How to Plan a Birthday Party: Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas

Celebrating a birthday is often one of the most exciting things of the year for kids, apart from Christmas, of course! But, for parents, it can be a source of stress, especially when looking for creative kids’ birthday party ideas to ensure your little one’s special day is as perfect as possible. From choosing the food to deciding on the birthday party decorations, there’s a lot to consider.  

Whether you’re throwing a small party in your home or a big bash at a kids’ birthday party venue, planning ahead is essential to create a day filled with fun and laughter. Your first step is to decide on a theme for the party. This will help you narrow down the venue and decorations. Next, decide on a date and time for the party, so you know how much time you have to plan and prepare for the event. Finally, make a guest list and decide on the food and entertainment.  

To help you with the details, our team at VR Rotorua Resorts have put together this guide on how to plan a birthday party for kids. Below are some cool and creative ideas to make your kid’s special day memorable.  

Decide on a Party Theme

When you’re thinking of how to plan a birthday party, the first thing to decide is to set a party theme. You can ask other parents for their kids’ birthday party ideas or use your kid’s favourite cartoon characters or movies as the theme. You’ll indeed have a bunch of happy kids if you have a Disney- or Marvel-themed party. If your child likes animals, a zoo-themed party where all the guests and your kid come dressed as animals could be a great idea.  

As kids love to run around and the decorations can take up lots of room, make sure the venue you choose has big enough space to accommodate all the super energetic kids and the décor.  

If you think these themes aren’t so creative, check out 200 Epic Birthday Party Themes for Kids: Ideas for Boys and Girls – we’re sure there’s a theme that will meet your eye. 

Choose the Perfect Birthday Party Venue 

If you’re hosting a small party at home, you don’t need to worry about too much finding a venue. However, if you’re planning a larger event, you’ll need to decide on the venue. When choosing your kid’s birthday party venue, consider what type of event you’re hosting – indoors or outdoors, your budget and the size of your guest list.  

Planning a party can be pretty costly. Some venues may have hidden costs you’re unaware of until you pay your bills. To avoid unpleasant surprises, check that your quote covers all the charges.  

The best kids’ party venue will always have an events manager who will ensure everything runs smoothly and your kid has a great and memorable birthday. If you’re looking for a hassle-free kids’ birthday party venue, VR Rotorua Lake Resort pulls out all the stops. From delicious buffets to audio equipment, your kids and friends will have a fantastic day. 

Decorate the Birthday Party Venue 

Once you’ve decided on your theme and venue, it’s time to set the scene and create a fun atmosphere. Match your decorations and streamers with the theme you chose. If you’ve decided on a Disney or Marvel theme, you can find Disney Princess balloons at Spotlight and Spider-Man balloons at The Warehouse. If you have an arty kid who can help with the decorations, why not get them involved with drawing some posters and banners or designing the invitation cards?  

Kids’ Birthday Party Food Ideas on a Budget 

Food is an important part of any birthday party. To keep costs low, you can create a simple menu that includes dishes like sandwiches, pizza, and finger foods. You can also buy pre-made food from your local grocery store. If you want to get creative, you can also make some fun and tasty treats like cupcakes and cookies. Here are a few kids’ birthday party food ideas on a budget: 

• Chocolate brownies 
• Fairy bread 
• Fruit marshmallow kebabs 
• Lollies 

• Mini fish & chips 
• Sausage rolls 
• Healthy fruit juice 

Fun Kids Birthday Party Ideas to Entertain the Kids

Throwing an outdoor birthday party for the kids? A scavenger hunt is a great activity, especially if you have a pirate- or Sherlock Holmes-themed party. First, hide a series of clues and riddles that lead to hidden treasures, sweets and small toys. Then, hype up the scavenger hunt with an elaborate story to get the kids excited and set them off on the hunt. You can even put the kids in two teams and make it a little more competitive.  

For more inspiration on kids’ birthday party ideas, check out Fun Outdoor Birthday Party Games for Kids – Backyard Ideas.  

Prepare for the bad weather! It’s easy to move all the tables and chairs inside, but how do you keep the kids engaged and occupied when they are stuck inside if it rains on the day? We’ve gathered a list of fun kids’ birthday party ideas to make your kid’s big day extra unique and memorable. Keep the below activities on your game list, and you’ll never need to worry about the weather.  

• Bash a piñata 
• Music chair 

• Simon says 
• Egg and spoon race 
• Karaoke 
• Stomp the balloon 
• Pass the parcel 

• Hide and seek 
• Pin the tail on the donkey 
• Craft station 

Worried that you don’t have enough space at home to keep the kids entertained? Host your child’s birthday party with VR Rotorua Lake Resort. With 7 acres of landscaped gardens and two large conference rooms, we have more than enough space to accommodate your kid and friends. 

Get Started on the Party Planning 

Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed by all the party planning. Make this a fun experience for your little one by choosing a place that suits your child, your budget and your guests. Most importantly, enjoy the day with your kid! 

Need help with planning a birthday party for the kids? Avoid all the stress and frustration and host your special day at VR Rotorua Lake Resort, and let us take care of the venue and food and help you set up all the birthday decorations.