Does your child love Dora the Explorer? Throw a Dora themed birthday party, filled with reminders of the show.
Dora Party Decorations
With Dora going on so many adventures, the possibilities for decorations are truly endless. Consider choosing a specific theme and going with that: space, wilderness, Wild West, underwater, princess, etc. You can stick with the general theme from the show (trees and animals) or just throw a fiesta! Cut shapes out of construction paper and hang them on the walls to set the mood. Streamers in appropriate colors can be hung from doorways, on walls, or draped on tables, as well.
Depending on the specific theme, little accents can also add to the feel of the party:
- Outdoors: trees, plants and animals set the mood – if the party is inside, bring in potted plants and stuffed animals
- Space: hang star cut-outs from the ceiling, cover windows in black paper with holes punched in it
- Wild West: give the birthday child a sheriff's badge and use simple wooden tables and benches. If possible, set up a railing to tie up horses or use saloon doors to get from one area of the party to another.
- Underwater: post cut-outs of fish, coral and bubbles, hang floor-to-ceiling streamers in blues and greens
- Fiesta: balloons, confetti, cake and party hats
Dora the Explorer Party Games and Activities
Keep little ones busy with activities that spark their imaginations and keep them learning. Here are some ideas:
- What says "Dora" more than an adventure? Set up a scavenger hunt so children can have their own adventure. Provide each child with a backpack (or, to save money, have each child bring a backpack from home) and have the children prepare for their adventure by filling backpacks with snacks and supplies for the trip (see "Food" section below for snack ideas). Then give each child a map with picture clues to find each item. The items can be related to the theme, or they can be supplies to create a craft project.
- If you had the guests search for craft supplies, or if you just want to give the guests an opportunity to get creative, set aside some craft time. The possibilities are truly endless, but here are some ideas reminiscent of Dora to get you started: Castanets, Abacus, Collage Tree, Color Wheel.
- Place some foam or plastic star-shaped pieces in a child's size swimming pool and have each child try to catch them with a small butterfly or fish net. Or, blow up some star-shaped balloons and have the children try to catch them. If the balloons are filled with regular air, just toss them into a designated area and let the children chase them. If the balloons are filled with helium, provide guests with a net to try and catch them. Have children count the stars they catch and name the color of each star.
- Celebrate Dora's Hispanic culture with a fun activity – a piñata! Piñatas can be found in many shapes, colors and sizes. Fill the piñata with candy or small toys and have children take turns swinging.
Themed Party Food - "It's worth a try!"
Hearty adventure food is what's needed here: sandwiches, apples, trail mix—anything that can be stuffed in a backpack and taken on an adventure. Don't forget Dora's motto "it's worth a try." Offer guests a few unusual items to try – exotic fruits, unusual breads, and more. Or visit the Spanish foods section of your local grocery store and see what Hispanic offerings may tempt little palates.
Don't forget a birthday cake or cupcakes. Partner with your local bakery to have a Dora design created on top of the cake. If you'd rather create one yourself, Nickelodeon has some recipes for you.
Prizes and Party Favors
If you've provided guests with backpacks and maps, they already have a great take-home gift. And completed crafts and piñata prizes can all be taken home as well.
If you'd like to send kids home with an additional party bag, fill it with items that will continue to encourage adventures, creativity and learning: art supplies (crayons, watercolors, etc.), flash cards and card games, kaleidoscopes, puzzles, magnetic letters and numbers, and more.
Keep children learning and having fun by thinking creatively. A little imagination will keep little minds occupied while building confidence and encouraging a bit of adventure.
Sources:
- "Make Homemade Castanets" and "Craft a Cereal Abacus" published on education.com
- "Printed-Palm Tree" and "Color Wheel Garland" published on Disney FamilyFun
- "Cakes & Cupcakes" published on nickjr.com
Vanessa Kelman - Vanessa E. Kelman writes out of East Hartford, Conn. She can be found online at www.VanessaKelman.com.
