Someone in your household having a birthday? Do you want to throw a memorable party, but don’t want to clean your house up before and after?

If the weather is right, your backyard is the perfect place to host a birthday celebration. Even in a small yard, there are things you can do to make a party special. You don’t need to spend a ton of money to have a great time, either.

Need some backyard birthday party ideas? Read on for 5 that are sure to delight.

1. Big-Screen Movie Party

This is an idea that will please kids, and remind adults of those long-gone days of the drive-in theater.

All you need is:

• Screen or large white sheet
• DVD player or laptop
• Projector
• Speakers

If you don’t have these readily available, consider renting an outdoor movie screen from a rental company. Some companies will provide everything you need, set you up, and run the event for you.

Have all your guests bring chairs or blankets and pillows, serve some popcorn and drinks, and you have an instant party!

2. Backyard Birthday Party Ideas With a Pool

If you have a pool, you have an instant party!

For adults, all you need is the pool, some drinks, and music, and you’re good to go. Remember to keep glassware out of the pool area, use paper or plastic drink and dinnerware instead.

With kids, you might need a little more to keep their interest, once they are bored with your pool toys. Have a water-related “theme” for a kids’ party, like pirates or mermaids, and decorate accordingly. Since the kids will be wet anyway, you can have water-related activities around the pool area, such as a water balloon swat, or a bubble-blowing station.

3. Backyard Cookout Party

A cookout’s success will depend on the food that is served. You can be creative with your menu, beyond the basic burgers and dogs.

Try a signature adult drink and a signature soft drink for the kids to make the day a little more special.

Or, to make it easier, do a themed potluck, asking everyone to bring a particular dish, and provide either the beverages, the dessert, or all the paperware and set-up.

Have some lawn games ready, such as cornhole, or badminton. Even table games will work for extra fun.

4. Backyard County Fair

You can set up a small county fair in your yard. Include things like a bouncy castle, water slide or sprinkler, carnival games like ring toss, or team events, like a relay or potato sack race.

Have fun fair food, like corn dogs, snow-cones/shaved ice, or even rent a cotton candy maker.

If your yard can accommodate some animals, a petting zoo or wild animal demonstration makes for a fun day.

5. Small Yard Party Ideas

Got a small yard? How about a tea party with a charming table for guests that includes a small but sweet menu, and some craft activities. Even a small yard can accommodate an egg or candy hunt.

For adults, a wine-tasting bar provides an ideal party for an intimate guest list. Besides the wine, serve some artisan bread and dipping oils or light hors d’oeuvres.

Have Fun

The most important part of a birthday party is fun for all.

There are tons of backyard birthday party ideas online. Pick one or two things or experiences they will love, and enjoy!

Are you an entertainment junkie, or just looking for great ideas? Keep reading this page for lifestyle tips, news, and the latest in TV and movies.