Category: Plan

What Not to Do When Party Planning

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Sometimes the best way of doing something well is to learn a few things that you should avoid doing. By discovering certain practices and helpful pointers, you can make your whole party planning process a lot less stressful and you can ensure thing go as smoothly as possible.

Whether you are organising a celebration for your children’s party a party to wash away the winter blues, or an event for any other occasion; here are some things you may want to avoid.

Inviting Too Many Guests

The stresses involved on the day of your party are likely to be directly proportionate to the amount of children you invite. Whilst it’s often a good idea to invite everyone in your child’s class, to avoid anyone feeling like they have been left out, this will ultimately depend on the space you have available and the amount of other parents you have managed to rope into helping you out. If the party is going to be staged in a small room or you only have limited help available, it may be wise to restrict the number of little guests so that things are a bit more manageable on the day.

Eating too early

One of the most anticipated and important parts of any kid’s party is the food, but if you offer this up too early then you could struggle to regain order amongst the troops. Instead, it is a good idea to build up to the food and have it near the end of the event. This way if anyone spills anything down them they haven’t got to sit through the rest of the party in dirty clothes, and you won’t have to try and get them settled again before they go home to their parents.

Trying to Do Everything Yourself

Although you will be proud of the party you have planned, there is a danger that doing everything yourself will make it a much more stressful process. This is especially true on the day. After you have put in all the effort prior to the occasion, why not take some time to relax during the actual event?

Ignoring The Wishes of Your Child

It’s always a good idea to ask them their preferences for the party – maybe give them 3 or 4 suggestions to choose from so it helps with the decision making process, and then you can guarantee they are going to love whatever you plan for them. More importantly, it also means you’ve involved them in the process and it makes them feel much more like it’s their party. Try to avoid going to the other extreme though and allowing your child to have all the say, and giving them too much choice, or you may struggle to make any decisions about the party.

 

Planning the perfect party food

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Are you about to have a party for your kids special day? Are you busy, frantically planning for all eventualities? It has probably not escaped your attention, but the party menu can be a vital and often time consuming component in any children’s Birthday party.

First check for possible food allergies

Planning the food for any party can often be a challenge, as one has to always think about the dietary requirements of other kids. It’s quite possible that you will have some children with allergies or intolerances. Often the parents will have told you if this is the case but it is worth checking yourself to be sure. (maybe ask parents to mention this on your party invites)

If you do have certain allergies or dietary requirements to cater for then you may want to ensure the food for that child is on a separate plate so it makes life easier for them and also doesn’t run the risk of contamination of their food with things they can’t have e.g. for nut allergies.

Planning the party ‘menu’

Children are the most honest of guests. – If they don’t like something they won’t eat it. Some children won’t like ham, others won’t like tuna – so put on an even spread of sandwiches with a variety of fillings, so you aren’t left with some kids that don’t want to eat anything grand then go home hungry.

Trying to trick your own children into eating fruit and vegetables may be a constant battle at the best of times, but in a party scenario it could prove even harder. And it is a party after all so perhaps now isn’t the best time to worry too much about healthy eating.

Keeping the kids sweet!

There seems to be a law of balances involved at every stage of the menu planning process. On the one hand, too much sugar can turn your party into mayhem, whereas on the other, too little could make your food too boring.

Aiming at the middle is the way forward. Cake, crisps and jelly are the traditional vouch-safes; but you could also consider throwing in some chocolate-dipped fruit or fruit juice for good measure.

What to drink?

If presented with a choice, children will almost always opt for the sugariest option. Preparing drinks on a tray before-hand and distributing them as a matter of course can help deal with this issue. You could even try distributing glasses of milk, should the sugar intake be reaching dizzying levels. But to make life easier we’d suggest juice boxes as they’re nice and easy to put on the table, reduce spillages and are easy to throw away.

 

Bank Holiday ideas

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One of the top times for the family to do something together is a Bank Holiday.  Many parents are on holiday or at least a day off.  But rather than just visit the family or hit the shops, what other things could you do with the kids to make for a memorable bank holiday? Heres some children’s entertainment ideas to make it fun.

London

Madame Tussauds is one of the most famous waxworks museums in the world . Over the last 87 years, Queen Elizabeth II has had 23 wax portraits done and the museum is holding an exhibition of all of them at one including a recreation of her coronation crown and a dress made with 53,000 Swarovski crystals.

England

For a typically strange English tradition, check out the football on the river at Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds.  It involves two teams playing football knee deep in the River Windrush with hundreds of spectators lining the river banks.  The event has happened every bank holiday for the last century – though no-one really knows why!

The Newlyn Fish Festival in Cornwall is a chance to sample some of the freshest and tastiest seafood straight from the boat.  The kids will love to see the catch come in and may find a new food favourite.  There are also cooking demonstrations and workshops as well as local craft stalls, live music and even a chance to get up close to one of the sea rescue helicopters.

Mathew Street Music Festival is known as the biggest festival of its kind in Europe and is free of charge. Little known acts travel from 30 countries around the world to delight listeners as well as tribute brands from the Beatles to modern groups.

Scotland & Northern Ireland

Another free festival can be found in Edinburgh with the Festival Fringe.  This is the biggest art festival in the world with everything from comedy and dance to theatre and live music on offer.  It only runs until the beginning of September so the Bank Holiday is a perfect time to catch it.

Wales

Of all the Bank Holiday events to witness, the World Bog Snorkelling Championships in Llanwrtyd Wells is perhaps the strangest.  Competitors travel from around the world to dress up in snorkelling gear and fight their way up the muddy river to glory.  Spectators are encouraged to come in fancy dress to add to the mad nature of the day and can even have a go at the sport if they bring their gear.

Cardiff Harbour Festival and is the finale of the free Cardiff Festival that runs all summer.  Listen to sea shanties while trying the very fresh seafood on offer as well as exploring the tall ships docked in the harbour.  The British Fishcraft Championships are taking place as well as a display by the Breitling Wing Walkers, fairground rides and a fancy dress competition for the kids

Ghost hunting is a popular pastime today and Raglan Castle is a great candidate for a resident spook.  The Haunted Histories tour and takes in one of the finest late medieval fortresses in the country.  The tour is definitely aimed at the kids with stories of the past and a few scares along the way.

If you like the water and a little bit of a challenge, why not try canoeing on the River Wye?  Han-on-Wye is the starting point where canoes can be hired, even strapping two together to make a family canoe.  Then off downstream with Wales to the left and England to the right for a full day or half-day trip.  When you get to the other end, enjoy a picnic and then get a lift back to your starting point as part of the package.

 

Free family days out in London

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London offers an incredible amount of free attractions and things to do. Most museums and art galleries are free, London’s street markets are a must even if you don’t plan to do any shopping, and many London neighbourhoods are perfect for a stroll with the family.

The Natural History Museum

If you’ve got a budding Attenborough on your hands then they will love this museum! As you walk into the huge gallery you’ll be greeted by a roaring T.Rex, and there really are so many brilliant exhibitions and displays showing our natural world! Don’t miss the Darwin Centre where you can discover the wonderful world of science in action!

Science Museum

This museum is a definite hit with kids (and adults) of all ages and it’s definitely clear to see why! You’ll get to explore space and see a piece of the moon, and get your adrenaline pumping in the flight simulator. Especially created for the younger visitors, a visit to The Garden is a must and will give them the opportunity to explore light and sound, as well as water and construction.

The Tate Britain and Tate Modern

The Tate Britain in Pimlico houses a prestigious collection of British art from the 16th century to the present day. Its modern sister, the Tate Modern, is completely different with collections of 20th and 21st century art. Both galleries are extremely family friendly, and to make your visit even more fun there are apps which you can download and children’s activities to do as you make your way around.

Horniman Museum & Gardens

This family friendly fun anthropological museum is set in a 16 acre landscaped garden which you can explore, and has extensive collections of natural history as well as a magical aquarium. Other highlights include the Animal Walk where you can see alpacas, sheep, goats, rabbits and much more up close.

Grant Museum of Zoology

The Grant Museum of Zoology is a fascinating place to visit if you enjoy natural history. There are large collections of around 68,000 skeletons, mounted animals and specimens preserved in fluid which include extinct species such as the Tasmanian Tiger, the Quagga, and the Dodo.

London’s Parks

London’s green parks are the heart of the city on sunny days, locals come to their beloved parks to have a coffee in the morning or a sandwich at lunch time, to read a book, to meet friends, to fly a kite, play with the kids, picnic or just to hang out on a nice afternoon. Hyde Park, St James Park, Green Park and Regent Park are the most central of London’s parks, but there are many more on our website including Crystal Palace Park which is home to 33 Victorian dinosaurs!

 

Birthday parties for preteen lads

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Preteens have outgrown cartoon character parties, but they still want to have a good time with their friends doing something age appropriate. Options for boys are varied, depending on your son’s interests and your budget, so plan the party with him and let him make decisions as well. It will be fun for both of you and make him feel older and more included.

Camping

Put up a couple of tents in the garden and have a camping party for your son and some of his friends. Give the boys some torches, snacks, sleeping bags and pillows for an outdoor party they will love. They can tell scary stories, and tell secrets while hanging around with nature. Give them some old-fashioned fun games such as board games to play, and if you’re feeling brave light a campfire for the boys to sit and roast marshmallows around. Birthday cake can be served on a picnic table or inside the house before the boys head to the campsite

Sports Party

There are several options for a sports-themed party. Take kids to a gym or local sports centre and let them hold a basketball game. Buy cheap seats for a local sports event and let kids eat hotdogs and watch a live game. Check and see what’s available in your area for a sports-minded kid, and plan a party around that. Preteen boys with lots of energy may even enjoy indoor rock climbing or rollerblading.

Video Game Party

Get boys involved in playing some games for lots of birthday fun. Connect game systems in your living room if you have them, and let boys have an all day gaming tournament. If that isn’t possible, head to an arcade with the boys and load everyone up on pound coins. Order pizza or snacks and have birthday cake there at the arcade. If the party is at home, have every guest bring a favourite video game to share with the other partygoers.

Bowling

A bowling party is appropriate for everyone. Plan a birthday party at your local bowling alley. Many bowling alleys can rent you a table for a few hours so you can have your cake and open presents before you play the lanes. Some bowling alleys even offer arcade games so boys can play in between hitting the pins. Parents may even want to get in on the act. It’s a good activity to keep everyone moving and engaged. Offer a silly prize for the winning team.

The Roman Baths

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Plan a family visit to the Roman Baths and explore this amazing historic site in Bath, featuring the remains of one of the finest spas of the ancient world and temple ruins.

Family days out activity trails for different age groups can be collected at reception and include the Roman Baths Trail for under 7s and the Meet the Romans Trail for older children. Audio guides help bring the complex to life, available in eight languages, with one specially for children narrated by

Michael Rosen.

Costumed Roman characters are quite likely to stop and talk to visitors, giving insight into Roman Britain. You might meet a Roman lady and a slave girl, a Roman soldier and armourer, a priest, travelling merchant or two stonemasons during your day out.

Baby carriers are free to borrow and baby changing facilities are available. During organised school trips children can handle original Roman material. From 2019 the Archway Project will include a new Learning Centre.

The Roman Baths are also an amazing party venue at weekends for children aged 6-11 years with party packages including activities such as dressing up as Romans, finding hidden treasure in sand containers and exploring secret tunnels.

The Great Bath is the centre of the complex and lies below street level. From the Terrace festooned with Victorian statues of Roman emperors and governors of Britain, visitors have a wonderful view of the Great Bath.

Another feature is the Sacred Spring where mineral-rich water at a temperature of 46˚C rises each day, as it has for thousands of years. Objects were thrown into the Spring as offerings to the goddess, including thousands of Roman coins.

A Family Ticket is for two adults and up to four children. A Saver family ticket to the Roman Baths, Fashion Museum and Victoria Art Gallery is also available.

 

Free family days out

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The Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, Glasgow

Inside this gallery and museum there are many collections to inspire and educate the kids. Spread out over 22 themed galleries with over 8,000 objects, you will see fine art, natural history and world cultures. .

Library of Birmingham

This modern library, located in Centenary Square, has 10 floors with over 400,000 books just waiting to be explored, as well as a studio theatre and gardens… perfect for your little bookworms! Outside you’ll find the Amphitheatre, two outdoor terraces, children’s spaces and a panoramic viewing gallery. .

National Railway Museum, Yorkshire

With a collection of over a million objects, covering over 200 years of history, you and your family will be spoilt for choice! You’ll get to see giant halls full of engines and railway legends and kids can let off steam in the outdoor play area. You’ll also get to enjoy lively science shows, take a ride on the miniature railway or learn through the interactive exhibits! .

House of Marbles; Bovey Tracey, Devon

This working glass and games factory is open for people to visit. You can see some lass being made, or visit the games museum where you can see games from years gone by. On dry days you can also go outdoors and play skittles, chess, giant Jericho or even marbles in the Games Garden. .

Blakemere Village, Northwich, Cheshire

There are over 30 shops to be discovered here as well as plenty of activities for adults and children alike. The Barnaby’s Play Barn is a play area where the kids can let off some steam, with a separate area for the under 3s, and there are craft activities that all the family can join in.

Riverwatch Aquariums, Londonderry, Northern Ireland

If you’re little one is aquatic mad, this is the perfect day out! There are many different displays, including The Louch, a Rockpool, Deep Sea and Freshwater Environment. You’ll see aquatic animals such as starfish, lobster, crabs, eels, rays and some wonderful native species. .

Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall, Wales

Pistyll Rhaeadr is an enchanting waterfall in the Berwyn Mountains, just inside Wales. It is the highest waterfall in the UK as the water plummets 240ft from top to bottom. With many visitors returning again and again it is one of the most loved pieces of nature you could set your eyes on. It is sure to give you and your family a peaceful and tranquil day out. .

Corris Craft Centre, Machnlleth

Bring your little budding artists along to paint some pottery, dip candles, craft herbals or even make a unique bar of chocolate! For the kids there’s a small children’s play area so they can let off some steam, plus there’s a treasure hunt that they can follow around the centre. You can also see a variety of designers making their crafts in their studios! .

 

Party ideas for 2yr olds

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At the age of 2, little girls are walking, talking and steadily developing their own personalities. When planning a party for 2-year-olds, keep their interests and cognitive abilities in mind. For example, while it would be appropriate to plan a girls birthday party around her favourite Cbeebies character.
Many little girls are into princesses, so consider throwing a fun princess party for the 2-year-old girl in your life. Ask the guests to dress in princess costumes or have costumes on hand for them to change into when they arrive. You could also give each girl a tiara as she arrives at the party. Play games with a princess theme, such as Pin the Tiara on the Princess, serve a cake shaped like a princess’s tiara and screen a movie that has a princess as a main character. The little girls will enjoy feeling like they are princesses for a day.
Bouncy Castle Party
Although some people might think that little girls are delicate, they still like to play. Consider throwing a bouncy castle party for the 2-year-old in your life. Hire bouncy castles from a local party supplier. The little girls will be able to jump on the castle all afternoon and have fun being active.
Water and Sand
When you are throwing a birthday party for a 2-year-old girl in the summertime, consider planning it outdoors to take advantage of the warm weather. Purchase several children’s pools and set them up in your garden. Fill several pools with water and some with sand. Ask the party guests to dress in their bathing suits and let them play in the sand and water. Place some water toys in the pools, such as floating ducks, and some buckets and spades in the sand pools. The children can move back and forth between the water and sand to feel like they are spending a day at the beach.
Arts and Crafts
Many little girls enjoy creating things, so consider throwing an arts and crafts party for the 2-year-old girl. Plan a few arts and crafts activities that all the little girls will be able to handle. For example, pass out small terracotta pots and let the girls paint them with designs of their choice. Once the pots are dry, help them plant flowers in their pots. You could also give each little girl a T-shirt and help her decorate the shirt with paints, beads, sequins and other embellishments. Fun for all the family to enjoy.

 

How to be safe at Halloween

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Halloween is a lot of fun but beware of some dangers which will help to keep our kids safe…

Treats

Warn kids not to eat any treats before an adult has carefully examined them for evidence of tampering

Flame Resistant Costumes

When purchasing a kids halloween costume, masks, beards, and wigs, look for the label Flame Resistant. Although this label does not mean these items won’t catch fire, it does indicate the items will resist burning and should extinguish quickly once removed from the ignition source. To minimize the risk of contact with candles or other sources of ignition, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts

Costume Designs

Purchase or make costumes that are light and bright enough to be clearly visible to motorists.

For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car’s headlights. Bags or sacks should also be light colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle, and sporting goods stores.

 

  • To easily see and be seen, kids should also carry flashlights.

 

  • Costumes should be short enough to prevent children from tripping and falling.

 

  • Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes . Mother’ s high heels are not a good idea for safe walking.

 

  • Hats and scarfs should be tied securely to prevent them from slipping over children’s eyes.

 

Apply a natural mask of cosmetics rather than have a kid wear a loose-fitting mask that might restrict breathing or obscure vision. If a mask is used, however, make sure it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough to allow full vision.

Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be of soft and flexible material.

Pedestrian Safety

Young children should always be accompanied by an adult or an older, responsible child. All children should WALK, not run from house to house and use the pavement if available, rather than walk in the street. Children should be cautioned against running out from between parked cars, or across lawns and yards where ornaments, furniture, or clotheslines present dangers.

Choosing Safe Houses

Children should go only to homes where the residents are known and have outside lights on as a sign of welcome.

Children should not enter homes or apartments unless they are accompanied by an adult.

People expecting trick-or-treaters should remove anything that could be an obstacle from lawns, steps and porches. Candlelit jack-o’-lanterns should be kept away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame. Indoor jack-o’-lanterns should be kept away from curtains, decorations, and other furnishings that could be ignited.

That being said, keep safe and have fun!!!

 

Halloween Party Games

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These halloween games have become very traditional over years, but if you are stuck for fun ideas for the kids and all the family to play, then here are some ideas..

Apple Bobbing

A large bowl of water is placed on the floor (a baby bath is ideal for this if you have one). Without using their hands, they have to try and lift an apple out of the water using their teeth. Children can wear aprons if you have them and spread plenty of newspaper over the floor as this can get quite messy!

Dangling Doughnuts

Tie some doughnuts with holes in the centre using a length of elastic or string and hang them from a pole in a row. Without using their hands AND without licking their lips, the kids must munch through their doughnut. The first to eat the whole doughnut is the winner.

Watch out – this game can get quite messy!

Witches’ Cauldron

Fill a bowl or ‘cauldron’ with items that represent different body parts. Put things like peeled grapes in the box and pretend they are feeling eyeballs, linked sausages for intestines, cauliflower for brains, a balloon filled with water for a heart, liquorice laces for veins or jelly for liver.

Get the kids to sit blindfolded in a circle and take it in turns to pull out each item and guess what it is.

Pumpkin Lanterns

To create a true kids Halloween atmosphere you really need a pumpkin lantern, put it near a window or outside your front door or have it as centerpiece on your table. They are easy to make and pumpkins are cheap and plentiful at this time of year.

Mummy Wrap

Take your party and divide them into partners. You will need a lot of toilet paper. One person will be the mummy, and the other will be the wrapper. The object of the game is for the wrapper to cover toilet paper around his or her mummy, including their arms which are held out. The winner is the first person to be wrapped like a mummy in toilet paper.