15 Activities To Do at a Kid's Park Birthday Party

Food is a part of any party, so why not make it an activity, too? Of course, this will depend on the park you're at, but if there are grills, that opens up yummy food options like hot dogs, burgers, and corn on the cob — and even the opportunity to roast marshmallows (with parental supervision) for dessert.

Though party games like pin the tail on the donkey might be old hat to many of us, they're still brand new to little ones who would probably have a blast trying them out and trying to win a prize. Most of them are outdoor friendly, too — check out this list of games to get started.

One of the best parts of hosting a party at a park is that there will be plenty of room to run around, throw and kick balls, throw frisbees … the possibilities are endless. It's also reasonably cheap to supply the toys — or even free, if you already have them at home.

Piñatas are practically a birthday party must, and they're easy to bring and set up (and clean up after) at a park. Just don't forget to bring something to hit it with, or it's going to become a party decoration instead of an actual activity for the kids to take part in.

A treasure hunt in the park can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be, depending on how much time you have (and the age of the kids who will be in attendance). You can do it Easter egg style and hide small party favors and candy for the kids to find, or you can go all out, complete with treasure maps and clues.

If the birthday kid is super into board games, why not bring them along, too? After all, there's no law saying you can't play tabletop games outside, and the rental pavilion at the park likely comes with plenty of tables and benches. Create a board game station — you might be surprised at the kids who are excited to play.

If the park you're going to has any paved areas, then sidewalk chalk is a must, especially if you're going to have little ones at the party. Aside from just drawing, this also opens up possibilities for games like hopscotch. They might be old and lame to some, but brand new to younger kids who have never played before. They'll be amazed.

Depending on your budget — or the rules of your park — you may be able to rent a food truck to deliver yummy bites, or even more specific treats like snow cones or ice cream. This can be a fun way to break up time at the party, and you can pay ahead so all your guests have to do is order.

The beauty of a park party? It already comes with its own entertainment. There's probably a big field, which is all some kids need to have fun, and a playground or two, or maybe even a pond. Use this to your advantage and build some time into the party schedule by enjoying what the park has to offer.

Kid-sized kites are relatively inexpensive if you want to buy them for each guest to use at the party, and they pack a big punch. It's likely not often that everyone on your guest list gets to fly one, after all — they'll be talking about this activity for a while.

Giant yard games are in right now — and if you don't feel like investing in them yourself, they're likely available to rent. We're talking oversized versions of Jenga, Connect 4 — there are so many options out there these days and it's way more fun to play than the game in its original design.

Bubbles are a hit at any outdoor party, especially when you have younger guests. You can bring a bubble machine or two to keep the fun coming, or you can bring a bunch of bubble wands to hand out individually. You're at a park, so don't worry about the mess!

Instead of (or in addition to) a birthday cake, bring a dessert that also happens to be an activity at the same time. If you're low on time (or baking skills), grab some plain cupcakes and/or sugar cookies from the store, and bring icing and different types of candy for kids to decorate their treats with before eating.

Since water balloons may not be allowed at the park you're partying at, water guns are the next best thing. You can grab small ones for a low price at the dollar store or Target, and bring enough for everyone to have their own fight when the sun gets a little too hot.

This can mostly be done with things you find around the house or can borrow or purchase inexpensively, like pool noodles and plastic cones — and of course, incorporate the playground equipment already at the park if you can. Make it a race, and be sure to have a prize waiting for the winner at the end.