When it comes to kids birthday parties, sometimes we think we’ve seen it all. But then a creative team like Deets & Things comes along and proves us wrong in all the best ways. They pulled out all the stops for this tropical jungle themed 4th birthday inspired by Jungle Cruise at GG’s Fun Ranch—highlights include a petting zoo, train ride, adopt a stuffed animal station, and endless on-theme favors and treats. Pin these photos by our MatchBook Event Pro member Erin J Saldana for the year your little one requests an animal, safari, or zoo birthday party, it’s truly all the inspo you need!
Jungle Cruise Party Theme
Planner and designer Jacqui at Deets & Things says, Get ready to embark on a wild and thrilling adventure as we kick off the summer with the ultimate Jungle Cruise party! Picture yourself aboard a life-size jungle cruise boat, surrounded by exotic animals (animal-tronics that is!) and all the fun filled activities that let you unleash your inner explorer. I had an absolute blast putting together this incredible party for my client Jomana, who wanted nothing short of a showstopper to celebrate her son Zayn’s 4th birthday!
From start to finish, every detail was carefully thought out to ensure an unforgettable experience for all the guests. As soon as they arrived, they were greeted with an exciting challenge—picking their character and hat for their jungle-themed adventure, accompanied by fun little riddles to guide their choice:
- Captain Aboard, “Captain of the cruise is what I’d choose”
- An explorer, “Wide eye and ready for the ride”
- Wild animal, “I’d be scared if I were you, we know the jungle through and through”
Zoo Birthday Decorations
Planning an animal, safari, or zoo birthday party for your little one? There’s SO much inspiration packed into these photos, beginning with the big balloon decorations from Balloonique Designs constructed in the party’s green, gold, and blue palette! They added tropical leaves for the jungle theme and pops of animal prints throughout. Signs featured green and gold fringe and Paper Garden XOXO went wild with over the top maximalist backdrops and decor.
Floral By Dom continued the tropical vibes with giant palm, banana, and monstera leaves with fresh florals mixed in. Huge, tropical arrangements welcomed guests and anchored signage throughout the entire venue.
How cute are these animal safari sugar cookies featuring scenes from the day? Too sweet to eat!
Party Food + Drink
As you can see in the photos, the food, sweets, and drinks at this party were pretty spectacular. They featured themed charcuterie boards, a catered BBQ lunch, a fruit cart, and churros, popcorn, and ice cream carts complete with loads of toppings for the kids to indulge in. And of course, everything was marked with adorable and pun-ny signage complete with animal illustrations and laser cut goods.
If you’re in the Los Angeles area, be sure to check the credits at the end of this post for all the culinary pros behind these snack stations!
Guests also decorated their own explorer vests at the crafts table.
Every good kid’s birthday party has a bounce house these days, right? But have you ever seen one with a gorilla guarding the entrance?
Kids Birthday Party Activities
Not a single guest felt bored at any point during the whole event, that’s for sure! Besides the vest decorating and other crafts by Pastel Parties LA, Zayn’s day was loaded with activities. The team set up stops along the jungle cruise journey for face painting, an adopt-a-wild-animal station, a petting zoo, and a train ride.
A petting zoo birthday activity is a hit every single time!
Such a cool idea for party activities and favors in one.
Phew, now that’s a 4th birthday party to remember… Happy birthday, Zayn!
PS If you love this jungle theme, be sure to check out our Amanda’s son’s jungle theme 5th!
Photographer: Erin J Saldana | Venue: GG’s Fun Ranch | Videography: Knawledgevisuals | Design/Planning Deets & Things | Florals: Floral By Dom | Balloons: Balloonique Designs | Activities: Pastel Parties LA | Face Painting: Monliet Art Services | Backdrop & Signs: Paper Garden XOXO | Rentals: Archive Rentals | Animal Rentals: Custom Prop Rentals & Platinum Prop House | Laser Cut Goods: Creativeamme | Invitation: Minor Details CLE | Churros, Popcorn, Ice Cream Carts: Gourmeletas Dessert Carts | Themed Charcuterie: Charcuterie Aboard | Adopt a Pet: Johnny’s Animaland | Fruit Cart: Rosita’s Fruits | Catering: Battambong BBQ
