HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUE

Where you hold your kid’s birthday party determines the type of day the Birthday Child will have. Will your daughter remember forever the clown who terrified her all afternoon, or the games she and her friends enjoyed? Will Mr. Seven invite his whole soccer team to the location you feel will be the easiest place to host a boy’s birthday? Children?s party venues tend to be a little conservative for this reason; it’s difficult to choose a place where the Birthday Child and their guests can enjoy their time together. It is not a choice which is ?ok? if it caters to the majority.

It is important to have a psychologically safe, child coloured space which is specifically designed to the needs of the party goer. Little things make a difference. Door handles that allow or prevent entry / exit to particular spaces, toilet and washroom facilities that cater to children with lower facilities, wet area floors that are not slippery, whilst always clean.

There should be friendly fun furniture and toys or games for children waiting for parents or other guests to arrive. At the same time, adults who may attend or stay to view the party need to be accommodated in a welcoming manner that doesn?t take away from the Star of the Show. Drinks and snacks are a good distraction and may be a clear boundary as to who is allowed where. That is the nice fluffy stuff. What is this going to cost? Specialist kids party venues charge according to the ?wow? factor. An adventure in a wildlife reserve, zoo or aquarium would be rated in the mid ? high price range, as the volume of parties and other simultaneously occurring events offset staff and operational costs.

Should you wish to have an exclusive time in a theme park such as Space Odyssey in New Jersey, ensure your credit card is good for the daily fee of $25,000. Will this give your Messiah happy memories of his first birthday? Local parks or sports clubs make excellent alternatives at a fraction of the cost.

A YMCA or PCYC, swimming centre, gymnastics, dance, or indoor sports club / venue is a superb choice for a quality birthday time. Qualified, engaging and enthusiastic young party leaders or entertainers provide activities around a theme or sport. Healthy snacks and drinks are available. Parent areas ensure adults can keep a watchful eye on the party, being involved from a distance. Which venue is right for your child? The one that engages their bodies and minds; creates lots of laughter and smiles, and best provides the Birthday Child with a story for ?Show and Tell? on Monday morning.

Wally Salinger is a teacher who has taught more than 1 Million primary children in 5 Australian States. He is passionate about movement in learning, and mentors small business owners towards their potential.