Planning birthday parties can be equal parts fun and stressful, however, there are many steps you can take to make it as smooth sailing as possible. There is much to consider when planning a child’s birthday, so ticking off a few steps before you book anything can be helpful.

First, consider the age of your child. While a Google search may give you an endless list of party ideas, not all of them will be age appropriate.

For example, a trip to the cinema may not be appropriate for a toddler’s birthday party, the same way a day out at a baby sensory centre may not be great for a group of ten-year-olds.

If you are entertaining a mixed age range, this can be even trickier. There are several party options which can be great for children of all ages though.

One of these is indoor soft play centres. Many indoor play centres have activities and attractions for children of all ages, from ball pits to climbing walls and trampolines.

Choosing a venue like this can help to ensure everyone invited has a blast and there is something for everyone to do, regardless of their age or interests.

Something else to consider is where the party will be located. If you are planning on inviting a group of your child’s friends, choosing a venue that is easily accessible is the best option.

This will help to ensure as many guests as possible can attend, regardless of the mode of transport they choose to use.

While an outdoor day of fun and games may be a great option, hosting it in a remote field in the middle of the countryside may not be accessible to everyone and you may find your party becomes a party of one.

You will also need to consider refreshments. While a full meal may not be necessary when entertaining children it is important that drinks and snacks are available to them should they become hungry or thirsty.

While other parents may take it upon themselves to bring provisions for their own children, it is still a good idea to provide a selection of refreshments or to choose a venue which provides them for you to ensure everyone is happy and content.

This is especially important if the children will be playing or engaging in activities which use a lot of energy as they can easily become hungry and thirsty and therefore disgruntled if they do not have access to food or drink.

Once you have considered all of the above, you can then narrow down your search to the venues or party ideas which are suitable for your needs and the needs of those in attendance.

Remember, children’s parties do not need to be extravagant and expensive to be enjoyable. Many children are happy to simply spend time with their friends doing something fun, whether that is a simple picnic at the park or some type of amusement or event.