A coding party

Code invitations

Free designs with an RSVP link that tracks every reply. Tap one to start yours; your names, date and place fill in, and you can change the design any time.

Tin robotsUse this designCode blocksUse this designCircuit boardUse this designPlotterUse this designTerminalUse this designRobot partyUse this design

Tin robotsUse this designCode blocksUse this designCircuit boardUse this designPlotterUse this designTerminalUse this designRobot partyUse this design

Ideas for your code party

Pick one or two from each and keep the rest simple.

Games and activities for your code party

How to play and what you need. Pick them in your plan and the supplies go on your shopping list.

Robot says

Ages 6 and up · 15 min

One player is the robot and another is the programmer. The programmer gives step-by-step commands from a short list, like forward, turn left and pick up, and the robot follows them exactly. If the program has a bug, fix it and run it again. Swap roles each round.

You’ll need: Cups or cones to steer around, A list of the commands

Binary bracelets

Ages 7 and up · 20 min

Each guest picks two bead colors, one for 0 and one for 1, and uses a cheat sheet to spell their initials in binary on a stretchy cord. Tie it off for a bracelet.

You’ll need: Beads in two colors, Stretchy cord, A printed binary alphabet sheet

Unplugged debugging

Ages 7 and up · 15 min

Hand each team written instructions for something simple, like making a sandwich or drawing a house, with one mistake hidden in them. Teams act it out exactly as written, find the bug and fix it. First team to fix it wins.

You’ll need: Printed instruction sheets with one mistake each, Pens

Human sort

Ages 6 and up · 10 min

Hand everyone a number card. Without talking, line up in order by swapping places with a neighbor, one swap at a time. Time it, then try again and beat your time.

You’ll need: Number cards, A timer

Shop the code look

Plates, decor, favors and a cake idea in the theme's colors. The Shop counts each one for your guest list.

PlatesCupsNapkinsBannerBalloonsFavor bagsPhoto propsCake

Open the code shop

What to do and when

The plan for a birthday party, counted back from the party day. Festidy puts real dates on it. A free birthday party planner keeps the invitation, the replies and the shopping in one place.

1. 6 to 8 weeks out

   • Pick a date, a start time, and a backup date
   • Set a budget and choose your big two
   • Write the guest list
   • Choose a theme together
   • Lock in the location and a rain plan
   • Note food, accessibility, and comfort needs

2. 4 to 6 weeks out

   • Decide: hire an entertainer or run your own games
   • Book rentals if you need them
   • Send the invitations
   • Order the cakeCake idea: A sheet cake iced like a circuit board, with the age written in binary on top (a 7 is 111).
   • Ask helpers and give them roles
   • Make one contact and confirmation list

3. 2 to 3 weeks out

   • Order decor, tableware, and favorsDecor idea: Teal, mint and navy foil balloons
   • Plan the menu and check allergiesMenu idea: Pizza cut into squares
   • Plan 3 or 4 activities, plus a backupActivity idea: Robot says: one guest "programs" another to cross the room
   • Follow up on RSVPs
   • Build your one-stop shopping list

4. The week before

   • Confirm every vendor
   • Lock the headcount and shop for food and drinks
   • Prep favors, decor, and a playlist
   • Write the party-day schedule
   • Send the final party note

5. The day before

   • Pick up the cake and set up what you can
   • Pack a party-day kit
   • Charge devices and share the run sheet
   • Make the final weather and space call

6. Party day

   • Set up an hour before
   • Run the party and finish on time
   • Reset the space and check for left-behind items

7. After the party

   • Share photos and settle any remaining balances
   • Send thank-yous
   • Save photos and notes for next year
   • Leave a quick note for your future self

Party-day run of show

For a 2-hour party starting at 2 pm.

• 1:30 pm
  Final setup and safety checkSetup crew gets food, activities, and the entrance ready.
• 2:00 pm
  Arrivals and free playKid wrangler greets kids and keeps an eye on arrivals.
• 2:30 pm
  Main game or entertainerEntertainment lead runs the planned game or entertainer.
• 3:00 pm
  Snacks and drinksFood lead puts out snacks and checks dietary labels.
• 3:20 pm
  Cake and candlesPhotographer gets the group shot before serving.
• 3:35 pm
  Craft, favors, and goodbyesThe host ends on time while energy is still high.
• 4:00 pm
  Quick resetCollect gifts and check the space for left-behind items.

Free code printables

Print at home on letter paper or card stock.

More kids' birthdays themes

DinosaurSpaceUnicornMermaidRainbowOceanSuperheroConstructionJungle safariPirateGarden tea partyRace carArt studioWinter wonderlandSportsBerry sweetPrincessVideo gamePop starBowsPuppySpa dayRodeo roundupFarmBugs and butterfliesGlowBubblesSleepoverSlimeCampingWizardParisDiscoCircus and carnivalDetective mysteryLuauPool partyFiestaLittle pumpkinBackyard cookoutWildflowerCelestialPicnic in the parkTeddy bearBuilding bricksBookwormWoodlandSunshineFairyThrowbackGame night