Things you like and dislike at kids parties

I took my reception aged child to a party the other day where they had an Elsa entertainer - honestly, the only kid interested in her was the birthday child. The boys particularly are so boisterous, they just want to chase balloons and jump on the bouncy castle and tussle on the floor. Soft play parties hurt my soul, but they’re by far the best kind of party for this age group, or trampolining; otherwise the vast majority of kids will get bored.

DD is tiny but fearless and often gets knocked about by older or bigger kids and has a habit of throwing herself on/down equipment which is likely to end in injury! Plus I am autistic and find the noise really overwhelming. We've only been to exclusive hire parties (and we're doing the same) but there will inevitably be older cousins etc of the birthday kid.

I worry that family function room type parties will be full of relatives, and that it'll feel a bit awkward if not many from school turn up. I attended a one where there really wasn't much to do, just this big sparse hall, and it was mainly family, and I felt a bit like an "outsider." I tend to now avoid those kind unless they are children my dcs play with alot.

The soft play parties are guaranteed entertainment for the kids and larger less intimate venues, always a little cafe to get a drink as well. These days we tend to do houses with the dcs close friends. I'm please those full class parties are behind us.

Personally, I like bouncy castles and I went to one that had a Dj who played music, but also mc-ed them through all the party games. Soft play also worked really well at this age.

I grimace at actual entertainers though. They aren’t interesting enough to deliver a lecture that keeps them entertained for 90 minutes. I’ve been to a couple parties with an actual entertainer and half the kids were just hiding behind their parents the whole time because she was so loud and over the top in your face. It didn’t really get anyone engaging and it didn’t let them just play with their friends.

Tea and coffee for parents (or a cafe to buy it). Keep the food simple. Parents don’t want to eat. You don’t need 16 types of sandwiches. Some cocktail sausages, crisps, party rings, some fruit, cake. The party bags are the most exciting bit. They love party bags, so put some fun thought into them.

Since when are soft play parties exhausting?

What's exhausting about them?

Like- an entertainer who engages all
the kids not just the birthday child.

drinks for the parents

food that is a mixture for kids and covered with tongs utensils to take

Soft play parties are exhausting, but so are all small kids parties. Village hall is the worst. No real structure, concerns they can escape the venue... my DD is 4 in the Spring and has only ever been to soft play parties and is having one herself.

I have also got an ice cream van to turn up at a few parties which was a massive hit and not actually very expensive

Normally the characters will also play some games and entertain the kids. You need some sort of structure so it doesn’t feel like a free for all

I always provide food for the adults as well- just a tray of sandwiches or something. Put chairs out round the outside of the hall so parents can sit and have a chat.

I like the soft play ones really as a parent I know my daughter will have the most fun at these. She definitely doesn’t have the attention span for games or entertainment like characters. She’s also in a nursery pre-school class. Sports hall parties with more space than a village hall also are fun for her, with a bouncy castle and other activities like scooters and a football net. I think for the age group timing is important, parties can’t be too long or they get tired and stroppy before happy birthday has been sung. 1.5hrs has been ideal, starting at 11.30 with food at 12.30 and kicked out around 1.

Dislike: Elaborate facepainters that take ages ler child.
A lot of the stuff in party bags
Elaborate birthday cakes that the child blows out the candles on

Like: A cupcake in a box as they leVe, preferably without a pile of icing.

Agree the one bouncy castle for 30 kids is the worst. I am not a relaxed mother so not an option to ignore and hope for the best. Much prefer someone else (entertainer) taking responsibility.

My DS had a magician at his 4th birthday party who was great and kept the kids’ focus by asking for volunteers and making balloon sculptures and things.

My DS would get bored at parties with just an entertainer or a longer activity.

I absolutely hated the free-form bouncy castle, no structure, village hall parties.

having an entertainer that gives the parties structure are ideal, in my opinion.