Planning a Toy Story birthday party? You’ve come to the right place, partner! As someone who’s thrown more themed parties than I care to count (and survived the chaos), I can tell you that a Toy Story celebration is pure magic. There’s something about Woody, Buzz, and the gang that just gets kids – and let’s be honest, adults too – absolutely pumped up.
Whether you’re dealing with a toddler who’s obsessed with “To infinity and beyond!” or a bigger kid who knows every character’s backstory, these 21 ideas will transform your party into Andy’s room come to life. Trust me, I’ve seen the look on kids’ faces when they walk into a properly themed Toy Story party – it’s like Christmas morning and their birthday rolled into one epic moment.
Sheriff Woody’s Wild West Corner
Image Prompt: A rustic western-themed party corner with hay bales as seating, a “Wanted” poster of Woody on the wall, cowboy hats scattered around, a wooden sheriff’s badge centerpiece, and red bandanas tied around mason jars filled with yellow flowers, all set against a backdrop of barn wood panels.
Creating a Wild West atmosphere brings Woody’s cowboy spirit to life. I love setting up a corner of the party space with hay bales (you can get these cheap at farm supply stores), some rustic decorations, and plenty of cowboy accessories. The kids go absolutely wild for this setup – it’s like stepping into a real saloon!
How to Do It:
• Set up hay bales in a circle for rustic seating
• Create “Wanted” posters featuring the birthday child as Sheriff Woody
• Scatter cowboy hats around for kids to wear during activities
• Use red bandanas as napkins or tie them around mason jar centerpieces
• Add a wooden sheriff’s badge as a table centerpiece
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Command Center
Image Prompt: A futuristic space station setup with silver and green metallic decorations, LED lights creating a cosmic atmosphere, cardboard rocket ships, “Star Command” banners, space helmets on the table, and green and purple balloons arranged to look like planets floating in space.
Every Toy Story party needs some intergalactic flair, and Buzz’s space command center delivers big time. I’ve found that kids absolutely love pretending to be Space Rangers, and this setup gives them the perfect backdrop for their cosmic adventures.
How to Do It:
• Create a “Star Command” banner using metallic letters
• Set up cardboard rocket ships around the space (Amazon has great DIY kits)
• Use LED string lights to create a starry atmosphere
• Place toy space helmets on tables as decoration and props
• Arrange green and purple balloons in clusters to represent planets
For more creative party themes, check out our guide on interesting topics to talk about to spark conversation during the celebration.
Andy’s Room Recreation
Image Prompt: A bedroom setup that looks exactly like Andy’s room with a blue sky wallpaper with white clouds, toys scattered authentically around the floor, a race car bed or regular bed with Andy’s bedspread, Toy Story posters on the walls, and a mix of various toys positioned as if they just came to life.
This one’s my personal favorite because it’s so authentic. Recreating Andy’s actual room makes kids feel like they’re part of the movie. The attention to detail here really pays off – I’ve seen kids spend the entire party just exploring this setup.
How to Do It:
• Use blue paper with white cloud cutouts for wall decorations
• Scatter various toys around the floor in organized chaos
• Create Andy’s bed area with appropriate bedding
• Put up Toy Story movie posters and character artwork
• Position toys as if they just stopped moving when humans entered
Toy Story Character Costume Contest
Image Prompt: Children dressed as various Toy Story characters including Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and Bo Peep, standing in a line for judging, with a backdrop showing all the Toy Story characters, prize ribbons displayed on a table, and parents taking photos with big smiles.
IMO, costume contests are where the real magic happens. Kids love showing off their creativity, and parents get way too competitive (in the best way possible). I always make sure everyone gets some kind of recognition because, let’s face it, they all put effort into their costumes.
How to Do It:
• Announce the contest in advance so parents can prepare
• Create categories like “Most Creative,” “Most Authentic,” and “Best Homemade”
• Set up a simple backdrop for photo opportunities
• Have small prizes ready for all participants
• Designate a neutral judge (maybe a grandparent who won’t play favorites)
Pizza Planet Delivery Station
Image Prompt: A pizza serving station designed to look like Pizza Planet with a rocket ship logo, yellow and red color scheme, space-themed decorations, pizza boxes stacked with Pizza Planet stickers, toy aliens as decorations, and “The Claw” game setup nearby.
Who doesn’t love pizza? Setting up a Pizza Planet station is genius because it feeds the kids AND stays perfectly in theme. Plus, you can totally get away with ordering regular pizza and just jazz up the presentation – the kids will think it’s the most amazing thing ever.
How to Do It:
• Create Pizza Planet logos and stick them on pizza boxes
• Use yellow and red tablecloths and decorations
• Set up toy aliens around the pizza station
• Add rocket ship decorations above the serving area
• Create a “The Claw” game nearby for entertainment
Slinky Dog’s Obstacle Course
Image Prompt: An outdoor obstacle course with colorful pool noodles creating tunnels to crawl through, hula hoops to jump through, small hurdles to step over, and a finish line banner, with Slinky Dog toy positioned at the start as if he’s ready to race through the course.
Kids have energy to burn, and this obstacle course is perfect for channeling that enthusiasm. I’ve learned that having physical activities is crucial for keeping the party flowing smoothly – plus, tired kids are usually happy kids!
How to Do It:
• Use pool noodles and stakes to create tunnels
• Set up hula hoops for jumping through
• Create small hurdles using boxes or foam blocks
• Design a winding path that mimics Slinky Dog’s movements
• Time each participant and give certificates for completion
For more engaging activities, explore our collection of questions to ask your best friends to keep conversations flowing during downtime.
Mr. Potato Head Mix-and-Match Game
Image Prompt: A game station with multiple Mr. Potato Head toys disassembled on a table, various body parts and accessories spread out, children laughing while creating silly combinations, a timer showing the game in progress, and completed funny-looking potato heads displayed around the area.
This game never gets old, and it’s perfect for different age groups. The little ones love the silly combinations they can create, while older kids enjoy the challenge of racing against time. FYI, having multiple Mr. Potato Head sets is key – sharing is not always caring when you’re 5 years old 🙂
How to Do It:
• Provide multiple Mr. Potato Head sets for simultaneous play
• Create a timer challenge for older kids
• Set up a display area for completed creations
• Have cameras ready to capture the funny combinations
• Award prizes for “Most Creative” and “Silliest Looking”
Woody’s Roundup Show
Image Prompt: A small stage area with a western backdrop, children performing as Toy Story characters, cowboy props like lassos and sheriff badges scattered around, hay bales as seating for the audience, and parents watching with big smiles while taking photos.
Setting up a mini talent show lets kids showcase their personalities while staying in character. I’ve seen some absolutely hilarious performances – kids really get into their roles when they have an audience cheering them on.
How to Do It:
• Create a simple stage area with western decorations
• Provide props like cowboy hats, badges, and lassos
• Encourage kids to perform scenes from the movies
• Have parents serve as enthusiastic audience members
• Give every performer a special “star” sticker or small prize
Toy Story Bingo Adventure
Image Prompt: Children sitting around tables with Toy Story-themed bingo cards featuring character images, colorful bingo markers scattered on the tables, a caller holding up character cards, excited kids marking their cards, and small prizes displayed on a nearby table.
Bingo is surprisingly engaging for kids when you theme it right. I love using Toy Story characters instead of numbers – it keeps even the non-readers involved and excited about the game.
How to Do It:
• Create bingo cards featuring Toy Story characters instead of numbers
• Use colorful markers or stickers for marking cards
• Have small prizes ready for winners
• Create multiple rounds to keep everyone engaged
• Use character voices when calling out the characters
Alien Claw Machine Challenge
Image Prompt: A makeshift claw machine created from a large cardboard box with an opening at the top, green toy aliens inside, children taking turns using toy grabber tools to “rescue” aliens, a pile of rescued aliens on the side, and excited kids cheering on their friends.
“The claw chooses who will go and who will stay!” This DIY claw machine is way easier to make than you’d think, and kids absolutely love it. It’s one of those activities that keeps them entertained for ages.
How to Do It:
• Create a claw machine from a large cardboard box
• Fill it with small green alien toys
• Use toy grabber tools as the “claw”
• Let each child take turns “rescuing” aliens
• Set up a collection area for rescued aliens
Jessie’s Yodeling Karaoke Corner
Image Prompt: A karaoke setup with a microphone on a stand, western-themed backdrop with cacti and desert scenes, cowgirl hat and boots as props, song lyrics displayed on a poster board, and children taking turns singing with big smiles and enthusiastic gestures.
Karaoke brings out everyone’s inner performer, and with Jessie’s yodeling theme, it’s perfectly on-brand. Don’t worry if you’re not musically inclined – the kids will have a blast regardless of how it sounds!
How to Do It:
• Set up a simple karaoke station with a microphone
• Create lyric sheets for Toy Story songs
• Provide cowgirl props for performers
• Encourage audience participation with cheering
• Have a “Jessie’s Yodel” special category
Check out our conversation starters for texting for ideas on how to keep the party energy going through social media updates.
Bo Peep’s Sheep Counting Game
Image Prompt: A pastoral game area with fluffy white cotton ball “sheep” scattered around, children with shepherd’s staffs (decorated pool noodles) trying to gather the sheep, a small fence area where collected sheep are placed, and Bo Peep’s pink and white decorations throughout the space.
This game is adorable and surprisingly engaging. The counting element makes it educational too, which parents appreciate. Plus, it’s a nice calm activity between more energetic games.
How to Do It:
• Create “sheep” using white cotton balls or small stuffed animals
• Make shepherd’s staffs from decorated pool noodles
• Set up a “pen” area for collected sheep
• Time the activity and count collected sheep
• Award prizes for teamwork and counting skills
Rex’s Dinosaur Dig
Image Prompt: A sandbox or large container filled with sand, small dinosaur toys and fossils buried inside, children with small shovels and brushes excavating treasures, a display table showing discovered items, and Rex toy overseeing the archaeological adventure.
Archaeological adventures are surprisingly popular with kids. There’s something magical about digging up “ancient” treasures. I usually hide small Toy Story figures along with the dinosaurs for extra excitement.
How to Do It:
• Fill a sandbox or large container with sand
• Hide small dinosaur toys and Toy Story figures
• Provide small shovels and brushes for digging
• Create a discovery station for found items
• Give each child a bag to take home their discoveries
Forky’s Craft Creation Station
Image Prompt: A craft table covered with various art supplies including pipe cleaners, googly eyes, colored clay, popsicle sticks, and glue, children creating their own Forky-inspired characters, finished crafts displayed on a nearby shelf, and art supplies organized in colorful containers.
Crafting gives kids a creative outlet and a party favor to take home. Forky-inspired projects are perfect because they’re simple enough for little hands but engaging enough for older kids too.
How to Do It:
• Set up a craft table with various art supplies
• Provide templates and examples for inspiration
• Have adult helpers available for assistance
• Create a display area for finished projects
• Give each child a bag to take their creation home
Toy Story Trivia Challenge
Image Prompt: Children sitting in a circle with question cards in the center, a scoreboard showing team points, Toy Story movie posters as decoration, kids raising their hands excitedly to answer questions, and small prizes displayed for winners.
Trivia games are perfect for testing knowledge while keeping everyone engaged. I love mixing easy questions for younger kids with challenging ones for the older participants.
How to Do It:
• Prepare questions suitable for different age groups
• Create teams to encourage cooperation
• Use a point system with small prizes
• Include picture questions for non-readers
• Make sure everyone gets recognition for participation
For more trivia inspiration, check out our fun and silly questions to ask your boyfriend to add some humor to your question collection.
Toy Story Photo Booth Fun
Image Prompt: A photo booth setup with a colorful Toy Story backdrop featuring all the main characters, props like cowboy hats, space helmets, and character masks on sticks, children posing with silly expressions, and a instant camera ready to capture memories.
Photo booths are party gold – they entertain kids and give parents amazing keepsakes. The props make everyone feel like they’re part of the Toy Story universe.
How to Do It:
• Create a backdrop featuring Toy Story characters
• Provide props like hats, masks, and accessories
• Set up good lighting for quality photos
• Have someone designated as the photographer
• Create a photo album or scrapbook during the party
Toy Story Movie Marathon Corner
Image Prompt: A cozy viewing area with bean bags and pillows arranged in front of a large screen, popcorn in Toy Story-themed containers, blankets with character prints, and a selection of all four Toy Story movies ready to play, creating a comfortable cinema atmosphere.
Sometimes kids need a break from all the excitement. A movie corner gives them a chance to recharge while staying in the theme. Plus, it’s a great backup plan if weather forces the party indoors.
How to Do It:
• Set up a comfortable viewing area with pillows and blankets
• Prepare popcorn in themed containers
• Queue up favorite Toy Story movie scenes
• Create a cozy atmosphere with dimmed lights
• Have this area available throughout the party
Toy Story Themed Treats Table
Image Prompt: An elaborate dessert table with a Toy Story birthday cake as the centerpiece, cupcakes decorated as different characters, “Andy’s Toys” labeled treats, colorful candies in clear containers, and themed decorations surrounding all the sweet treats.
The treats table is where you can really show off your creativity. I’ve found that even simple snacks become exciting when you add Toy Story labels and decorations.
How to Do It:
• Create a stunning centerpiece cake featuring Toy Story characters
• Make or order cupcakes decorated as different characters
• Label all treats with fun Toy Story-themed names
• Use colorful containers that match the movie’s aesthetic
• Include both sweet and savory options
Toy Story Treasure Hunt
Image Prompt: Children following a treasure map through the party area, clues hidden around the space with Toy Story character stickers, kids working together to solve puzzles, a treasure chest filled with small toys and treats as the final prize, and excited faces as they discover each clue.
Treasure hunts are absolutely magical for kids. The excitement of following clues and working together creates memories that last long after the party ends.
How to Do It:
• Create a treasure map with Toy Story-themed locations
• Hide clues around the party area
• Make puzzles appropriate for the age group
• Include small treats at each clue location
• Have a grand treasure chest as the final prize
Toy Story Party Favors Station
Image Prompt: A beautifully organized favor station with Toy Story-themed bags, small toys and stickers laid out for selection, children choosing their favorite items, personalized thank you tags, and a sign saying “Thanks for Playing with Us!” in colorful letters.
Party favors are the perfect way to send kids home with a piece of the magic. I always set up a station where kids can choose their own favors – it makes them feel special and ensures they get something they actually want.
How to Do It:
• Set up a dedicated favor station with themed bags
• Include a variety of small toys and stickers
• Let children choose their own combination of items
• Add personalized thank you tags
• Include a small piece of candy or treat in each bag
Explore our topics to talk about with your crush for ideas on how to keep conversations flowing during the party.
Toy Story Dance Party Finale
Image Prompt: Children dancing energetically to Toy Story music, colorful party lights creating a festive atmosphere, Toy Story characters projected on the walls, kids showing off their best moves, and parents joining in the fun with big smiles.
Every great party needs an epic finale, and a dance party is the perfect way to end on a high note. The Toy Story soundtrack is absolutely perfect for getting everyone moving.
How to Do It:
• Create a playlist of all Toy Story songs
• Set up colorful party lights for atmosphere
• Clear a dance floor area
• Encourage everyone to participate
• End with “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” for a perfect finale
Planning a Toy Story birthday party might seem overwhelming, but trust me, it’s so worth it when you see the joy on kids’ faces. The key is picking the activities that work best for your space and age group – you don’t need to do everything! Focus on creating that magical Toy Story atmosphere, and the rest will fall into place.
Remember, the most important ingredient isn’t the perfect decorations or the most elaborate games – it’s the love and effort you put into making your child’s day special. After all, that’s what friendship is all about, and if there’s one thing Toy Story teaches us, it’s that friends make everything better. To infinity and beyond, party planning warriors! 🚀