PARTY BABY SEATTLE BLOG

Party tips and ideasfound here!

How to Plan the Ultimate Toddler Birthday Party in Seattle

So you’re planning your toddler’s upcoming birthday party and want to make it as stress-free as possible. To which we say: good choice! We’re here to give you some advice from fellow parents who’ve been around the block before when it comes to hosting birthday parties for the littles.


How to Plan the Ultimate Toddler Birthday Party in Seattle

If you’re planning your first toddler birthday party with little friends (and their parents!), you may feel excited, nervous, or both. Let’s walk through a simple party planning checklist to make sure you have a fun, stress-free event.


Pre-Party Planning Checklist

Choose the date & time: Presuming you’ll be looking at a Saturday or Sunday to host your party, the timeframe will be the next biggest factor. Consider the time of day that would work best for your age group. Typically morning parties from 9-noon work the best for toddlers so they can make it home for their afternoon naps (which we really don’t want them to miss, am I right?).

Send out invitations: We recommend sending out invitations 2-3 weeks in advance, giving parents enough advance notice to plan and keep the day free, but not too much time that they misplace the invite and forget all about it.

Determine what food you’ll provide: Consider how long your guests will be at the party, and whether you plan to serve snacks, a meal, or both. Depending on how long kids will be playing before a meal is served, it’s always a good idea to have some light, mess-free snacks (think Goldfish, applesauce pouches, or cheese sticks) on hand to keep little tummies happy until you’re ready to serve food.


You may also like: If you’re looking for more information on soft play equipment, check out this related post: 4 Health Benefits of Soft Play Equipment for Toddlers.


Nail down the dessert: Birthday cake and ice cream is classic, but you can also serve a different birthday dessert-like popsicles, donuts, or a candy bar. As with any food, make sure that whatever you serve is not a choking hazard and that kids with allergies or other special dietary needs have something fun to indulge in, too.

Create a loose timeline for the party: Take some of the mystery out of the big day with a penciled-in timeline to keep things on track. Let’s imagine your party is from 9:30am-12:30pm, with lunch and cake provided. You may want to have an itinerary that includes a plan for the arrival of kids, activities, snacks, craft, lunch, gifts, dessert, and pick-up. You can always adjust the schedule of events during the party depending on what activities the kids are really enjoying.

Plan age-appropriate activities: Depending on what kind of play, toys, or entertainment you have available during the party, you may want to plan for some group activities like games or crafts. Keep in mind the age group of your little guests to find something that isn’t too hard for them to partake in.

Buy or make decorations: Some fun decorations will transform your space into something special for the big day. On our must-buy list is:

  • Plastic tablecloths
  • Themed paper plates, cups & napkins
  • Streamers
  • Balloons
  • Signs (can also be made in Canva)

Day-of Party Checklist

✅ Prepare and set-up food

✅ Decorate

✅ Hang up signs

✅ Prep activities + supplies

✅ Welcome guests

✅ Keep an eye on your timeline

✅ Ask little ones if they need to use the bathroom (trust us on this one!)

✅ Have fun!



Consider a mobile play rental in Seattle

If you want to make your toddler birthday party even more stress-free, check out a mobile soft play rental, like Party Baby Seattle! Soft play equipment gives kids ages 0-5 hours of entertainment and there’s zero set-up or clean-up that you need to do. Let us handle keeping the kids entertained and laughing within a safe & contained area while you and the other parents sit back and relax!

See us in Action!


Ready to bring the fun to your house? Book your event today.

Happy birthday planning!


Want to party with us?

Get in touch and fill out the form below!

GET INSPIRED!

🚜🐄 Makori’s Farm-themed 2nd Birthday was a moo-velous celebration! With our Custom Luxe Play Area, the little ones had a blast hopping, climbing, and playing through the fun-filled day. 🐑💫

Looking to create a celebration as amazing as this? DM us to book your next unforgettable party with Party Baby! 🥳🎉

#SoftPlay #BounceHouse #KidsParty #PartyRentals #SeattleEvents #BirthdayJoy
Crew turned ONE and things got wild 🐾🎉 From little roars to big smiles, this Wild One celebration was full of adventure, cuteness, and the Luxe Sophie & Fawn soft play magic! 💫🦁

Ready to plan your own party safari? Let’s make it happen — the Party Baby way! 🥳✨

🦒 Book now @partybabyseattle

#SoftPlay #BounceHouse #KidsParty #PartyRentals #PartyBabySeattle
Bellamy turned ONE with a splash 💦🐚 and we took the party one-der the sea with the cutest setup featuring our BUBBLE HOUSE! 🌈🫧 The smiles, the giggles, the magical vibes—everything about this day was pure underwater joy! 🐠💕

Planning a first birthday, or any kiddo celebration? Let’s make it unforgettable ✨ Book your party with @partybabyseattle — we bring the fun, you make the memories!

#SoftPlay #BounceHouse #KidsParty #PartyRentals #SeattlePartyRental
Royal fun for a very special birthday boy! 👑🎉 Gianni’s 2nd Birthday was nothing short of majestic with The Prince Mini Bounce stealing the spotlight! ✨💙 From epic jumps to endless giggles, this celebration in Auburn was fit for a little king!

Planning your own unforgettable party? Let Party Baby bring the magic to YOU! 🎈 Book now and make memories that last a lifetime.

#SoftPlay #KidsParty #PartyRentals #SeattleEvents #PartyBabySeattle
🌲🦊 Anton’s 1st birthday was a wild adventure! 🦉🍃

With the Sophie & Fawn Soft Play Area, little explorers had the best time hopping, climbing, and playing in a woodland wonderland! 🍄✨.

Planning your little one’s next big day? Let’s make it unforgettable with Party Baby! 🎉🐾

#SoftPlay #BounceHouse #KidsParty #PartyRentals #SeattleEvents #PartyBabySeattle
Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Their courage and selflessness will never be forgotten.

#MemorialDay #RememberAndHonor #Gratitude #InMemory
✨ Introducing Party Baby Balloons ✨
Modern balloon decor for unforgettable events—whether you’re celebrating a first birthday, hosting a baby shower, planning a company picnic, or elevating a corporate launch.

From bold installs to chic, modern moments—always with a touch of fun.

🎈 Custom colors
🎈 Seamless setup + teardown
🎈 Designed to impress

Now booking for summer + fall events → [link in bio]

#PartyBabySeattle #BalloonDecor #SeattleEvents #ModernBalloons
🎉 Nelly’s 3rd birthday was a whole VIBE! 🎈✨ The Party Baby Soft Play Area brought all the fun, all the giggles, and ALL the cuteness! 💕 From climbing to sliding to nonstop play, these little partygoers had the BEST time!

Thinking about your little one’s next big day? Let’s make it epic! 🎊 Book your soft play setup now—because happy kids = happy parents. 💫

#SoftPlay #BounceHouse #KidsParty #PartyRentals #SeattleParties #PartyBaby
🦁🌿 Sofia’s Wild ONE was a roaring success! 🌿🐒

The Sophie & Fawn Soft Play Area turned Lakewood Seward Park Community Club into the ultimate jungle for little explorers! 🐾✨

Planning a first birthday or a wild celebration of your own? Let’s make it unforgettable with Party Baby! 🎉💛

#SoftPlay #BounceHouse #KidsParty #PartyRentals #SeattleEvents #PartyBabySeattle
🎉✨ Camryn’s 1st Birthday was a whole vibe! ✨🎉

Camryn and her friends had an absolute blast with a Customized Soft Play Set at Fremont Brewing! Big laughs, tiny jumps, and endless memories—just the way we like it! ❤️

Planning your little one’s big day? Let Party Baby bring the fun! 🥳 Book now and let’s make magic happen! 🎊

#SoftPlay #BounceHouse #KidsParty #PartyRentals #SeattleEvents #PartyBabySeattle