Parties for kids have come a long way in recent times with more options, more expense and more expectation placed on an annual event that runs approx. two-three hours. Being involved in the kids party industry for over 15 years, I’ve seen every type of party from the informal backyard gathering to a virtual carnival with everything imaginable hired.
However, a kid’s party doesn’t require an event planner or a big budget to be successful. I want to give you some sure-fire tips to get the party started and the kids having a ball.
1. Keep it traditional. Children love it when predictable elements are present, and if they are overlooked, it will not go unnoticed! Must-haves are: Food, birthday cake, and the all important Party Bag! If you have at least these three things, you have the basics of party.
2. What games to provide. There are so many options: Party games; hire an entertainer or activity or have the party somewhere that will entertain the kids for you. Rule of thumb: DON’T OVER-DO IT!
Just one or two entertainment events are more than enough. Remember, children will be commanded to eat now, cut the cake now, watch the gifts being opened now, etc etc.. When you add entertainers, activities and games, children can quickly be overwhelmed, and time whizzes by without the kids having a chance to actually play.
3. Play time: This element should be the number one party essential. Time for the kids to play, run about, laugh and talk with each other is golden. It suits children of all ages and capabilities, and -, it’s free!
4. Age-appropriate entertainment. This tip may seem like a no-brainer, however many parties result in children being bored or bewildered. For example, hiring a magician-clown for two-year olds left most of the children terrified. Another example is a bowling party for four-year olds. The kids had no interest in being competitive and after just a few bowls, the novelty had definitely worn off. And even Pass-the-Parcel can cause distress when played with children who are too young to realise they haven’t missed out, they just have to wait their turn. When you are holding a party with mixed ages and genders, there is a broad range of entertainment that appeals, such as jumping castles and balloon-twisting.
5. Try to Relax! When planning a party, plan with your child and use your instincts – you know what they will enjoy the most. On the day have a mini paper list so that you don’t forget anything, like when to put the party pies in the oven or to hand out the party bags.
And most importantly, enjoy YOURSELF too…after all -it’s a party!
All the best!
Looking for face painters Bribane for face painting Brisbane ? For the best kids parties Brisbane, contact Wowee Creations today.