Trending Kids Party Themes for 2026

How to pick a theme that actually works

The best kids party themes are ones your child is already obsessed with — a favourite show, a sport, a colour. Start there, then pick two or three decor anchors (cake, balloons, party packs) instead of trying to theme everything. Suppliers can do the heavy lifting once you've locked the direction.

For toddlers (ages 1–3)

• Cocomelon & nursery rhymes

  Familiar songs and bright primary colours — easy to decorate, easy to entertain.

• Farm animals

  Petting-zoo hires, animal cupcakes and gingham bunting.

• Bluey

  The blue heeler family is dominating South African toddler parties right now.

Party themes for girls (ages 4–8)

• Princess & fairy tea party

  A timeless winner — think tiaras, pastel cakes and a soft-play castle.

• Encanto

  Bright florals, butterflies and a Mirabel-inspired cake topper.

• Unicorn rainbow

  Rainbow piñata, unicorn face painting and pastel balloon arches.

• Mermaid under the sea

  Iridescent decor, splash-pad rentals and shell-shaped cupcakes.

Birthday themes for boys (ages 4–8)

• Dinosaurs

  Jurassic jumping castles, fossil hunts and a green-frosted T-Rex cake.

• Superheroes

  Marvel or DC — bring in a costume entertainer and a custom-logo cake.

• Construction & monster trucks

  Dump-truck cupcake holders, hard-hat party packs, sand-pit play.

• Minecraft

  Pixel cake, green-and-brown decor, and a treasure-hunt activity.

Tweens (ages 9–12)

• Roblox & gaming

  Neon decor, a console set-up, and a custom Roblox-character cake.

• Spa & slumber party

  Mini-facials, nail bar and a movie wall — easy at home or at a venue.

• Soccer / netball

  Field hire, branded shirts and a tournament-style cake.

• Anime / K-pop

  Photo wall, themed snacks, and a karaoke set-up.