If you have a little one who is koala mad, they’re sure to love a koala themed party. Whether it’s for a birthday or in celebration of International Wild Koala Day (3 May), it’s sure to be a hit with kids who adore these cute critters. Here, we offer up some of the best ideas to ensure your koala themed party is a success.

Decorations

Koalas are known for living high up in eucalyptus trees, so eucalyptus leaf designs should be a core part of your decorations. You can use printed fabric as a backdrop or for table cloths, and cut out bunting in the shape of the leaves. Dot some plushy koalas around the venue, and blow up some green balloons to complete the vibe.

When it comes to things like tableware, the internet has options for almost any theme. You’re sure to find koala plates, cups and more to bring snack time to life.

Games and activities

Lots of classic party games can be adapted to suit a koala theme. ‘Pin the tail on the donkey’, for example, can be transformed into ‘pin the nose on the koala’. Draw a koala on a large piece of paper and then cut out a black nose for each child. Pop a label with the child’s name on each and add a piece of blu-tac or double sided tape to the back. They can then try to stick the nose in the correct place.

Musical chairs can be turned into musical trees. Print or draw A4-size pictures of trees and tape one for each child to the floor. When the music stops, each child has to sit or stand on a tree. As the game progresses you can remove more trees until there’s only one left.

Younger children will enjoy crafting activities that allow them to unleash their creative side. Cut koala-shaped heads, ears and noses out of newspaper and leave them out on a table alongside some green paper and googly eyes. The kids can then create a koala picture to take home with them.

Food

You can have lots of fun with food at themed parties. A koala cake is fairly easy to create using round baking tins for the face and ears. It can be decorated with grey buttercream, and fondant icing can be used for the eyes and nose. Alongside the standard sandwiches and crisps, you can add some Australian snacks such as lamingtons, plums and slices of mango. 

Catch The Koala Who Could

If you’re looking for family activities to do near me this summer, don’t miss the stage adaptation of Rachel Bright and Jim Field’s The Koala Who Could story. This charming tale has been brought to life with puppetry, songs and dance, and is currently touring the UK. At just 50 minutes long with no interval, it’s perfect for children aged three and up. Book tickets at your local venue today and enjoy indoor family fun near me.