Children's Birthday Party Ideas in Edinburgh

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.

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 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! 

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!

For more details of party planners, venues and entertainers closer to you take a look here....

Edinburgh Zoo Are you looking for a truly unique birthday venue that will make the kids go wild?  With party packages to suit every age, interest and budget Edinburgh Zoo is the answer.  Each birthday party starts with a guided walking tour of the Zoo followed by a tasty lunch at the newly refurbished Jungle Café or Grassland Restaurant. Each child receives an invitation and party bag with Zoo themed items.  You also have the option for the birthday boy or girl to be surprised with a delicious animal cake. Party packages include entrance to the Zoo so you can make your party last all day; rates start from only £4.10 more than the standard Zoo entrance price. Tel: 0131 314 0336 Web: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk

Gladys Chucklebutty is an enormously funny and popular children’s entertainer! Gladys turned professional in 1996 and performs all over the UK.  Gladys provides a complete stress free party entertainment package allowing parents to sit back and relax as soon as she arrives! Her ‘Recession Busting’ packages are tailored to suit all pockets and prices are fully inclusive and offer excellent value for money. Gladys offers a special trick for the birthday child, free balloon models and sweets for each child, prizes for the games and great magical entertainment. Tel: 01368 840326 or 07971 946708 Web: www.chucklebutty.co.uk

TimeTwisters Play and Party Centre is Edinburgh’s award winning kids birthday party specialist, offering a range of party options that will ensure all guests have a great time.  The staff at TimeTwisters know what it takes to make your child’s party a delightful, memorable experience and your designated party host will be on-hand throughout the party.  New for 2012 are two fantastic new party options designed to suit both the younger and older children.  Mid-Week Toddler Parties are a great way for even small groups to get together and enjoy a fantastic TimeTwisters Party.  At the other end of the scale is the Ultimate Laser-Tag Party -a monster two and a half hour extravaganza of fun and excitement incorporating sessions of soft play and Laser-Tag.  Tel: 0131 308 2464 or 07737 843436 Web: www.timetwisters.co.uk/party 

Potter Around countryside location just on the outskirts of Edinburgh is the perfect place for a party. Why not organise a pottery painting party based on a theme such as fairies and mermaids, animals, pizza parties and afternoon tea parties? The children can paint in acrylics and take their goodies away that day or paint in underglaze and leave them to be glazed and fired. The birthday boy or girl gets a lovely plate as a memory of the day. Potter Around also organise Arty Parties where painting on canvas brings out the Picasso in the party goers. Or perhaps jewellery making is more preferable? Fun Fimo parties are also popular. If you want scents with your creativity - why not let Potter Around organise a lip balm and bath salts party? You can find Potter Around at Overton Farm, Kirknewton, EH27 8AH. Tel: 01506 238961 Web: www.potteraround.co.uk

Scottish Seabird Centre If you’re looking for a party for ages 4 to 10, for groups from 10 to 25 kids, the Scottish Seabird Centre can help you stand out from the crowd. Be welcomed to a dedicated party room by the friendly party team and enjoy face painting, music, party food plus the very special chance to meet Tammie the Puffin who will give a gift to every child. Embark on an interactive and fun-filled adventure in the Discovery Centre and zoom in on the wildlife with cameras. Also let your group be the stars of the show as they go on live camera in the Scope Deck (with parental permission this can also go online!). Parties cost from £10.50 per child. Tel: 01620 890202. Web: www.seabird.org 

Garage Indoor Skate Park is a family owned skate park in Livingston catering for skateboards, BMX's and rollerblades and is a perfect spot for a child’s birthday party. The Garage Indoor Skate Park was built from scratch with skate ramps, rails, half pipes and obstacles hand built with the help and guidance of two on-site professional skateboarders. The Garage hires out skateboards, BMX's, rollerblades and safety equipment so don't worry if you don't have your own. They also offer a full repair service. Tel: 01506 530892 Web: www.garageindoorskatepark-livingston.co.uk

Doodles offer a great party package in its Marchmont studio. Acrylic painted pottery such as miniature animals, picture frames and other ornaments can be taken home the same day.  Doodles provides sweets and juice and parents may bring other party food and a birthday cake. Up to 25 children can be accommodated in the studio. You can also customise your party to suit your budget. Doodles are always happy to discuss your party ideas with you and also offer a take home party in a box kit. Tel: 0131 229 1399

East Links Family Park For a fun filled and stress free birthday party, East Links Family Park is an ideal location. Fun, safe and exciting activities include: trampolines, soft play, go-karts, a train safari, farm animals- large and small, ball blast arena and a massive multi activity fortress! The party package includes unlimited use of the parks facilities, a reserved area in the picnic barn, a free animal feed token per child and all day long fun. Tel: 01368 863607 Web: www.eastlinks.co.uk

Children’s Hair and Make-up Parties For a true pamper session, children will love a party package that includes hair styling, make-up and nails, plus arts, crafts and party games at a venue of your choice. Selena’s Brides offer parties for children aged 5+ at very reasonable prices. Also included in the price are prizes for the party games and a gift for the birthday girl. Tel: 07791 679330 (Selena’s Brides)

Tutti Footy Football Club provides a complete birthday party service which can include arranging a suitable venue to suit the size of the group, party bags and the use of a fun inflatable Shoot-Out cage. You can book sessions lasting from 45 minutes up to 2 hours. However, the perfect party package is at the World of Football which, for £14.95 per child, includes hire of astroturf football pitch, half time refreshments, a designated party area, use of a fun inflatable shoot-out cage, party food, a complementary bowling voucher for each child and a mini football for every child. Tel: Derek 07791 755472 Web: www.tuttifootyfc.com

Cramond Kirk Hall is an excellent venue for all sorts of functions, especially children’s parties.  Rooms are available for quiet receptions or wild ceilidhs, baptismal parties or functions celebrating a retirement, formal or casual but most commonly used to celebrate a youngster’s birthday. There is loads of space to burn off energy or to erect a bouncy castle in the Main Hall or have a more formal do in the luxurious Millennium Room.  A commercial kitchen is available for catering. Tel: Anthony Vennelle 0131 312 6911 or 07979 795331 Web: www.cramondkirk.org.uk

Almond Valley Let Almond Valley take the hassle out of your child's birthday party. Almond Valley offers a unique party package that includes a tasty birthday tea (children can choose from a traditional or healthy menu), plus two hour exclusive use of a party room.  There will be balloons, badges and tooters, a tractor ride for the party group and a play session in Morag's Meadow. Almond Valley can also provide goody boxes and can cater for the adults if required. Tel: 01506 414957 Web: www.almondvalley.co.uk

Raymondo Bongo Children’s entertainer Raymondo Bongo is sure to captivate the full attention of the audience with his real magic shows, puppets and balloon modelling.  Raymondo Bongo can really add that extra touch of sparkle to any party. Tel:  01501 731191

Lori’s Facepainting Creations has been providing professional and affordable face painting and temporary glitter tattoo art in and around Edinburgh and the Lothian’s for many years now. The face painting talents are exceedingly popular at birthday parties, as the children love the bright colourful superhero and  animal faces, beautiful butterflies, fairy princesses and flowers just to name a few. For a sparkling change they also provide glitter tattoos. Lori holds a full enhanced disclosure Scotland and is insured with PLI for 5 million pounds.  Tel: 07796 454943 Web: www.lorisfacepaintingcreations.co.uk

Edinburgh Cheer and Dance  How about something a little different for your child’s party? Combining the fun of dance and the finesse of gymnastics, a flick of a pom-pom and a friendly cheer, Edinburgh Cheer and Dance Academy has it all. They provide 1-2 hours of fantastic dancing, pom-pom shaking and basic cheerleading fun. Fabulous cheerleading parties are organised and run by an experienced qualified coach and are an active and healthy alternative to celebrate your child’s birthday. Be it at your home or hired venue, experienced and qualified party entertainers will ensure your child and their friends have a party to remember, packed with fun games, gifts and disco lights! Tel: Gemma Duncan 0131 558 3089 Web: www.ecdacheerleading.co.uk

Scottish Archery Centre set in the beautiful countryside of East Lothian is a well-established outdoor adventure centre offering something for everyone. The archery centre caters for children from 4 year olds upwards and they also specialise in birthday parties.   There is a selection of team puzzle and fun highland games to suit your guests. The Scottish Archery Centre also offers you the chance to try various shooting type sports from archery, crossbow, air-rifle, air-pistol all indoor under full supervision and instruction. Tel: 01620 850401 or 07831 173421 Web: www.scottisharcherycentre.co.uk.

Imagination Workshop provides fun and original craft parties for children from age 5. There’s something to suit boys and girls of all age groups - decopatch a frame, create a clock, paint a pet, decorate a t shirt, make a charm bracelet and much, much more! Minimum number of children is just 6 and prices start at £11 per head. The Imagination Workshop is based centrally in Marchmont Road, with easy parking and good bus access and they’re open seven days. You can have your party in the workshop or let them go to you – they cover all Edinburgh and the Lothians. Tel: 0131 466 0148 Web: www.theimaginationworkshop.co.uk

Shimmy n Shine Girls aged 9+ can enjoy a truly unique birthday party experience by learning to belly dance to a choreographed routine to Turkish music. From the comfort of your own home, a Shimmy n Shine belly dance party package includes two hours of fun with two short breaks, Girls will dress up in vibrant coin belts, sparking bangles, dazzling body gems and each girl will receive her own beautiful Glitter Tattoo.  The birthday girl will receive a commemorate DVD of the occasion. Tel: 0774 626 0326 Web: www.shimmynshine.co.uk

Beano the Clow offers shows lasting one or two hours, that are aimed at children under 5 and he also has shows for the over five’s! In one hour, Beano can perform a magic show and make balloon animals for everyone, including an extra special balloon for the birthday child such as a motorcycle with five balloons for a boy and a Tweety Bird on a perch for a girl. In two hours, Beano can do all the above and run games. Children under five can be entertained with the one hour show plus join in with two songs, plus there will be a magic show with a glove puppet and balloons for everyone. Beano also has a show for toddlers where he starts by putting on his clown face in front of them and then gives them clown noses. Tel: 0794 807 0569 Web: beano.theclown.free.fr/contact.htm

Edinburgh Leisure Organising parties for the little ones is always a big job. That special day only comes once a year, so it needs to be perfect. Edinburgh Leisure has 10 party venues to choose from, including leisure centres, leisure pools, five-a-side football pitches, golf courses, soft play areas and a sailing school and not forgetting the world’s largest indoor climbing arena! With a number of party themes to choose from including football, soft play, bouncy castles, pool parties, tennis, and more – they will ensure that your little party prince or princess leaves with a smile on their face. Why not choose from one of the many pre-planned packages or have a tailor made party? Catering is available at a number of venues. Tel: 0131 458 2166 Web: www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

Huggy Bears Have a bear making party with Huggy Bears no sew bear and animal kits. No sew kits include your chosen bear or animal, individual bag of stuffing, hugs and kisses, full instructions and birth certificate. 8” bears and animals come in a green fabric tote bag, 15” in a large drawstring canvas bag. There is no need for expensive party bags - everyone gets to take home their new furry friend in its own bag. Optional extras include bear sized t-shirts and visors to decorate, voice boxes and clothing. Have a beary fun party starts from only £5.99 per head. Huggy Bears can provide a party hosting service, or there are lots of party downloads on the website should you prefer to host yourself. Tel: 0844 884 4842 Web: www.huggybears.co.uk

Enjoyleisure A birthday celebration should always be one to remember, so why not make it an active celebration with enjoyleisure? enjoyleisure offers a variety of energetic party options in sports facilities across East Lothian.   Brand new for 2012 – kids can quite literally climb the walls with a party held at the Climbing Wall in Tranent! Want to get wet?  Create a splash by having a pool party. Choose from one of the five swimming pools, including Dunbar Leisure Pool complete with flume and wave machine.  Or for the ultimate pool party you can hire an aqua run (a giant inflatable island which sits on the water)!    If you’d rather stay dry, opt for a bouncy castle or trampolining party. Alternatively hire out the sports hall for a variety of indoor sporting activities.  For younger children enjoyleisure offer exclusive use of the soft play areas, including Musselburgh Sports Centre’s multi-level Jamboree.  There are party options suitable for children from 2 years right up to teenagers, and with a range of catering packages available. Tel: 0131 653 5216 Web: www.enjoyleisure.com

Honeypot Ceramics offer a variety of fantastic birthday party options including: Pottery Painting Parties– where children can choose from a range of ceramic items to paint and decorate in either acrylics or underglaze; Jewellery Parties- where, children can make funky jewellery; Cosmetic Parties- where each child selects their own colours and the fragrances to make their own beautiful hand-made cosmetics; Messy Play Parties- where Honeypot Ceramics can tailor a range of 'messy play' activities around your child; Pirate Parties where children can build their own wooden pirate ship, design their sails or decorate a treasure chest. All parties include a personalised, decorated, ceramic plate which the birthday boy or girl can take home. Tel: 0131 333 6348 Web: www.honeypotceramics.com

Kiss the Fish Studios offer a truly creative birthday party which guarantees each child goes home with their very own masterpiece. Children can choose from decorating an animal or treasure box, or making a mosaic mirror or clay modelling. Kiss the Fish can host parties for up to 16 in its sunny, spacious studio in Stockbridge. Tel: 0131 332 8912 Web: www.kissthefishstudios.com    

Gambado Edinburgh is a family indoor play and party centre.  Having recently taken over the centre from Monkey Bizness they are delighted to be taking on the baton of offering quality fun and parties for all the family. Memorable party packages are offered to children aged from 1 year+. Gambado’s fun factories offer a huge play-frame to explore, sensory toddler area, Go Karts and Climbing Wall.  Included in the package is a party feast, invites, thank you cards, balloons, blower, unlimited sugar free squash and more!  And for the cherry on top you can add a host of extras such as themes, party bags and adult platters to add the Wow factor.  Packages start from as little as £7.95 per child. Tel: 0844 3759495. Web: www.gambado.com

Five Sisters Zoo Children of all ages love the parties at the Five Sisters Zoo and Leaping Lemurs Soft Play.  Choose from either a 2 hour soft play party or the 3 hour Mega Party that includes entrance to the zoo and a chance to get up close to a number of the smaller creatures with a 30 minute handling session with perhaps a snake, bearded dragon or a spider! Then there's a 30 minute guided tour of the Zoo with a Keeper ending with a special surprise for the birthday boy or girl and 1 hour in the play areas.  Each party allows 1 hour in the party room with a box of party food, and the minimum number is 10 guests. Plus: Be a Zoo Keeper for half a day - shadow the keeper and help with the cleaning and feeding - it’s a great birthday treat. Tel: 01506 870000 Web: www.fivesisterszoo.co.uk

The Ceramic Experience, Leith  is a perfect venue for children's birthday parties as the party-goers can burn off energy in the soft play and ball pool, before painting ceramics to take home. Adults can join in the fun or chill out in the cafe area. There are 4 party slots per day and the Ceramic Experience can cater for party groups of 6 to 30. The party buffet consists of sandwiches, sausages, cakes, fruit and juice and they do all the clearing up afterwards - what could be better? Parties start at £12 a head for 1 ½ hours of fun.  There is a £20 deposit which is redeemable on the day and you will only be charged for the number of children attending on the day.  Tel: 0131 554 4455 or 07951 257 147 Web: www.theceramicexperience.co.uk

National Museum of Flight From the moment you meet your party host the aviation fun begins.  Birthday parties at The National Museum of Flight include a range of activities such as boarding Concorde, investigating Fantastic Flight, a creative make and take, a chance to dress up in uniform, an air raid siren, completing the assault course, seeing military and passenger aircraft at close quarters and Airfield Explorer rides. After all the fun and exertion party goers can sit down to a yummy birthday spread in the Aviator Cafe. There are two birthday packages on offer – the Jet Powered Package at £10 per child and the Supersonic Package at £12.50 per child. Parties are for a minimum of 10 children. Tel: 0300 123 6789 Web: www.nms.ac.uk

Midlothian Snowsports CentreChildren's snow tubing parties are available at Midlothian Snowsports Centre on Monday to Sunday (except Thursdays during term time). Snow tubes are round inflatable doughnuts with smooth plastic bases that enable them to slide down the slope.  Tubing birthday parties and 30-minute have-a-go sessions take place on the nursery slope and are great fun! You can sit, spin, go backwards or hold on to the person next to you. After an exhilarating hour tubing, a birthday meal is provided in Cafe 360 where there are 4 party food options. An optional party bag with a balloon and bug sticker is also available. Parties are for a minimum of 10 children and a maximum of 15. Tel: 0131 445 4433 Web: www.midlothian.gov.uk/info/200131/snowsports_centre