How to Throw a Superhero Party

What kid hasn't felt the lure of the superhero? If your wee one is in the caped phase, throw a superhero birthday party; it's guaranteed to be a hit with the tiny Batman set.

Superhero Academy: Set the scene for fun with creative invitations: "The Superhero Academy is looking for America's next superhero! All those interested should attend a special training and try-out on Saturday March 13 from 2-4pm at Ryan's house. R.S.V.P. to the Chief Academy Training Officer (otherwise known as Ryan's Mom)."

Party Prep: If you have just one superhero in mind, you may be able to find character specific party supplies on sites such as Birthday Express. If your child wants superheros in general think of getting a different character for each item; for example, Superman plates, Hulk cups and Batman napkins. Use streamers and balloons that incorporate all of the characters colors and logos. Decorate with superhero posters and cutouts throughout your party area.

The Meet and Greet: As guests arrive give them a formal welcome to the academy. Have them make their own "Top Secret File." Take a photo of each child with the birthday superhero (print them out while the kids are playing) and have them fill out a stats card; include their superhero name, what their super powers are and who their nemesis is. Don't forget to list the kids "secret identity" (their real name). They can take the entire file home at the end of the party.

The Training Facility: Create "training exercises" or games for your superhero trainees. An obstacle course is a simple option; give each section of the course a superhero name such as Spider-man's Spider crawl (kids crawl under a net), Hulk hula hoop hop (jump through or into hula hoops), and Batman's Cave Crawl (kids crawl through a play tunnel). Create posters at each point in the obstacle course using pictures of the characters. You can print them from your computer or color and then cut them out of a coloring book. Time the kids as they go through the course and record their times on their superhero stats card.

Games and Fun: Older kids can be sent on a secret mission to find the missing birthday cake to test their superhero skills, while little superheroes can play a game of Kryptonite Hot Potato, a twist on a favorite party game.

Supercharged Cakes: If your child is a Superman fan, serve a Kryptonite cake: White cake that has been colored with florescent green icing tint. Or if Spiderman is your chosen hero, create a blue cake with the same technique and add a layer of red tinted frosting inside.

Send superhero guests home with goodie bags filled with their Top Secret Files and Superhero party favors.