5 tips for throwing a fantastic Kids birthday party

While my eldest child turns 21 this week and is long past the years of me organising birthday parties for her and her friends, thankfully, my boys are still in that zone.

Oren will be 5 {!!} in a months time, and while Beastie’s actual birthday is three days after Christmas, we tend to make a bit of a thing out of his half-birthday as Christmas isn’t the best time of year for a birthday! With his half birthday being only a week after Oren’s birthday, it sometimes works out best to combine the two into one birthday party.

Over the years we’ve had all sorts of parties, from tea parties to spa parties, superhero parties to pool parties. One we haven’t done yet, but I am considering for this year is a Zoo party. We love the zoo, it’s such a great place for a day out, the kids absolutely love seeing all the animals and there is so much space for them to run around and have fun.

Having done a little research, and I was quite excited to find that you can actually book a party package in with the zoo – meaning everything is organised for you. For a very busy Mama that honestly sounds ideal. It can be stressful trying to co-ordinate everything required to throw a kids party. Dartmoor Zoo offer dedicated birthday party venue hire, with some absolutely fantastic packages available. I love that it not only includes zoo entry, but also food and a craft activity. Makes every Mum’s life that little bit easier!

Here are five tips to help you plan out your kids party, and ensure it is memorable and successful:

1. Choose a Theme: Selecting a theme can tie everything together and make the party more exciting for the kids. Consider the birthday child’s interests and hobbies when picking a theme. Whether it’s superheroes, princesses, animals, or a favorite movie, a theme can guide your decoration, activities, and even the cake design.
2. Plan Age-Appropriate Activities: Keep the age of the children in mind when planning activities. Younger kids might enjoy simple games like musical chairs, pin the tail on the donkey, or a treasure hunt. Older children might prefer more active games or craft activities. Be sure to have a variety of activities to keep everyone engaged and entertained.
3. Send Invitations Early: Send out invitations well in advance, ideally two to three weeks before the party. This gives parents enough time to RSVP and plan accordingly. Include all the necessary information such as date, time, location, RSVP details, and any special instructions like dress code or whether parents are invited to stay.
4. Keep Food and Drinks Simple: Kids are generally not too fussy about food, so keep the menu simple and kid-friendly. Finger foods like mini sandwiches, pizza slices, fruit skewers, and cupcakes are usually a hit. Don’t forget to consider any dietary restrictions or allergies of the guests. Keep hydrated with plenty of water and maybe a few fun, non-alcoholic drinks like fruit punch or flavored lemonades.
5. Have a Backup Plan for Bad Weather: If your party involves outdoor activities, have a backup plan in case of bad weather. This could be as simple as moving activities indoors or having some indoor games prepared. Make sure you have enough space indoors to accommodate all the guests comfortably if needed.