Since my son Connor loves all things related to cars, it was only fitting that he had a Race Car Theme Birthday party for his 5th birthday this year!

Boys Race Car Party

I wanted to create a party where Connor and his guests could feel like they were race car drivers preparing for the big race. We had a “working” garage where the guests would learn how to get their car ready for the big race: they had to change the tires, put gas in the car, and clean-up the oil rags before they could go to suit up for the big race.  They boys (and girls) absolutely LOVED this!

The garage was a 4×6ft. “steel” structure with  a black and white checkerboard floor, tools hanging on the wall, and a 3ft. race car that was up on a “lift” in the middle of the garage.  The guests were taught how to change the tires on the car and had to put the tires and lug nuts on using a small drill. They were so excited to use the real tools and were so  proud of themselves when they were finished. We used lawn mower tires and a small drill gun so that the kids really beleived that it was the real thing. They wanted to do this again and again and again!

 

 

 

 

Race Car Party Garage

Putting the tires on the race car

Race Car Garage

Next the racers had to put gas in their cars. They were very serious about getting each last drop in!!!  Before moving on to the big race, the drivers had to help clean up the garage by throwing all of the dirty grease rags in a bucket!

Putting High Octane Fuel in the Race Car

Once they knew how to prepare their cars, the racers moved on to “suit-up” for the big race!  The highlight of the party was the big race at the Boudman Raceway. Each of the guests chose their race car and we had races down a wooden  track that was built for the party. The kids loved this activity and probably would have raced the cars for 2 hours if I didn’t lure them to the Winners Circle Table for cupcakes!

The Big Race

Gentlemen, start your engines...

The Winners Circle Table was made to look like a finish line with black and white checkered flags hanging across the table. Each of the racers sat on a tire wheel chair and their plates were perched upon mini tires. Each guest had a winners circle cup filled with black and white jellybeans!

Winners Circle Table

 

 

This was one of my absolute favorite parties! I absolutely love it when the kids are so totally engaged in the activities of the party. So many times I hear parents of boys complain that it is just too hard to have a boys party at home and keep the kids under control. I have never had this problem! I have found that if you create an experience for the boys centered around activities that they enjoy – they are just as involved in the “magic” as the girls!

Happy Birthday Connor! We Love You!