Top 10 Party Ideas

Is your child's Birthday coming up soon? Are you struggling for inspiration to make their party just a little bit different from all the others? Or are you pushed for time to actually make their birthday dreams a reality? Let Playground help! We bet you're unaware of the variety of local companies who offer fun venues, creative themes and unique ideas to help organise the perfect party.

Rebecca Honey provides the low down on the pick of the bunch...

1. Pop Star Parties
Got a wannabe in the family? Then how about organising a party where they can form their own pop group! Perfect for parties of between 4 to 16 children who are over the ages of 7, Pop Star Parties offer a range of packages to suit every budget. First head to the studios, choose your song and start rehearsing. Then gather for some pop star poses before recording your song and deciding on your name of your group. A producer will then form one perfect track ready to be burnt onto your own souvenir CD for taking home, and while this happens you can enjoy your birthday cake. A ‘faaaabulous' and fun packed few hours!
www.giftdaze.co.uk

2. Just Dance Parties
We all know that children love to dance! Just Dance provides fun packed parties filled with games and dance routines organised by qualified dance teachers. Best suited to 4 to 9 year olds and groups of up to 15 children, there are 2 options; the 2 hour dancing party including food and all dancing. This includes a face glitter decoration and glitter hairspray for when the children arrive at the party, prizes for games plus a present for birthday child. A 1 hour option is also available to fit in as an element to your other party plans. Great fun - and the boys will love it too!
www.jdance.co.uk

3. Slap ‘n Dash
Slap ‘n Dash is a ‘paint your own ceramic' studio just outside Hawkhurst. Kids parties include the studio fee, a piece of ceramic, juice, certificates and lollipops for all guests and a special memorial plate for the guest of honour. Prices start from £10 per person. Adults, teens and children of all ages are welcome - Slap ‘n Dash provides everything for the artistically challenged including a little coaching and a lot of encouragement! Situated in a fabulous spacious venue with stunning views overlooking the fishing lakes, there is disabled access and plenty of parking. Contact Samantha for more information.
www.slapndash.co.uk

4. Smiley Face Painting
Claire Frost from Smiley Face Painting provides a fun, professional and friendly face painting service for all parties everywhere across Kent. She is well known for bringing sparkles and smiles to every child and adding excitement to every party. Whether your child dreams of being a roaring lion or a delicate butterfly, Claire's skills will amaze everyone as she transforms each face in turn. Look at Claire's website to see examples of her previous work.
www.smileyfacepainting.co.uk

5. Bowles
In a stunning natural environment on the Kent and Sussex border at Eridge Green, Bowles provides a unique and tranquil setting for your party. It is built around one of South East England's major natural rock climbing sites and includes two artificial ski slopes, a heated indoor pool and a choice of three ropes courses. The slopes are perfect for sledging parties, plus many other activities can be arranged as parties - such as skiing, swimming or kayaking in the pool, rock climbing, zip wire, low ropes and high ropes. Truly something for all ages and budgets!
www.bowles.ac

6. Temper Temper
Temper Temper chocolate making parties are perfect for children aged 8 and over who love sweets and chocolate and who don't mind getting their hands sticky! Parties are held at their chocolate workshop in Tunbridge Wells and last for two hours. During the party, you will create a moulded chocolate figure such as a teddy or a seasonal shape, chocolate lollipops, florentines and a delicious chocolate basket to carry all your goodies home. The difficulty level of the activities will vary according to the age of the child. Drinks, fruit, biscuits and crisps are provided and you are welcome to bring a birthday cake if you wish. The children take away a huge bag filled with everything they have made so there is definitely no need for extra party bags. A real chocolatey delight for children aged 8 to 18 for groups of between 8 and 20 children.
www.tempertemperchocolate.co.uk

7. Karate Parties
Karate parties have now run over 700 parties over 5 years, an immediate testament to their popularity! Set up by a mum of two, they have a real first hand appreciation of what works - and their customers certainly agree. Homemade birthday cakes, party bags and help with sourcing venues are just some of the ways they can help to give you the best possible party experience.The parties are designed to last 2 hours, and include a variety of skill based games, a break for party tea plus a presentation ceremony at the end. Great fun for even the most energetic child.
www.karateparty.info

8. Copycats Fancy Dress
Perfect for all fancy dress parties! Copycats hires a huge range of spotlessly clean costumes from angels to witches and Abba to Wonderwoman! Based in Crowborough, there is also a growing range of matching accessories to choose from including wigs, beards, moustaches, gloves, jewellery, hats, shoes, boots and much more. They can also help mums and dads with those school play outfits! Hire charges start from £6.00.
www.copycatsfancydress.co.uk

9. Zanzi Designs
Zanzi Designs offers a unique party idea, perfect for trendy little girls over the age of 8. They will come to your party venue and help you make two necklaces, a phone charm, a bracelet, earrings (optional) and decorate a jewellery box. You will use all professional materials, so no plastic or elastic! They will provide you with lovely themed invitations to send to your chosen guests and also supply gorgeous party bags in which you can take your jewellery home. Hosts can add a few goodies, if you wish, to make each parting gift really special. Minimum 10 children per party.
www.zanzidesigns.co.uk

10. Painting Parties
Our very own Billy Showell offers children's painting parties at her fabulous studio in Tunbridge Wells. Billy will provide the guests with lots of help and inspiration. These fun and creative parties are for between six and eight children aged 7 and up and include snacks and of course a totally original work of art to take home.
www.billyshowell.co.uk

We hope you have found some inspiration from the Playground Top 10!
Have fun whatever you decide on...