4 Year Old Birthday Party Ideas 2026
51+ party themes perfect for 4-year-olds. Complete planning guides with activities, menus, decorations, and shopping lists for an unforgettable 4th birthday.
Planning a 4th Birthday Party in 2026
The best 4-year-old birthday parties include 4-5 themed games and crafts, a themed menu, coordinated decorations, and simple party favor bags. Most 4-year-old parties last 90 min - 2 hours and cost $100-$300. We found 51 themes that work great for this age.
- Age
- 4 years old
- Party Duration
- 90 min - 2 hours
- Suggested Budget
- $100-$300
- Guest Count
- 8-12 guests
Why Parents Use Party Genius for 4th Birthdays
Get a complete 4-year-old party plan in 60 seconds — customized for your celebrant
Top Party Themes for 4 Year Olds
51 birthday party themes perfectly suited for 4-year-olds in 2026
Show all 51 themes for 4 year olds
Activities Perfect for 4 Year Olds
Crafts & Interactive Games
Themed craft station (masks, crowns, wands, or puppets)
Musical chairs or freeze dance with themed music
Simple treasure hunt with picture clues
Face painting or temporary tattoo station
Play-dough sculpting competition
Themed relay races (egg and spoon, sack race)
Story time corner with themed books
Pin the tail or themed variation game
Party Planning Tips for Age 4
4 Year Old Birthday Party FAQs
What are the best birthday party themes for 4 year olds?
The most popular birthday party themes for 4-year-olds in 2026 include dinosaurs, unicorns, princesses, Paw Patrol, superheroes, and Frozen themes. We have 51 themes specifically suited for age 4. Choose based on your child's current interests for the most memorable celebration.
How many guests should I invite to a 4 year old's birthday party?
For a 4-year-old's birthday party, we recommend inviting 8-12 guests. A popular guideline is "age plus one" (so 5 guests for a 4-year-old), but you can adjust based on your venue and budget. Always invite a few extra since some invitees typically decline.
How long should a 4 year old's birthday party last?
A 4-year-old's birthday party should last 90 min - 2 hours. Preschoolers have good energy but still need structure. Plan activities in 10-15 minute blocks to maintain attention.
What is a good budget for a 4 year old's birthday party?
Plan to spend $100-$300 for a 4-year-old's birthday party in 2026. This covers decorations ($20-$50), food ($30-$80), cake ($20-$60), activities ($20-$50), and party favors ($15-$40). You can reduce costs by hosting at home, making DIY decorations, and baking your own cake.
What food should I serve at a 4 year old's birthday party?
For a 4-year-old's party, serve kid-friendly favorites like pizza, chicken nuggets, fruit kabobs, veggie cups with dip, and juice boxes. Themed food is a hit at this age (dinosaur cookies, unicorn fruit skewers). Always ask about allergies.
Ready to Plan the Perfect 4th Birthday?
Get a complete party plan for your 4-year-old in 60 seconds. Checklist, timeline, themed menu, activities, and shopping list — all customized.
No credit card required. No signup needed.