It’s that time of the year again for kids to head back to school. Going back to school can be scary, but an exciting time for kids of all ages. Make the shift from summer to school a little simpler and plan a fun back to school party. These back to school party ideas will get any kid excited for school!

Invites
A back to school party is a great way for kids to connect with friends and establish friendships before school starts. If your kids have friends who attend different schools, an online invitation is a great way to invite them. Here are a couple of online resources for online invitations: www.evite.com and www.punchbowl.com. On the invitation, be sure to include where and when the party will be, as well as anything that guests should bring. If you choose to use handmade invitations, have your kids use card stock to create customized invites and mail to their friends at least one week in advance.

Activities
Plan a few “classes,” for kids by planning fun activities. Purchase school supplies such as pencils, erasers, and notebooks. These will be used as prizes and party favors. Plan a fun game of trivia to get kids get ready for school. Create different categories, based off of school subjects, such as Math and History. Write the questions on flash cards, and take turns asking and answering questions. Give away pencils and eraser tops for answering questions correctly. Set space aside for “art class”. Put out paper, crayons, paints and other supplies, and let kids have at it. The kids can be as creative as they like. Once done, lay the artwork out, and have a walking museum, where kids view each other’s work. During “gym, class” set up a school supply scavenger hunt in your backyard! Hide the supplies around your backyard and home, and have kids work together to retrieve the supplies.

School Lunch Menu
“Lunch” can be at the “cafeteria” (your dining room or kitchen). Ask the kids to line up, so the lunch ladies (host) can serve food just like a real lunchroom. Buy plastic trays, milk boxes, chicken fingers, and chocolate chip cookies. This way, the kids will feel like they’re eating a real meal at the school cafeteria!

Party favors
As the “school day” comes to a close, send everyone on his or her way to the pick-up line. For back to school party favors, send each “student” home with school supplies collected throughout the day. These favors will surely come in handy, for the first day of school!

This list of back to school party ideas will help you get started planning a back to school party for kids. When planning your party, remember to have fun, and get kids in the school spirit!