Planning your child’s party should be a fun and exciting time, however very often it becomes stressful and time consuming. We have put together 5 ideas for children’s birthday parties.

1. Rushden Lake 360 Soft Play Party

Soft play parties are a lifesaver for parents looking for a low-maintenance, enjoyable party. The kids get two hours to play, with a reserved area for your party where you can relax and watch the fun. Midway, food is served (with options to accommodate any allergies).

• Budget: Cost is per child, covering both the venue and food. Don’t forget to factor in the cake, party bags, and any decorations you might want.
• Number Of Guests: This depends on your budget and the space available.
• Venue Responsibilities: The venue takes care of the party’s timing and food.
• Parent Responsibilities: Cake (remember, allergies!), party bags, and any décor.
• Our Thoughts: This is an easy, relaxed option for the host as they can sit back and watch the children play whilst the venue takes care of the hard work.
• Venue/Contact Info:
  https://360play.co.uk/parties/ https://www.instagram.com/360playrushdenlakes/

2. Dance With Bowie

If your child loves to groove, a professional dance-led party might be just what you need! It’s a fantastic way to entertain a large group, as the dance leader will guide everyone through fun games and activities. You’ll need to book a venue like a community hall or village hall to accommodate everyone or additionally they will come to your house.

• Budget: Main costs are Bowie (Dance instructor) and venue. Don’t forget to factor in the cake, party bags, and any decorations you might want.
• Number Of Guests: This is dependent on your venue
• Venue Responsibilities: The venue should state what is available to you, ie. kitchen facilities, how long you have access to the space.
• Parent Responsibilities: Cake (remember, allergies!), party bags, and any décor.
• Our Thoughts: This is a fun, energetic party and you can guarantee that the adults will be dancing along with the children.
• Venue/Contact Info: https://www.instagram.com/ldwbowie/?hl=en

Pro Tip: This option takes a bit more effort in the planning department, but the entertainment is covered, leaving you time to enjoy the party.

3. Captain Fantastic UV Disco Party

For something truly unique, how about a glow-in-the-dark party? Think rave meets kid-friendly fun. Captain Fantastic will bring the disco vibes, complete with bubbles and plenty of glow sticks. You can even add glow-in-the-dark tattoos or face paint for a bit of extra sparkle.

• Budget: The main cost is for the venue and for Captain Fantastic. Don’t forget to factor in the cake, party bags, and any decorations you might want.
• Number Of Guests: This is all about the space. Choose a venue that’s big enough for all those glowing kids!
• Venue Responsibilities: The venue should state what is included, ie. kitchen facilities and what time you are able to be in to set up.
• Parent Responsibilities: Cake (remember, allergies!), party bags, and any décor.
• Our Thoughts: This is all about planning and prep but once the party has started then Captain Fantastic will lead the fun and games, leaving you time to chat.
• Venue/Contact Info: https://captain-fantastic.co.uk/parties/uv-glow-discos/

Pro Tip: This one’s perfect for older kids who love a bit of sparkle and energy.

4. West Lodge Farm Party

If you’ve got animal lovers, a farm party could be a great choice. At Westlodge Farm, kids can explore, feed the animals, ride on tractors, and enjoy outdoor play areas. After their farmyard adventures, they can chill out in the soft play area before enjoying a meal in a party room.

• Budget: The price per head includes the venue, food, and entertainment. You will need to organise a cake – remembering allergies and party bags.
• Number Of Guests: This will depend on your budget and the size of your group.
• Venue Responsibilities: The venue takes care of the party’s timing and food.
• Parent Responsibilities: Cake (remember, allergies!), party bags, and any décor.
• Our Thoughts: The adults have as much fun as the children. Everyone gets to feed the animals and then adults have a rest whilst the children play in the soft play.
• Venue/Contact Info: https://westlodgeruralcentre.co.uk/parties/
  https://www.instagram.com/westlodgefarmpark/

Pro Tip: If you want a party where everyone—kids and adults—have fun, this is the way to go.

5. Gymnastics Party – Corby Gymnastics Academy

Gymnastics parties are a hit with kids who love to jump, tumble, and slide! At Corby Gymnastics Academy, the kids get free reign of the gymnasium with soft play, equipment, and inflatable slides. The venue and entertainment are all taken care of, leaving you to focus on having fun.

• Budget: There’s a set cost for 20 children, with an additional £10 charge per head for extra guests. Remember to account for food, cake, and party bags.
• Number Of Guests: Ideal for up to 20 kids (or more if you don’t mind the additional cost).
• Venue Responsibilities: The venue takes care of the entertainment.
• Parent Responsibilities: Party food, cake (remember, allergies!), party bags, and any décor.
• Our Thoughts: This takes a little bit of planning and prep but everyone can have fun in the gym. The adults need to remember to let the children have a turn too!
• Venue/Contact Info:
  https://www.corbygymnastics.co.uk/birthday-parties
  https://www.instagram.com/corbygymnasticsacademy/

Pro Tip: If you’re after a more active, adventure-filled party, this is a winner.

Final Thoughts on Children’s Parties

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to children’s parties, but what’s important is that your child enjoys their special day. Remember to keep your budget and time in mind, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and family. Whether you decide on a relaxed soft play day or an energetic glow-in-the-dark bash, the goal is to make lasting memories without stressing yourself out.

Most importantly, take a step back and soak in the fun—after all, this day is about celebrating your child and their friends. You’ve got this!