Unsure how to plan a kid’s birthday party that will wow them on their special day? These are all the tips and tricks you need.
Whether it’s a homemade get-together or a much more elaborate event, children’s parties are important. But what’s the formula for a great kids’ birthday party? While it will be different for every child, one thing is true for all: it doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated to plan.
By considering a few key elements, you can throw a wonderful bash – be it for a birthday, Easter, Christmas, or any other occasion. Focusing on their interests and hobbies while adding some extra-special touches will guarantee they have a wonderful time.
Including expert kids’ event planners, the best party spots to book, the cleverest invitations and the cutest decorations, Citizen Enfants editor (and mum-of-three) Morag Turner shares her top tips and ideas on how to plan a kid’s birthday party and how to make sure it’s one to remember.
Consider Hosting At Home
There is often nothing nicer and more personal than hosting a birthday party in your own home, especially when children are very young. Spaces such as a playroom, or large kitchens and gardens in summer, make the ideal place to play traditional games. Think musical statues, pin the tail on the donkey, Simon says and, everyone’s favourite, pass the parcel. Smaller children don’t need much more, and hosting at home is often the easiest option – especially with small groups of under-fives. They’re often happiest in a simple, less intimidating setting anyway – as any parent who has spent an entire party trying to coax an overwhelmed toddler to join in, will testify to.
But, planning is essential. Make sure you have a rough idea of timings: perhaps arrival at 11am, play games for 45 minutes, sit down for a birthday tea for 30 minutes and request pick up by 12.30pm. Decide which games you’re going to play, and have all you need prepared in advance (music, props and party bags). Ideally ask a couple of other parents to stay and help out, depending on your numbers. Many a great mum friendship has been struck up while keeping Haribo-infused five year-olds entertained for two hours!
Enlist An Entertainer
Wherever you choose to host your party (local church halls, sports clubs and hotels are all good options), you can easily outsource some of the fun to a children’s entertainer. From magic shows to discos, professional children’s entertainers know how to mesmerise a group of excited six year-olds. And there are thousands of entertainers to choose from, though some are definitely better than others: the key thing is to do your research. Ask other parents for recommendations; read Google reviews; and ask companies to connect you with previous clients for references.
Ensure that any entertainer provides DBS checks, and ask plenty of questions about their style of parties to make sure they suit your needs. Costs vary, but you can expect to pay at least £150 per hour for anyone who is worth hiring (and the good ones get booked up months in advance, so don’t leave it too late!). Many will offer themes – from pirates and superheroes to Disney’s Frozen – work with them to get the package that suits your child the best. You’ll generally still have to provide supervision, catering and party bags, but they will keep the kids totally engaged.
Go all-out With A Party Planner
If you really want to pull out all the stops, both in terms of the event and handing over the organisational reigns, then enlist the services of a party planner. Not only can they provide outstanding and exclusive entertainment, they will also secure the venue, and arrange everything from invitations and decorations to catering and party bags to wow. The sky really is the limit here; it’s only your budget that will determine the scope. Perfect for busy parents who want to go all out, but haven’t got the time to do the running around themselves. Party planners create bespoke packages, so you’ll need to discuss costs based on what you are looking for – but expect to pay into four figures for something really special.
Sharky and George
For the gold standard in this field check out Sharky and George. Known as ‘kings of kids’ parties’ for good reason, owners and friends – Charlie and George – have thrown over 30,000 awesome events and parties in London and around the world over the past 20 years. They cater for every age, from babies to teens, and previous extravaganzas have included wizard-themed parties, complete with a Quidditch pitch and potion making; Mickey Mouse soft play (ideal for tots); and a Swallows and Amazons immersive adventure based on the famous book with camping, sailing and cooking on an open fire.
Notorious Kids
The team at Notorious Kids have over 16 years experience of throwing spectacular events for kids in some of London’s top venues, such as The Lanesborough hotel. Their signature style includes immersive and imaginative theatrical adventures led by dedicated professional performers and actors, who use storytelling to bring any theme to life. From fairies in a magical garden to pirates on a shipwreck, the Notorious team transform pretty much any space into a dream set.
My Kid Atelier
My Kid Atelier also specialise in the luxe end of kids parties, with nothing too much of a challenge. They’ve wowed little guests with themes including a Teddy Bear’s Picnic and a Mary Poppins-themed party – with the magical nanny in attendance, of course.
Park Sports
Step into the world of Harry Potter or that of magical unicorns in the heart of the city with Park Sports, who organise events in either Hyde Park or Regent’s Park. As well as all the food, decoration and entertainment, they can provide gazebos and marquees to ensure the weather doesn’t spoil the fun.
Focus On Something They Love
Whether you have sports fans, wannabe chefs or aspiring artists, there’s a party out there just for them. The list is endless, but these are some great suggestions to consider:
Try something sporty
Got a budding striker? There’s a football party to suit all ages. From Little Kickers football parties that start from as young as two, to Goals’ two-hour parties on their all-weather pitches, or Crystal Palace FC’s party packages which are actually held at the stadium and can include a pitch-side tour. For a party run by a coach, chat to the team at Football Parties UK who are one of the largest providers of kids’ sports parties in England. Or, for a twist on the classic game, book a slot at the super-fun Toca Social at the O2 for some virtual goal scoring.
Sixes Social Cricket offers great indoor parties for kids aged up to 12 who would rather have a bat in hand as they play a round of the sport virtually.
Topgolf has options for kids and teens to play at their driving ranges and offer two-hour packages with winner’s trophies. Or, if you like your putting a little whackier, then look at the kids’ party packages at Swingers Crazy Golf.
During two-hour dance parties, the legendary Pineapple Dance Studios in London teach easy and fun routines to children and are a great option for tweens and teens.
Sometimes it’s best just to let very little ones run around and burn off energy. With The Little Gym parties, not only can they play on all the equipment, there will also be a team of instructors on hand to play games, sing songs and tailor the whole party to your child’s age group. Plus they provide all the party food, so there’s no mess to clear up. Suitable for kids as young as one, this is a great choice for toddlers.
Adventures For Young Thrill Seekers
If your kids fancy a more adventurous activity take a chilly trip to the Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead. Children as young as four can take a ski or snowboarding group lesson on the indoor slopes and enjoy whizzing down the runs on the Ring Slide (which is a bit like a giant rubber ring you can sit in).
Clip ‘n Climb is a chain of indoor climbing walls that offer a fun and safe climbing experience for all ages and abilities, with all equipment provided.
Formula Kidz allows youngsters as little as four to whizz around indoor and outdoor tracks on mini go karts. With speed limiters and helmets, this is a safe way to let them pretend to be racing drivers for the day.
While actual skydiving is definitely an activity for adults, indoor skydiving makes an exciting birthday party for kids. Effectively flying in a huge wind tunnel, iFly lets kids as young as just three feel like they are taking to the skies. Safe, fun – and certainly memorable.
Babylon Park is an indoor theme park in Camden that offers two-hour party packages and has small rides that are suitable for toddlers, through to hair-raising roller coasters for older kids.
Get Cooking
There are plenty of cookery classes for kids that come with marvellous birthday party options. Decorate the most beautiful biscuits at a Biscuiteers Icing Café birthday party. Up to 25 children aged from three and up can attend at a cost of £49 for each child, including an afternoon tea.
Young fans of the hit TV show The Great British Bake Off will love what feels just like stepping on to the set at The Big London Bake. You’ll be set a challenge to bake some lovely cakes in a variety of styles and shapes. While not strictly a party, bakers aged six to 13 can form a team of two or three at a single baking station as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
Sticks n’ Sushi run kids classes for up to 10, where youngsters aged eight to 12 can learn how to make classic sushi favourites. All children will leave with a goody bag with a certificate, a rolling mat, chopsticks, chocolate fish and a Japanese number and phrase sheet.
To learn from the best, book a party at Gordon Ramsay’s very own cookery school and learn how to make everything from pasta to pizza, pies to cookies, courtesy of the celebrity chef’s team. Groups of up to 12 can book, and classes are suitable for those aged six right up to 15 year-olds.
Be Creative
With studios all over the country, Art K parties are perfect for creative kids. All ages and abilities can spend up to two hours and forty five minutes with a talented teacher, learning new skills and techniques. You will receive a brochure of party projects ahead of time and can choose your favourite for the day – from paper mâché to water colours. While the works of art dry, children can enjoy a tea party.
Sticking with an artistic vibe, the much-loved Pottery Café in Fulham can accommodate up to 18 children aged eight-plus, who can paint a piece of pottery.
The Young Film Academy (YFA), is the UKʼs leading provider of filmmaking courses for children from five to 18. They have a range of party options too and children can become pop or film stars for the day.
Tinies will have the best time ever at a Splat Messy Play party. With sites all over the country, they welcome kids as young as one to play with paint, water and sand – all you have to do is make sure to dress them in old clothes. Creative and expressive, these hour-long party sessions are perfect for preschoolers. Award-winning Messy Monkeys offer a very similar experience too.
Decorate in Style
Meri Meri is the go-to brand for stunning kids party décor. A true one-stop-shop, you can find everything you need along with a ton of beautiful inspiration on their website. With themes including ‘under the sea’ and ‘safari animals’, they offer everything from tableware and banners to piñatas and garlands to transform any space into a picture-perfect party.
Nothing says party more than balloons, and Bubblegum Balloons take their role in decorating for special occasions very seriously. Far from an afterthought, their colourful designs are eye catching centrepieces. Balloon arches, numbers, bunches and stacks are all available for every imaginable theme in a huge selection of colours. They can deliver straight to your door, or opt for their DIY kits to assemble yourself.
Conjure up the dream sleepover with super-cool themed teepees and tents that can be set up in your home or a chosen venue. With a range of themes, companies such as Tiny Tents and The Sleepover Party supply individual, indoor teepees along with foam mattresses, sheets, cushions, blankets and fairy lights, all in a theme of your choice – from Pokemon and Harry Potter to pamper parties complete with eye masks. Some companies, such as Luna Sky London will deliver and do the set up too.
The Little Touches
The Invites
If you have yet to discover Paperless Post then get ready to change the way you send out invitations forever. This clever website allows you to choose from thousands of designs, customise them, and send to guests via email. You can then track RSVPs, message with guests and update information if plans change. A stylish and eco-friendly way to send charming invites that anyone will find a joy to receive.
If you’d prefer to go old-school and send paper invitations, Papier offer a great range of styles that you can make bespoke by adding your own info, plus you can order in multiples of ten. Beautiful printed cards will arrive on your doorstep just a week later complete with tissue lined envelopes – and you can even choose to have addresses pre-printed on the front for extra ease. Make the invites out to little guests and give each child a lovely surprise in the post.
The Cake
A party isn’t a party without a cake. Novelty cakes are always a winner with kids and Mayfair-based GC Couture can turn your ideas into delicious masterpieces that look (almost!) too spectacular to eat. Think Harry Potter, jungles or fairies – anything is achievable in sponge cake and icing. Lola’s Cupcakes have a wonderful selection of kids cakes (with vegan options too) and can deliver to your door, sometimes with only a few days notice. Or check out Crumbs and Doilies for classically gorgeous cakes with rainbow centres and sprinkles.
The Goody Bag
Any child will tell you that receiving a party bag as they leave is a highlight of any bash. Check out The Original Party Bag Company for a great selection of bags and themes as well as fun gifts to pop inside. The Little Things offer a similar service with bespoke options and sweetie cones to match any theme. For cute but stylish party bag fillers – such as keyring-making kits and personalised keepsake tins – visit Cotton Twist.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?