Age group(s) for this birthday party activity:
Preschool and Younger
Elementary School

Cost of birthday party activity:
Inexpensive if you use materials you have around the house, more expensive if you purchase especially for the party.

Birthday party planning information:
Assemble a variety of different materials the children can use to make their own hats. Construction paper, scissors, glue, glitter, feathers, sequins, buttons, paint, crayons are good basics.

Collect and assemble a variety of items the children can use as "musical instruments." Pots and pans, spoons, toy instruments, etc. are good basics.

Cover a large work surface (or the floor) with old newspapers. Have the children select whatever materials they would like to use in making their own parade hat, and have them select their own choice of musical instrument.

Have a couple of adults or older children available to help the younger ones with hat making. You might want to make basic crown-style forms for them to decorate if they're younger, or let them work free-style on their own ideas.

When all the children have finished their hat creations, form a line and march out the door and around the neighborhood wearing the hats and playing the instruments.

Take an instant photograph of each child in their hat and/or marching with their instrument to take home.

Other suggestions or comments:
Local businesses might be willing to provide you with free recyclables for use in making the hats. If it's raining or wet outside, cover the hat creations with clingy plastic wrap to keep them from becoming too soggy during the parade, or parade them around inside instead. The parents and the kids love the instant pictures, and they make nice party favors (with the hats of course!).