How to plan a Child’s Party

Parties are usually a lot of fun, especially for kids! Whether it’s a birthday, holiday or graduation celebration, planning and organizing a party can seem like a daunting task for parents. There are a lot of details to think about, but fear not, we have some tips to make it easy. Keep reading for our steps on how to plan a kids party!

How to plan a children’s party

Set the date and time

When thinking about how to plan a children’s party, not only do you have to choose a date, but you also have to choose a time. There are a few things to keep in mind, however. For example, if it’s a First birthday party, consider your child’s sleep schedule. Maybe keep the party short like 1 to 2 hours. If you’re planning a party for an older child, afternoons are of course a great time of day! Depending on the activities planned, anywhere from 2 to 4 hours would be the ideal amount of time. For young people, consider an evening party. Glow in the dark parties are often a hit with this age group. You can even turn the party into a sleepover and set up beautiful tents!

When choosing the day, consider who you are inviting as well as whether there are any special occasions that may conflict with some people coming. If renting a venue, it is sometimes cheaper during the week than at the weekend. Ultimately, choose the time and day that works best for you and your family.

Choose a venue

There are so many options when it comes to choosing a venue for your children’s party. Ideas include hosting in your own home, meeting at a local park or garden, renting an indoor play place or going to a local movie theater. Consider not only the time of year, the age group, the number of guests, the activities you hope to do, your child’s interests but also your budget when brainstorming ideas. When booking a venue, make sure you give yourself time to secure the perfect date, especially for popular locations.

Choose a theme (if applicable)

Another idea to consider when thinking about how to plan a children’s party is to incorporate a party theme. Depending on the occasion, a theme can be incorporated throughout the event. From decor to food to favors, a theme can connect vision and experience. There are so many party themes to choose from but here are some ideas below:

First Birthday Themes

Themes for Girls

Themes for Men

Themes for older children

Without a doubt, a theme will add to the overall experience at any children’s party!

Write a guest list and send invitations

Once you know the day, time and theme, it’s time to work on your guest list. Depending on the occasion and the age of the children, find out if it’s a drop-off party or if parents will be invited to stay as well. It’s important to note if your guests know each other or what their personalities and interests are. This is especially important when thinking of activities to include everyone. Finally, it’s important to remember that sometimes less can be more when it comes to kids’ parties. Even a party with a few close friends can be awesome! Once the list is finalized, send invitations. This may be through regular mail, e-mail, a Facebook event, or through text. Just double check that you have everyone’s contact information before you send it.

Plan your activities

Part of planning a children’s party is to determine which activities, if any, will happen during it. What you do at a first birthday party is very different from hosting a party for older kids that might be a hiking or painting-themed party. When planning activities, first consider the amount of time you have. If you’re hosting a shorter party, maybe only 1 or 2 activities are needed. If you’re planning a sleepover party, you may want to have some activities planned to keep the kids entertained. Don’t forget to choose age-appropriate activities. Finally, if it’s a family event you’re planning, think about things the adults can participate in, too. Games of children against parents perhaps?

Plan your menu and drinks

A big part of any party is the food and drinks that are served. When planning your menu, keep in mind any dietary requirements for your guests as well as allergies. Also think about whether you will have light snacks and appetizers or serve a full meal. Second, consider how your theme might relate to your food and drink. Maybe make cute food labels that go with your theme or choose some colorful foods. Third, make a list, shop, prepare and serve!

Write a party schedule

Regardless of the size of your children’s party, it’s important to have a schedule thought out in advance. This is especially important if you have others to help keep the party on track. Furthermore, a plan will ensure that all the elements you have in mind can be executed and keep the event flowing at a good pace.

An example of a schedule is below:

1:00pm – Guests arrive. Offer a drink and say hello. Free game for kids.

1:30pm – Activities and games time begins. Activity 1 (pin the tail on the donkey)

1:45pm – Activity 2 (musical chairs)

2:00pm – Activity 3 (pinata)

2:15pm – Serve cake and snacks

2:45pm – Open presents

3:00pm – Guests return favors and depart. Thank the guests for coming.

Remember that your schedule is more than a guide and is not set in stone. Children are often unpredictable so don’t stress if you don’t follow your plan perfectly and things will come up.

Organize party favors and prizes

A great way to end a party is to give out party favors. For example, consider something small or practical and related to your theme. Add a little note thanking your guests for attending. If you are having a children’s party with games or competitions, prizes can also be a nice touch and can encourage participation. Both favors and prizes add to your children’s party but make sure they are appropriate for your guests. These guys are our go-to suppliers for favors as they sell party favors and bags for almost every occasion under the sun!

Prepare thank you cards

Once your party is over, it’s important to send thank you cards to your guests right away. At events like baby showers, assign someone to help keep track of who gave what so it’s easier to send notes later. It is appreciated when one’s gift is specifically mentioned in a thank you card because many people put a lot of thought into the gifts they give. Keep it short and sweet!

How to plan a children’s party last note

After all your planning and organizing, it’s time to enjoy the party! Children’s parties can be busy but they are also times when great memories are made with family and friends. Therefore, make sure you take lots of photos or have someone else capture these moments for you.

So now you know how to plan a kids party! We hope the tips above will make you feel more confident when planning the next children’s party in your life. At the end of the day, if the kids have a blast, that’s all that matters. Have fun too!