A friend of mine recently hosted a charming detective themed birthday party for her five-year-old son that highlighted his smart and cunning personality. She put great attention into the little details, but managed to keep the budget tight and the attitude light. The fete was held at a local park (she lives in very sunny Long Beach, CA), where she and her husband set up a fake crime scene mapped out by caution tape and a Nerf gun shooting range. Partygoers were led by adults through the course and encouraged to search for hidden clues that lead up to a rented jumper house. When detectives grew tired of their "work" they had the entire park to explore. Check out this slideshow for tips on how to copy this simple kiddie soiree theme.