Fun and Cheap:

5 Foolproof Ways to Entertain Kids at a Party

(Introduction)

Is your child’s birthday coming up and the thought of keeping 30 kids busy, entertained, and safe

for a few hours seems harder than anything else you ever did? Here are five effective ways to put

on a party that’s fun for everyone, from your one-year-old to your grandmother.

1. Get Their Hands Dirty

Having guests involved in fun activities and craft projects is a great way to facilitate

communication between children at the party.

- Decorate cupcakes (image of a cupcake with frosting)

- Decorate walls or tablecloths with painted handprints (image of a hand)

- Have children make festive hats using colored paper

- Using table napkins, kids can create origami animals

- Make bracelets and necklaces from candy

- Using play dough, kids can discover their creative side in molding various objects

2. Theme Up!

Parents who want their children’s parties to be a standout occasions know they should give it a

popular theme.

75% of moms say their child’s birthday party theme is influenced by popular TV shows and

movies

57% say they will likely use representative characters for the invitations as well

14% is the increase reported by entertainment and party vendor bookings between 2011 and

2012

1. Sesame Street and Minnie Mouse were indicated as most popular theme choices for

children ages 1-3.

2. Kids ages 4-6 are more attracted by parties featuring Princess and Superheroes.

3. (Split frame in 2, put two differently aged children on each side and the characters

for each on each side of the child, something like a thought bubble or something.

Text for each below.)

3. It’s All Fun and Games, Period.

When it comes to party entertainers:

Clowns Face painters Magicians

Are the most booked

As for party rentals, the most popular are:

Bounce house Water slides Multiplay inflatables

(we need pictures for each)

(!) Children will also have loads of fun playing interactive sports & games, obstacle courses,

carnival games, attention grabbers, and balloon decorations.

(enclose it)

4. Sweeten the Deal

It’s a universal truth that all children like sweets, so you should be able to offer a wide variety at

the party.

- Chocolate

- Birthday cake

- Marshmallows

- Ice-cream

- Fudge

When asked about food & beverage:

(4) 98% of event planning facilities surveyed said they use some kind of food and beverage

service.

1. Food carts and kiosks 50%

2. Vending machines 47%

3. Limited menu/quick service outlets 65%

(this is for 1,2,3)

Image of

a child

(this is for (4), (5))

(5) While party favors and goodie bags can sometimes be controversial due to their contents,

80% of parents said they will offer favors for their guests.

4. Sing and Dance It Out

Children love music, and parents can organize fun dances for kids of all ages.

(put a belly dancer, but cartoon like above. Below write:

Event planners reported a 32% increase from 2011 to 2012 in the amount of Dancers booked for

children’s birthday parties, among which belly dancers and hula dancers were the most

frequently booked

(on the right, image of a child singing. Below write:

Children can become pop-stars overnight, getting to sing their favorite songs and have a blast.

Sources:

http://www.punchbowl.com/corporate/presskit/pr_punchbowl_guestexperience_020514.pdf

http://www.business2community.com/branding/kids-birthday-parties-big-business-brands-

0815880#!AMcmQ

http://www.iaapa.org/docs/institutes/benchmark-study-family-entertainment-

centers.pdf?sfvrsn=0

http://blog.gigmasters.com/top-kids-party-trends-of-2012/

http://www.marthastewart.com/275413/kids-party-crafts/@center/276975/marthas-crafts-

kids#268383