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

Birthday party planning information:
Stuart Little's adventures appeal to children, perhaps because they, too, sometimes feel they live in the Land of the Giants.

If your child loved the movie, don't miss a chance to share the book---or, make that Books! There are many adaptations of this classic:

"The Adventures of Stuart Little," Harper-Collins, 64 pages, recommended for ages 4-8, and for newly independent readers.

"Stuart Little: My Family Album," 24 pages, Harper Collins
(A very short read, w/pictures and captions to parallel the movie).


"Stuart Little Search and Find," Harper-Collins, is a little like the Stuart version of "Where's Waldo?" ;-) The challenge is to find Stuart in the many photographs from the movie, where he is nearly hidden in the world of Big People. Sharp-eyed kids can find him, though.

Any of the above books may provide an ideal activity as the guests are Arriving, or whenever there's a need to restore Calm after some games.

When it comes to foods, Think Mouse! Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are warm and wonderful for winter days. For spring and summer, things like cheese and crackers or Cheese Nips, thin-sliced Fruits with a cream cheese-honey dip, and other finger-foods, are quite kid-friendly. (Watch the smallest party guests, to guard against choke hazards.)

Cupcakes can be made in miniature, or you can frost a cake with Blue frosting, and decorate it with sailing ship(s), one or several.

Vanilla Ice Cream cups, pre-made and purchased from the store, are a great timesaver, or you can make them yourself! Get some extra party cups, and scoop ice cream into each one. Cover with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze until serving time.

Balloons, banners and streamers are festive decorations, easily placed in advance.

Other suggestions or comments:
The age of your guests will determine what activities make sense. The youngest children may be quite content to play with blocks, and Build Things, or dance to music (50's and 60's oldies work great).

Your guests might be invited to dress a la Stuart: with suspenders, or li'l Overalls and tennis shoes. Have a bit of Face Painting, if the kids want it; Pink Nose and a set of wispy Whiskers are about the easiest there is! A new eyeliner pencil makes easy whiskers, and a smidge of pink lip gloss or blush takes care of the nose (check the Budget brands the teens buy most...)
Line everyone up for a group photo; say "Cheese!"

A bean bag or ball toss can be made featuring the cranky Kitty Cat. Just draw a Huge cat face on Foam Core board, with a marker, and cut a giant Mouth to toss the balls in to. The Mouth should have some major Teeth to it ;-)

Sailboats were a joy in the book and movie, and can bring joy to your party. If the weather is Beautiful, your options are many. If there is a ferry near you, Road Trip!! Ride a ferry boat. You may even be allowed to cut and serve a cake on board, and perhaps you can get a tour of the control room and meet the Captain before leaving the dock. Watch sailboats and other watercraft, out on the water.

You might just hang out and Picnic as Families, at a public waterfront park that's got play structures, feeling the breeze and the sun, watching the boats go by, and watching the kids 4 safety at all times, of course.
You may need a reservation to assure use of specific tables, BBQ's, etc.

You could put up wading pools in the backyard in summer, and let kids sail plastic boats, toss beachballs, and do what kids do, safely, of course. Pools, water slides, sprinkler dancing...put on a little Music.
This will eventually lead to Mudpies...

The most unique Watercraft can be assembled with use of empty plastic containers, foam trays, popsicle sticks, bottle caps, etc.; start a Collection in a box a few weeks before the party, or bug your friends to save 'em for you. A parent or two managing a a "cool melt" hot glue gun station can help speed up production. Stickers and Markers can personalize the boats. Because kids have vivid imaginations, such splendid boats have proven capable of Floating on dry land, and in the Air ;-)

Rainy weather? In our neighborhood, we could have great Boat Races in the rain gutter! Folded paper boats. Snatch 'em before they disappear!

Another indoor Boat Race option is to build Box Boats. Each box requires a good-sized cardboard box, and a 3-4 foot dowel for a mast. Open one side of the box to form a pointed "prow," and tape it together. Make a hole in the upper part of the box for placement of the Mast (dowel), and insert it. You need a corresponding hole in the Bottom of the box, to stabilize the mast. Glue the dowel into place; when that dries, add tape around the dowel at both top and bottom of the box. Colored Tape, masking tape, duct tape, whatever...then add Paper Sails to the masts, securing them with string. Shoulder straps can be made of ribbon, old belts, or similar material, and secured to the box from the inside. The boxy "Boats" are meant to be worn standing up, vs. sat in...they run a bit like a Flintstone car, on Foot Power, and need a good-sized Room or Yard for good sailing! Paint the boxes in bright colors. (Send the Boats home as a party favor, if they survive the whole party! ;-)

Youngest partygoers may not need such an elaborately crafted boat, though; I have seen my son happily make Trains and Sailboats of apple boxes and laundry baskets, with perhaps a Broomstick and a Scarf. The more "building materials" you can muster, the more party fun there will be.

Adapt party ideas to your child's age, your party environment, etc., and just like Stuart, revel in the Joy of family and Friends!