Children's Birthday Party Ideas in Dorset

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 games can the children play?

The old classics are still popular at children’s parties.  Just to remind you, here are some of the old favourite’s …

Pass The Parcel
Buy a small present then gift wrap it with plenty of different layers of wrapping paper. Play some music while passing the parcel around and when the music stops, the child holding the present can unwrap the first layer before passing it on. Every time the music stops another layer is removed until someone finally gets the prize!

Musical Statues
The game starts with the children dancing to music and when the music stops they need to stand as still as statues. Anyone who moves is taken out before the music restarts and the stops again. The child who remains still the longest is the winner.

Musical Bumps
Similar to musical statues but instead of standing as still as a statue when the music stops, the children will need to sit on the floor. The child who sits down last is out of the game.

Musical Chairs
This game requires one less chair than the number of children playing. Arrange the chairs so that they are back to back in a line. Whilst playing music ask the children to move round the chairs. When the music stops they need to find and sit on a free chair. The child without a chair is out of the game. Each time take away one chair and keep repeating until one child is left.

Chinese Whispers
Ask the children to sit in a circle then whisper a short message to the birthday child who should then whisper this to the person on their left, and so on. When the message has travelled around the circle, the child sitting to the right of the birthday child says the message out loud to the rest of the group.

Blind Man’s Donkey
Draw a big picture of a donkey on a piece of card, but do not add a tail. Then on a separate piece of card draw a picture of a donkey’s tail and stick a drawing pin into the top of this picture. In turn, blind fold each guest and spin them around three times so that they lose their orientation. Ask them to place the tail on the big picture of the donkey. The child who pins the tail closest to where it should be on the donkey is the winner.

Animal Charades
On small pieces of paper, write down the names of different animals that the children can impersonate. Place them into a hat and ask everyone to draw out a piece of paper and then act out their animal. The other children will need to guess what they are.

Treasure Hunt
Hide different objects around the room and ask the children to find and collect them. The child who gathers the greatest number of objects is the winner.

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 party planners, venues & entertainers closer to you take a look here....

Go-Kart Party offers the newest and most exciting children’s parties at indoor venues throughout Dorset. Fully supervised by trained and CRB checked staff, children aged 4-10 get to drive purpose built, electric karts around an inflatable circuit. After a ‘warm up’ to get accustomed to the karts the kids take a series of fun tests, including ‘emergency stopping’ and ‘cone dodging’, in order to be awarded a Go-Kart Party driving certificate before the party ends with an exciting game of cops and robbers.  Free invitations and party bag alternatives are available as well as various food options. Tel: James on 07703 719086 Web: www.gkpdorset.co.uk

Splashdown Waterparks Do you want a cool party at a hot location in Dorset?  If so, then why not visit the South’s Ultimate Waterpark, Splashdown on Tower Park, Poole for a flumin’ fantastic birthday party?  Party options start from just £11 per head and include your own party host, invitations, slush puppie drink, free return visit for the party giver and discount vouchers for their friends and if you want to party on afterwards there is a choice of fantastic value meal options at some of Tower Park’s great family restaurants.  Tel: 01202 716123 Web: www.splashdownwaterparks.co.uk 

Little Angels Jewellery Parties  Stuck for ideas for your child's party? Take the stress away and have a jewellery party in your own home. Little Angels Jewellery Parties offer an exciting opportunity for children to explore and get creative alongside their friends. Everything will be supplied including invitations, thank-you notes and a pretty organza bag to take home finished pieces. Each session lasts one and a half hours plus all the organisation and tidying up is done for you. In addition to the standard package you can tailor your party to include party food or even a birthday cake. Prices are £10 per child with a minimum of 5 children and are suitable for children of 5 years and over. Tel: 01202 749565  Email:littleangels71@live.co.uk

Tammy Roscoe – Children’s Face Painter Dorset based, Tammy Roscoe is a qualified and experienced face painter and make-up artist who caters for all occasions from small private parties to larger promotional events.  She offers a wide variety of designs, including the popular favourites such as butterflies, spiderman, princess, tiger plus of course she can also create unique designs. Tammy has a good rapport with children and provides a service that is friendly, reliable and creative. Tel: 01202 855351 or 07989 517711

Pop Idol for a Day A recording session in a local professional recording studio makes for a perfect birthday present for a child. Each child will sing to a backing track of their choice and receive a souvenir CD of the session. Pop Idol for a Day has various party packages available for up to 12 children and gift vouchers are also available. Give them a call and put the X Factor into your child’s life. Tel: 01202 746049 Web: www.popidolforaday.co.uk

Snowtrax For children who love thrilling and action-packed parties, Snowtrax near Bournemouth Airport is the ideal party venue. Set amongst 6 acres of glorious alpine woodland, the atmosphere is ideal for an exhilarating ride down one of the ski slopes on either a ski-bob or a ringo.  Snowtrax is the affordable choice and can cater for parties from 8 children up to 25. After an hour of either ski-bobbing or ringo-ing the party guests move into the pine clad party room for a sit down meal and soft drink. Tel: 01202 499155  Web: www.snowtrax.eu

Bovington Tank Museum  Attention all little soldiers…  Celebrate your birthday with a bang at The Tank Museum’s Children’s Birthday Boot Camp! This themed birthday package includes two hours of fun, games, dressing up and activities to put your military skills to the test!  Led by The Tank Museum’s Drill Sergeant, the young troops will be drilled into shape before dressing up and exploring the museum, learning more about history on a secret mission…  Following a hot lunch in the restaurant, the troops are presented with certificates and a goody bag at a passing out parade. Tel: 01929 405096 x204  Web: www.tankmuseum.org

Zooma is a hair and beauty salon in Christchurch for children and adults, offering the perfect party environment whether it’s pampering or soft play. The Pamper Extreme Party is ideal for ages 5-12. Held in an exclusive party area, the package includes a chocolate fondue, kids bubbly, a hair style, make up (or face paint), nail paint /nail art and cup cakes. Hot or cold food choice can be added.  The Best Friends Forever Party is a more intimate party for up to 4 friends to be pampered from head to toe.  For the under 5s the Soft Play Party provides a safe low level secure environment.  There is plenty of seating for parents to sit, relax and chat whilst Zooma entertains the kids plus this party option includes exclusive use of soft play area, face painting, party food and cup cakes.  Parties are not just for the kids - Ladies Nights packages cost £40 for 3 treatments. Tel: 01202 483918  Web: www.zoomakids.com   

Pottery Parlour  A two hour Pottery Parlour party starts with a demonstration from pottery professionals Vanessa or Anna, before everyone has a go a throwing a piece on the pottery wheels. This part of the party is noisy, silly, and messy, with a bit of a challenge involved too. The party guest’s work is then dried and can be sculpted and painted around the big pottery table. This is the calm bit as party-goers become absorbed in the decoration of their work and use plenty of creative concentration. Once the work is complete the mini masterpieces are fired, ready for collection a week later. There is plenty of space in the Pottery Parlour for a party feast if you fancy it! Tel: 01258 455232 Web: www.potteryparlourdorset.co.uk

The Toy Barn Last year, the pedal Go-Kart parties at the Toy Barn near Sherborne proved enormously popular. The Go-Karts are suitable for ages 7+ and are designed to be driven around an indoor/outdoor race-track. Afterwards, hungry party goers can tuck into a tasty BBQ, as a gas barbecue is available for hire or you may wish to take a party tea. The play orchard with a wonderful variety of climbing frames and trampolines can also be hired separately or in conjunction with the Go-Karts. Tel: 01935 815040. Web: www.toy-barn.co.uk

Little Munchkins After a successful 2 years running all inclusive cookery parties, Little Munchkins has decided to freshen things up a little. New table cloths will be show-casing the work stations and children will be able to don some new red spotty aprons! Currently, Little Munchkins is promoting a special offer, where the birthday girl or boy goes for free, for all parties booked between January and April (inclusive). Of course the birthday child will still benefit from all the treats including the delicious homemade chocolate cup cakes for their birthday cake and a party bag full of goodies from their special day to take home! Little Munchkins can organise the whole party and can even supply the invitations, so the parents are able to sit back and enjoy the celebrations. Tel: 07971 443095  Web: www.littlemunchkins.info

Bournemouth Bouncy Castles has years of experience supplying bouncy castles, inflatable slides, inflatable obstacle courses as well as Peppa Pig, Ben 10 and Scooby Doo character appearances, garden games, popcorn and candy floss machines and new for 2012 -chocolate fountains and mobile bars! Tel: 0800 528 2931 Web: www.BournemouthBouncyCastles.co.uk

Lilly in Lemon arrange fun, creative jewellery making parties for 5 to 14 year old girls. A Lilly in Lemon Jewellery party will last 1 to 2 hours. At the end of the party each guest leaves with their beautiful piece of jewellery presented in a gorgeous Lilly in Lemon Organza Bag so there’s no additional need for party bags. Lilly in Lemon invites and thank you notes are provided and the party girl also receives a special gift. Tel: Denise on 07826 148908 Web: www.lillyinlemon.com

Peeks Party Store  Looking for inspiration for children’s parties?  Whatever the occasion look no further than Peeks Party Store in Christchurch as they have it all!  Children’s fancy dress costumes start from £9.99, plus there are balloons, party novelties, themed party packs, personalised sashes, a balloon delivery service and much more! Peeks have been in business for over 65 years helping people celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, Halloween, Christmas, New Year and much, much more!  Why not visit them at their massive 8,200sq ft store or view their full range online? Tel: 01202 489489 Web: www.peeks.co.uk

Castlemania  Poole based, Castlemania has a large selection of children’s and adult themed bouncy castles. They have a fleet of vans that enables them to deliver all over the South West, ensuring that your child's castle is delivered on time by a friendly and reliable member of the team. All of the castles, slide and adventure centres are clean and regularly maintained. Castlemania pride themselves in never letting anyone down. Organisers of school fetes are most welcome. Tel: 01202 693909  Web: www.castlemania.co.uk

Party Pat originally led a busy career as a Jazz and Classical saxophonist.  Then one day some 10 years ago he provided entertainment for one of his own child’s parties. As a result of this Party Pat the children’s entertainer/DJ was born! Since then he has provided entertainment for parties in houses, village halls, school discos, preschools, christenings, weddings, holiday parks, gardens and an HMS vessel. If you are looking for a lively stress free party which includes games, dancing, puppets and some magic with the option of disco lights, all set to music suitable to your child’s age, give Party Pat a call.  Tel: 01202 417 255 Mobile: 07989 265 548.

Gone Potty (Pottery Painting) children’s parties take place in a light bright studio that is perfect to inspire creativity. Situated in the famous Edwardian palm house café this really is the place for you and your children to enjoy a more relaxing style party. Gone Potty can provide a number of different party options with or without food providing a wide range of pottery to paint, and where everyone can create their very own memento of the special day including a free signature plate for the birthday boy/girl. Friendly enthusiastic staff will host the party and always be happy to help. The basic package starts at £9 per child (minimum of 8 max 30) and smaller bookings are available at normal rates. Tel: 01305 778277  Web: www.gonepottyweymouth.com

Oxley Sports Centre Why not arrange your child’s next birthday party at Oxley Sports Centre?  There are many party options for you to choose from, such as Climbing, Human Hamster balls, a Bouncy Castle, a Kayaking and a Games party.  Your chosen party will run for an hour with an ‘Oxley Party Leader’ or a qualified instructor.  All parties also include a room for party tea with balloons and party bags (optional). Invite your friends to a party they will never forget. Tel: 01935 818270 Web: www.oxleysc.com

Compton Acres Cafe birthday parties let the children run off steam in the gardens, pot a plant and enjoy a delicious afternoon tea. The children receive a children’s challenge map which they follow to find something of interest in each area of the gardens, including the fantastic bronze of a sabre toothed tiger. One adult is allowed to accompany each child. After being rewarded with a prize for completing the challenge, the children make their way to the plant centre and pot a plant or bulb to take home.  A traditional healthy tea is provided in the café with finger sandwiches, vegetable sticks, sausages, fruit jelly and homemade cakes. Tel: 01202 700778  Web: www.comptonacres.co.uk

iPlay at Dorchester is the only kids indoor play centre and cafe.  iPlay offers a range of party packages including Zumba, Pamper, Disco, Pizza-making plus lots more. They can even tailor a package to suit your needs.  Parties are held in a magical castle, where the birthday child will be the king or queen for their special occasion! iPlay also has a range of activities taking place throughout the week including music, fitness, art and craft, as well as the play frame, and a dressing-up and reading corner. Whilst your children are busy having fun, you can sit back and choose from the menu or enjoy one of the daily specials.  Open from 9.30am, 7 days a week. Tel: 01305 257551 Web: www.iplayatdorchester.com

Earth Paint and Fire offer creative birthday parties in the Bournemouth area making it a perfect solution for a birthday party at home.  Earth Paint and Fire take the pottery painting studio to your venue.  It is clean, safe, creative and properly organised and the creative activity takes about an hour.  Afterwards as you play a game with the children Earth Paint and Fire can clear up, allowing you to then feed the children before sending them home!  A week later their beautifully finished piece of pottery is delivered to you, gift wrapped, thus replacing the party gift. Tel: 01202 789588 or 07743 477522 Web: www.potterypartiessw.co.uk

Jump to the Moon is a friendly reliable bouncy castle hire company based in Bournemouth. Whether you're hosting a children’s party, wedding celebration, christening, or just a get together with friends, hiring one of these castles is a great addition to keep the children entertained. Jump to the Moon has a wide choice of castles so there is something for everyone, and they aim to deliver and collect at convenient times to suit you. Tel: 01202 510000 Web: www.jumptothemoon.co.uk

Party Hire Brigade - Fire Engine Hire party guests can travel in a big red fire engine, and dress up in a fireman's uniform for the whole duration of the party.  Children are collected and taken on a tour of the area and are accompanied by a uniformed fireman who will make sure the children will have a party to remember. There will be music available, or bring CDs or an ipod to play your favourites. Children receive a free fireman's hat and a photograph of the fire engine plus the birthday boy or girl gets a birthday certificate. The fire engine takes eight people; although they can split the hour long trip to accommodate up to 21 children. Tel: 07999 216821 Web: www.partyhirebrigade.co.uk

Krazy Kev Children’s entertainer Krazy Kev has over 12 years experience in the entertainment industry starting when he was just 14 years old as a mobile DJ! Krazy Kev has entertained thousands of children and adults over the years and is proud to have completed over 250 shows last year alone! With his magical parties ranging from a 45 minute magic show to the 2 hour full stress-free party package, Krazy Kev can adapt his show for all your needs, whether it be themed, at a venue or at your house. He will be sure to have your guests talking about him weeks after his show. Tel: Krazy Kev on 0800 528 2931 Web: www.Krazy-Kev.com  

Millstream Model Raceway is the UK's leading slot car tracing centre featuring 8-lane ProTrax as well as a sole commercial raceway in the American Style. A perfect venue for a child’s birthday party, Millstream can provide hi-speed, hi-energy fun for all the family and friends. Included in the fun and excitement are fast raceway cars, a superb sound system with race commentary and a prize giving ceremony. Catering is also available. Tel: 01425 489939 Web: www.slotcarfun.com

Jamie Jigsaw is a successful full time professional entertainer who attended over 290 events during 2011. From Poole and Bournemouth to Oxford and Guernsey there is no venue too far and no event too big or too small for Jamie Jigsaw! Your child will have a party to remember with magic, juggling, games and more, plus the party will be easy for you and fun for your child. Jamie Jigsaw has packages to suit all ages and all events including birthdays, weddings, scout and guide groups, schools and more. From parties and parades, to festivals, fetes and fun days, Jamie Jigsaw is the missing piece to your event. Tel: 01202 722149 Web: www.JamieJigsaw.co.uk

Minky Moos Children's Entertainment uses professional qualified entertainers who are able to put smiles on the children’s faces and make every party a memorable occasion and totally stress free for parents! Minky Moos offer incredible character themed parties such as princess, pirate, Barbie, superheroes, enchanted fairies, Mamma Mia, Toy Story, and many, many more. Minky Moos also offer amazing Mascot Parties such as Peppa Pig, SpongeBob, Fireman Sam, Hello Kitty, and Dora the Explorer. Disco Diva and Magical Magical Makeover Parties are also excellent, popular parties. All parties include face painting, dancing, bubbles, games, entertainers, characters, prizes, parachute games, a group photograph, bringing out the birthday cake, handing out party bags and a birthday gift for the birthday girl or boy. Bouncy castle hire is also available and Music/Movement and Baby Disco Parties are also available. Tel: Penny Amey on 07866 580627 Web: www.minkymoos.com

Pavilion Dance is a unique, beautiful space overlooking Bournemouth Beach and Lower Gardens, making it the perfect location to host a party for children aged 16 and under. They can tailor a dance lesson to suit your requirements, from Street Dance to Mini Movers; or for budding pop stars, how about a Music Video Dance Lesson? Kids can learn all the moves to their favourite song and will be dancing like a star in no time! You can choose from a range of flexible options, including catering if required. Prices start from just £8 per head for a one-hour dance class followed by cake and soft drinks in their decorated function room. Pavilion Dance will always try and accommodate any special requests to make your child's birthday bash go with a bang! Tel: 01202 203630  Web: www.paviliondance.org.uk

All Fired Up Ceramics Café in Bournemouth offers a broad range of creative and fun birthday parties, which will appeal to children of all ages. Party packages include party invitations, a choice of ceramics to paint, full supervision, a drink and a birthday plate that will be given to the birthday child to commemorate the occasion. Tel:  01202 558030.  Web: www.allfiredupceramics.co.uk

Adventure Wonderland Dorset’s popular family theme park with over 30 rides and attractions, is also tops for memorable children’s parties! Adventure Wonderland has 4 great party packages to suit all budgets including the popular Pony Palace Parties and 3 fantastic themed party rooms to choose from for your party meal. Afterwards or beforehand, party guests can enjoy unlimited fun either in The Wild Thing indoor adventure play centre or on the park itself, or both depending on the time of year. Tel: 01202 483444  Web: www.adventurewonderland.co.uk

Bee a Bug Play Cafe is an award winning soft play centre that is superb at hosting birthday parties! Why spend hours filling party bags, cake making, blowing balloons up and making heaps of sandwiches when all of this can be done for you… and also the clearing up afterwards? Parties at Bee a Bug are available 7 days a week and there are an excellent variety of options on offer - from basic soft play, or exclusive use to the ultimate themed party, or even a girl’s pretty mini me party. With the party diary filling up daily, Bee a Bug highly recommends that booking is not left to the last minute to avoid disappointment. Tel: 01202 766710 Web: www.beeabug.co.uk

Crealy Adventure Park If you are looking for a party that offers ‘maximum fun but with minimal fuss’, then why not head to Crealy? With party rooms, scrumptious party food, not to mention 100 acres of fun, magic and adventure, the biggest decision you’ll have to make is which option to choose, from Magical Kingdom parties, Crealy Bear Café parties, Mini Magic or Teddy Paws birthday parties and Bushcraft Survival parties. Party packages include entry to Devon’s Crealy for the whole day, a Crealy birthday gift and a badge for the Birthday VIP, a priority ride voucher and free admission for 2 adults. Tel: 01395 233200 Web: www.crealy.co.uk

Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre If it’s a children’s birthday party that you’re after then look no further than Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre. There are parties to suit all children. Choose from the range of ten options such as multi sports, bouncy castle, trampolining, swimming, giant pool inflatable or create your own party. They also provide a room for food and games after the main party activity. Experienced staff will ensure that the children have a great time and leave you to relax and enjoy the party-they even do all the clearing up! Tel: 01305 266772  Web: www.dorsetforyou.com/thomashardyelc

Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park  Children’s parties at Farmer Palmer’s are great fun! After playing and joining in with the animal events, children are able to re-fuel in their own dedicated party room - either the Farmer Palmer room, the Tractor room, the Chicken Coop or the Pony room! Parties include the use of the Farm Park, all the Animal Barn Events and a free Tractor Trailer ride. Lunch choices include either a cold sandwich platter or a hot meal, and all children receive a drink of orange squash or water. After the party feast has been consumed a ‘cow face’ designed birthday cake is brought to the table for the birthday child to blow out the candles. This is then followed by ice cream. Party bags containing the cake and other goodies are then handed out. Two adults enjoy free entry with each party child, making it great value. Tel: 01202 622022 Web: www.farmerpalmers.co.uk

Poole Pottery  Feeling creative? Then why not organise your children’s party at Paint A Pot within Poole Pottery? Party guests can paint their own unique design on a plate; mug or money bank and the pottery will be glazed and fired in Poole Pottery’s kilns ready for collection at a later date. If you wish, the Pottery café can provide either a cold or hot children’s buffet from as little as £4.50 per child. They are also happy for you to bring in your own celebration cake.  Every child enjoys painting and creating their designs on pottery that they get to keep and use. Prices start from just £6.00, however look for the discount voucher in this edition of Primary Times. Tel: Pat 01202 668681

Da Vinci’s Ristorante – Pizzeria on Poole Quay prides itself on its fabulous Pizza Parties. These really are fun for children and adults alike and make a great kids birthday and an entertaining mum’s night out. Tel: 01202 667528 Web: www.da-vincis.co.uk

My Dance Party offers fun themed parties for children aged 4 and above in the Dorset area. For all our parties we provide a qualified and insured dance teacher who will come to a venue of your choosing, even your own back garden!
My Dance Party offers an active and healthy alternative for children's birthdays. When designing your party you are able to choose from a range of dance styles from disco and street to ballet, you are also able to choose a music track and we will choreograph a dance especially for you.  Our parties are designed for a minimum of 8 children and you can choose from our one hour session or our extended one and a half hour session that includes extra dance activities and games. All children that attend a dance party receive a medal to show they are a My Dance Party star! Tel: 07789 648929 Web: www.mydanceparty.biz