How to Host a Successful Kids Party
How to Host a Successful Kids Party
I’m all about no fuss, no mess, easy and cheap kids birthday parties. I’ve done parties in the back yard, parties in the park and sleep overs, all really great fun….but a lot of hard work! This year when Mr 4 turns into a Mr 5 we are planning a pool party with Bundaberg Swimming Academy. I’m looking forward to just turning up and letting the kids splash about in the water park.
As a child, something I looked forward to was attending my friends’ birthday parties. I just didn’t realise how much organising was involved! This year I want no stress and no clean up!
Here are my top tips for hosting a successful kids party, from themes and games, food, presents and goody bags….I’ve got it all covered!
Help your child think of a theme
Plan the activities and games around that theme. Make or buy invitations and decorations to match the theme. Make sure your child is involved in selecting activities but keep some things a surprise so they can enjoy the excitement of the day too. The unknown leads to anticipation and suspense. All of the kids will be so excited before the party date even comes! Great children’s party themes include:- Dress Ups – superheros, tv characters, sports stars, choose a letter of the alphabet (A = Apple, Aladdin, Angel, Alien etc). Other theme ideas could be Magic, Toy Story, Peppa Pig, Trucks, Fairies, Lego, La La Loopsy, Clowns, Circus or Carnival, Dinosaurs, Jungle Animals, Sport (soccer, football, basketball), Pool Party, Pirates, PJs, Hawaiian, Australiana, Sombrero, Beach Party, Alice in Wonderland, Masquerade, Hollywood, Country and Western.
Hiring an Entertainer
If you are looking at hiring an entertainer for your child’s party, book early! Face painters, clowns and jumping castles book out very quickly so as soon as you set the date, start making the bookings.
Invitations
Invitations should be very clear detailing start and end times (two to three hours at the most) and what the child needs to bring. (Parties at the water will require a swimmers, towel, sunscreen and hat for example). Follow-up after the invitations are sent. Again, depending on the age of the children, parents may never see the invitation. A phone call, email or a quick text to the parents just to make sure they saw the invite will be fine. Make sure you note on your invitations weather siblings are welcome to attend and if it’s expected that parents remain at the party.
Fun games and activities
Games are the backbone to a good party turning into a great party. There are countless websites with suggestions for great party game ideas. One game that can suit most age groups are treasure hunts. They can be done anywhere and for any age level. You can play indoors or out, in a pool or at the beach. You can fit this into pretty much any theme too. Other party game ideas include:- Freeze, musical cushions, pin the tail on the donkey/clown (change to suit your theme), Balloon pass (like pass the parcel but put a small prize inside a balloon, pop the balloon when you get it), jelly eating competition, hot potato, sack races, tug of war, dancing competition, kids charades or pictionary, duck duck goose, water balloons or pistols, slip n slide, thong throw, donut eating competition (hang from clothes line and keep hands behind back).
Food
Ask your child what food they would like at their party. Select food that’s easy to prepare and serve and doesn’t make too much mess. Have a platter of fruit and vegetables prepared as finger food. Club sandwiches, home-made or store-bought sausage rolls and mini quiches are great filling foods and easy for little hands to hold. Have some fun foods too like Jelly boats, Nutella fairy bread, or themed cupcakes. Make sure you ask about any dietary requirements on your invitations and cater for everyone.
On the Day
- Once all the guests have arrived explain what will happen during the party. Kids like to know when things will be happening. Explain when games will be played, when food will be served, when the cake will be cut and when presents will be opened. Make sure you allow plenty of time for free-play too.
- When opening the presents be sure you record who gave what so you can send them a personalised thank you note or message following the party.
Goody Bags
If you are giving out goody bags make sure there is enough for every child and think about siblings not invited to the party too. Goody bags don’t have to be filled with lollies, chocolates or toys. Great goody bag ideas include: crayons and pencils, play dough, water balloons, small instruments, juggling balls, lip balm, homemade cookies, dress up masks, popcorn, stickers, necklaces, mini notebooks and stationary.
A successful party will be talked about for years to come. We had parties like this for our birthdays, Mum never put a lot of money into them, but we always had a great time.
Bundaberg Swimming Academy water park and pools are available for children’s birthday partiies The water park caters for children 10 years and under and is a favourite for many families. To book a Pool Party contact BSA.
Are you planning a birthday party for your Wide Bay Kids? What tips can you share? Comment below.