How to Plan a Birthday Party for Kids Like a Pro

Did you know that hosts spend an average of 10 hours preparing for parties in the United States? 

There is a lot to do when preparing for a party, and the process can quickly become overwhelming.

If you want to plan an amazing party for your child, there are a couple of things to consider. 

Continue reading to discover all of the steps to take when planning a party for kids! 

Talk to Your Child

One of the first steps to take when planning a party for kids is to talk to your child.

Having a conversation about party planning with your child will make it easier to pick a theme and guest list that they will enjoy. Getting your child’s opinion makes the event more engaging for them, and most kids like to be involved in the process.

If you are planning a surprise party, this might be difficult. If you have the time, you can drop subtle hints that won’t give the party away. Ask simple questions when your child isn’t thinking about their birthday to get their opinions!

Select a Theme

Planning a birthday party for kids is not an easy task if you don’t know what the theme is.

Asking your child about their preferred theme or paying attention to their interests, however, can help. Depending on what your child likes, you can fit their personality into the party.

If you are looking for a fun party theme for boys, many parents are recommending camp days. You can build a fire, roast marshmallows, and even put up tents for them to sleep in overnight. 

Many parents are looking into booking a glamour party for their children because they are so unique. Companies can come out and prepare an entire scene that will make your child feel special. They often include things like tea parties, spa days, and a glam birthday party. 

Determine the Location

Deciding on where to host your children’s birthday party can be a difficult choice. 

If you are on a tight budget, it is best to have the party at your home or a family member’s house. Depending on the theme, you could also host the party at a park or beach to change the scene. Some people rent out venues for an afternoon for larger parties, so that everyone can fit. 

The location of your party will need to be identified early on in the planning. You will need to include the name of the place and address on the invite so that guests know where to go. 

Some people are hosting birthday parties at museums, planetariums, and zoos to make for an exciting day. 

Create a Guest List 

After you have figured out the location and theme, you can start focusing on the guest list.

Take time to decide on the number of people that you want to attend. This number is typically influenced by the venue and your budget. 

Start by writing out the most obvious friends and family members that will attend the party. Once you have gotten the most important people on the guest list, you can determine how much space you have left. 

Be sure to include your child’s friends and account for the parents that will also be attending. You may also need to consider if other children, like siblings, will be coming to the party. 

Set a Budget 

The worst thing you can do when planning a party is neglect to set a budget.

Setting a budget is an important step, because it is easy to overspend on parties. Take a look at your finances and determine how much money you can put towards the event without dipping into your savings account. 

Many people recommend saving money months in advance if you know that the party will be a big event. Putting aside a small amount each paycheck can make planning less stressful. Even if you don’t use all of the money saved for a party, you can put it towards something else! 

Choose a Time & Send Invites 

The venue and guest list should all be complete, now is the time to send out invitations.

Decide on an appropriate time to start the party. Most parties start in the late afternoon. Overnight parties can begin closer to the evening if you are having kids stay over. 

Once you have picked out a convenient time for you, you can create the invitations. The invitations should include the event name, time, and location. Try to send the invites out a couple of weeks in advance so that people have time to prepare. 

Figure Out Food Options 

The next thing that you will need to take care of is the food options for the party.

Have parents reach out to you if their children have any food allergies. This will make the process less stressful, and you can ensure that the children all have an option to eat. 

Pizza parties are typically a good idea because who doesn’t love pizza?! You could also consider getting tacos or a food truck for larger parties that you don’t want to cater to. 

Pick Out Games to Play 

After all of the details have been covered, you can focus on the games and activities for the party.

Pinatas, musical chairs, and scavenger hunts can be engaging for kids of all ages. If you are looking to hire entertainment, you could consider petting zoos, face painters, or even magicians. Some parents rent bounce houses for the day.

Use your creativity with this part of planning to make the party special for your child! 

Plan a Party for Kids With Ease 

When it comes to planning a party for kids, there are many factors to consider.

By utilizing this guide, you can discover the most important steps and not skip a beat. It is helpful to talk to your child while planning the party, so that you can ensure they are comfortable with the choices. This will also make their party more engaging for them.

Setting a budget will also come in handy when you go to rent a venue or order food. Don’t forget to come up with fun and exciting activities to keep the children occupied. 

Be sure to check out our blog for more articles about professional party planning and preparing for events!