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Everything You Need for a Safari Themed Birthday Party

Lauren Miolene

We’ve all been to dozens of kids birthday parties , and we can probably agree they get repetitive quickly. That's why it’s always best to have a fun and exciting theme to make it stand out from the rest. If you’ve ever thought about hosting a safari themed birthday party, take this as your sign to get adventurous!

If your kiddo’s birthday is soon, take a walk on the wild side this year by hosting a safari themed birthday party using creative ideas from The Bash. Start with an outdoor venue, live animals, and of course plenty of safari inspired food and drinks. Use our handy kids birthday party checklist as a guide, so you don’t miss a thing.

Keep reading for safari themed birthday party ideas…

Safari themed venue.

You’ll want to establish a home base for this safari themed birthday party. We recommend keeping the festivities outside to enhance the adventurous setting.

Having the safari themed birthday outside just makes sense, so take the party to the park! Visit your local park that has plenty of tables, a pavilion, and a play area to celebrate the guest of honor. The park is also the perfect location so guests have ample space to run around and play.

You can never go wrong by hosting your child’s birthday party in your own backyard with the fresh air and sunlight. Sometimes the comfort of your own home makes the best party venue for everyone. Spend the day outside and easily transition the get-together inside depending on the weather.

If your child is an animal lover, organize this birthday bash at the zoo. Contact zoos in your area to set up a tour with different event packages. Visit different  website to read about animal interactions, a private party space, and other fun surprises.

Safari Theme Party Outfit

You’re probably wondering what to wear for a safari themed party, and the answer is all in the details!

Safari Hats

Invite guests to bring their dress up safari hats or take a trip to your local party store to distribute at the celebration. Your child and their friends will love this special touch that will get them into the safari spirit and provide additional protection from the sun. This creative touch also doubles as a party favor!

Animal Print, Camouflage, and Neutrals

Tap into the adventure for this safari theme with animal print, camouflage clothing, or neutral colors. Ask parents to dress their kiddos in these wild prints to help complete the safari aesthetic.

Safari Vests

To feel the part, guests will have to look the part. Stock up on children’s safari vests from Amazon so everyone can look like a wildlife explorer. These vests come complete with badges, patches, and plenty of pockets to keep some extra goodies in.

To complete any safari ensemble, you’ll need a set of binoculars. Of course guests can bring their own pair if they have them, but you can also distribute them in goodie bags so they can be used during the party. Shop binocular party favors on Amazon so everyone can have their own set.

Safari Theme Party Entertainment

These safari theme party entertainment ideas are guaranteed to bring a roaring good time.

Live Animals

This safari party requires animals, we don’t make the rules! Take a look on The Bash for live animals that can make a special appearance at the birthday celebration. Communicate with different animal handlers to decide which types of animals make the most sense for the faux-safari party. Choose from monkeys, reptiles, and much more!

Find Live Animals

Bounce House

The kids will feel like queens and kings of the jungle with an epic bounce house at the celebration. Browse various party inflatables including obstacle courses and waterslides that will match the safari themed birthday party. Jumping like kangaroos all day is the perfect way to release some of their energy.

Find Bounce Houses

Let the kids (and adults) unleash their inner animals by transforming them into their favorites! Face paint artists on The Bash use non-toxic paint to turn guests into safari creatures like lions, and tigers, and bears—oh my!

Find Face Painters

Photo Booth

A photo booth is exactly what this party needs to help create the safari feeling. Rent a photo booth for the day that will provide safari themed backdrops and props for an immersive wildlife experience.

Find Photo Booths

Allow the kids the opportunity to try different foods from various types of carts. From cotton pizza, to snow cones, and even donuts, party guests will love the freedom of choosing their own party food. Book your child’s favorites on The Bash.

Find Food Carts

Safari Theme Party Activities

Incorporate these safari theme party activities that will keep guests of all ages occupied and entertained.

You’ll need some sort of transportation for this safari adventure! Charge up your child’s mini trucks and cars, or shop safari vehicles on Amazon for guests to drive around the yard in. Block off an area with plenty of space so parents can keep an eye on the little ones.

Animal Charades

Put everyone’s acting skills to the test! A few rounds of animal charades is the perfect activity for this safari themed birthday party. Write various safari animals on a piece of paper for guests to randomly choose and act out. Their friends will have a ton of fun guessing and laughing about what animal they are.

Scavenger Hunt

Send the little explorers on a safari themed expedition during the party. Break everyone into groups, give them riddles to solve, and watch as they follow along to find the prize. You can keep this activity safari themed, but any type of scavenger hunt will work.

Outdoor Activities

Hosting your party outside means there will be plenty of space for all kinds of games and activities. Set up stations with things you probably already have like hula hoops, jump ropes, and other fun yard games that will keep everyone occupied.

Safari Theme Party Decorations

Get wild with these safari theme party decorations that will make this birthday extra special.

Any birthday party, especially a kid’s, needs balloons! Balloons are one of the best decor options because they are fairly easy to purchase or even assemble yourself. For this safari theme, use various shades of brown, green, and orange, or any other color you might find in the wild. You can also get balloons shaped like typical safari animals to incorporate. Details like this will help bring the wild theme to life!

Pro tip: Hire an event planner through The Bash that is an expert in assembling unique balloon arrangements.

Stuffed Animals

The key for any event decor is to make use of things you might already have. Incorporate your child's stuffed animals throughout the space to capture the safari theme. Find jumbo size plush animals including tigers, giraffes, and elephants that everyone will want to get a picture with.

One of the best places to incorporate themed decor for an outdoor party is on the tables. Whether you decide on multiple small tables or one large one, incorporate animal inspired tableware for guests to use. Shop animal print utensils , napkins, and tablecloths that will make the celebration pop.

For this safari, you can also use details like vines, pampas grass, and compasses for a wild dining experience.

Any experienced explorer most likely spends the majority of their time in a tent. Play into the safari theme by setting up tents in the outdoor space for a backdrop. Arrange a few blankets, pillows, and small activities like coloring books that will help keep everyone entertained.

Safari Theme Party Food and Drinks

Make sure there is plenty of fuel for the explorers at the safari themed birthday party.

Safari Themed Birthday Cake

You’re going to want to incorporate the safari theme into every party detail, including the cake. Place an order from your favorite bakery ahead of time to ensure there will be plenty of sugary animals, fake vines, and other wild accents on the birthday cake.

Dinosaur Chicken Nuggets

Who says dinosaurs can’t be invited to the safari party? Chicken nuggets are one of the most loved kid’s foods that are easy to make because all you have to do is pop them in the oven! Serve with different sauces, french fries, and maybe some broccoli trees.

It’s important that a safari explorer keeps plenty of snacks on hand that are easy to travel with, for example, trail mix. Make your own by purchasing a variety of nuts, dried fruit, and small candies. You can also set up a trail mix bar including separate ingredients so guests can make their own take home bag.

This dessert is a delicious DIY treat! All you’ll need to do is add crushed Oreos, gummy worms, and candy rocks on the top of a pudding cup to look like mud. If you don’t prepare these beforehand, kids will love decorating and customizing their own.

Ants on a Log

One of the best snacks for kids usually incorporates them being hiddenly healthy. Make a childhood classic of ants on a log that will help fuel the little explorers during the safari themed birthday party. All this classic entails is spreading peanut butter on a celery stick, and topping with raisins. This snack is easy to customize because you can easily swap the peanut butter with hummus in case of any allergies.

“Jungle Juice”

Whip up a big batch of kid-friendly jungle juice to quench everyone’s thirst. Add any ingredients you want; fruit juice, Gatorade, fresh juice, soda, the possibilities are endless. Serve in a beverage dispenser with a spout so kids will be able to easily refill their canteens. For an adults only drink, try adding champagne for a delicious and fruity mimosa.

Animal Crackers

Who doesn’t love animal crackers? Arrange a platter of plain and frosted animal crackers with different types of dessert dip. Guests will enjoy this sweet treat by dipping their cookie in edible brownie batter, cookie dough, and cheesecake dip.

Banana Splits

This safari themed birthday party will make everyone go absolutely bananas! Your child and their friends will love a homemade banana split that is the perfect treat to end the day.

Safari Themed Party Favors

You’ll definitely want to toss a few of these safari themed party favors into everyone’s goodie bags.

Custom Canteens

Once everyone RSVPs and the guest list is complete, place an Etsy order for customized canteens with everyone’s name. Kids will love having their own custom canteen to drink out of and make them feel like they are on a real safari.

Animal Bubbles

Little kids love bubbles, so give them their own to play with! Find animal inspired bubble bottles on Amazon for guests to use during and after the party.

Animal Ears

Once the face painter turns the kids into their favorite animals, give them ears to match. Visit your local party store or place an online order for lion ears, tigers, giraffes, and more. Try to stock up on a variety so everyone can choose what animal they want to be.

1st Birthday Safari Theme Party: Wild One

Turning one year old is wild! That’s why “Wild One” is such a popular first birthday party theme. You can easily incorporate these same safari ideas into this milestone occasion, but you’re not going to want to forget these details.

If you’ve seen kiddos go wild and destroy their gorgeous birthday cake, that’s exactly why smash cakes have become popular. Smash cakes are typically a smaller, homemade cake specially made for the guest of honor. After the proud parents help blow out the candle, let the one year old celebrate their special day with their own cake. It’s completely up to them if they play with it or eat it, but this way it saves plenty of birthday cake for the other guests to enjoy.

Photographer

A first birthday only happens once, so you’re going to want to remember it forever. Hire a photographer to capture every detail: the decor, the cake, and of course all the smiling faces in attendance! Miss no photo opportunity with our helpful 1st birthday picture list for ideas.

Photo Backdrop

You’re only going to be able to host a “wild one” themed birthday for your baby once, so make a photo backdrop for plenty of pictures. Create your own using a safari background, plush animals, and a big metallic “1” balloon. This backdrop will also act as a focal point in the party space.

Find more kids’ party ideas and inspiration here on The Bash.

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Go On a Wild Adventure with These Safari Theme Party Ideas

For a little explorer, there’s simply no better way to celebrate than a safari theme party. Whether you’re hosting a 1st birthday party or a birthday slumber party for tweens, it’s a theme that you can really bring to life with impressive decor, styling, and treats. 

If you’re ready to host one of the best safari or jungle theme party events of the year, we’re here to help. Get inspiration for your safari theme party with these decor, food, activity, and invitation ideas. 

10 Adventurous Safari Theme Party Ideas

Design: Noonday Design

You can really go wild with a safari theme party and transform your space into something magical. Here are some of our favorite safari theme party ideas for decor, activities, food, favors, and more. 

1. Make It a Costume Party

If you’re inviting lots of wild ones along to your safari theme party, this is a must-have. Take your birthday party idea to the next level by turning it into a costume party.

Ask your party animals to join you dressed up as their favorite zoo animal or safari creature. Keep it open and let them choose their own costume, or ask people to take an everyday T-shirt and customize it with animal prints or designs to show off their creativity. 

2. Host a Safari-Themed Sleepover Party

We love a sleepover or slumber party , and it feels like this is one of those themes that’s perfect for it. Celebrate an animal birthday or safari get-together by asking your guests to stay overnight and stay up late.

Transform your living space or bedroom into a safari camp with beautifully styled mini tents, or ask people to bring along a sleeping bag for a more rustic feel. Add some themed party decor like balloon garlands, strings of faux leaves, or animal cutouts to really enhance the experience. 

3. Go Wild with Animal Print

What better excuse than a safari theme party to go a little over the top with animal print birthday party decorations? There’s something fun about layering plenty of prints together to create a zany, unique take on the jungle party theme. 

Look for tableware, table covers, party plates, and more safari theme party supplies that heavily feature animal print. Keep it all to one type — like leopard print — or mix in some zebra or giraffe print for a more eclectic look. 

4. Transform Your Space into a Jungle

This idea takes a little more planning and plenty of safari party supplies, but it’s well worth it for a special birthday or occasion. 

Layer hanging backdrops filled with palm leaves or tree-themed fabric, and hang earth-toned balloons, cutouts, or decorations from your ceiling. Invest in some color-changing bulbs to add a cozy glow or create a sunset effect, and add natural textiles and animal decorations to complete the look. 

5. Fill Your Party Venue with Jungle Safari Animals 

When it comes to planning the ultimate safari theme party, you can’t go wrong with plenty of jungle animals. Whether you fill the space with them, or hide them around as a fun mini game for the kids, it’s a super fun way to bring the theme to life. 

Use animal cutouts to create an adorable photo booth area, or feature tiny toy jungle animals as part of a themed centerpiece or table decoration. How and where you display the animals is up to you, but it wouldn’t be a safari theme party without them.

6. Host a Jungle Obstacle Course

Design: Claudia Owen

If you’re looking for something to tire out your wild ones, a jungle-themed obstacle course is a wonderfully interactive idea. It’s an ideal activity for kids of all ages, and you can tailor it to your theme, group, or event type. 

You can create your own obstacle course using everyday objects like couch cushions or hula hoops, or invest in an inflatable obstacle course for a big milestone birthday celebration. However you choose to do it, this is a great way to use up some of that energy ahead of cake time.

7. Set Up a DIY Crafting Area

Create a space where younger guests can relax (and still be creative) with a crafting area. Set up a party table somewhere away from the noise and offer your guests fun ways to engage in themed crafts. Download printable animal coloring pages, or find the instructions and materials for a DIY safari craft for kids . It’s a sweet way to offer a place to calm down while still having plenty of fun.

8. Splash Out on a Safari Theme Birthday Cake

If you’re putting on a safari theme party for a birthday celebration, you’ll need a cake that fits the occasion. Whether you opt for an expertly baked masterpiece or a homemade treasure with an adorable cake topper, it’s sure to be one of the guests’ highlights. 

You can take a jungle theme cake in a variety of directions. Choose a simple sponge cake and add a personalized cake topper, or go minimal and stylish with a giant palm leaf design. Think about what the guest of honor would love to see as you all sing “happy birthday.”

9. Give Your Birthday Buffet a Safari Theme Twist

Buffets are great for a kids’ birthday party because people can pick their favorite snacks and treats without too much going to waste. It’s perfect for those picky little eaters who just want to fill a plate with cheese, crackers, or cocktail sausages. 

To liven up your birthday buffet, give your foods a safari twist. These monkey sandwiches are adorable, and this giraffe cake dessert board is a gorgeous way to get your guests enjoying lots of fresh fruit. For snacks, a jungle safari trail mix is easy to make and works great as a sleepover midnight treat. 

10. Create Themed Party Favor Bags

Your safari theme party is turning out to be epic, so you’ll want party favors that live up to the same hype as your main event. Luckily, you can put together goodie bags that match this theme quickly, easily, and affordably. 

Choose a favor bag or box with a safari theme or animal print design, then add in a few classic items like stickers, candy, and bubbles. For an extra treat, send your guests home with a safari animal cupcake or a personalized animal pencil or coloring set. 

Exciting Safari Theme Party Invites

Design: frau brandt (photo courtesy of Angela & Evan Photography)

This is one of those birthday party themes that absolutely needs an exciting party invite to match. Here are some of our most-loved online invitations for your themed get-together — whether it’s a jungle birthday party or safari baby shower party .

First Safari Invitation

Design: frau brandt

For all those little babies celebrating their first birthday, this First Safari invitation is a lovely way to mark the moment. The gorgeous, soft illustrations are ideal for this momentous occasion. 

Swing On By Invitation

Looking for something more contemporary? This Swing On By invitation is the perfect mix of modern and adorable, with a fun monkey illustration and modern typefaces. 

Calling All Party Animals Invitation

Design: Jessie Steury

For a safari theme party that blends cute with mischievous, this Calling All Party Animals invitation is an ideal match. We love the bold yet sweet illustrations on this design, which is great for an all-out costume party or an understated sleepover. 

Classic Cheetah Print Invitation

For a more sophisticated safari theme party, this Classic Cheetah Print invite is one of our top picks. The black and gold palette is ideal for an adult birthday party, or a teen who wants something a little more dramatic and contemporary than a cutesy jungle invitation. 

X Marks the Spot Invitation

Design: Shiny Penny Studio

Whether you’re hosting a slumber party or outdoor safari theme party, this X Marks the Spot invitation works perfectly. The watercolor background complements the sweet illustrations, and it says “safari” without being too over-the-top about the theme — leaving some mystery for your guests. 

Wild and Onederful: A Complete Guide to Safari-Themed Birthday Parties for Kids

The "Wild One" safari theme is the perfect way to celebrate your child's first birthday in style. With adorable animal prints, earthy colors, and jungle-inspired decorations, the party captures the essence of a wild adventure. Wild One onesie s or animal costumes for the little guests add an adorable touch, setting the stage for an unforgettable photo op.

Decorations: Create a jungle paradise with faux vines, animal-shaped balloons , and wooden crates. Use animal-printed tablecloths and add plush toy animals as centerpieces. Incorporate green foliage and tropical leaves to bring the wild outdoors inside.

Activities: Set up a sensory play area with textured materials for little ones to explore.  A soft play zone with animal-themed toys will keep the youngest guests entertained. Don't forget to have a designated coloring station with a personalized safari themed coloring sheet !

Food: Opt for finger foods and snacks that kids can enjoy easily. Animal-shaped cookies , fruit skewers, and jungle-themed cupcakes will surely delight their taste buds.

As your child turns two, the "Two Wild" theme lets them embrace their wild side while celebrating the milestones they've reached. This safari party trend combines elements of adventure and playfulness, making it perfect for energetic toddlers and their friends.

Decorations: Emphasize the number "two" with creative decorations like balloon displays or cake toppers. Incorporate wooden elements and animal cutouts for a rustic yet vibrant feel. Hang signs and banners that showcase the phrase "Two Wild" to tie the theme together.

Activities: Organize a scavenger hunt around the party area, where little explorers can find hidden treasures and small prizes. Set up a mini jungle gym with tunnels, slides, and climbing walls to keep the kids active and engaged. When your party animals need a creative outlet, have that special coloring station ready with a Party Animal-themed coloring tablecloth personalized with your kiddo's name!

Food: Serve a variety of snacks and treats with animal-themed labels. Offer a grazing table with fruits, veggies, cheese, and crackers, allowing the kids to nibble throughout the party.

YOUNG, WILD AND "THREE": 3rd Birthday Party

Turning three is a major milestone for any child, and the "Wild and Three" theme amplifies the excitement of this special day. This party theme combines the best of both worlds, with elements of the Wild One and Two Wild themes, while adding a few new twists.

Decorations: Use a mix of animal prints , jungle greenery, and metallic accents to add flair to the party space. Incorporate three-dimensional elements like faux tree stumps and animal standees for an immersive experience.

Activities: Organize a craft station where kids can make their own animal masks or safari hats. Set up a storytelling corner with animal-themed books, inviting the kids to embark on imaginary journeys to the jungle.

Food: Go for a mix of kid-friendly favorites and adventurous treats. A colorful fruit punch station and animal-shaped sandwiches are sure to be a hit. Don't forget the safari-themed birthday cake as the grand finale!

See more inspiration on Instagram

@creativecrayonsworkshop !

Happy Coloring!

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37+ Cutest Ideas for Safari Themed 1st Birthday Party [2024]

So, you’re gearing up for an epic celebration, and it’s no ordinary party—it’s a “Safari Themed 1st Birthday” extravaganza!

Cue the jungle beats and get ready to start a wild adventure because we’re about to dive into the ultimate guide to throwing the most memorable safari-themed first birthday bash.

This enchanting theme takes all who dare enter on a wild adventure they won’t forget.

It’s not just about fun and games (although there’s plenty of that!).

So, grab your pith helmet, hop into our imaginary safari jeep, and let’s get inspired with over 37 ideas we carefully selected for you!

37+ Best Ideas for Safari Themed 1st Birthday

From decorating ideas that’ll make your living room feel like the Serengeti to jungle-themed snacks that even the pickiest little eaters will adore, we’ve got your back.

Celebrating Life’s First Milestone with Uniqueness

A child’s first birthday is an emotional milestone for both the little one and their parents.

It commemorates survival through sleepless nights, unknown challenges, countless diaper changes, but more importantly, it celebrates growth – in size, knowledge, personality traits – and infinite love that only deepens with each passing day.

An event as monumental as this deserves to be celebrated uniquely; it isn’t just another tick mark on life’s timeline but a testament to how beautifully everyone involved has evolved in a year.

A safari themed 1st birthday party fits perfectly as it brings together joyous celebration with unforgettable adventures- much like this incredible journey called parenthood.

Safari Themed 1st Birthday Party: Decorations to Bring the Jungle Home

As we start this adventure into designing the perfect safari themed 1st birthday party one must not overlook the influential power of decorations.

These tactile elements play a vital role in painting a vivid picture and creating an immersive atmosphere.

For this theme, your home needs to transform into an enchanting wilderness where lions roar, monkeys swing from branches, and elephants trumpet with glee.

Balloon Animals and Trees

Balloons have long been synonymous with parties. But for our safari themed 1st birthday party , let’s elevate their status beyond mere floating adornments.

Picture balloon animals prancing about – giraffes stretching their long necks near corners, zebras adding stripes of excitement across rooms or even snakes slithering down stair rails!

Tree-shaped balloons can further contribute to the jungle vibe by bringing some ‘green canopy’ into your living room.

Jungle Vines and Leaves

Vines cascading from ceilings and leaves scattered around can construct an all-encompassing foliage effect.

Consider using faux ivy vines for a lush, verdant aura; they’re cost-effective, easy to install and look surprisingly authentic.

Don’t hesitate to let them drape over tables, chairs or doorways.

For the leaves use various shapes and shades of green cardstock paper cutouts strewn across tabletops or stuck onto walls.

Animal Print Tablecloths and Banners

No safari décor would be complete without showcasing some iconic animal prints!

Zebra-striped tablecloths or leopard-spotted runners on tables make for eye-catching accents.

Animal print banners flapping gently against walls add striking visual dynamics that keep attention engaged yet subtly remind guests that they are indeed in wild territory.

DIY Decoration Ideas to Add Personal Touch

To make your safari themed 1st birthday party truly unique, consider sprinkling a dash of DIY magic.

How about an enticing entryway adorned with a homemade “Welcome to the Jungle” sign?

Or personalized animal footprints leading to different activity zones?

You could also create a beautiful backdrop for photographs using strips of crepe paper in varying shades of green and jungle-themed cutouts.

The sky’s the limit when it comes to adding personal touches that reflect your creativity while enhancing the safari ambiance.

Adorable Safari Outfits for Your Safari Themed 1st Birthday Party

The star of our safari-themed celebration, the birthday baby, should undoubtedly have an attire that shouts ‘jungle jubilance’.

Opt for something comfortable, yet fits the theme perfectly.

A onesie featuring a cute animal print, like giraffes or elephants, may be an ideal choice.

Or perhaps your little one would look tremendously cute in a mini explorer outfit – imagine khaki shorts and a matching shirt with tiny hiking boots to boot!

However, if you really wish to raise the bar of adorableness, consider costuming your child as their favorite safari animal.

From frisky lion cubs to tiny twitching zebras and charming baby monkeys – there are many options that can make your little one’s first birthday pictures unforgettable.

Adventurous Activities & Games for Your Safari Themed 1st Birthday Party

In a safari-themed party, even the most traditional party games can don an exciting new camouflage!

One such classic is ‘Pin the Tail on the Lion.’

This whimsical adaptation of ‘Pin the Tail on the Donkey’ involves blindfolded little explorers trying their luck at attaching a yarn tail onto a poster of a majestic King of the Jungle.

You could make this even more enchanting by crafting your lion poster using felt or another tactile material.

In this way, you add an additional sensory layer to your game that will no doubt enrapture your tiny guests.

Another idea is to host a mini ‘safari hunt,’ where children search for hidden stuffed animals around the party area.

For older kids, clues or riddles can be used in this quest to locate different wildlife ‘species.’

This not only enlivens their adventurous spirit but also subtly introduces them to various wild creatures.

As we conclude this safari through our imaginative jungle party landscape, remember that parties are as joyous and unique as the children they celebrate.

From animal-shaped balloons dancing overhead to themed dress-ups transforming little guests into wilderness explorers – every minute detail discussed underscores creativity at its best.

The beauty lies not just in experiencing these magical moments but also capturing them for posterity’s sake; as a snippet that remains long after the day has passed — a snapshot transcending time.

So here’s hoping that your safari themed 1st birthday party is filled with roars of laughter and wild fun; may it be an exciting adventure where beautiful memories are born.

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How To Make Birthday Safari Theme Decorations

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Alivia, my granddaughter,  loves monkey’s – and I was all prepared to use my Cricut and my 72-hour free trial of the Cricut Image Library that I received by buying another Cricut cartridge to cut out monkeys for her party when my daughter said she wanted a birthday safari theme .

I did some online research to find out what cartridges had jungle animals since I did not see a cartridge that was exclusively jungle animals.

Table of Contents

Cricut Birthday Safari Theme Cartridges

Create-A-Critter and Create-A-Critter 2 were the two that I ended up using.

I made lions, elephants, giraffes, vines and of course monkeys!

However what’s a party without photo booth props, right?

I used the Photo Booths Props Cartridge to create some awesome props that the kids – both young and old – that attend the party can use for some cool photos.

Design And Cut Birthday Safari Theme Party Decorations Using Your Cricut Machine

To make jungle theme decorations the easy way you need a Cricut.

I used my Imagine and my personal Cricuit machine to make these decorations.

I started by making a large monkey and a number of smaller ones too.

I also cut three vines for the larger monkey to hold onto once this decoration is in place.

I used card stock for the back of the monkey to make it a little bit stiffer.

I figured the smaller monkeys would work great as cupcake toppers.

Another option is to make a vine and attach these smaller monkeys so it looks like they are swinging from a vine in the jungle.

I ended up using a brown colored pencil to shade in the grey parts of the larger monkey.

Birthday Safari Theme Party Monkeys

I also made these “party monkeys” that I found in the Create-A-Critter 2 cartridge .

I opted to use a black colored pencil to color in the nose even though it did have cut lines and to draw the mouth.

Notice the crooked line going from the nose to the mouth on the one monkey.

This was intentional to make it appear that the monkey was looking off to the side.

I used large google eyes as well on these monkeys.

Out of all the decorations I made for the party so far these are my favorite!

Birthday Safari Theme Giraffes

The giraffes were easy to make and only required two cuts – one for the brown back and one for the yellow front.

I made the mistake the first time around of cutting the wrong brown piece.

I realized the one I cut was missing parts so I had to go back and look again.

I love the way these turned out!

Birthday Safari Theme Lions

Of course you can’t have a real jungle party without the king of the jungle – lions!

When you cut these out be sure to keep the noses.

You cut them when you cut the mane.

I made the mistake of not keeping them the first time around and had to rummage through the papers I tossed to find them.

I used rectangles of black construction paper glued to the back of the head of the lion for the whiskers, eyes and nose.

Birthday Party Safari Theme Elephants

Next I cut out the elephants.

I loved that they were designed to wear a party hat.

The piece of card stock that is on the back of the hats had to be cut by hand but I simply used the bright pink hat that the Cricuit cut out as my template then I glued the two pieces of the hat together.

Positioning the pink ear pieces did take a little time as there was no cut marks on the elephant to tell me exactly where they went.

I used a black colored pencil to draw along the mouth – which was cut.

I then chose black Rhinestones for the eyes and glued on the party hat.

I think these elephants are adorable!

Make Your Own Photo Booth Props

Now that I had my main party decorations cut I wanted to make a few photo booth props – just for fun.

I glued the cut out image onto a plain piece of paper that made the works and images show up well.

Once that was dry, I trimmed around the edges and taped it onto a pinwheel stick.

I chose to use a pinwheel stick because it was plastic and because I had them on hand.

Here is what I came up with.

I think this party is going to be a lot of fun for everyone!

I know I had fun making these decorations – and they really were simple to assemble once the Circut cut all the shapes out!

Birthday Party Safari Theme Decorations Made Easy With Cricut

I am so glad to know that I can access the Cricut Image Library in Craft Room and use my older machines to cut the designs.

While one day I do hope to upgrade and get a new Cricut for now I can still make awesome decorations and other crafts using the machines I have without having to buy multiple cartridges.

The Cricut Image Library does cost – and you can pay for it by the month or by the year.

I really like that because you don’t have to pay for a whole year if you only have time to use your Cricut machine every few months like I do.

Simply pay for it when you are going to use it and then cancel your subscription.

Two other things I really loved about using the Cricut Craft Room was that it was super easy to size my images and I was able to decide if I wanted to fill the images in with colors or shapes and let my Circut Imagine print and cut my design or use colored paper on my mat.

Final Touches

In addition to what I made with my Cricut, I took a monkey cake made using a Wilton Monkey Cake Pan.

I also made cupcakes I decorated using the Wilton Fondant and Gumpaste Jungle Mold to the party!

Are you using the Cricut Image Library?

Or have you updated to Design Space?

I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Cricut Projects And Tips

Cricut Cutting Mat Tips

Don't throw your Cricut Cutting Mat away when it loses its stickiness! Learn how to care for it as well as get ideas on repurposing it.

How To Make A Mini-Book Cricut Card

Damask Greeting Card Designs With Cricut

How To Make A Birthday Card Using Cricut

DIY Pot Holder Tutorial Cut With The Cricut Maker

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Easy Handmade Birthday Cards For Moms

Cricut cake machine, angel crafts #vinylsheets for cricut or silhouette cameo.

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Kids , Birthday

Go wild with these 15 safari theme party ideas

July 29, 2023

Does your little explorer spend all their time slashing through the dense jungle in the backyard with their pretend machete? Or maybe their room looks like a wildlife refuge with all their ferocious stuffed safari animals. If either of those descriptions sounds like your child, then we’ve got the perfect birthday party theme for you.

With a safari theme birthday party , your mini adventurer is guaranteed to have a ferociously good time while also showing off their love for nature. Keep reading for more safari theme party ideas than there are zebras on the savannah.

“ Giraffe Birthday ” by Rifle Paper Co. for Paperless Post; image via Pexels .

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Plan a journey to the wilderness… or to the backyard

You know that a safari theme birthday party would be perfect for your little animal lover—but what exactly does the party planning look like? There are a ton of exciting options to make this next birthday a special one, both at home or out in the wild. Here are some ideas to add a bit of adventure to your safari birthday party.

1. Visit a local zoo or wildlife center

Zookeepers actually make great party hosts, especially when they bring some of their furry (or scaled) friends for each guest to take a look at. Plus, they often have party rooms you can rent out where the explorers can enjoy safari snacks on-site.

2. Create a backyard safari

In many places, it’s possible to hire an exotic animal handler who will visit your home with their menagerie. Your little adventurer will never forget the birthday they hung out with a boa constrictor!

3. Plan a wild dress code

For your safari theme party idea, encourage guests to show up in animal masks, animal prints, or full-on costumes of their favorite beasts. 

Due to the *nature* of a safari theme birthday party, there’s a good chance that it includes some kind of outdoor element. But what if the weather isn’t cooperative? Hardy adventurers won’t let a little rain or snow stop them… but it might stop your birthday plans. Luckily, there are plenty of fun safari activities you can plan for indoors.

4. Put on a movie

There are so many fun animal movies to choose from. Might we suggest “Madagascar,” “The Lion King,” or “The Jungle Book”?

5. Play some games

Whether you’re playing Monkey in the Middle or Sleeping Lions , plan some fun kids’ birthday party games to have everyone feeling like a true party animal, indoors or out.

6. Create some safari crafts

With a few simple party supplies, you can set up a safari craft station where your young guests can make their own artistic safari animals.

Safari-themed party supplies are available at Paperless Post Party Shop .

Decorations for a wild safari party.

Whether you’re hosting at home or elsewhere, you’ll want the venue to give off serious jungle vibes for your safari-themed party. Seek out garlands and streamers that look like vines, and balloons in varying shades of greens and browns. Some other decoration options to consider include the following.

7. A fun garland to set the mood

Set the mood by inspiring guests to Party like an animal with this decorative garland , featuring an elephant wearing a party hat.

8. An animal-shaped pinata

Fill this cheeta party pinata from Paperless Post Party Shop with treats for the kids to enjoy.

9. Creature-shaped plates

From animal print plates to plates shaped like animals , themed plates help bring your safari theme to life.

10. Animal-inspired costumes

Get into the safari spirit with safari animal print party hats and lion masks .

11. Delightful safari-themed party favors

Thank your guests for a roarin’ good time by sending them home with safari print party bags filled with trinkets like temporary animal tattoos .

Feeding hungry safari explorers (aka partygoers)

Of course, a day spent exploring will leave your guests licking their chops and circling the birthday cake like it’s a water buffalo. So, what kind of food does one serve at a safari-themed birthday bash? Animals eat all kinds of things, but these explorers will probably have a taste for cakes and treats, above all else.

12. The birthday cake

Maybe it’s shaped like your child’s favorite jungle animal or decorated with a scene from the safari of their dreams. Also, some animal candles make the perfect topper. 

13. Cupcake decorating kit

For desserts that can double as an activity, have your guests decorate cupcakes with animal-themed toppers . 

14. Animal tail treats

We love this idea of decorating chocolate-covered pretzel rods to look like tiger tails!

15. Veggies… but shaped like a lion

For a healthy snack, you can make a safari-themed veggie tray by using a dip (like hummus or ranch) as a lion’s face and surrounding it with peppers and carrots to form a lion’s mane. 

Wording for an adventurous invite

Once you’ve picked out your favorite safari-themed invites , it’s time to invite your child’s fellow adventurers with the perfect birthday invitations . If you’re more of a Tarzan than a Jane and have trouble choosing the right words, consider the below examples for your kids’ birthday invitations to get those creative juices flowing. 

Welcome to the jungle!

Axl is turning FIVE

Saturday, April 2nd

The adventure begins at:

4 o’clock in the afternoon

Please RSVP

Or, if your safari theme party is taking place at a location other than your home, you might use the following wording on your safari invitation :

Calling all critters!

Join us at the John Hammond Zoo

Animal print attire is highly encouraged!

“ Wild One” Flyer by Paperless Post.

Have a roaring good time with paperless post.

If party planning has you feeling like you’re lost in the jungle, Paperless Post is here to make it a walk in the park. Not only is Paperless Post your one-stop destination for exotic invitations and party decorations , but our app—available on both iOS and Android—makes organizing your birthday safari even easier. You can send invitations and track RSVPs right from your phone, plus communicate directly with other parents about things like dietary restrictions for all those safari snacks. 

With Paperless Post, your adventurous safari theme party will have your guests howling for more. 

Looking for other kids’ birthday party themes? Try our articles detailing how to throw parties for mermaids , race car fans , and unicorn lovers .

Browse safari invitations

Hero image via Kara’s Party Ideas .

Keep On Reading

• Get-Togethers 10 spring birthday party ideas for a celebration in full bloom
• Baby 36 first birthday party themes and ideas for a one-derful party
• Interviews How to throw an animal-themed birthday party like Sister Parish Design’s Eliza Harris

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20 Best Safari Birthday Party ideas

A Safari Birthday Party is a fun and adventurous way to celebrate a special occasion. It offers a unique and exciting experience for all generations to enjoy. Whether you’re a nature lover or an animal enthusiast, a safari-themed party is the perfect way to celebrate in style. Here are 20 of the best Safari Birthday Party ideas that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

1. Safari Outfits

In addition to khaki shorts, hats, and vests, encourage guests to wear animal prints or accessorize with binoculars and other safari gear. You could also provide a photo backdrop for guests to take pictures with their outfits on.

2. Safari Décor

Create a waterfall using blue fabric and foam to create a jungle pool effect. Add some faux leaves and vines to create a canopy, and place stuffed animals around the venue. You could also add some animal print tablecloths and serve food in wooden bowls.

3. Safari Snacks

Use animal-shaped cookie cutters to make sandwiches, or create a fruit platter that looks like a lion's mane. For drinks, serve green smoothies or create a punch with fruit pieces floating inside.

4. Safari Cake

Instead of a traditional cake, create a safari dessert table with cupcakes, cookies, and cake pops in animal shapes. You could also create a cake with a 3D animal head on top.

5. Animal Balloons

Use balloons in different shades of green to create a jungle canopy effect. You could also create animal balloon centerpieces for the tables.

6. Safari Photo Booth

Use a green screen to create a safari background, or use animal print fabric as a backdrop. Add some animal masks and hats for guests to use as props.

7. Animal Face Painting

Use stencils to create intricate animal designs on guests' faces. You could also provide temporary tattoos with animal designs.

8. Safari Scavenger Hunt

Create a map of the party venue and hide clues around for guests to find. At the end of the scavenger hunt, provide safari-themed prizes like stuffed animals or animal print hats.

9. Jungle Gym

Add a slide and a few swings to the jungle gym, and decorate it with vines and leaves to create a treehouse effect. You could also add a climbing wall or a zip line for older kids.

10.  Animal Petting Zoo

Hire a professional animal handler to bring a variety of animals like snakes, turtles, and small mammals. Provide hand sanitizer and supervise interactions between guests and the animals.

11.  Safari Dance Party

Hire a professional dance instructor to teach guests African-inspired dance moves. You could also add some glow sticks to create a safari disco effect.

12.  Safari Movie Night

Add some jungle-themed decorations to the movie area like a faux campfire or a tent. Serve popcorn in animal print boxes and provide blankets for guests to snuggle under.

13.  Safari Crafts

Provide safari-themed coloring pages, stickers, and stamps. For older kids, provide materials to make friendship bracelets or dreamcatchers.

14.  Jungle Book Read-Aloud

Set up a cozy reading nook with pillows and blankets. Serve snacks like animal crackers or popcorn and read from classic jungle-themed books like Tarzan or Jumanji.

15.  Safari Trivia

Divide guests into teams and provide prizes for the winning team. Create a mix of easy and challenging questions, like "Which animal has the longest neck?" or "What is the largest mammal in the world?"

16.  African Drumming

Add some traditional African decor to the area like masks or woven baskets. Hire a professional drumming group to teach guests how to play traditional African instruments.

17.  Safari Obstacle Course

Create challenges like crawling under logs, jumping over branches, and balancing on beams. Provide prizes for the fastest time or the most successful completion.

18.  Safari Tug of War

Divide guests into teams and use animal print rope. You could also create an obstacle course with the tug of war as the final challenge.

19.  Animal Yoga

Teach or hire a professional yoga instructor to teach your guests animal-inspired yoga poses. Animal yoga is a unique and enjoyable way to incorporate movement, and fun to your party.

20.  Safari Piñata:

Fill a piñata with animal-themed treats like animal crackers, gummy worms, and small plush animals. You could also create a custom piñata in the shape of an animal, like a lion or a giraffe.

These 20 Safari Birthday Party ideas offer a wide range of activities and games for all generations. Whether you're celebrating a child's birthday or hosting a party for adults, these ideas are sure to create a memorable experience.

When planning your safari-themed party, be sure to consider the age range and interests of your guests. Younger kids may enjoy face painting and crafts, while older guests may prefer a dance party or a trivia game. You should also consider the size of your venue and the amount of space you have available for activities.

To make your safari-themed party even more immersive, consider adding some additional touches like animal sounds or jungle-inspired scents. You could also create a custom playlist with African-inspired music or nature sounds to set the mood.

At Home & Hoopla , we a wide range of animal-themed party decorations, including balloons, banners, tableware, and centerpiece. Also a variety of animal masks and costumes, which can be a fun addition any safari-themed celebration.

No matter what activities or games you choose, the most important thing is to have fun and embrace the safari theme. With these 20 Safari Birthday Party ideas, you'll be able to create a unique and memorable party that your guests will never forget.

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