Does your child love football? Then why not throw them an awesome football-themed birthday party? It’s a great way to celebrate their special day with friends, games, and lots of fun!
In this guide, we’ll go through easy and exciting ideas to plan the perfect football party. We’ll cover:
Whether you’re hosting the party in your backyard or at a park, these tips will help you create a party your child will remember. Let’s get started!
Football Invitations – get the kids excited for the party
Get the party started by sending out fun football-themed invites! You can make them look like game tickets or even little footballs to get everyone pumped for the big day.
Arrange a Play Area for the Party
Pick a good spot for the football games where everyone can play safely. Your backyard works great, or you could use a park nearby. If the weather’s iffy, maybe rent an indoor sports space instead.
A pop-up tent is super useful too—it gives shade on hot days and keeps the rain off if needed. Bonus: it keeps bugs away from your snacks! Here’s a pic of our Coleman tent from a past party—it saved our cake from wasps and gave us some nice shade too.
Get some Football Party Decorations and Supplies
Time to deck out your party in full football style!
You can mix and match plates, napkins, and decorations from the dollar store—or make it easy and grab a ready-made football party set (like the one pictured) on Amazon.
That way, everything matches and you’re good to go in one shot!
Decorate with Football Balloons
Balloons = instant party vibes! The second you spot them, you know something fun is happening.
For a football theme, grab some football-shaped balloons! This cool 6-pack from Amazon comes in shiny foil—you can blow them up with regular air or go all out with helium (so they float around like tiny footballs in the sky).
Not into foil balloons? No problem! Just blow up green and brown latex balloons (classic football colors).
Use white-out to draw the laces on the brown ones and boom—instant DIY footballs
Food, Snacks and Drinks
Let’s talk party food – it’s all about timing! Here’s the easy way to plan:
Lunchtime party? You’ll need to feed those hungry players! Keep it simple with:
Want to save money and hassle? Schedule the party AFTER lunch – kids come full and you skip the meal!
Don’t forget drinks! Here’s a smart idea:
This way you’ll save money AND avoid all those half-finished juice boxes!
Football Cake Topper
Make your party’s dessert a real showstopper with a football-themed cake! Here’s how:
Then take it to the next level with these cool cake toppers – you can use one piece or the whole set!
Click here for more details on Amazon
(Seriously, the kids will go crazy for it!)
Activities During the Party
Now that your place looks like a mini football stadium, let’s keep the kids entertained (and burn off that cake energy!). Here are some easy, high-energy games they’ll love:
These games are simple to set up but big on fun—perfect for keeping the party lively!
Play a Flag Football Game
Did you know flag football is going to be in the 2028 Olympics? Maybe a future Olympian is at your party!
How to play:
DIY Flags:
Pro Tips:
(Imagine the kids running touchdowns like mini-Mahomes!)
Passing Accuracy Challenge (Inflataman)
Inflatable Receiver (AKA “Inflataman”)
No Inflataman? No problem! Try these DIY targets instead:
Why it’s awesome:
(Cue the “TOUCHDOWN!” celebrations!)
Field Goal Challenge
Turn your party into a kicking competition with this easy (but epic!) game:
How to Set It Up:
- Use what’s there: If your field has real goal posts, perfect!
- No goal posts? No sweat! Grab a mini kickstand goal (the kind you stake into the ground) – like the one pictured below.
Make It Fun for All Ages:
Why Everyone Will Love It:
“And the crowd goes WILD!”
Football Obstacle Course
Turn your backyard into a mini training camp with this action-packed game!
Easy Setup Ideas:
Need inspiration?
Check out the YouTube video below for ready-made ideas!
Why Kids Will Love It:
“Cue the instant replay cheers!”
Touchdown Dance Competition
Here’s how to turn up the fun:
Why It’s a Win:
Pro Tip: Film the dances and play them back for laughs!
“This party’s got moves AND touchdowns!”
Hand off some Football Party Favors
Fun Football Favors:
How to Hand Them Out:
Junior Sized Footballs for Games and Party Favors
Small footballs aren’t just for games – they make awesome takeaways too! Here’s how to handle it:
Budget-Friendly Options:
Other things to consider when hosting a Football Birthday Party
Weather Plan
Safety Huddle
Age-Appropriate Fun
Fuel the Team
Game Timing
Memory Makers
Pro Moves:
“With this plan, you’ll be the MVP of party hosting!”
You’ve got all the plays to throw an unforgettable football bash—now here’s the most important tip:
DON’T FORGET TO HAVE FUN TOO!
Remember:
“This party’s about joy—not perfection. Now go celebrate!”