Want your child to have a birthday party this year – but not in your home? That’s understandable. Isn’t it nice to just walk away at the end of the party and not have to do any major clean up?
Well, lots of events spaces have realised this, of course, and it’s worked in everyone’s favour. They get the extra income and you get to enjoy the party as much as the other mums and dads there. So, what sort of events spaces are we talking about? Well, here’s a list of some of the most popular today:
Bowling alley – Most bowling alleys these days have light, coloured balls that are easy for kids to pick up. They can also supply ramps to make it easier for them to reach the pins. You’ll also find pizza and drinks at the majority of bowling alleys. All you have to do is bring the cake.
Restaurant – Many food places are happy to host children’s parties, especially the well-known fast-food franchise venues such as McDonalds, KFC, Pizza Hut etc. But some smaller, independent restaurants can often go one better and allow the kids into the kitchen for a cookery lesson from a trained chef. He or she can teach them to make their own pizza, including rolling the dough and designing toppings.
Climbing wall – Older kids will have a ball at a climbing wall. It’s also a great way to tire them out so that by the time it comes to sit down and eat they’ll be ready to do just that – sit. There are climbing walls in most major cities and big towns. Most cater for groups from eight years upwards and there are always instructors to give lessons and keep an eye on the kids.
Crafts Store – Not all children like sports, some are more artistically-minded and this is where a local craft outlet is ideal. They can spend ages being taught how to decorate a picture frame, learn how to apply decoupage to any number of objects, or even make their own tee-shirt transfers.
@mumsmakelists: “Craft and creativity is becoming a BIG thing for kids’ parties. I especially love it when the craft they make doubles up as the party favour!”
Movie house – Some cinemas will offer private screenings for birthday parties. Even those that don’t can still be great party venues – just buy a host of tickets (check for two-for-one deals on certain days). Give every kid a goody bag before they enter the cinema containing a drink, popcorn and some kind of chocolate bar so they can munch during the film.
Bounce gym – Kids from toddlers up to 10 years old love these big bounce gyms where they run about to their heart’s content, playing chase, whizzing down slides and hiding out in various make-shift rooms. Like the climbing wall, another venue that will have every child tired in no time. Most of these places serve food and drinks that appeal to children such as chicken nuggets and slush-puppy drinks.
