Entertaining children is hard work, be that trying to keep them occupied during the summer holidays or during a family event like a wedding. It gets even harder when there are more children, like for a child’s birthday, not only do you have to make sure everyone is having fun, but also create enough structure to keep everything running smoothly. So, what should you keep in mind when trying to plan a party for kids?
Venue
Your first consideration should be if you want to hold your party at home or somewhere else. While your house is a cheaper option, space can be limited, and you’re left with a lot of mess to clear up.
It is often better to find a venue that can accommodate children’s parties, but also provide some space for grown-ups to escape to if needs be. Look for a location that provides everything you need from food to activities, or think about something that is nearby, such as a fast food chain near to an arcade for example.
This way you help to keep everything contained within one area and don’t need to worry about moving between multiple places which, if you’re in charge of a large group of children, can be a nightmare.
Here are some more ideas – Non soft play party ideas
Food
Kids at a party will want to spend more time playing and having fun as opposed to sitting and having a meal. Food should be something simple and fun, either something kids will always be a fan of, so they actually sit down and eat, or a buffet so they can pick at food throughout the party.
A buffet allows you to work around different food allergies and dietary requirements, however much like with the choice of venue finding somewhere that will actually cater your party can make so much easier.
Activities
Children at a party need to be entertained. This might be simple party games or a larger activity like bowling or laser tag. This tends to be the core of your party and should keep your guests distracted and having fun.
Think about the sort of activities that you’d like to do. These might let you theme your party, for example, say your child is a massive fan of the Ninja Turtles or superheroes or a sports team.
This could help you to theme your party, either through really simple fancy dress or through slight tweaks to the party games you play.
Pin the tail on the donkey becomes a game where you have to pin the mask on the turtle, or the S onto Superman for instance. This can help you make the activities and games a lot more fun and interesting, especially if they are tailored to something all the kids really enjoy.
Find loads of ideas for Outdoor games for a kids party here.
Get some help
The last thing you want to do is try to handle a kid’s party on your own. It’s often wise to bring in help such as other parents or family members to help you make sure everything runs smoothly.
With specialised venues there is usually staff on hand to help organise the party and keep everything moving along, making sure the day is fun for all of your guests and as stress free for you as it can be.
Having a birthday party doesn’t need to be difficult, but if your child wants to invite a lot of people it can mean that you need to think more about getting help to make sure they have a fun and enjoyable day.
With the right planning, you can help to pull together a fantastic party that all of your guests, no matter how old, will enjoy.
You might even consider party planning with Poptop.
Party bags
Don’t forget the part bags.
Find party bag ideas for children aged 10 and 11 here.
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