Birthday party

[MummyNessi]

My daughter is turning 6 a few weeks after school starts in September. We will have just moved in to the house, and know no one in the area with kids. Her class in the new school is small (15 kids) so thought we would invite all of them.
What kind of party's are normal for kids this age in uk? ( any ideas around Thames Ditton area) do parents expect to stay? How long is a party usually? Are there any venues that organise everything for you?
I'd rather not have the party at home as we will have just moved in.

Softplay, disco in a community/church hall with an entertainer, sports parties, all these work well. DD went to some swimming parties but our leisure center requires adults in the pool for under 8s.

For hall parties you have to cater food and drinks, soft play often offers packages. Some gyms do sport parties for children, they also do food packages.

Time wise - 1 1/2 to 2 hours max. Parents - it is a mix at that age. We left DD at certain venues but never softplay as she wasn't keen on them and preferred knowing that an adult is available.

Soft play. 2 hours. Yes lots of parents will expect to stay IME, not all, but a significant majority.

No recommendations but those play buses all kitted out with the soft play are quite popular venues around here.

Thank you! Soft play could be a good all in one option! Ok so I should expect a majority of parents to stay. Would you offer them cake/ drinks as well? Is it more coffe and tea or wine/ soft drinks?
I would try to book for a Sunday afternoon. Do places need to bee booked far in advance?

Some places offer a discount for party parents in their cafe, it's polite to stand a round of tea/coffee for everyone but otherwise, no need for refreshments for adults.

I would aim to book about 6-8 weeks before if you want to be sure of a particular time. Take her to some local ones and just pick the one you like or has the best package for you.

Def book early, especially on a weekend.

I always appreciated a drink but never expected it. These places normally have a non-alcohol policy :-)

At soft play parties parents don't expect any refreshment. Most parents stay as well, although on Mumsnet this is deemed helicopter parenting.

But if you want to score bonus points, a party platter or two casually popped onto the reserved party table for parents to pick at is always nice

Yep, soft play is good or some kind of activity where parents don't have to work too hard like a science show or magician in a church hall. An offering of food is good for the kids, nothing too OTT as they hardly eat it and I have found that an offering of tea or soft drink and maybe a cake or sandwhich is always a bonus for parents who are usually racing them around the get there. Kids, as much as i hate it expect a small party bag each to leave with. Keep it simple and try to get an activity where kids are amused and you and other parenets can chat is best :-)

I wouldn't go for soft play if you don't know the children as the place is likely to be very busy and you'll have no idea which children are at your party!! Try the local sports centres as they'll usually do a sports/trampoling or similar party in a small group or something more adventurous - our has go-karts sometimes or inflatable obstacle courses. They'll keep the party group together for the activity and also for the party meal. I like doing parties in halls with an entertainer or some other activities plus a few games but that may be a bit much if you don't know the children.

I've sent you a pm with a local sports club option for Thames Ditton.