelets by following directions step by…
- What it can be used for: Make up to 15 bracelets, 10 knot styles, choose most popular style and well…
Cost: $20
6. Glow Battles
What is It?
Children with excess energy will enjoy a glow battle. They use soft, glowing batons for a safe ninja-style battle.
This is a great game for a party that includes a sleepover. It can also be used indoors with the aid of a dark basement.
Is it for Indoors or Outdoors?
Both!
Items Needed
Glow Battle Game
- EXCITING NINJA GAME! Run, swing, and dodge in this epic glow-in-the-dark sword dueling game with 10…
- ACTIVE FUN: Screen free! Perfect for backyard games, slumber parties, outdoor activities and other…
- NINJA KIDS TOYS – with a twist! Transform into a spy ninja: hide, sneak attack and strike with…
Cost: $40 for a set of four
7. DIY Favor Bags
What is It?
Most birthday parties include favors that follow the theme. Some popular choices are small tubs of slime, stickers, mini-notebooks and little toys.
All of the children need bags for taking their prizes home. Why not have them design their own bags?
Arm them with fabric markers and let them decorate these bags however they like. Just remind them that they shouldn’t mark on their own clothing.
Is it for Indoors or Outdoors?
Indoors
Items Needed
- Eco-Friendly and Safe material: Non-woven fabric, no plastic and ocean friendly, odorless and…
- Color your own bags: Easy coloring with markers or colored pencils and crayons. Encourage children…
- Our second generation of products size: 9.1″ tall with 4.7″ handle, 8.6″ wide,can carry a 8.4in x…
Cost: $35 to $40
8. Spa Day
What is It?
Even children as young as eight love a spa day. You can book a pampering session at your favorite spa or you can create a spa day at home.
Provide moisturizing masks and nail supplies so the guests can create their own mani-pedis. Don’t forget to play some relaxing music in the background!
Is it for Indoors or Outdoors?
Indoors
Items Needed
- LIFTING EFFECTS: The Blue Narwhal and Zebra Masks work to lift your skin’s complexion while…
- NOURISH YOUR SKIN: The Cat Mask contains Milk Protein and Vitamin E to reveal a healthier skin…
- HEALTHY SKIN: The Pink Shark Mask works to moisturize the skin to leave the skin feeling balanced…
Cost: About $40
9. Pool Party
What is It?
Pool parties are some of the most popular because they require very little effort on the part of the parent.
Your job is to book time at the pool, bring snacks and apologize to the lifeguards for the decibel level of the party-goers. Kids can splash, dive and swim until the party ends.
If you have your own pool, make sure you have plenty of helpers to keep kids safe while swimming.
Is it for Indoors or Outdoors?
Either depends on where you book the party.
Items Needed
None
Cost: Approximately $200 per hour plus the cost of treats
10. Pizza Party
What is It?
Many pizza places offer rentable rooms for birthday parties. You book the room in advance and pay for enough drinks and pizzas to feed the guests you invite.
Some pizza places will include, for an additional fee, a tour of the pizza-baking area.
Inquire about any extras in advance so you can take full advantage of what your pizza place offers.
Is it for Indoors or Outdoors?
Indoors
Items Needed
None
Cost: Varies, but plan for $15 to $25 per guest. Most pizza places require that you pay for the pizza in advance with no possibility of a refund for no-shows.
Key Takeaways
An eighth birthday party is a great time to try something new. Of course, there is still a lot to be said for the tried-and-true.
Pick a few of the ideas from this list for your child’s next birthday party and let us know how it goes!
