how to plan a child's birthday party

Tip 1: FANCY DRESS

From Hogwarts wizards to Disney princesses, kids love to play dress up. So, why not let your little one pick the dress code for their party? Just don't forget to tell the other parents what it is!

Tip 2: SET A THEME

Themed parties are the best parties. Some ideas include a beach party (think food served in buckets and beach balls); a teddy bear's picnic (with tartan rugs and a game of teddy bear hide 'n' seek); or a camping party (you supply tents, torches and marshmallows for toasting on a supervised campfire).

Tip 3: LIMIT NUMBERS

When it comes to invitees, less is more (though that does mean less prezzies, which your kid might have something to say about). Having 20 or 30 kids can be overwhelming for the party boy or girl, so just invite a handful of their closest friends.

tip 4: SEEK HELP

If you're more of a 'sit out' parent, it's not cheating if you enlist the help of another adult! From magicians and fairies to clowns and pirates, a children's entertainer will do all the work, so you don't have to! (Note: you might want to check none of the kids are going to start bawling at the sight of a clown).

Tip 5: GO OLD SCHOOL

There's a reason why we remember playing sleeping lions, musical chairs and pass the parcel when we were young: because they were super fun! And the added bonus is that you don't need much in the way of equipment - simple!

TIP 6: GO APE!

For a guaranteed 'never-to-be-forgotten' birthday party, Go Ape! From just £18 per head, your little one and their friends get to enjoy an hour of canopy exploring, trail blazing and obstacles. If you want, you can add extras to your do such as party bags for the kids, a special t-shirt for the birthday boy or girl, or use of our forest shelter where your little one can blow out the candles. (PS. Fancy dress is not essential but strongly recommended!). 

Interested? Find out more about Go Ape birthday parties >>