Birthday Party for Kids – Menu Plan and Foods to Serve

Birthdays are fun for kids, and parents work hard to make this day memorable for their child and his friends. Though throwing a fantastic birthday party can seem tedious to some parents, coming up with creative ideas and executing them can be fun to watch, not to mention the satisfaction in watching everyone have fun is unparalleled. Of course, no birthday is complete without an enormous cake and delicious food.

If you want to throw a memorable yet economical party, we have a few delicious items you can add to the birthday menu for kids. It’s time to get those notebooks and planners out and scribble away for your little one’s next birthday bash. For the invites, you can even go green and make digital invites, thereby teaching a valuable lesson to your kid. When it comes to the party favours, go simple and try to stay away from giving chocolates or sweets.

Tips for Planning Your Kid’s Birthday Party Menu

With careful planning and a wise budget, you can serve food that delights the palates of adults and kids. Here are a few easy birthday menus for kids for your kid’s party at home.

1. Make a Schedule

Maybe two-three weeks before the birthday bash, make sure you plan everything to the last detail. Make schedules and set a time time for picking up the cake, party favours, and any other miscellaneous item that you may need.

2. Time is an Important Factor

Plan the birthday party at a time when all the kids are energetic and eat well. It could be an afternoon party, i.e. between 2-5 p.m. on a weekend, so that you can wrap up before it gets late. This way your kid shall sleep on time.

3. Consider Allergies

When you are preparing the menu, make sure you check with all the parents about any allergies or health problems that their children may have. Plan your menu accordingly.

4. Go for Healthy Foods

Use lots of vegetables and fruits to make finger foods, skewers, and even the main course.

5. Dietary Restrictions

If you are planning to include non-vegetarian food, make a list of vegetarian children and serve them separately. Also ask the parents about any dietary restrictions.

6. Non-messy Food

Apart from the cake, food such as finger foods, foods on a stick, muffins, etc. will make sure you don’t have a huge mess to clean-up after. Also, opt for food which does not stain anything around.

7. Go for a Homemade Cake

It’s a lot easier nowadays to bake a cake at home or get a homemade cake. Homemade cakes are, of course, delicious, and they also add a personal touch to the entire event.

Food to Serve for a Kids Birthday Party

Deciding on a menu for your kid’s birthday party can be difficult. However, with these easy-to-make delicious treats, you will be considered as the best party organiser in your town. Make everyone’s life easier by not providing cutlery, but instead, serving them finger foods which kids shall enjoy eating while playing. You can serve them finger sandwiches with different fillings, which can be held between two fingers. If you are having an afternoon lunch party, you can even have some salads, starters, and the main course. If you are having a big party for your little champ, then it is advisable to call for a caterer to ensure everything is standardised and you are not slogging away in the kitchen. Here are some options for drinks and foods for your kid’s birthday party that you may choose from.

Welcome Drinks

As soon as the guests come in, serve them something nice and soothing. Here are a few options for welcome drinks:

• Lemon juice
• Mango juice
• Any other fresh juice
• Badam kheer
• Buttermilk or chaas
• Rose milk
• Coconut water
• Hot chocolate
• A bottle of squash – in case the welcome drinks get over
• Vanilla milkshake
• Oreo milkshake
• Cold coffee
• Fruit punch

Starters

It is fun to begin a kid’s birthday party with finger foods. Finger foods are always a favourite among kids. These will probably be the most sought-after foods at your kid’s birthday party, so make sure you have plenty to go around. Here are some options for starters to include in your menu:

• Potato wedges
• Fries
• Garlic bread
• Samosa
• Dholka
• Cheese sticks
• Pizza puffs
• Corn dog muffins
• Deli sushi rolls
• Soya chunks manchurian
• Baby corn manchurian
• Baked idli fry
• Breadsticks
• Potato croquet
• Vegetable cutlet
• Sliced caramel apple sticks
• Skewered veggies
• Cheese balls
• Chicken nuggets
• Waffle sticks

Main Course

 The size of the party does not matter. Be it small or large, the main course is an integral part of the menu. Everyone will thoroughly enjoy the following food.

• Puri bhaji
• Pizza
• Mac & Cheese
• Mini masala dosa
• Waffles
• Pasta
• Pancakes
• Chana bhatura
• Veg hakka noodles
• Fried rice
• Butter chicken
• Burger
• Pav bhaji

Salad

Salad may not be everyone’s favourite thing on the menu, but adults will certainly appreciate it. If you are having a full-fledged lunch party, then a salad is a must and is a healthy food to include in the menu.

• Corn and cheese salad
• Cucumber and carrot salad
• Mixed sprouts salad
• Fruit salad
• Cold pasta salad
• Chicken caesar salad
• Mushroom salad

Dessert

While you may have a lovely birthday cake to devour, it is good to have an option for people to enjoy. You can consider either an Indian dessert or ice cream. Here are some suggestions:

• Fine vermicelli kheer
• Fresh fruit cream
• Gulab jamun
• Carrot halwa
• Badam halwa
• Moong dal halwa
• Falooda
• Brownie with ice cream
• No bake cheesecake
• Rasgulla
• Strawberries/seasonal fruits with fresh cream
• French vanilla custard
• Chocolate pudding 

Popular Kid’s Birthday Party Food Recipes 

Planning a kid’s birthday party and wondering what food to serve? Look no further! We’ve compiled some popular and kid-friendly kids birthday recipes that will be a hit at any birthday celebration. From tasty treats to savoury snacks, these recipes will satisfy young appetites and make your child’s birthday party successful.

1. Mini Pizzas

Here is an absolute favourite among several kids’ birthday party food ideas. 

Ingredients

• Mini pizza dough rounds
• Pizza sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Assorted toppings (e.g., pepperoni, sliced bell peppers, olives)

Method

1. Preheat the oven to the recommended temperature for the pizza dough.
2. Spread pizza sauce evenly on each mini pizza dough round.
3. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
4. Add your chosen toppings to the pizzas.
5. Place the mini pizzas on a baking sheet and bake in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.

2. Fruit Kabobs

We are sure your little one and his/her friends will love this fruity delish!

Ingredients

• Assorted fruits (e.g., strawberries, grapes, melon, pineapple)
• Wooden skewers
• Yoghurt or chocolate dipping sauce (optional)

Method

1. Wash and prepare the fruits by cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Thread the fruit pieces onto wooden skewers in colourful patterns.
3. Serve the fruit kabobs with yoghurt or chocolate dipping sauce for added fun.

3. Chicken Tenders

This is one of the most loved snacks for kids’ birthday parties.

Ingredients

• Chicken tenderloins
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Cooking oil
• Dipping sauces (e.g., ketchup, honey mustard)

Method

1. Preheat the cooking oil in a frying pan or use a deep fryer.
2. Dip each chicken tenderloin into beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
3. Carefully place the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
5. Serve the chicken tenders with various dipping sauces for extra flavour.

FAQs

1. What is The Best Time for a Kids Birthday Party?

The best time for a kids’ birthday party often depends on the child’s age and the parents’ preferences. Generally, mid-morning or early afternoon slots work well, as kids tend to be more active and energetic during these times. However, it’s essential to consider your child’s routine and what suits your family and guests’ schedules.

2. Is It Necessary to Provide Separate Food for Adults at a Children’s Birthday Party?

Whether it’s necessary to provide separate food for adults at a children’s birthday party depends on the event’s scale and the types of food being served. You may serve a mix of kid-friendly and adult-friendly options for small gatherings. However, for larger parties, offering some adult-oriented food can be considered. It’s best to strike a balance and ensure some options cater to both kids and adults to ensure everyone enjoys the celebration.

The best part about birthday parties is the fun that kids have together. Food is an important aspect, which makes a party even more memorable. So, when planning your kid’s birthday party, include these foods and have a gala time. If you don’t want to splurge, you can opt for a kids’ birthday party food ideas budget and plan accordingly – there you go – no need to stress.

Also Read: 

Birthday Party Craft Ideas for Kids
Birthday Party Game Ideas for Children
Budget Friendly Return Gift Ideas for Kids