1st Birthday Party Entertainment Ideas

Entertainment ideas for 1st birthday party are based on a number of variables...Where will the party be? How many will be attending? What are the age differences? Once you have clear direction, plan entertainment that will grab their attention and commemorate the occasion. There are many ways to entertain youngsters, so go all out with plenty of options...one-year-olds have a short attention span.

Entertainment Ideas for 1st Birthday Party

With a few well-chosen entertaining ideas and the contagious expectations of kids, there's no reason to fear entertaining them. They're quick to get into the party spirit and they're not afraid to show it. Here's a bunch of ideas to entertain kids that are fun and the entire group can enjoy. Once you have chosen your favorites, make safety your top priority with plenty of adult supervision.

Ball Pit For 1 Year Birthday Party.
Most children are fascinated by ball pits. That's why it's ideal birthday entertainment for kids since they can play as long as they like and it works both indoors and outdoors. Simply inflate the ball pit or pool, add in the colorful balls and let the little ones dive right in. They'll have a ball!  

Find a ball pit for birthday party here.

Heopeis Ball Pit Play Tent for Kids - 6-Sided Ball Pit for Kids Toddlers and Baby - Fill with Plastic Balls (Balls Not Included) or Use As an Indoor/Outdoor Play Tent Great Gift Idea (Gray)

4 feet Ball Pit for Kids/Baby Play Yard/Baby Playpen/Fence for Baby, Folding Portable, No Need Inflate, More Than 12 Sq.ft Play Space, Two Color

Gaorui Large Kids Baby Ball Pit - Portable Indoor Outdoor Baby Playpen Toddlers Children Safety Play Yard Fun Activities Popular Toys (Not Includes Balls)

Amazon Basics BPA Free Crush-Proof Plastic Pit Ball with Storage Bag, Toddlers Kids 12+ Months, Pack of 400 Balls, 6 Bright Colors

Amazon Basics BPA Free Crush-Proof Plastic Pit Ball with Storage Bag, Toddlers Kids 12+ Months, Pack of 1000 Balls, 6 Bright Colors

17% Hovenlay Ball Pit Balls Phthalate Free BPA Free Crush Proof Plastic - 7 Bright Colors in Reusable Play Toys for Kids with Storage Bag $17.99

Obstacle Course Competition.
The most successful entertainment ideas for 1st birthday party are based on simplicity and the reaction from the kids. You will love how easy it is to rearrange and customize these mazes to keep the courses new and exciting. And trust us, the kids will love crawling through the tunnels and playing in the ball pits. Please note that some sets include the balls and others do not, so plan accordingly.

UTEX 3 in 1 Pop Up Play Tent with Tunnel, Ball Pit for Kids, Boys, Girls, Babies and Toddlers, Indoor/Outdoor Playhouse，Yellow

29% Hide N Side 5pc Kids Ball Pit Tents and Tunnels, Toddler Jungle Gym Play Tent with Play Crawl Tunnel Toy, for Boys Babies Infants Children, Indoor Outdoor Gift, Target Game w/ 4 Dart Balls $85.00

Kiddzery 4pc Kids Play tent Pop Up Ball Pit - 2 Tents + 2 Crawl Tunnels - Children Tent for Boys & Girls, Kids Toddlers & Baby, Large Playhouse For Indoor & Outdoor With Carrying Case, Great Gift Idea

More climbing and crawling activities...

TOLEAD Tunnel/Ramps Foam Climber, Climb & Crawl Foam Activity Play Set for Toddlers and Kids, Safe Indoor Crawling Gym Equipment for,Infant,Baby Waterproof Easy to Clean

JOYMOR Soft Foam Climber 5-Piece Sets Crawl and Climb Foam, Beginner Toddler Climber with Slide Ramp, Indoor Active Play Structure for Babies and Toddlers (Multicolor)

TOLEAD Tunnel/Ramps Foam Climber, Climb & Crawl Foam Activity Play Set for Toddlers and Kids, Safe Indoor Crawling Gym Equipment for,Infant,Baby Waterproof Easy to Clean

Ideas For Building Blocks.
The most successful entertainment for toddlers allows them to play and use their imagination. Future builders will love these blocks and the freedom to build whatever they like.

MEGA BLOKS Fisher-Price Toddler Block Toys, Deluxe Building Bag with 150 Pieces and Storage Bag, Gift Ideas for Kids Age 1+ Years (Amazon Exclusive)

Hungdao 18 Pcs Foam Blocks for Toddlers Soft Stacking Play Blocks Colorful Foam Cube Building Blocks Set for Kids Nursery Safe Indoor Active Play, Assorted 5.5 Inch

6% ECR4Kids SoftZone Patchwork Toddler Building Blocks, Foam Cubes, Assorted, 12-Piece $79.99 ($0.14 / oz)

Bean Bag Toss Ideas.
Entertainment ideas for 1st birthday party that encourage interaction among guests is a good thing. Since there will be kids of all ages at the birthday party, consider having more than one mark (determined by age) for kids to stand behind. One-year-olds? They may need adult assistance.

RaboSky Bean Bag Toss Game for Kids Toddlers 2 3 4 5 Year Old, Sports & Outdoor Play Toys for Boy Girl Birthday Gift, Funny Kids Games for Party Backyard Yard Outside

RaboSky Space Sea Theme Toy for Toddlers 1-3-5, Kids Activities Sport Outdoor Play Toys, 2 3 4 5 Year Old Boy Girl Birthday Gift, Backyard Park Bean Bag Toss Party Games

Bean Bag Toss Game Toys for Kids,Ocean Double-Sided Foldable Board Kids Cornhole Summer Outdoor Play Game and Party Supplies Toy Birthday Gifts for Toddler Boys Girls Age 2 3 4 5 6

Pinata For 1st Birthday.
The purpose behind entertainment ideas for 1st birthday party is finding fun things to do that have been tweaked to fit a younger group of children  Take a look at these 1st birthday pinatas that offer a safe alternative for young participants. Guests take turns pulling one of twelve pull-strings to find the one that release the treats. Same fun without the stick!

Follow The Leader.
With this age group, it's best if an older child or adult leads the line. Start by explaining to party guests that you want them to copy everything you do. Line the children behind the birthday boy or girl and lead them around the party space demonstrating movements such as clapping hands, jumping, walking in place, twirling, marching, touching your toes.

Dress Up Games For Kids.
Kids love to pretend. Put together a trunk of costumes and accessories and allow the children to dress themselves any want they want. It will be loads of fun to see what tomorrow's fashionistas can imagine.

SOLIEHOO Girls Princess Dress Up Trunk, Pretend Play Costumes Princess Role Play Set 15pcs Girls Dress up Clothes with 4 Tops,4 Princess Dresses Crown Necklaces for Toddler Age 3-6 Years

TopTie 5 Sets Kids Costumes with Storage Box, Christmas Dress Up Costumes for Age 3-7, Doctor Fireman Police Surgeon Worker

STOPKLAS Little Girls Dress Up Costume Set, Fairy and Mermaid Princess Dress up Trunk with Accessories 19pcs Unicorn Girls Pretend Play Costume for Girls 3-6

Vicenpal 8 Sets Pretend Play Kids Costumes Set Christmas Gifts Washable Chef Construction Policeman Fireman Costumes Doctor Astronaut Costumes for Boys Toddler Girls Kids

Puppet Show For Kids.
Look for entertainment ideas for 1st birthday party that delight and amaze little party-goers. This age group is fascinated by sounds and action, so use props and think of ways to amaze them. Introduce a puppet singing star that belts out songs that are kid favorites or perform a simple skit.

Ideas for puppet show...

48% Melissa & Doug Deluxe Puppet Theater - Sturdy Wooden Construction - Puppet Show Theater For Kids $107.99

Deluxe Wooden Puppet Theater with Curtains, Blackboard and Clock, Double-Sided Play Store 3-8Y & Kid Puppet Show Theater with 2 Hand Puppets and 4 Finger Puppets for Toddlers 1-3

Alvantor Lemonade Stand Puppet Show Theater Pretend Playhouse Play Tent Kids on Stage Doorway Table Top Sets for Toddlers Curtain Fordable Rods Children Dramatic Furniture, 28"X20"X41"H, Yellow,8032

7% Hey! Play! Wooden Tabletop Puppet Theater with Curtains, Blackboard, and Clock- Inspires Imagination and Creativity for Kids, Boys and Girls $44.95

Wagon Parade Float.
A special day deserves a parade. Ask guests to bring their own wagon decorated as they would like. Parade the wagons through a pre-planned course with the assistance of adult helpers. Encourage by-standers to clap and cheer as the wagons go by.

26% Step2 Neighborhood Wagon with Seats, Red $119.99

20% Step2 All Around Canopy Wagon for Kids, Spacious Kids' Outdoor Wagon with Safety Belts and Adjustable Canopy, Ages 1.5 - 5 Years Old, Red $144.99

19% Step2 Wagon for Two Plus for Kids, Large Folding Wagon, Safety Belts, Under Seat Storage, Toddlers Ages 1.5 - 5 Years Old, Denim Blue $119.99

Train Rides.
Choo choo! If trains are your little one's obsession, keep the birthday party right on track with train rides. These trains are also the perfect photo opportunity for future engineers. Take a look at the trains listed below that are not only a good investment for party day, but will provide hours of fun after the party is over. All aboard!

Power Wheels Thomas & Friends Ride-On Train, Thomas with Track, Battery-Powered Toddler Toy for Indoor Play Ages 1+ Years (Amazon Exclusive), Large, Multi

Costzon Ride on Toys, 6V Electric Ride on Train with Tracks, Storage Seat, Flashing Lights & Music, Backrest, Anti-tilt Device, Gift for Toddler Boys & Girls, Battery Powered Ride on Car (Black)

20% OLAKIDS Kids Ride On Train with Track, 6V Electric Toy with Lights and Sounds, Retractable Footrest, Under Seat Storage, Christmas Theme Battery Powered Gift for Toddlers Boys Girls (Christmas Style) $99.99

1st Birthday Party Bounce House.
A bounce house falls into the category of entertainment ideas for 1st birthday party that always make a birthday happy. Whether you choose to rent or buy, this idea works best for a small party where the majority of the guests are quite young. Provide seating for the adults around the bounce house, so there is plenty of adult supervision for the little daredevils that need it.

JOYMOR Inflatable Bounce House, Jump'n Slide Castle Indoor/Outdoor Playhouse for Toddler Little Kids Age 1-3 w/Air Blower and Basketball Hoop

Inflatable Bounce House with Slide for Kids 5-12, Indoor Outdoor Backyard Jumping Castle Bouncer Jumper for Toddlers 1-3

BOUNTECH Inflatable Bounce House, Bouncy House for Kids Indoor Outdoor Family Fun with Large Jumping Area, Slide, 480w Blower, Portable Backyard Toddler Bouncer Castle for Birthday Party Gifts

Consider adding prizes to your entertainment. 
Check out these first birthday party favors.

Giant Inflatable Bowling Game Set.
Everyone can get in the game with a giant inflatable bowling set.  Each set comes with a ball and six pins and one set includes glow tape, foot pump, mesh bag and score sheets.  Perfect for any age, a giant inflatable bowling game set works great indoors or outdoors. 

40% Giggle N Go Kids Bowling Set Indoor Games or Outdoor Games for Kids. Hilariously Fun Giant Yard Games for Kids and Adults. Fun Sports Games, Outside Games or Indoor Games for Kids $52.99

5% Etna Giant Inflatable Bowling Set $26.99

Hey! Play! Kids Giant Bowling Game Set - Inflatable Jumbo Bowling Pins and Ball for Outdoor and Indoor Use, for Children and Adults , White

Children's Scavenger Hunt Ideas.
Let's face it, toddlers love to be outside. Invite little explorers to the park, but any outside area will suffice. These toddler scavenger hunt cards will guide your toddler to find items commonly found outside.  This is a great experience for the parent and the child to enjoy together. Be sure there are plenty of adults watching to keep an eye on the wanderers.  

MOLLYBEE KIDS Outdoor Toddler Scavenger Hunt Cards at The Park, Gifts for Ages 2+

MOLLYBEE Kids Toddler Scavenger Hunt Cards at Home, Indoor Toddler Activity, Card Game for Kids Ages 2, 3

Thought-Spot: Spot'em Scavenger Hunt Cards–Indoor Play; First Preschool Game for Kids 2+; Educational: Teach Colors, Numbers, Shapes, Letters, and Other Early Education Skills; Travel Sized

Art Station.
Entertainment ideas for 1st birthday party that let the kids draw on their own imaginations is a good thing to do. Set up an art station that would appeal to a young budding artist and prepare to be amazed.  From handprints with washable paints to sidewalk chalk, there's no end to the creativity that you'll see. Remember to protect each child's clothing (trash bags with holes cut out are easy) and send artwork home with each child.

Melissa & Doug Jumbo Brush Set - 4-Pack, Paintbrushes in Red, Blue, Green, Yellow

Melissa & Doug Finger Paint Paper Pad (12 x 18 inches) - 50 Sheets, 2-Pack - Kids Art Supplies, Fingerpaint Paper For Toddlers And Kids

TBC The Best Crafts 12 Colors Squeezable Brush Paints for Kids Early Learning, Washable Tempera Paint Brushes, Assorted Baisic/Neon/Pastel Colors(24ml/0.8oz Each), Easy to Paint

Story Time.
Who appreciates being read a book more than a toddler? Make every effort to make the reading authentic by using voices for different characters or dressing like the character in the book. Transport guests to the land of make-believe by staging a reading space that coincides with the theme of the book. This captivated audience loves to fantasize and will hang on every word.

Preschool Storytime 1st Birthday...

20% Hooray It's Your Birthday! Finger Puppet Board Book for Celebrations & Parties Ages 1-4 (Finger Puppet Board Books) $7.99

21% Now You Are One: Little Bird Greetings, Greeting Card Board Book with Personalization Flap, 1st Birthday Gifts for One Year Olds $7.99

14% Baby's First Birthday for Boys - Personalized Children's Story - I See Me! $34.99

19% Disney Baby: My First Birthday $8.99

Bear Hunt.
Going on a bear hunt? Mama Bear and Papa Bear should hide the bears in the party area before the children arrive. Allow kids to search and find the hidden bears (similar to an Easter egg hunt). Whether you choose to hide lots of tiny bears or one bigger bear per child, let the kids and the adults know how many bears each child should find. Expect lots of bear hugs.

Chivao 20 Pcs Plush Mini Bear 4 Inch Stuffed Bear Animal Toys Tiny Bear Stuffed Animal Soft Bear Doll Small Present Box Toy for Birthday Wedding Party (Brown)

MorisMos 7 Packs Teddy Bear Stuffed Animals Plush Toys in 7 Color, Soft Bulk Teddy Bears Toys Gift for Girlfriend Kid, 13.5-inch Stuffed Teddy Bear in Bulk for Valentines Christmas Birthday Party

Zomiboo 7 Packs 14 Inch Plush Bear Stuffed Animals Plush Toys Valentine Day Gift Soft Cute Stuffed Dolls Birthday Party Decorations (Cute Colors)

Photo Booth For 1st Birthday.
Entertainment ideas for 1st birthday party should definitely include pictures. Create a photo booth or photo backdrop to pose in front of with the birthday boy or girl. Opportunities like this don't come along every day, so make sure you document this very special day. 

6% Big Dot of Happiness 1st Birthday Girl - Fun to be One - First Birthday Party Selfie Photo Booth Picture Frame & Props - Printed on Sturdy Material $34.99

6% 1st Birthday Boy - Fun to be One - First Birthday Party Selfie Photo Booth Picture Frame & Props - Printed on Sturdy Material $34.99

9% SWYOUN Glitter Happy Birthday Party Frame Photo Prop 1st 16th18th 21st 30th 40th 50th 60th 70th Birthday DIY Picture For All Ages $10.99

6% Big Dot of Happiness 1st Birthday Little Mr. Onederful - Boy First Birthday Party Selfie Photo Booth Picture Frame and Props - Printed on Sturdy Material $34.99

Birthday Party Water Games

Pick Up Ducks.
Entertain and delight little guests with a duck pond. The ducks are cute as can be and the pond could actually be a steel tub or an inflatable kiddie pool. Choose prizes that appeal to toddlers and keep the activity safe with adult supervision.

Pick Up Ducks game made easy...

9% Gamie Duck Pond Matching Game for Kids Includes 20 Plastic Ducks with Numbers and 3’ x 6” Inflatable Pool - Fun Memory Game - Water Outdoor Game for Children, Preschoolers, Birthday Party $32.99

Duck Pond Matching Game Includes 20 Ducks with Numbers and Shapes and 3' x 6" Inflatable Pool, Memory Game, Water Outdoor Game for Children, Preschoolers, Birthday Party, Carnival

Toddlers love to play in the water...

Without a doubt, tiny party-goers love a good water activity. So if you're looking for entertainment ideas for 1st birthday party during the hot summer, beat the heat by splishing and splashing.

Splash pad sprinklers.

33% VISTOP Non-Slip Splash Pad for Kids and Dog, Thicken Sprinkler Pool Summer Outdoor Water Toys - Fun Backyard Fountain Play Mat for Baby Girls Boys Children or Pet Dog (67 inch, Blue&Blue) $60.00

38% SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad, Sprinkler for Kids and Baby Pool for Learning – Toddler Sprinkler Pool, 60’’ Outside Water Toys – “from A to Z” Outdoor Play Mat for Babies & Toddlers $40.00

EPN Splash Pad, 86.6" Size Extra Large Sprinkler Play Mat Fun for Kids, Thicker Summer Outdoor Water Toys Toddler Pool for 3-12 Years Old Children Boys & Girls

13% BANZAI Splish Splash Water Park JR, Length: 90 in, Width: 52 in, Height: 24 in, Junior Inflatable Outdoor Backyard Water Splash Toy, Multicolor $44.99

Water table activities for preschoolers.

18% Little Tikes Spiralin' Seas Waterpark Play Table, Multicolor $54.99

11% Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Toddler Water Table, Outdoor Kids Water Sensory Table, Ages 1.5+ Years Old, 13 Piece Water Toy Accessories, Blue & Green $89.99

12% Step2 Rain Showers & Unicorns Kids Water Tables, Outdoor Toddler Activity Table, Ages 2 – 10 Years Old, 12 Piece Water Toy Accessories, Blue & Purple $94.99

Step2 Rising River Water & Ball Table, Blue and Green, Multicolour

Go Fish Fishing Game.  
Gone fishin'. Stage a low-fuss fishing tournament with everyone participating. This fishing game holds all the necessary tools for the kids to reel in the big one...poles with magnets makes the fishing adventure a success every time.

Sing Along Party.
Play kid favorite songs and allow children to sing along. Songs that have hand motions are best for this age group. If you have a family member or friend that sings or plays guitar, this could be party-goers first exposure to the excitement of live entertainment!

Children's Music Party Entertainment.
When your entertainment ideas for 1st birthday party combine music and movement, that's a good combination. Whether youngsters crawl or walk across this piano dance mat, it will be music to their ears.

Bubbles First Birthday Party.
Why not include bubble blowing in your entertainment ideas for 1st birthday party? It's always been a toddler favorite and bubble machines have made the experience even more exciting. Want more? Pass out individual bubbles to guests, so they can get in on the bubble blowing fun.

Watch the fun bubble over with bubble machines.

Individual bubbles.

How To Entertain Adults At A First Birthday Party.
Ask adults to bring a photo when they were one. Randomly arrange pictures on a table with a number above each picture, being careful not to put anything on the photos that could possibly damage them. Provide a list of names, so that guests can assign a number to each name The person with the most correct guesses wins.

Ideas for time capsule...