Every year, I try to make my kids’ birthdays feel special without it turning into a full-time project. This year, with the weather warming up and daylight stretching well past 7 p.m., we finally found our rhythm — a twilight backyard bash that had something for everyone: music, lights, food, and just the right amount of chaos.

🌸 Setting the Scene

By late afternoon, the backyard was glowing with fairy lights in the trees, picnic rugs on the lawn, and a few lanterns ready for when the sun went down. My 10-year-old helped set up the snack table (mostly so he could sneak chips), while my 6-year-old “supervised” the fairy-light placement like an event manager.

🔫 The Highlight: Backyard Nerf Wars

Forget scooters because this year’s hero moment was the Nerf Wars at sunset. We split the kids into two teams, drew chalk lines on the lawn, and handed out foam blasters and eye protection. The giggles, shrieks, and tactical teamwork were next level. Even a few of us adults joined in (and may have gotten a bit too competitive).

If you’d rather skip the setup stress, Funtime Kids Parties offers Nerf and Water Wars packages that are fully managed — so all you need to do is enjoy the show.

🎶 Music, Food & Chill

We kept the playlist light: a mix of upbeat pop and throwback tracks. Food was simple, we had skewers, sliders, fruit platters, and icy lemonade. As the Nerf battle wrapped up, we rolled out beanbags and turned on a movie under the stars.

💡 Why Twilight Works

Twilight parties are easier on everyone: cooler weather, fewer sugar crashes, and that magical feeling of night falling while kids are still laughing in the yard. It’s our new favourite way to celebrate, just relaxed, inclusive, and full of glow-stick memories.

Originally published on Party Koala and also featured on Funtime Kids Parties — inspiring Aussie families to celebrate outdoors this spring.