A good birthday programme means something completely different to a three-year-old and to a ten-year-old.
For younger children it is worth choosing a place where they can move safely and relatively freely, with a programme that is not too long or too structured. An indoor playground, a music session or a simpler creative programme can be a good choice.
School-age children often genuinely enjoy guided programmes: sports competitions, experiments, craft sessions, museum adventures or even a dance party.
So let the age group be your first filter.
2. Think about how many children you are inviting
Before you fall in love with a venue, it is worth writing down at least a rough guest list.
It makes a big difference whether you are planning a creative session for six children or a class party for twenty. Check the minimum and maximum group size of the venue, and whether parents can stay during the programme.
If several adults will be there too, consider whether there is enough room for them.
3. What is the birthday child like?
This is perhaps the most important question.
Not every child dreams of a huge indoor playground or a loud disco. Some would happily paint for hours, others would spend their entire birthday running around, and others again would rather spend the afternoon among animals.
It is worth starting from the birthday child:
loves moving → sports or adventure programme
loves making things → creative workshop
adores animals → animal programme
curious and loves experimenting → science or museum programme
loves music and dancing → music and dance programme
would happiest just play freely → indoor playground
You do not have to choose whatever is most fashionable at the moment. A good party is one the birthday child really enjoys.
4. Check exactly what the price includes
Two venues that look similarly priced at first glance can differ a great deal.
At one place the price covers only the use of the venue, while elsewhere it may already include the entertainer, the food, the drinks, the decorations or even the cake.
Before booking it is worth clarifying:
- how many hours the package covers,
- what is included in the base price,
- whether you have to pay separately for adults,
- whether you may bring your own cake, food or drinks,
- whether there is a separate room for the cake or the party,
- what extra programmes can be requested,
- whether extending the time costs more.
This makes it much easier to compare the options properly.
5. The location of the venue matters too
Even a fantastic programme can cause inconvenience if it is very hard for the guests to get there.
With a larger group, access and parking can be especially important. If many children are coming from the same nursery or school, it is worth choosing an area that is easy to reach for most families.
6. Think about the parents as well
With younger children it is common for parents to stay for the birthday party. In that case it matters whether there is somewhere for them to sit, whether they can order a coffee or a soft drink, and whether they can see the children.
A two-hour party is a completely different experience when the adults also have a comfortable place to be.
7. Have a plan B
For an outdoor birthday this is particularly important.
It is worth asking at the time of booking what happens in bad weather. Is there a covered area? Can the party be moved to another date? Is the deposit refundable?
A plan B agreed in advance can save you a great deal of worry.
It does not have to be perfect
Children usually will not recall exactly what colour the decorations were, or whether everything matched the theme you had in mind.
They will remember that they were together with their friends, that they played, laughed and celebrated.
So do not look for the "perfect" venue, but for the one that suits your child and the group best.
Among MiniParty's Party programmes you can browse by age, group size and programme type, making it easier to compare the different options.