Miss P is turning 8 in April. That just baffles my mind that she has grown so fast. I remember holding her for the first time in my arms and now I am planning her 8th birthday party. C-R-A-Z-Y.

I love where we live. I love it more in the summer because we live 5 minutes from the beach and go there every day. But, our area is limited to fun innovative things for kids to do, especially birthday parties. I can count on both hands places where kids can celebrate their special day, other than their home.

So, this year for P’s kid party, it will be on a college campus that is on the water that has a program where kids can create and learn at the same time. The kids will be making t-shirts, interact with sea-life and have some treats and cake. Love it. Active, learning and not in my home. Sign me up.

Carrying that theme to her family shin-dig, we are celebrating at a sushi restaurant!

Here are some ideas for her party.

Cupcakes instead of a cake for the party for the kids.

Decorations that are cute and easy.

I am a big fan of cookies for favors. We will be doing these.

The top right cake and bottom left will be the family party cake. Instead of the fish, I will do the same patterns as the cookie favors.

Are you planning any birthday parties? What has been a hit that you will be sure to use again?

image 1 via  pinterest image 2 via Sailboats and Seersucker. image 3 via Wedding and All Occasion Cakes Gold Coast. image 4 Vicki Lynn Photography: Chandler, Gilbert Family Photographer. image 5 via SPOTLIGHT on Catch My Party « The Catch My Party Blog. image 6 via pinterest via etsy.com image 7 via  Parties! | The Party Dress.