Although dinosaurs have been extinct for an extremely long time, kids are still fascinated with them. How they looked, how large they were, where they lived…all are facts that interest children from when they are toddlers to well into the elementary years. Why not make dinosaurs the theme for your child’s next party?

To start the festivities, why not play a version of “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” called “Pin the Horn on the Triceratops” or “Pin the Beak on the Pteranodon”. Even if you are not a great artist, you can more than likely find a good picture of one of these animals in an encyclopedia. All you need to do is blow one of the pictures up at a local copy shop and then laminate it to keep it sturdy. You can also look at discount stores and try to find a cute stuffed animal that could be used instead!

Then, why not allow the guests to become paleontologists and go “Digging for Dinosaurs”? All you need is a large, clear or solid-colored kiddie pool full of sand and plastic dinosaur figurines! The guests will have a ball digging in the sand and looking for their favorite type of dinosaur, whether it is the Tyrannosaurus Rex or the Velociraptor.

Another activity you could do with the guests is to have them discover the candy and toys inside a dinosaur piñata! This item can be found on many party websites, since piñatas are so popular at birthday parties today.

For snacks at your dinosaur party, you can always have a dinosaur shaped cake, or one decorated with dinosaurs. However, with a little research, you can find the recipe for cookies called “Dinosaur Food” (which could double as an activity at your party since it is such a simple one) and a product called “Petrified Dinosaur Food”. Why not add at least one of them to the menu at your party? You could also be cavemen and have some sort of cookout, with a huge, decorated tent as your cave.

As a closing and educational activity, why not go to a local library and check out “Walking With Dinosaurs”? It is a very well done, documentary style film all about dinosaurs, what they were like, and where they lived. Maybe you can find a portion of the film that deals with a dinosaur that lived around you! Play it for the guests to calm them down before opening presents or until parents come to pick them up. To make it exceptionally real, play it on a big TV or a projection television with a screen.

Paper products for your party and decorations are easily found with dinosaur prints. Check your local party supply store or online party outlets. Several have everything you’ll need from invitations and streamers to plates and thank you notes! (Tip: when ordering online, leave plenty of time for shipping!)

If giving a "thank you for coming gift" or goodie bag to your guests, you may not need to go any further than the local dollar or discount store. Dinosaur shaped toys are very common. You could find floor puzzles and 3-D puzzles of dinosaurs, as well, to extend the party-goers’ fun when they get home.