Adopt Me 8th Birthday Party: A Fun, Pet-Themed Celebration
Eleanor’s Adopt Me birthday party felt like eight years in the making! We pulled together all of her favorite things—animals, stuffed animals (which we affectionately call “puppets” at home), and, of course, snacks.
Party Entertainment: A Mobile Petting Zoo
Since Princess E is a huge animal lover, I wanted to bring real animals to her birthday without having to transform our (non-existent) backyard into a farm or move guests around to multiple locations, or buy any live animals (Wu Tang is enough wildlife for me). As a family, we love hosting birthday parties at home, balancing fun for both the kids and adults (the adult activity usually involves some social drinking). Luckily, I found a local farm that offers a mobile petting zoo—perfect for Eleanor’s party. If you live in the greater Atlanta area, drop a comment to get the link to the petty zoo farm.
The zoo included bunnies, chickens, one very cranky goat, two sheep, and a few ducks. While I passed on the optional pony (no HOA drama for me!), the rest of the animals were a hit! We set up the petting zoo in the park outside our house, and, well… the rabbits were particularly busy. Apologies to the parents who had to give an impromptu biology lesson afterward. We too had to have a conversation about bunnies, boundaries, and consent that evening—but all in all, the animals stole the show!
Adopt Me Party Supplies
Adopt Me Kits:
Each guest got to choose a Ty Beanie Boo pet that came with a personalized adoption certificate (available in my Etsy shop). The kids then had the chance to craft collars, houses, and leashes for their new furry friends.
Collars:
We used pipe cleaners and a bracelet kit for guests to personalize collars with beads. This was a fun and easy way to let them name their new pets!
Pet Houses:
The pet house was the favorite craft. I used white gable boxes, cutting an arch on one side to resemble a traditional dog house. The kids got creative with stickers, markers, and jewels to decorate.
Gable Boxes
Jewel Craft
Stickers
Organizing the Crafts:
Dollar Tree chip-and-dip trays worked perfectly for keeping the craft supplies organized, and fabric squares from Joann’s and Dollar Tree made the pet houses cozy!
Party Food: Snack Lover’s Dream
Eleanor is the queen of snacks, so we themed the menu around her favorites. The lineup included Scooby Snacks, Goldfish, and Puppy Chow, displayed in clean, new pet bowls from Dollar Tree. For guests with a heartier appetite, we had finger sandwiches and a few other light bites.
Since Covid, we’ve stuck with cupcakes for birthdays (because shared birthday cakes and blowing out candles give me major anxiety). We topped the cupcakes with adorable animal-themed toppers that I made using a punch tool and construction paper. The toppers are available for download in my Etsy shop!
A Memorable Celebration
Princess E’s Adopt Me birthday party was everything she dreamed of and more. From crafting pet collars to cuddling with bunnies, the kids (and adults) had a blast. Most importantly, Eleanor felt like the princess of her own little animal kingdom.
What are your favorite birthday party themes for kids? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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