We partnered with Disney Book Group to celebrate the release of a brand new Pigeon book: The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems. Since Mo Willems is Falynn’s favorite author of all time, we had to throw a pigeon themed party, featuring Pigeon’s favorite, HOT DOGS! And we couldn’t stop there. Falynn thought it would be fun to create the ultimate kids hot dog bar, with lots of unusual, but kid-friendly toppings.
Hot Dog Bar Topping Ideas
Relish
Bacon
Chili
Tomatoes
Lettuce
Pretzels
Potato Sticks
Cheese Puffs
Popcorn
Sunflower Seeds (in case Pigeon stopped by)
Cheese
Mustard
Ketchup
BBQ Sauce
Ranch Dressing
The possibilities are really endless. While there may be some toppings on our list that are a little out of the ordinary, those were actually the most popular. The key to success, is to ask your kids what type of toppings they think they might like. Then, of course, take out the non-edible ones, like Falynn’s request for confetti and glitter. Make sure there is a good mix of snack and healthy options. While you can’t guarantee they will choose the healthier options, at least they are given the choice.
Let your kids (and the adults) create their own hot dogs. You’ll be surprised at the combinations they’ll put together and they will find some new toppings that they never thought of putting on their hot dogs! Super Dad chose ketchup, mustard, bacon, relish, potato sticks, sunflower seeds and cheese. He said it was the best hot dog he’d ever had.
Our party featured what we like to call, “Pigeon juice” (though it was really just yummy blue punch). We also created little Pigeon-themed goodie boxes, filled with salt water taffy in blue, yellow and green. For dessert, we had cookies (another of Pigeon’s favorites) and some cake, topped with a BIRD-day candle. Did you know Pigeon turned 16 recently? Make sure to check out our tutorial on how to make a Pigeon mask!
Once everyone’s bellies were full, they sat down in the treehouse for story time, made extra cozy with our new plush Berkshire blankets. It was finally time to read The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems for the first time! The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! is recommended for ages 3-5, but was an instant hit (even with me). We love how silly Pigeon is. He never fails to make us laugh. He’s a lot like me, in a lot of ways. He over-analyzes things, freaks out and then when he finally gives in to the idea, he is so happy that he took a chance.
About the Book:
The Pigeon is about to get SCHOOLED. Do YOU think he should go? Why does the Pigeon have to go to school? He already knows everything! And what if he doesn’t like it? What if the teacher doesn’t like him? What if he learns TOO MUCH!?! Ask not for whom the school bell rings; it rings for the Pigeon!
The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! is now in stores. Pick yours up, make a Pigeon mask and have a hot dog party of your own! Just make sure to save one for Pigeon!
My daughter was obsessed with the Pigeon books when she was little. I bet she would have loved to incorporate the theme into a hot dog party too. Looks so fun!
Your Hot Dog Bar Topping Ideas looks so nice! I wish I can buy those materials soon. Great party idea for kids!
I LOVE this! There’s nothing kids love better than hotdogs. This is pure genius.
This is so cute, love all the fun details! I was smiling reading this entire post. 🙂
Author
I’m so glad I could bring a smile to your face!
That hot dog bar was made for kids in the summer. So many great toppings and who does not love hot dogs. Your kids make such great models and really show their enthusiasm for this.
I will have to do this! We do love our hot dogs, and I can see my kids being super excited. Plus the Mo Willems Pigeon book sounds awesome!
Author
It’s fun! What toppings do you think your kids would love?
What a cute idea! We love the Pigeon books. I never would’ve thought of sunflower seeds as a topping. Yum!
Author
We put sunflower seeds on just about everything. It’s a great topping for salad too!