If you’re throwing a bug themed birthday party then check out this list of 35 ideas that will surely inspire you. These ideas include invitations, decorations, activities, foods, and party favors to ensure every aspect of your party transports your guests to an insect infested jungle. So, tell your guests to buzz on by, hop on over, or crawl their way to your little one’s creepy, crawly party.
Invitation:
First impressions are always important, and the first impression anyone will have of your party will be through the invitation. This makes picking out your invitation an important part of your party planning. One of my favorite places to look for invitations is through Etsy. There are hundreds of different styles to choose from and the templates are all customizable. Invitations to choose from include bug nets, magnifying glasses, and every type of bug you can imagine.
Decorations:
What is a party without decorations? Backdrops, table cloths, centerpieces, and balloons can all be used to transform your party into an insect lover’s dream.
- Bug Themed Backdrop
Add a Bug Themed Backdrop with a balloon arch for the perfect place to take pictures. For some added dimension, scatter some Bug Shaped Balloons or leaves through the balloon arch.
- Bug Themed Plates
Check out these Bug Themed Paper Plates with matching napkins and tablecloth. They feature different bugs under magnifying glasses and would perfectly tie in with the rest of your decorations. Another option are these Cartoon Bug Plates. These plates are shaped like different bugs and would give the party a more playful feeling. - Grass Table Runners
Give all the bugs at your party somewhere to hide by rolling out some Grass Table Runners. These runners will make your tables standout, especially when you add some Bug Figurines, pieces of wood, and leaves on top of them.
- Ants Carrying Food Away
Create a line of ants marching away with your fruit with these Ant Toothpicks. You can place them all over your buffet table to surprise your guests at every turn. - Bug Terrarium Centerpieces
Another decoration you can add to your tables are some bug terrariums. Just take a mason jar, add some sticks and leaves to them, and then place some Bug Figurines inside. These jars are so easy to make and are beautiful centerpieces.
- Hanging Paper Lantern Bee Hives
Create hanging beehives from yellow paper lanterns to scatter throughout your party. To make the lantern into a convincing beehive, paint yellow honey dripping from the top and add bees to the outside. - Flying Insects
Another hanging decoration you can add to your party are some flying insects. This Bug Themed Banner Set includes 12 creepy crawly bug ornaments. - Bug Balloons
An easy DIY decoration you can add to your party are some bug balloons. One way to make your bug balloons is to take regular balloons and paint them with bug patterns. This works great for bees and lady bugs. Another way to make them is to blow up multiple balloons and arrange them in the shape of a bug. For example, you can make an ant by blowing up three black balloons, lining them up, and adding pipecleaners for legs.
Foods:
Now that your guests have arrived, it’s time to feed them. This list of ideas includes sides, main dishes, and desserts to ensure your whole menu is full of creepy, crawly fun.
- Bee Stripped Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a fun bite sized treat that would fit perfectly at a bug themed party, especially when you give them bumble bee stripes. To make the stripes, cut a black olive into strips and then place them in bars along the yellow of the deviled egg. For a classic deviled egg recipe, check out this article by Downshiftology. - Caterpillar Fruit Ball Skewers
One way to serve some fruit at your party is by turning it into caterpillars. Just scoop out some balls from different fruits like cantaloupe, watermelon, or honeydew and skewer them on a stick. You can then paint a face on the topmost ball to make it look just like a crawling caterpillar.
- Bug Juice
If you’re looking for a signature drink to serve at your party, then serve up some bug juice. Check out this punch recipe by All Recipes for a lime green drink that’s made from pineapple juice, orange juice, and ginger ale. Serve it in a large drink dispenser and it will look just like crushed up bugs. - Snail Pinwheels
Pinwheels are another great finger food and can easily be made into snails. Just lay the pinwheel on its side, stick two tooth picks in the top and then add olives to the toothpicks to make eyes. Place these snails on a tray and they will be an adorable addition to your bug themed party. This food is especially great because of how versatile it is. It can be filled with whatever you like. Check out this recipe by A Couple Cooks which uses cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes for the filling - Ladybug Pizza
Pizza is always a good option for parties. And for a bug themed party, you can make your pizza extra special by turning it into a lady bug. For the red body of the ladybug, overlap pepperonis. For the black face and spots, use black olives.
- Caterpillar Sandwich Tray
A great option for a sandwich tray is to arrange your sandwiches in the shape of a caterpillar. To do this, cut your sandwiches into circles and then place them on the sides in the shape of a curvy “S”. At the front of your sandwich train, place an apple for the caterpillar’s head. You can then use black olives to make a face on the apple and to add little feet along the caterpillar’s body. - Ants on a Log
Chocolate covered pretzels are a real treat at any party. For a bug themed party, use a light brown chocolate to cover the pretzel and then put black sprinkles on top. This will make it look like ants crawling on a log. - Peanut Butter Spider Cookies
Check out this article by The First Year to learn how to make peanut butter spider cookies. These soft and chewy cookies are topped with an almost melted peanut butter cup. From the peanut butter cup, eight spider legs are stretching out to make the most adorable spider cookies scurrying across your desert table. - Dirt Cups
Create a cup full of dirt and bugs with this dirt cake recipe by Preppy Kitchen. Once made, scope the dirt cake into Individual Desert Cups and mix in some gummy worms. You can also add some edible rocks, plants, and whatever else fits your theme. You can even set out some of these items and let your guests decorate their own cups.
- Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ladybugs
Add these cute ladybugs to your desert table to remind your guests of all the bug themed fun they are having. To make them, dip the tip of your strawberries in melted chocolate. Once dry, paint some eyes on the chocolate. Then add some chocolate spots along the rest of the strawberry.
For more bug themed foods, check out 24 Bug Themed Foods for a BUG-TASTIC Party.
Activities:
After the food, it’s time for the real fun to begin! But how to entertain so many little ones? Here are some of my favorite ideas.
- Make a Paper Plate Ladybug or Bee
An easy bug craft your guests can make is a lady bug or bee out of a paper plate. Provide each guest with a paper plate, paint, construction paper, glue, and pipe cleaners. Your guests can paint their bug then use the construction paper to give it spots or stripes. Finally, use pipe cleaners to make the antenna.
- Decorate a Safari Hat
If your guests are going on an adventure to look for bugs, then they will need a safari hat. So, let your guests decorate their own by setting up a hat decorating station. Just set out some Safari Hats, paints, bug stickers, and any other crafting materials they will need. - Move Like a Bug
Turn your guests into bugs by playing Move Like a Bug. Call out different bugs and have your guests mimic them to the best of their ability. You can call out the insects randomly or roll a dice with different bugs on each side. Some moves you can use include hop like a grasshopper, buzz like a bee, and fly like a butterfly. - Create a Bug Hotel
Encourage your guests to attract bugs at their own home by helping them create a bug hotel. The best part about this craft is that you can build the bug hotels out of any recycled materials you have at home. Some items you can use are toilet paper rolls, shoe boxes, plastic bottles, pots, leaves, sticks, and newspapers. For a tutorial on how to make your hotels, check out this article by National History Museum.
- Bug Hunt
Hide some bugs throughout your party and let your guests hunt for them in a bug hunt. You can provide them safari hats and magnifying glasses to help them get into character. - Grasshopper Competition
Challenge your guests to a hopping competition as they pretend to be grasshoppers. Pick somewhere to be your starting point and let each guest jump as far forward as they can. Whoever can jump the farthest is the winner. - Build Your Own Bug Block Kit
Check out these Insect Building Sets. This pack contains 24 different types of insects that your guests will love putting together. These sets would also make great party favors. - Adopt a Bug
Have your guests pick out their very own bug to take home. You can provide them with an adoption certificate and let them get creative with naming their new friends. Check out this listing for 6 Mini Bug Plushies.
For more bug themed activities, check out 22 Bug Themed Activities for a Hopping Good Party.
Favors:
The most successful party is one that is remembered well past the party date. A great way to help your guests remember is by sending them home with a souvenir. Check out these ideas for what to include in your favor bag.
- Insect Cages
If your guests manage to catch some bugs during the party or at home, then they will need somewhere for them to live. These Bug Bungalow Insect Kits provide your bugs a home as well as some other bug handling tools.
- Insect Building Block Kit
Check out these Insect Building Sets. This pack contains 24 different types of insects that your guests will love putting together. - Bug coloring book
Kids can never have too many coloring books. Adding a bug themed one to your goodie bag will surely be a hit. Check out this Miniature Coloring Books that come with stacking crayons. - Bug Keychains
Keychains make great party favors. For a bug themed party, there are many different options to choose from. Some of the keychains you can choose from feature ladybugs, bees, and butterflies. This unique 12 piece keychain set includes Real Insects Preserved in Amber.
- Stickers or tattoos
Stickers or temporary tattoos can be a great addition to your party bag. Your guests can play with them during your party or they can continue the party fun at home. Check out this pack of 148 Bug Themed Temporary Tattoos. - Bug Themed Painting Kit
A painting kit is a great gift for children who love to craft. This is a gift that can be in the bags ready to take home or broken out during the party for some painting time. Check out these pre-made Bug Themed Kits. - Insect Figurines
What better way to remember a party than by getting to take home your very own bag of bugs. Just fill a bag with a few miniature bug figurines and add a thank you label. This pack of 48 Bug Figurines would fit an insect theme perfectly.
- Pre-made kits
Don’t worry if you don’t have time to make your own good bag. There are plenty of pre-made options online. This Pre-made Bug Themed Kit includes keychains, rings, straws, tattoos, slap bracelets, and more.
For more party favor ideas, check out 20 Bug Themed Party Favors Your Guests Will Love.
I hope this guide has inspired you. Let me know in the comments if you plan to incorporate any of these ideas into your bug themed party.
