Planning a kids party can be a lot of work. From budgeting and picking out activities, to providing snacks and overseeing the event, having a successful and memorable kids party requires some skill and forethought. That’s why it’s important to get the timing right—so when deciding when to plan your kid’s party, you’ll need to take into account factors like budget, convenience, and energy level before settling on the best time of day.
Factors to Consider When Planning a Kids Party
Before deciding on a specific time for your kid’s party, consider the following factors:
- Your budget. A morning or afternoon party usually costs less because entertainment costs are usually lower outside of peak times.
- Convenience for both you and your guests. Think about whether the party time works for parents who will be attending as well.
- The energy and attention span of your guests. Make sure you cater to everyone’s age range, with activities and timeframes that work for all.
- The season. If you’re planning an outdoor party, take into account the weather and the time of day.
Benefits of Holding a Kids Party in the Morning
A morning party can be a great choice for a few different reasons. For one, everyone will be well rested and full of energy, which can keep the party lively and fun. Morning parties are also often cheaper than evening events, as entertainment costs tend to be more affordable in the morning. And if you’re hoping to entertain smaller kids, having a morning party can work well since little ones usually don’t last long into the night.
Benefits of Holding a Kids Party in the Afternoon
An afternoon party offers a few different benefits as well. It tends to be more convenient for parents—after lunch but before dinner—so there’s less of a chance that they will have to miss out on the festivities. Also, an afternoon party usually has better lighting than a morning or evening event—ideal for taking pictures during the party.
Benefits of Holding a Kids Party in the Evening
When selecting an evening time for your kid’s party, there are a few perks you can enjoy. For instance, evening events generally have better entertainment options. You have more booking options when it comes to musicians, magicians, and other performers, so you can really go all out with the entertainment. Plus, older kids may be able to stay up later, which may come in handy if you’re trying to entertain an older crowd.
Tips for Planning a Successful Kids Party
When it comes to planning an unforgettable kids party, there are a few things you can do to ensure success:
- Choose your theme carefully and stick to it. Try to pick activities and decorations that fit with the theme you’ve selected instead of throwing a variety of things together.
- Keep it simple. Don’t try to squeeze too many activities into a short timeframe, as this can lead to feeling overwhelmed.
- Talk to your guests in advance. Communicating with your guests helps everyone know what to expect and what to bring. You might even find out someone has a special talent they’re willing to share at the party!
- Have an emergency plan. Life happens, and you need to be ready for anything that might come up. Have an emergency plan in place in case something unexpected happens exactly when you need it.
- Make sure everyone is happy. Make sure all guests feel involved and comfortable throughout the entirety of the event.
Ideas for Activities to Include in a Kids Party
When planning activities for your kid’s party, remember to consider your theme, who will be attending, and what age range is coming. Here are some fun activities to include in your kid’s party:
- Organize a treasure hunt with clues or scavenger hunt with items.
- Have an outdoor movie night with popcorn, candy, and blankets.
- Play costume dress up with themed items like pirate hats and superhero capes.
- Set up an ice-cream bar with various flavors and fun toppings.
- Organize some outdoor team sports like kickball or relay races.
- Host an indoor dance party with their favorite music.
- Play old-fashioned games like Capture the Flag or Hot Potato.
- Create an obstacle course outside with hula-hoops and jump ropes.
Safety Tips for Hosting a Kids Party
When planning a kids party, safety should always be your number-one priority. Here are some tips to make sure everyone is kept safe:
- If your event is outdoors, choose a venue with plenty of space for running around and playing safely.
- If the event will have water activities at or near the venue, make sure they’re closely supervised by adults.
- Confirm all food allergies with your guests before bringing any food or beverages to the event.
- Provide masks and gloves if crafts or other hands-on activities are part of the event.
- Keep all flammable items out of reach of children.
- Make sure all games are age-appropriate.
How to Keep Kids Engaged and Entertained at a Party
The key to a great kids party is keeping kids engaged and entertained throughout the event—no one wants bored kids running around! Here are some tips to keep everyone involved:
- Mix up activities throughout the event instead of sticking with one thing too long—this can keep things exciting without getting boring.
- Try unexpected activities like arts and crafts projects or different types of music or dancing.
- Give out small prizes throughout the event to keep participants motivated.
- Play some classic kid games like Pin The Tail On The Donkey or play charades with animal macros.
- Incorporate scavenger hunts or treasure hunts into the event.
- Ask engaging questions throughout the event to get people thinking and talking about fun topics.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Kids Party
To ensure that your kid’s birthday party is successful, there are some things you should avoid doing when planning it. Here are some common mistakes to look out for:
- Don’t plan too many activities. Too much structure can lead to boredom, so try to keep activities within a reasonable timeframe.
- Don’t forget about games or entertainment. Have a plan for these activities—whether it’s hosting them yourself or hiring someone else.
- Don’t skimp on snacks or drinks—make sure everyone has plenty of food and drink options throughout the event.
- Don’t forget about safety—make sure all of your guests are supervised properly before allowing them to start any games or activities.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help! If you need assistance in setting up the event or managing activities, don’t be afraid to ask friends or family members for assistance.
Planning a kid’s party doesn’t have to be stressful—as long as you take into account who will be attending, what kind of entertainment you’ll provide, and of course when the best time of day is for the event—you can throw a memorable kids party!