Children absolutely adore farm animals. Horses, cows, dogs, cats, ducks, chicks, sheep…even pigs are a big hit with kids. When you plan that special get-together for your young child, why don’t you center their birthday around a farmyard theme? If you live on a farm while many of your child's friends do not, you have a built-in source of entertainment for the party!

Getting some hay for the big event should be relatively easy, especially if you live closer to a rural area (or are in a rural area!) Pile up a few bales outside your front door to give an authentic feel as the guests arrive.

Petting zoos are becoming quite popular in most areas, as well. One phone call and your yard can be transformed into a farmyard! Petting zoos normally have ponies, pigs, sheep, and other small farm animals that the children can learn about and touch. (Remember to keep the hand sanitizer close by for those little hands, though!)

Along those same lines, pony rides or horse rides are an easily booked amusement for a party. If money is tight, why not look for a friend or neighbor who has a horse and wouldn’t mind bringing it to the festivities. Even if the guests just get to pet the horse, it will be an exciting event! Of course, make sure that eeryone stays safe and that the horse is very comfortable around children!

There are so many fun children’s songs and games that are centered on a farmyard. “Farmer In The Dell”, “BINGO”, “Old MacDonald Had A Farm”, “Five Little Ducks” and “Duck, Duck, Goose” are just a few songs, rhymes and games you could play. You can also use the music to the above and play “Musical Hay Bales” (just like musical chairs). Grab some burlap sacks and have a grand time doing sack races, too!

Food can be easy at a farmyard party. The most popular drink you could have would be MILK (and chocolate milk would definitely have to be the favorite!) Not only does it fit with the theme, but it is great for the kids, too. Eggs, bacon, sausage, apples, strawberries, wild berries…all these things would make a great buffet at a farmyard party. You can even make a cake beforehand, but leave it plain. Give the guests some cream and they can whip it into their own icing!

To quiet them down after all the excitement, why not try some fun videos about the farm? “Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type”, based on the book by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Betsy Lewin, is a hilarious tale on DVD of some antics on a farm. If you don’t want to involve the TV at your party, why not read the book with a southern twang to your voice? The guests will have a blast!

Decorations and paper products are not a problem with a farmyard theme. At most local retailers and on several online stores you can find everything you’ll need: invitations, napkins, plates, bowls, cups, decorations, goodie bags and thank you cards. (Tip: when ordering online, leave plenty of time for shipping!)

As a “thank you” for coming, give all the guests their very own straw hat! Not only is it a great fit for your party theme, but they can use it during their dress-up times at home.