Skip to content
Occasionby Salty & Clever

Kids' Birthday Party

Happy kids, fed parents, and a host who still has a voice at the end

Plan a children's birthday party that runs to time and does not leave you frazzled. Get an age-aware timeline, food that children actually eat and adults are glad to find, simple games that fill two hours, and quantities for both the little guests and the grown-ups who bring them.

Plan my kids' birthdayMake an invitation Usually 6–40 guests

Countdown

The kids' birthday timeline

Tick things off as you go — it’s a checklist.

  1. 4 weeks before

  2. 2 weeks before

  3. 1 week before

  4. Day before

  5. Day of

  6. Day after

Menu ideas

What to serve

Décor ideas

  • · A theme banner at child height, where the photos will actually be.
  • · Balloons weighted to chairs, kept away from very young children.
  • · A paper tablecloth kids can draw on with crayons.
  • · A 'birthday chair' decorated with ribbon or crepe paper.
  • · Bunting in the theme colours across the doorway.
  • · Named party bags lined up by the door as a finish line.

Things to do

  • · Musical statues or musical chairs for the first burst of energy.
  • · A treasure hunt with picture clues for younger children.
  • · Pass the parcel with a small treat in every layer.
  • · A decorate-your-own cupcake or cookie station.
  • · A craft table with stickers, crowns or masks as a quiet corner.
  • · Balloon games: keep it up, balloon relay, or balloon pop with slips inside.

Drinks

  • · Homemade lemonade in a jug with a tap, poured into small cups.
  • · Water with orange slices, always on the kids' table.
  • · Diluted fruit juice rather than full-strength, to keep sugar in check.
  • · Coffee and tea for parents, set up before anyone arrives.
  • · Sparkling water for adults who are staying.

Music · Bright, singable and never too loud for the grown-ups to talk.

  • · Songs from the theme's films or shows for the games.
  • · Upbeat family-friendly pop for freeze dance.
  • · A calm playlist for the craft table and cake time.
  • · Happy Birthday with everyone singing, lights down.

Questions hosts ask

How much food do I need for a kids' birthday party?

Children eat less than you expect, especially when excited. As a rule of thumb, plan three or four small savoury items per child plus fruit and cake, and cook for the adults who are staying as you would for any buffet: about 230 g (8 oz) of main and 125 g (4.4 oz) of a side each.

How long should a children's party last?

For children under seven, about two hours works well. Older children can manage two and a half to three hours, especially if there is a main activity like a film, a craft or a sport.

How many kids should I invite?

A widely used guide is the child's age plus one for small parties. Whatever you choose, plan enough adults to supervise; for toddlers, many parents will want to stay anyway.

How do I handle food allergies at a kids' party?

Ask parents on the invitation and again when they reply. Keep labels on every dish, keep packaging for anything shop-bought, and ask parents of children with serious allergies to check the food themselves or bring a safe plate. A menu that leaves out an ingredient is not the same as a kitchen that can promise none of it got in.

Should I feed the parents?

If parents are staying, yes. Coffee, a savoury tray and something green goes a long way, and a fed parent is a patient one.