Celebrate your twin toddlers’ birthday with a unique, glow-in-the-dark garden party right in your backyard. We recently hosted our daughters’ 3rd birthday, transforming our outdoor space into a whimsical evening adventure that delighted both kids and adults alike. The result? A night filled with fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
An Enchanting Evening Under the Stars
We were thrilled that the October Texas weather cooperated, allowing our guests to enjoy a beautiful evening under the stars.
To set the scene, we draped string lights across our backyard planters, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. A long table, perfect for dining al fresco, was set up with black landscaping cloth as the tablecloth. We added a creative twist by repurposing gardening items as serving dishes, seamlessly blending with our garden theme.
The Ultimate Treasure Hunt Adventure
The highlight of the evening was a glow-in-the-dark treasure hunt. Little guests were guided through a series of fun clues and activities that kept them engaged and entertained. Here’s how the adventure unfolded:
Treasure Hunt Clues:
CLUE #1
“I come out at night to protect my house. You’ll hear me say, ‘Who Who!’ If you find me, you will glow too.”
The kids eagerly climbed up the rock wall of the outdoor play station to find a yard owl adorned with glow-in-the-dark necklaces. After putting on their necklaces, they gleefully slid down the slide, ready for the next clue.
CLUE #2
“Put on the necklace and slide down to find your next clue. Find your friendly neighborhood Spiderman in the sand and share his riches.”
Under the play station, the children discovered Spiderman hidden in the play sand, holding a bag filled with glow sticks and the next clue.
CLUE #3
“Under the stars, enjoy some Bug Juice at the bench. To avoid the moon burn, open the umbrella.”
The kids rushed to a picnic table, opened the umbrella, and were rewarded with cups of ‘Bug Juice’—lime green jello served in a planter tray.
CLUE #4
“After a long day of eating bamboo, I ate something funny. Please unzip my belly so I can go to sleep. First to open will be crowned.”
The final stop was a cozy tent where the children found a koala sleeping bag. Inside, a clown head held the last clue.
CLUE #5
“Where you eat cake, look for the box with a handle. Open it and enjoy your sweet treasure.”
At the children’s table, each child found a Gable Box filled with treats, including a chocolate chunk cookie, magic scratch masks, Belgian chocolate gold coins, glow-in-the-dark chalk, and a colorful swirl lollipop.
Delicious Eats for All Ages
Kids Menu
- Mini Kolaches
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Lime Jello (aka Bug Juice)
- Dirt Pudding Cake in a Cup
- Lemonade
- Birthday Cupcakes: Devils Food Moist Cupcakes and French Vanilla Cupcakes both were topped with Buttercream Frosting.
Adult Menu
- Moscato Punch (1 bottle of Gingerale, 3 lemons, 3 limes, a handful of strawberries and 2 bottle of Barefoot Moscato)
- Tostitos Chips and Creamy Spinach Dip
- Baked Poppyseed Ham Sandwiches
- Stuffed Mushrooms
- Italian Style Meatballs
The kids and adults alike enjoyed the festive atmosphere, from chasing bubbles to exploring the tent with lanterns. The celebration culminated with singing happy birthday to our daughters, Vivi and Nic Nic, and watching them blow out their candles.
For those inspired to host their own garden glow party, I’ve included photos and a list of supplies we used below. Happy planning!
Children’s Tables and Chair Rental: U-Rent It
Party Favors, Glow-in-the-Dark Items: Oriental Trading
Party Hats, Happy Birthday Banner, Paper Plates/Bowls, Cupcake Baking Cups, Gables Boxes, Balloons and Balloon Sticks: Hobby Lobby
