Science-Themed Birthday Party
Throw a budget-friendly birthday party for your science-loving kid! Try these easy science party ideas, including gummy worm experiments, games, favors and printables.
Author: Science Party
Set the stage for a spectacular science themed birthday party with printables, recipes and craft ideas sure to please your school-age scientist. From chemistry themed invitations and thank you cards to double helix candy ropes and a dancing gummy worm experiment, our free PBS KIDS for Parents science party pack adds an ingredient of science fun to your child's birthday celebration.
Party Planning Timeline
2-4 weeks before the party: Send out your science themed invitations. Ask people to RSVP at least one week before the party to help you plan for food and supplies.
2 weeks before the party: Make a list of everything you need to buy or make for the party.
1 week before the party: Shop for, print and prepare any non-perishable items. Make it a group effort by encouraging your child to help with the decorations if the party isn't a surprise.
A few days before the party: Finish making any decorations and party favors. Confirm RSVPs.
The day before the party: Bake and decorate (or pick up) cupcakes, candy and any other food items that will hold overnight. If your party is inside, go ahead and hang up decorations and set up party stations. If your party is outside, schedule time the morning of the party to set up decorations and activity stations.
The day of the party: Make and set out any last minute food items and grab your camera. With all of the preparation set, you are ready to start the party.
Invite your guests
5 minutes minutes
Send out invitations 2 to 4 weeks in advance, and ask for RSVPs at least a week before the party so that you know how many guests to expect.
Welcome guests with a fun activity
10-15 minutes minutes
While you wait for all the guests to arrive, keep the kids busy by having them complete this activity play sheet.
Take individual pictures
5 minutes minutesGather your little scientists for a quick photo before they begin their day! This is the perfect chance to take individual pictures for the later activity.
Frankenworms gummy experiment
25-30 minutes minutes
Use your scientific skills to bring these gummy worms to life! The worms will take 15-20 minutes to soak, so it's a good idea to break out the food in the meantime while you wait to finish the experiment.
Sing and eat cupcakes
20-25 minutes minutes
Take a few minutes for everyone to wash their hands and then gather the party together one more time to sing the birthday song and enjoy delicious catalyst cupcakes - everyone gets their own!
Find the hidden message
15-20 minutes minutes
Discover the magic of science with this top-secret activity! Help your little guests discover their hidden messages with these simple tools.
Get silly at the photo booth
10-15 minutes minutes
Have your little scientists get goofy in front of the decorations to get some unforgettable pictures!
Pass out favors and say goodbyes
10-15 minutes minutes
Bid farewell to your guests with this fun goodie bag that lets them continue experimenting even after the party ends.
Printables
Get ready for the big day with free printables, including invitations, tent cards, placemats and more.
Decorations
Decorate your science lab (a.k.a. party space) with a supersized DIY molecule and science party backdrop.
Food
Amaze your guests with candy, cupcakes and other science themed snacks and desserts.
Activities
Try it! Make gummy worms wiggle and invisible ink appear with two easy to do chemistry experiments.
Favors
Send home extra science fun with candy filled test tubes and no-sew bow tie party favors.
Add even more science fun to the birthday by making it a PBS KIDS viewing party! School-age scientists will find fun science adventures with The Cat in the Hat, Ruff Ruffman, Ready Jet Go, Nature Cat and Wild Kratts.
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