Children’s Birthday Party Ideas in Cornwall
It’s a special occasion filled with excitement and enchantment - a cherished celebration dreamt about long before it arrives. Yes, it’s birthday party time!
Depending on your viewpoint you may delight in or dread the prospect of being chief party organiser, yet with a little smooth planning your child will be blessed with a happy, memorable day.
To resolve some of the most commonly asked party questions, Primary Times has answered some of them here...
When is the best time to start arranging a child’s party?
Aim to book the party venue, party attraction or entertainer at least 4 to 6 weeks before your child’s birthday - or even earlier if possible as the best entertainment always gets booked up quickly.
It’s time to sort out the guest list. Is it best to invite a few close friends or the whole class?
With your child, discuss the guest list. They may wish to invite the whole class or to avoid an exhaustive guest list, why not limit the numbers and let your child choose just a few select friends instead? Distribute the invitations with your child at school at least three weeks before the party or sooner if the party falls within a school holiday.
What sort of food should I supply at the party?
When it comes to children’s parties it may be best to err on the side of caution and supply the much loved tried and tested favourites rather than a platter of experimental cuisine. Variety can always be mixed with the staple party food to provide a feast of delicious edible items such as cheese and ham sandwiches, mini pizza slices, simple salads, falafels, tortilla chips, chicken nuggets, cheese and pineapple on sticks, sausages on sticks, twiglets and nachos. It will help to serve the sweet items once the savoury items have been consumed to help the guests resist the cakes before tucking into a sandwich or two. Sweet ideas include cupcakes, rice crispy cakes, jam tarts, flapjacks and chocolate biscuits!
Is it worth booking a children’s entertainer?
Absolutely! Children’s entertainers have an enormous talent at captivating the full attention of the audience - it’s almost as though they have cast a magical spell on them! Of course, this makes life very easy for mum and dad who can simply concentrate on preparing the food or washing up! It is this reason that many parents think children’s entertainers are worth every penny. Comical clowns, mystical magicians and hilarious puppeteers can really add that extra touch of sparkle to any party.
What venues offer children’s parties?
Luckily there are a large number of venues and attractions that offer children’s parties. From local theme parks, to outdoor adventure centres, to leisure centres, to swimming pools, community centres, sports halls, zoos or animal centres, indoor play zones, pony centres, castles and stately homes, child-friendly restaurants and ceramic cafes - to name but a few. The choice is yours!
What are the most popular types of party?
Activity parties: Many local sport and leisure centres and sporting clubs provide attractive party packages for active children, allowing them to be energetic and have fun with friends. For the more adrenalin-filled youngster, some outdoor adventure centres offer adventure-style parties to include an activity such as sailing, climbing or kayaking.
Parties at local attractions: This is a wonderful option for very busy parties who are short on time to arrange a party and everything is done for you. Many attractions provide an all-in package including invitations, catering; the cake and party bags. And the children will be quite content in the company of friends running riot in the ball pools, zooming down the drop slides at an Adventure Park, or getting close to nature at an animal park or zoo.
Creative parties: A surprisingly relaxing option is an art and craft style party. Children remain contently calm as they spend an hour or two painting and creating artistic pieces - either at home or at a local studio. ‘Paint Your Own Pottery’ has become especially popular as a child’s party option, as are art and craft parties where children create mini masterpieces to take home with them.
Parties on or in the water: Children love to have a splash around with their friends so swimming parties will always remain a firm favourite with youngsters. Find out if your local swimming pool provides a lifeguard and if it adheres to a strict child-to-adult helper ratio. Providing a novel alternative, other popular water or beach-based parties include surfing, canoeing and diving.
Party at home: If you are feeling brave enough a party in the confines of your own home will labour intensive than but it will be easier on the budget. You can always spruce up a home party by inviting a professional face painter, or let the guests sample some beauty treats. Alternatively, if it will fit in your garden, a Bouncy Castle or other children’s inflatable toys will certainly entertain the children.
What should I put in the party bags?
Children love receiving the party bag treat at the end of a party – the question is – what should it contain? To start, it will help to put a cap on the budget as multiplying the cost of one simple party bag by 30 will certainly push the overall price up.
Many retailers sell a wide range of miniature gifts and items and some party venues offer them as part of the party package giving parents one less thing to worry about. Alternatively if you are short on time, you may wish to buy one larger item such as a book or colouring set to give away. During a creative party, children often make or paint something such as a ceramic piece which can substitute the party bag.
Ideas for party bags
A small pack of pens or crayons, A box of raisins or a bag of sweets or a small chocolate bar, Hair accessories or jewellery, A pack of playing cards, Pencil sharpeners, novelty erasers, stickers or badges, A couple of balloons, A small cuddly toy, Yo-yo, A bag of marbles, A small puzzle or game, A pot of bubbles
Remember: you may wish to make up some extra party bags to accommodate young siblings of party guests.
When is the best time to hold a child's party?
If you would like plenty of time to prepare, aim for an afternoon party. Most parties follow the format of an hour’s play followed by food, although you may to adapt this format if you decide on a lunchtime party. Most parties usually last no longer than 1 ½ to 2 hours, as they are often exhausting!
What can I do if I haven’t had many party confirmations?
If the RSVP’s are in short supply, politely remind the other parents of the party date when you see them in the playground at the end of the school day. Alternatively if your child’s birthday is during the school holidays you may wish to send out the birthday invites extra early and request a date for replies. Most parents have such busy lifestyles they genuinely forget to reply to a RSVP so always cater for more party guests just in case.
Should I ask the other parents to stay?
This is very much dependent on the child’s age. Parents should want to stay if the children are very young or who are very shy. If you think you’ll require extra help on the day to supervise, ask a few family members or friends in advance for the support. Or ask the other parents to stay on the invites.
For more details of birthday party ideas, party venues and children’s party entertainers closer to you take a look here....
The Bay Hotel and Esplanade in Newquay is well equipped and experienced in hosting children's parties for kids of all ages. The spacious ballroom is an ideal space for a party and with excellent catering options you can't go wrong! Children’s parties cost just £7.95 per child (minimum 10 children) and include two hours exclusive hire of the party room, choice of hot or cold food, use of indoor soft-play and outdoor pirate ship adventure play area, with disco lights and music equipment available for dancing or party games. Birthday cakes and party bags are also available. Tel: 01637 873333 Web: http://www.newquay-hotels.co.uk/the-esplanade-hotel/family/kids-parties.html
Newquay Zoo Celebrate a special occasion at Cornwall’s biggest zoo! Newquay Zoo gets you even closer to an amazing array of species than anywhere else – and now you can celebrate a special occasion in style in one of Cornwall’s most unique locations. Whether it is a birthday party, christening party or anniversary, Newquay Zoo has all the ingredients to make your party an unforgettable experience! Little ones can choose a Little Monkey’s birthday party and a Jungle birthday party is a perfect way for bigger kids to celebrate their special day. You may even see baby animals! For more information on events, experiences, birthday parties and how you can spend a fantastic fun filled day at Newquay Zoo visit the official website. Tel: 01637 873342 Web: www.newquayzoo.org.uk
Outdoor Laser Tag at Big Dunk’s near Wadebridge is great fun for parties all year round using 100% eye safe digital technology, any age can play but some under 8's may need adult help. They also provide camouflage overalls, a hat and face paint. Your party will be accompanied by a marshall who will help organise the games. For the over 12's there are paintball parties and night missions for adults only. Tel: 01840 211 460 Web: www.lasercornwall.co.uk
Raze the Roof indoor play and party world has three warm, themed party rooms namely a Ball pool room, a Circus room and a Disco room that are all beautifully decorated. There is a party room to suit all tastes and it’s great for the party guests to have their own space complete with the party child’s name on the door. After the party guests can stay and play as long as they like. There are also party options to suit all tastes from Shoot Football, Laser and a Mega Play frame party. The icing on the cake has to be free adult entry, plus the complementary drinks and a free return gift – just let Raze the Roof add the fairy dust. Tel: 01326 377481 Web: www.razetheroof.co.uk
The Party People provide the complete party package. Guests arrive to a junior disco and are then captivated by a magic show specifically tailored to the age of the children present. There is a display of balloon modelling, face painting and the party People also supply all the prizes for the magical assistants and competition winners. Young guests will be thrilled to meet 'The Funny Bunny' for party dance fun. Older children (aged 8 years and over) can enjoy karaoke and fun party challenges. Tel: 01208 851733 Web: www.thepartypeoplecornwall.com
Paradise Park party packages use four themed party rooms (each with the birthday child’s name displayed on the door) and include fun and healthy party food, free printed invitations, a free place setting gift and of course entry to Paradise Park including unlimited play in the funtastic JungleBarn indoor play zone. And when the sun is shining try some outdoor adventure play in Paradise Island. You also receive free entry into Paradise Park during normal opening hours. One adult is admitted free per five children, and there is a discounted price for any other adults attending the birthday parties. Tel: 01736 758721 Web: www.paradisepark.org.uk
Mark’s Ark Wildlife Encounters BBC’s, Steve Backshall’s “Deadly 60” wildlife series has enthralled and entertained children of all ages. Seeing spiders and creepy crawlies on television is one thing but to see them in the flesh, is quite another. Mark, presenter of Mark’s Ark Wildlife Encounters said “Experiencing a giant spider, scorpion or reptile at very close quarters is an opportunity your party guests will not forget and that includes the adults too!” With Mark’s Ark Wildlife Encounters children can see some fantastic animals in a very safe and controlled manner, presented in a very entertaining, fun, fact-filled show. Early booking is essential. Tel: 01736 333293 Web: www.marks-ark.co.uk
Woodlands Leisure Parks have not increased their prices of birthday parties for 2012! This large family theme park is holding its birthday party rates despite rising costs. Woodlands Director Pat Bendall is determined that children can still enjoy a fabulous birthday party without paying more. “95% of our mums tell us Woodlands Parties are excellent value” Pat said “We won’t let families down by increasing prices nor will we cut the quality of the food or the choice of 6 menus. There will still be a birthday present and two adults will come in free, we couldn’t allow a child to be disappointed because Woodlands parties are more expensive this year”. Besides 90 acres of attractions, rides and Zoo Farm, entertainers perform everyday of the school holidays plus visits from Peppa Pig and other TV Characters. Big events like Easter and the Spooktacular Halloween week are free. “Which should make even more children happy” Pat said Tel: 01803 712598 Web: www.woodlandspark.com
Karlas Parties Sit and relax while Karla and her friends entertain your children, giving them a magical and action packed party to remember. The parties are 2 hours long and carefully planned to suit the children attending. At the parties, children dance, sing, and play loads of fun, active games; plus they get messy with the arts and crafts, play with the parachute, and have a great time with balloons and bubbles. The children can (for an extra charge) have their faces painted and have a truly fantastic time. Tel: Karla on 07545 756765 Web: www.karlasparties.co.uk
Pots U Paint is a great party activity for girls and boys of any age from 0 to 99! Pots U Paint run a mobile service throughout Cornwall and stock a wide range of items from pirates, dinosaurs and princess trinket boxes to mugs and plates. Pots U Paint provides everything that is needed to keep the children busy – without creating lots of mess! The glazed and fired items are returned in 7 Days. All you have to do is make the party tea. Pots U Paint also offer baby hand print plates, hen parties, and well-being workshops. Tel: Heather on 07716 285175 Web: www.potsupaint.co.uk
Monkey Music loves to party! Especially with other little monkey friends who join him singing, dancing, and playing musical party games. Monkey’s parties are great fun for children and babies of all ages. Each party is individually tailored to suit each separate occasion and always includes the birthday child’s favourite Monkey Music songs.Your Monkey Music teacher will make sure that everyone has a really special day to remember. Monkey Parties work really well for a mixed age group of children. Tel: 01872 276766 Web: www.monkeymusic.co.uk/area/truro
Ocean Bowl in Falmouth is Cornwall's largest Tenpin Bowling Centre catering for people of all ages. There are 12 lanes of computerised scoring, a host of the latest video games and pool tables. Ocean Bowl serve food all day every day in their large licensed Bar, Diner and Restaurant. They host children’s parties which include the bowling, food and drinks. They also offer teenage and adult bowling parties too. Ocean Bowl is open 7 days a week for your complete family entertainment. Tel: 01326 313130 Web: www.oceanbowl.co.uk
South West Lakes Stithians Lake near Redruth, Siblyback Lake near Liskeard, Tamar Lakes near Bude and Roadford Lake near Launceston offer ideal venues for birthday parties. Kids can enjoy their birthday while splashing around on the water or trying something new such as archery, climbing and other land based activities. Birthday parties can also be catered for in the cafés. There are BBQ and picnic facilities, children’s play areas, changing facilities and showers available to use afterwards Tel: 01566 771930 Web: www.swlakestrust.org.uk
Molly Music Stuck for birthday party ideas? Then let Molly Music bring its unique combination of laughter, play, music and fun to make it a really special birthday! Molly Music can provide a structure of activities using music, dancing, singing and action songs to keep your young guests fully entertained. Bubble-time fun and parachute play (space permitting) can also be incorporated. Molly Music is even happy to include traditional party games to add more variety – and to keep little ones busy! Molly Music uses a choice of high quality musical instruments to suit age groups together with exciting props to capture their attention. Tel: 07775 446 254 Email: helen@mollymusic.co.uk
Jules Singer Entertainer can offer a different variety of children’s parties that include magic, a party disco, fun games and plenty of enjoyment for all ages. All entertainers are CRB checked. Tel: 01637 830989
The Dance Factory Tiddlywinks (otherwise known as Karen Lane) has an experienced background in the entertainment industry for over 26 years. She offers parties filled with a mix of the latest pop chart songs and fun filled high energy party games and dances. Karen leads the way with the latest dance routines as she is a fully qualified dance teacher with her own school. Karen is also an accomplished face painting and glitter art artist. All parties last for 2 hours and include consolation sweets and prizes provided for the games. All children receive a small gift at the end on the party. Karen is fully CRB checked. Tel: 01726 71766 Web: www.thedancefactory.tv
Harry Kazzam is one of the top children’s entertainers in Cornwall, offering a fantastic party experience including games, music, dancing, prizes, balloon hats and party bags. You provide children and food – Harry Kazzam does the rest! Harry Kazzam’s Magic & Fun show encourages audience participation is very visual and suitable for children of all ages - adults enjoy the show too! Harry’s “glamorous assistant” is an ostrich named Gloria who also joins the fun. He has performed in many schools, nurseries, made in excess of five hundred appearances at Flambards, and has regularly worked for Cornwall County Council, The National Trust, Police, Fire, Military Services; and numerous holiday camps. And of course many hundreds of Birthday Parties.
Birthdays, weddings, christenings, schools, clubs, fetes, fundraisers, holiday camps, hotels or any situation where a good entertainer is required.
Harry Kazzam’s Magic & Fun Show is available anywhere in Cornwall, into Devon and further afield when he is available. Tel: 07760 335691 Web: www.harrykazzam.co.uk
Brushstrokes Face Painting and Body Art Booking Jenny at Brushstrokes Face Painting and Body Art will leave families remembering their experience for all the right reasons, and is the complete professional service to delight children and adults for any event. Face painting, glitter tattoos, gestational belly painting, and Henna are all wonderfully visually creative ways to add colour to your promotional, community or private event. Jenny creates unique designs using the children’s imagination and her many years of experience as a guide. For your reassurance, Jenny is PLI Insured and ECRB checked, and her professional kit contains EC and FDA approved paints and cosmetic glitters. Tel: 01872 222941 or 07786 143608 Web: www.brushstrokesfacepaint.com
Country Skittles in Townshend, near Hayle, is an excellent choice for your kid’s birthday party. There is an excellent birthday package available each afternoon that is suitable for younger children. The package includes a session of bowling in the skittle alleys, a choice of main course (including the ever-popular beef or chicken burgers and chips), a delicious ice-cream, a soft drink, and a choice of crazy golf or chance to try your skills in the shooting gallery (the shooting option is height-restricted and subject to availability.) All this costs just £9.50 per head providing excellent value for money, and there is no limitation on the minimum number of party guests! Tel: 01736 850209 Web: www.countryskittles.com
It’s a Wrap Cornwall Personalised chocolate wrappers and other products can make your child’s party extra special. It’s a Wrap sell chocolate bars, party poppers, bubbles, other confectionery products and pre-filled party bags all of which can have your own message added. You can use It’s a Wrap’s designs or provide them with your own photo or artwork and they will incorporate this into the design to make it unique for your child. Also new for 2012 are candy buffets and sweet trees. Tel: 07727 630552 Web: www.itsawrapcornwall.co.uk
Play Zone Kids can run riot at the Play Zone as there are masses of safe indoor play areas with endless things to do! Play Zone caters for all ages, boasting 3 different soft play areas, an indoor laser tag arena and a licensed bar so you can be sure that there is something for everyone. Enjoy the convenience of free Wi-Fi and parking, extensive seating areas and a café serving hot and cold food and drinks all day. Admission rates cover an unlimited amount of playtime from 10am until 7pm. Tel: 01736 799499 Web: www.play-zone.co.uk
Wheal Martyn Children can let off steam at Wheal Martyn! There are 26 acres to explore, a fantastic children’s challenge trail and play area plus a chance to see monstrous mining machines at work. You may also wish to try your luck against the local tug-o-war team in the Discovery Centre! The café provides children’s buffets, snack boxes or hot lunches as well as delicious ice cream. Activity sheets are available and if you would like to run your own party games there is a room available for hire. Tel: 01726 850362 Web: www.wheal-martyn.com
Crealy Great Adventure Park Treat your child to a day out at Cornwall’s Crealy with a birthday party in the Medieval Banquette Party Room. Enjoy the adventure park before your meal and meet in the Dragon’s Kingdom for your party. Continue to enjoy the park after your party meal with a queue jumping Fast Track ride voucher for the birthday group and a free pony ride or Water Walkerz Rrde for the birthday boy or girl. Party guests can also enjoy a special visit from Swampy the Eco Swamp Monster. Optional extra's include party bags, birthday cake and discounted pony rides. Tel: 01841 540 276 Web: www.crealy.co.uk
Blue Reef Aquarium birthdays are great fun whatever your age. Celebrate your big day with weird and wonderful creatures like sharks and seahorses as well as clownfish, angelfish, giant crabs and lobsters! An undersea safari guide will lead you on a fascinating tour of the aquarium where you'll be surrounded by hundreds of amazing aquatic creatures. There are three great themes to choose from: Pirates, Sharks and Mermaid Princesses. Whichever one you choose it will include a specially-themed Guided Tour and Rock Pool encounter followed by birthday tea and a take home bag for every child. Tel: 01637 878134 Web: www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk
One2eleven Play Birthday parties at One2eleven Indoor Play are ideal for children aged up to 11 years. On arrival at a fun-filled birthday party you and your friends will have access to all of the play facilities including the imaginary One2eleven Street where you can fix the Ferrari at Mr. Fix Its’ Auto Shop or look after the pets at the Animal Hospital. From air bursting ball swamps, cannon shooters, slides, tunnels, rope walkways and swings you are bound to work up an appetite. One2eleven will provide you with your own designated party area where you can enjoy a yummy buffet selection. Advance booking and deposit required. Tel: 01326 554391 Web: www.one2elevenplay.co.uk
Flambards offer super value birthday parties for children over 90cm - 12 years. On Saturdays and Sundays from 31 March to 2 November 2012, Flambards are offering a fantastic birthday party package. For just £12.95 children can enjoy a full day out at Flambards and a party meal. Choose from a selection of menu choices from cheeseburgers and chips to party platters. 2 parents go free with 10 paying children. Advance booking and deposit required. Tel: 01326 573404 Web: www.flambards.co.uk/activities/birthday-parties
DairyLand Farmworld near Newquay is a superb all weather attraction providing entertainment for all ages, and when it comes to birthday parties, they’ve got it covered! Parties are held in ‘The Bull Pen’, a children’s land of adventure which caters for older age groups with an Adventure Zone while toddlers have their own mini action areas (mum and dad will want to join in too!) DairyLand Farmworld realise how important it is to get your child’s party just right, so they’ll take care of everything. From food to decor, DairyLand take the stress out of celebrating. At £8.50 per child and free admission for an adult with each child, it’s easy to see why visitors go back time and again! Tel: 01872 510246 Web:www.dairylandfarmworld.com/birthday-parties
