Turning twelve is a big deal, and when our son expressed his love for reptiles (especially snakes), it was clear that a reptile-themed birthday party was the way to go. From snake-shaped snacks to a live reptile petting zoo, this party was a wild success! Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we brought our slithery and scaly vision to life in a reptile bananza birthday party.

REPTILE DECORATIONS

To set the stage for our reptile extravaganza, we focused on creating a habitat that would excite and add to the fun atmosphere.

DIY Paper Snake and Tree

The centerpiece of our decorations was a simple DIY paper snake draped over a DIY paper tree. We crafted it using colored construction paper and staples. The snake curled around a faux tree made from brown wrapping paper, using a selfie stick as our base. The leaves I found at Hobby Lobby in the party section. Then we added a big number 12 balloon (ordered off Amazon) to finish up this area. I really loved how it turned out. This setup brought the jungle feel indoors and made for a fantastic photo backdrop.

Balloon Arch

To lead our guests to the dessert table, we created a balloon arch using multiple colors and a green fringe backdrop. Balloons are such an easy way to make a statement without breaking the bank. I ordered all of these items off Amazon & you can shop by clicking THIS LINK.

Tables

On the food table I used a green cloth as a table runner with green moss to give it a grass feel. I picked both of these items up at Hobby Lobby, but I found similar ones on Amazon that you can shop HERE. Then I used a few stuffed snakes that our son already had to add to the decor.

For the dessert table I used a table cloth that came with the paper plate set, added a green leaf garland, then let the sweets be the rest of the decorations.

REPTILE THEMED FOOD

Our menu was designed to both delight the taste buds and fit the theme. Here’s how we turned ordinary foods into reptile-themed creations:

Watermelon Turtle:

For a fun and fruity centerpiece, we transformed a large watermelon into a turtle. We cut the watermelon into a turtle shape and used the rind to create the turtle’s shell. My husband did all the cutting and carving, first he drew out his design with a pen, then used a few tools to engrave the lines. Finally, we used frosting to glue on some candy eyes.

Cucumber Snake

We turned cucumber slices into a slithering snake by layering them in a spiral on a platter. I used a carrot for the tongue and candy eyes. Then I surrounded the cucumber with other veggies to give people more options for food.

Snake Grape Skewers

Our grape skewers looked like little snakes and were simple to make. By threading green grapes onto skewers, then added a strawberry for the head, which gave the grapes a creative look. I opted to just do a few, then have loose grapes underneath for people to grab.

Baguette Sandwich Snakes

For a more substantial bite, we cut baguettes into snake-like shapes and had a variety of sandwich ingredients on the side. With some creative arrangement, the baguette looked like wriggling snake, making a fun and appetizing addition to our spread.

Snake Cake

To keep things super simple, I ordered green cupcakes from Ralphs (our local grocery store) and asked for two with eyes. I added a red tongue out of licorice and placed them in shape that looked like a snake. So easy and affordable. I also ordered a simple personal cake for the birthday boy and ordered THIS cake topper. We also made dirt cups with pudding, Oreos and gummy worms for an extra treat.

REPTILE THEMED ACTIVITIES

The highlight of the party was undoubtedly the live reptile petting zoo. We hired a local reptile expert to bring in a range of animals, allowing the kids to interact with these fascinating creatures.

Reptile Petting Zoo & Presentation

From turtles to frogs, the petting zoo had something for everyone. Kids were thrilled to touch and learn about different reptiles, including a gentle snake and a surprisingly calm alligator. In case you are local, we hired Lizard Wizard, who is based out of Temecula, but travels to Orange County and surrounding areas. He was super sweet and stayed well over an hour with his animals. We first met him at our preschool years ago and knew we had to have him come to our house. I will say he isn’t the best at answering his phone (his late wife used to take care of all the bookings). So be patient, he will eventually get back to you.

Snake Fate & Affirmations

One smaller activity we did was having jars with your “snake fate” and words of affirmations for the birthday boy. The snake fate was just a fun way for the kids to see which snake they would draw out of a jar and then see if it was deadly or not. The affirmations were a way for our birthday boy to read sweet messages from friends and family.

Colton’s 12th birthday party was definitely a slithering success. From the DIY decorations and themed snacks to the exciting live reptile experience, every detail contributed to making the day special and memorable. Here’s to many more themed celebrations and the magic they bring! And if you are looking for more party ideas, check out THIS LINK.