Back to school parties are a great way for parents, teachers and kids to get to know each other in a comfortable environment. School administrators who plan these events need fresh back to school party BBQ ideas to keep families coming back year after year.
You need more than just outdoor grilling ideas — you need to know how to throw a great party to get everyone’s school spirit flowing! Follow these tips to throwing the best possible back to school party, featuring delicious food, fun and games.
ASSEMBLE YOUR PARTY-PLANNING TEAM
School leaders should not have to come up with back to school party BBQ ideas all on their own. The fact is that you have teachers, parents and assistants who can amp up your party with their own back to school party grilling recipes. Your party planning committee needs to take charge of the entire event, providing support for food, entertainment and games, setup and clean-up.
A dedicated cadre of parents and administrators who like to grill may be able to meet the needs of your school’s party. Make sure that you have identified those candidates early and helped them understand expectations — do they need to bring their own grill? How will meals be purchased, cooked and distributed?
Your team should begin meeting to discuss back to school party grilling ideas well in advance of back-to-school festivities. Choosing your team before the school year is complete is probably a good idea, so you can dedicate some time over the summer to collaborate and develop your back to school party ideas.
DELICIOUS BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY GRILLING RECIPES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Summer never feels long enough — why not use some summertime grilling inspiration to guide your back to school party ideas? Classic summer grilling recipes like hot dogs and hamburgers are certain to be a hit.
Make sure that you are accommodating the growing ranks of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diners with dishes targeted specifically for those populations. Veggie burgers, portobello mushrooms and lettuce-wrapped burgers are reliable go-tos. Make sure that you have dairy-free options, as well, for your lactose-intolerant attendees.
Some great ideas for both parents and kids include:
- Slider burgers, which are easy for little hands and faster to cook on the grill
- Grilled kabobs, including grilled fruit kabobs with watermelon and pineapple for plant-based eaters
- Grilled veggies wrapped in foil with butter, salt and garlic, or placed directly on the grill OR do it all on your FIREDISC® Cooker
- Grilled chocolate banana melts, which offer a fun take on the traditional s’mores recipe
- Innovative ideas like grilled donuts or even grilled pound cake for dessert.
ACTIVITIES FOR YOUR BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY BBQ IDEAS
Your back-to-school party is about more than the food — you also need the family activities that will help you get to know each other better. We love the classic outdoor camp games that bring families together in an exciting and competitive environment. Your BBQ could include activities such as:
- Sack races
- Ring toss
- Squirt guns
- Matching games
- Water bottle bowling
- Breaking pinatas (don’t forget the candy!)
- Sidewalk chalk art
Keep the kids and adults entertained with a wide variety of affordable activities, using just a little ingenuity.
Back-to-school time may mean that summer grilling season is winding down, but that does not mean you can’t have a great time at a big bash for your school’s parents and kids. Make sure that your outdoor festivities are complemented with a wide selection of delicious and nutritious grilled food and see how your entire community can come together. When you need back to school party ideas, look no further than your grill.
Now that summer is over, it is time to celebrate the start of summer with your ultimate back-to-school party. View our many portable propane cooker options and embark on your new school year with the best outdoor grilling party.
