Use the list of links below to jump to a section in our Party Guide, or read the whole post and become a party planning expert! Our guide will help you plan the perfect children’s birthday party in BCP! 🥳
Party Planning Checklist
Party Providers
Party Entertainers
Venue & Equipment Hire
Birthday Cakes
Decorations & Party Bags
Party Food Ideas
Free or Low-Cost Activities
Birthday Parties at home
Planning a children’s party may seem like a daunting prospect. You can go easy on yourself (and pay someone else to do it all!) or be as elaborate as your imagination, free time and creativity allow. If you’re not sure where to start when planning your child’s party, follow our checklist below to ensure it is stress-free and organised.
1. Set a budget for the party
First, decide how much you want to spend as this will help you decide what to do and how many people to invite.
2. Involve your child in the planning
Get some ideas from your child as to what they would like to do or where to go or what theme they would like. They might need reining in or adapting but it is their party after all.
3. Pick a date
Decide if you want the party to be the weekend before or after the birthday or after school. Do you want certain people to be there, like grandparents? Check they are free first!
4. Decide on the venue
Are you going for a full party provider, where all you need to do is turn up and bring a cake? Or hire a venue and book an entertainer or go fully DIY and plan the party games yourself? Or host something at home?
5. Decide on a theme
If you are doing more of a DIY party, then why not pick a theme. What does your child love, but won’t be too difficult to pull off and have you up all night trying to copy ideas you’ve seen on Pinterest!
6. Pre-book for your ideal date
Book the party venue or hire the hall. If you are hosting your own party rent any equipment like a bouncy castle or book an entertainer or activities provider.
7. Write your guest list
Based on your budget and any minimum numbers a venue may specify, write your guest list with your child’s help.
8. Send the invitations
Send out the invitations. No time to write them all or want to save some money? Why not set up a WhatsApp Group for the party and invite people that way? It’s also a great way to share photos and thank people for coming along.
9. Plan the food
Once you know how many people are attending you can decide on what to do for the party meal, unless the venue includes the food in your package. Find out if you’ll need plates and cups so you can get or hire those too.
10. Sort the birthday cake
Don’t forget to order or make a cake, which might need to tie in with your chosen theme!
11. Get any decorations
Check with your venue if you can put up your own decorations or if you are hiring a hall, think about how you want it to look.
12. Organise party bags
Definitely an optional step but a nice gesture nevertheless.
If you want a hassle-free party with the minimum effort then you are spoilt for choice when planning a children’s birthday party in BCP. From role play to parkour parties, gaming parties, biscuit making parties, lego building parties or even pottery painting the hardest part of planning your party is deciding what to do! You can find a full list of all the party providers in and around the local area on BCP Mumbler.
Here are some fantastic party providers you can hire for your children’s party:
If you are looking for unique party experience, Cosy Village is the perfect place. Our cafe is filled with fun and magic of role play games. Let little people’s imaginations run wild in a safe, clean and friendly environment.
We have designed two fantastic birthday packages so your little ones can celebrate in the best possible way.
Book an unforgettable birthday party for your child, stress-free! Relax and leave the planning to us! Just book ahead and bring the cake – we’ll handle the rest, making it an experience to remember!
For more info about our party packages head to our website cosyvillageplaycafe.co.uk or email us and come and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Hi, I’m Sarah B (aka the Biscuit Lady). I love creating delicious, beautiful biscuits for your special occasion. Have a creative child? I can run a Biscuit Decorating Party at your home or chosen venue. I bring everything with me AND clear up the mess. All you need to do is choose a theme with the birthday boy/girl; from Mermaids and Under the Sea to Cats & Dogs and everything in between. Book an hour party for 5yo+ or a 90 minute party for 8yo+. No need for party favours – children take their creations home in their own decorated box!
Please contact Sarah on 07950 522 725 or via email.
You can find out more about our biscuit decorating parties on my website biscuitsbysarahb.co.uk or come and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
A pottery painting party at Pots & Paint is the perfect way to entertain your special person and friends on their big day! We have found that one size fits all party packages don’t really suit most people, and with that in mind, we do not have set price plans or minimum number policies, instead we offer a simple pay for what you paint service. Set your per head budget or simply ask your guests to choose from our single price party pottery shelves – we don’t do studio fees so the price you see is what you pay. We have an extensive selection of pottery with over 130 ranges in stock at any time, our prices start from just £7.50 for our smallest shapes, so there is something for everyone!
The studio has a small cafe and offer a range of hot/cold drinks and ready to eat snacks to purchase. You are welcome to bring your own cake/candles (serving plate and knife is available if needed).
Contact the studio or head to our website to book your party today. Groups of 12+ require a booking deposit to secure booking. Paint at home options also available – enquires welcome.
Please contact Pots & Paint on 07723373698 or via email.
You can find out more about Pots & Paint parties on our website potsandpaint.co.uk or come and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Embark on a thrilling journey of movement and fun at our Parkour Parties, where every child and young person is invited to discover their potential in a world where obstacles become opportunities.
Our parkour parties are more than just a party; they’re an adventure into the heart of parkour, guided by our team of passionate and qualified coaches.
Our parties are an hour of intensive and fun movement, introducing participants to a variety of parkour techniques to give a rewarding and enjoyable experience for everyone involved!
Whether your child is a parkour novice or has been vaulting around the playground for years, our parties are tailored to meet everyone at their level of experience. We celebrate progress and encourage everyone to challenge themselves at their own pace.
We believe in creating unforgettable experiences. Our Parkour Parties are not just about learning new skills; they’re about creating lasting memories, making new friends, and discovering the joy of movement.
Ready to give your child an unforgettable birthday? Our Parkour Parties are the perfect way to celebrate, learn, and have a blast.
If you’re interested in further information, please head to train-hard.org/parties and complete our Parties Contact Form. You can also come and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
We offer a range of great fun activity-based parties at our centres including soft play parties, pool parties, football parties and more!
Whatever the occasion, we have the activity to make sure your special ones have a great day. We can take the hassle out of organising a party, catering, and theming so you can just relax and enjoy the occasion!
AIRJUMPX
Jump, bounce, and tumble on our super-sized indoor inflatable obstacle course. Featuring giant slides, jelly mountain, slam dunk zone and wipe-out balls.
Suitable for children aged 5 years+
FOOTBALL
Enjoy a football party on one of our all-weather pitches, giving your football mad kids a day to remember!
Suitable for children aged 4 years +
CRUSHER POOL INFLATABLE
It’s time to take on the Crusher! Take the challenge and see if you can reach the end of our pool inflatable assault course!
Suitable for children aged 8 years +
SOFT PLAY
Enjoy a soft play party at Littledown, a great way for under 5’s to explore, build confidence and burn off energy!
Suitable for children under 5
Littledown | Sir David English | Pelhams Park | Stokewood | Corfe Mullen
Click here to book your party today! You can also come and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre in Bransgore is the perfect spot for your children’s birthday party. With a variety of activities to choose from, including climbing and archery to canoeing and raft building- at just £99 for a 90 minute session for 10 people. There’s something for everyone with their tailor-made party, contact the team to find out more. With 65 acres of park and woodland, make it a day out and enjoy a picnic and games on the field and plenty of other self-guided activities with free parking available on-site.
Why stop there? They also offer Go Adventure Activities, bike hire and tracks, camping and lodge breaks as well as Family events throughout the year with the Easter Activity Trail on the 31st March from just £10pp.
Please contact Avon Tyrell on 01425 672347 or via email.
You can find out more about Avon Tyrell parties on our website avontyrrell.org.uk or come and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Looking for a new and exciting party experience for your child and their friends? Why not have an awesome LEGO® party?
Our LEGO® Parties are unlike any other kids parties. We wow the children (and adults) with thousands of pieces of LEGO®. We will run the entire party for you, keeping everyone engaged, entertained and having a great time, so you can relax and enjoy the party too!
With a mixture of free play, themed games and building challenges there really is something for everyone!
All we need is a venue with plenty of floor space & at least 4 tables to build on (a community centre or church hall is perfect), you supply the food, cake and party bags and we’ll bring along plenty of LEGO®, fun games and great challenges all around the famous plastic brick.
Please contact Little Brick Club via email to find out more about our LEGO® party package & all the different themes we have available. Come and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
If you’ve decided to hire a hall or host the party at home, you might want to outsource the entertainment, so all you need to worry about is the food and cake. There is a brilliant selection of party entertainers listed on the BCP Mumbler website. There is everything from Face Painters, DJ’s, Animal Parties to Princess Parties and Craft parties, to Circus Parties.
Check out these fabulous local entertainers:
Mesmerising – Unique – Magical – A Unique Show For All The Family
Everybody loves bubbles but popular Children’s Entertainer & Bubble Showman, Richard Welsh really loves bubbles and he wants to show you why. Mixing bubbles, music and comedy, Richard engages and delights audiences of all ages. Be amazed as Richard performs some wonderful bubble tricks which will include breath taking giant bubbles. Be wowed at the smoking bubble volcano and the amazing bubble sculptures including a bubble caterpillar, bubble dog etc. There will be plenty of interactive entertainment with some fun bubble games. With the grand finale of the opportunity to stand inside a giant bubble. We also offer outdoor bubble workshops during the spring/summer months. Available for birthday parties, special events and outdoor entertainment.
Please contact Richard via email.
You can find out more about The lovely Bubble Show parties on our website childrensentertainerdorset.co.uk or come and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Fancy a change from clowns, princesses & magicians? WHO YOU GONNA CALL?
Does your child love GHOSTBUSTERS, GOOSEBUMPS, sci-fi gadgets, or things that go bump in the night? EctoBusters UK will make your child’s birthday an unforgettable experience, with a wacky, interactive comedy show suitable for kids of all ages! We serve the whole South West, South East and Midlands area. (Please ask if you are further afield!)
As the party begins, a spooky event indicates the venue is haunted. Moments later, a real-life Ghostbuster arrives at the party in full character, wearing a proton pack with lights & sound effects straight from the movies!
The buster investigates the scene using spectral goggles and flashing ghost detectors, and then includes all the guests to help bust that ghost! In the climax the birthday girl or boy gets to wear a miniature proton pack, operate the ghost trap and suck in the ghost.
After the show there are Ghostbuster-themed party games (with prizes), singing & dancing, answering questions, photo opportunities, & of course singing happy birthday. The party lasts approximately 2 hours.
Every child receives a special Certificate of Anti-Paranormal Proficiency, for working together to defeat the ghost!
Please contact Angela & Alex on 07462 912 534 or via email.
You can find out more about Ecto Busters UK if you visit and give us a follow on Facebook and Instagram.
My name is Simon, AKA Super – Si I’m based in Bournemouth, however I travel all over to make that P.A.R.T.Y and events that extra special!!
I love putting smiles on children’s faces and due to my performing arts training, I have years of experience. Three things I always bring: EXCITEMENT, HAPPINESS and NON-STOP ENTERTAINMENT. I have passion, dedication and always pride myself on being the BEST at what I do!
What incredible things can Little Gizmos offer?
* 1 or 2 hour themed parties such as Pirates, Dinosaurs, Super-Hero, Manned Mascots, glow sticks in the dark and water summer parties.
* 30 Mins manned Mascot/Super-Hero Meet and Greets to your party or to your home, place of work and field or events
* Soft play hire with 8 different themes to choose from
* Big Celebrations in Hotels, Cafe’s Pub’s and Restaurant’s
* Easter events and our amazing rabbit to your home at Easter!!
* Christmas Shows with Giggles and Dizzy The Elves/Christmas Grotto & our amazing MAGICAL Elf To Your Home.
We cater for all size parties and events for any age and we offer bespoke party packages for any occasion!
Please contact Si on 07972 827140 or via email.
You can find out more about Little Gizmos Entertainment if you visit littlegizmosentertainment.com and give us a follow on Facebook and Instagram.
If you decide to pull together your own party or fancy getting someone in to entertain the party-goers, then you might also need a venue or some equipment such as soft play or a bouncy castle.
There are loads of venues around BCP that can be hired out by the hour for children’s parties and are listed on the Mumbler website.
Generally, you get the use of a hall and kitchen area, but if you also need outside space you might want to check if this is available. Rates vary depending on the venue but for budgeting purposes are approximately £15-25 per hour.
One sure-fire way to keep lots of small children entertained and to burn off all that birthday party excitement is to hire a bouncy castle. All the party equipment you might need to hire is also listed on the Mumbler website.
Have a look at this great variety of different equipment you can hire for your children’s party:
At Kayla’s Bell Tents and Teepee Sleepovers, we specialise in hiring our luxurious bell tents, teepee sleepovers and luxe picnic setups throughout Dorset and the surrounding areas, creating a unique experience every time.
We can offer a variety of options and themes, catering for all special occasions and events.
Please message Sally on 07920 764448 or via email.
You can find out more about Kayla’s Bell Tents & Teepee Sleepovers on our website kaylasbelltents.co.uk or come and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
If you are not this year’s star baker and don’t want to make your own cake, there are lots of cake makers listed on the Mumbler website. Prices depend on the size of the cake, how you want it decorated and if you want it delivered to your venue.
You don’t need to be a great baker to create a brilliant birthday cake. Why not hack a supermarket cake? Buy a few plain cakes and jazz them up with extra frosting (buy a few tubs of that whilst you are shopping) and cover the sides in sprinkles.
If you are having a large party, consider making or buying cupcakes instead or alongside a smaller cake. It will be easier and quicker to give them all out.
If your birthday boy or girl isn’t too keen on cake, then here are some alternative suggestions:
A giant cookie
A doughnut tower
Rice Krispies cake
Whatever you do, don’t forget the candles and some matches!
From balloons to sweet treats, if you don’t want to organise everything yourself, there are plenty of suppliers listed on the Mumbler website who can help you out. If you are looking for an alternative to the usual party bags fillers or want something more eco-friendly and useful, check out our list below.
A book, perhaps with a handwritten message inside or thank you sticker
Do some simple crafts at your party so the guests can take them home
A packet of seeds to plant & grow
A pair of kids sunglasses with a cool message on a tag attached to it
Set up a pick & mix stand with paper bags and let kids help themselves at the end of the party
At most organised parties where you pay for a full package, party food will be included. However, if you need to take your own party food or are having a DIY party here are some tips and ideas.
Keep the food simple, the kids won’t be expecting a gourmet meal 😂
Ask your party guests if they have any special dietary requirements first
If you are having a large party, you might want to provide the meals in a box so you can do all the preparation in advance and just hand out the boxes on the day
Go for food you know the kids will love and don’t worry too much about it being super healthy!
Sausage rolls
Pizza
Sandwiches
Cheese straws
Crisps or popcorn
Vegetable sticks
Fruit kebabs
Fairy cakes
Biscuits
You could always make the food preparation part of the party and gets the kids to decorate their own pizzas or fill their own wraps from a choice of fillings
You can order platters of sandwiches and party food from most supermarkets as long as you order it in advance.
Finally, if you don’t want to make the food yourself there is a great range of caterers listed on the Mumbler website. Most providers will organise a party food package for you and even food platters for the grown-ups.
If you are planning to host the party yourself or feel you need to pack in even more fun, here are some free or low-cost ideas to keep all the party-goers entertained. Remember a party doesn’t need to be complicated or cost you a small fortune. Children really enjoy being with their friends and playing fun games together, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself for it to be perfect.
Musical Statues
Use your phone to play music or take a mini speaker along with you. Download or stream some party tunes and away you go! The hardest part is spotting who was still moving when you stop the music!
Treasure Hunt outside party games
Set up a simple treasure hunt around your venue or home. You don’t need anything fancy and could use something your child already has. Hid 10 of their teddies or Lego figures – let your imagination go wild. Just take a photo of them all, stick the photos into a document, number each one and print out enough sheets for everyone.
Charades
No explanation is needed for this classic. All you need to prepare in advance is a pad of paper & pen and think of a few ideas of words or phrases people need to act out! You could even match the game to the theme of your party. If you don’t want it to drag out, use the timer on your phone for each player.
Pass the balloon
Simply blow up a balloon and get the kids in a row then get them to pass the balloon from under their chin to one another without using their hands. Use two balloons, split the kids into two groups and have a race!
Pinata
These always seem to go down very well at parties but do need quite a bit of supervision to make sure the children take turns and nothing but the Pinata gets whacked! Maybe not for the faint-hearted.
Pass the Parcel
Another one that needs no explanation! You can add to the fun by having more than one parcel or simply fill a zip-up bag with treats if you don’t have time to wrap or don’t want to waste lots of paper.
Here are some of the brilliant ideas and birthday parties you can create for your children at home brought to you by Mumbler Mum’s!
🌟Build a den🌟
“Make a den with chairs and blankets, indoor fairy lights, decorate it all inside with pictures, cushions, toys. I’ve yet to meet a person or adult of any age who doesn’t love crawling into a den. Play music in there, games.” Mumbler HD
🌟Set up a birthday present treasure hunt🌟
“Birthday treasure hunt with a present hidden in every room! Have easy clues (could make them rhyme eg There’s a special present you could find, search for a bear & look behind!). Spend time searching & building excitement, should make them giggle & fill the time!” Mumbler SP
🌟Create new birthday traditions🌟
“Maybe start some birthday traditions? Special PJ’s the night before, a birthday breakfast, making the cake together… could start something for years to come.” Mumbler KB
🌟Get your party frocks on🌟
“All get dressed up in your party dresses and have a party tea.” Mumbler RH
🌟Set up a cinema or disco 🌟
“I decorated the front room loads of balloon and banners. We had a lazy morning face timing/phoning family members up then we got dressed went to ‘the salon’ hair/make up and nails. We had party food picnic then went to ‘the cinema’ watched a film with sweets and pop corn then later on we ended the day with a disco. She really enjoyed it and said it was her best day ever!” Mumbler LM
🌟Ask your family to record messages🌟
“I’ve asked his friends and family to record a little happy birthday message and I’m going to compile them all together so he has a little video to watch in the morning!” Mumbler EN
🌟Have a home cinema night🌟
“I’ve decided in the evening to do a movie night, printed out tickets, got popcorn buckets, lots of his favourite sweets, trying to make it extra special. During the day he asked if we could bake and decorate his cake together! We’re going to facetime his friends and family on houseparty app while we do candles on the cake too.” Mumbler CRN
🌟Have a garden party🌟
“We put up a gazebo in the garden and had a bbq. We played games made out of recycling (bowling using plastic bottles, tin can alley). We also made a piñata from scratch which my little girl loved. I also asked friends and family to send cards, if they could. I then hid them so she had a huge pile showing her that people where thinking of her on her birthday.” Mumbler EC
