Fun Party Ideas For Winter Birthdays

For energetic adventurers…

Soft play has to be one of the easiest children’s parties to throw – kids love exploring all the different aparatus and adults can sit back knowing they’re in a safe space. Bertie & Boo can host small groups at their own Adventure Island space, Wacky Warehosue is full of slides into ball pits, while Rock It Inflatables offers everything you need to set up your own soft play area at home or in a hall. Some, like Play Shack, will even let you pay on the door – great if you’ve left it all a bit last minute, or just want to do something casual with a couple of mum friends and a cake.

SL Recommends: Wacky Warehouse; Bertie & Boo; Gambado; Rock It Inflatables; Play Shack; Chilly Kiddys.

For animal enthusiasts…

From creepy crawlies to slithering snakes, sweet furry friends to impressive owls, younger children will love the opportunity to get up close to an array of animals – with a petting zoo that comes to you. Safari Pete comes highly recommended (he promises interactions with toads, meerkats, owls, and more), while the Animal Club can organise birthday parties by theme, from domestic animals, such as guinea pigs and bunnies, to fascinating reptiles including bearded dragons and snakes. Plus, they can also cater to special needs and children as young as two. 

SL Recommends: Safari Pete;  Animal Club; Animal Magic; Little Zoo.

For fans of make-believe…

Little ones love to use their imaginations and this is the perfect age for entertainers who offer magic shows or dress up like princesses and dragons. Mr Marvel has put on children’s parties for the likes of the BBC and Goldman Sachs, while Mystical Fairies can make budding pirate and fairy dreams come true. Most can be booked by time and headcount, and can supply their own decorations, props and more.

SL Recommends: Mr. Marvel; Mr Lolly; Gilbert Giggles; Froggle Parties; Rico Kids; Magic Mikey; Mystical Fairies; Emily’s Entertainment; Anywhere Parties; Party Beans.

For escape artists….

Escape rooms aren’t just for adults, there are brilliant challenges around for youngsters too. Enigma Quest in London has different packages on offer, including the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and The Million Pound Heist – there are lots of options nationwide. For the ultimate physical and mental challenge, try The Crystal Maze Experience in London and Manchester – ideal for over nines. If you want to take it to the next level, try a virtual reality multi-player experience; DNA VR is located by Battersea Power Station so you could finish at one of the casual eateries next door.

SL Recommends: DNA VR; The Crystal Maze; Enigma Quests; Clue Quest

For music lovers… 

We can’t think of many tweens who wouldn’t enjoy a disco party or karaoke night. The good news is there’s an array of companies out there offering just that – choose from their own venues, rent a hall or host it at home. Want to keep the noise down? A silent disco means kids still get all the fun, while the adults can relax on the side-lines in peace. For the wannabe pop stars, go for karaoke and let them unleash their inner singer.

SL Recommends:  DNA Kids; Silent Disco 4 U; Lucky Voice; City Nights Disco; Streetbeat; The Karaoke Company; Kidz Escape.

For team fun…

For paintballing without the bruises, try an Ultimate Nerf Party. These work best indoors so they’re perfect for winter. Companies bring all the kit – inflatables to hide behind, targets to aim at – and kids are divided into teams to play Capture the Flag, Retrieve the Bomb, Snatch & Grab and The Predator. Paintballing and laser tag always go down well, especially with older boys – throw in a pizza afterwards and the day is sorted. Visit Paintball.co.uk to see which nationwide site is closest to you, while companies like Bunker 51 throw in 45 of minutes of birthday cake, snacks and party bags at the end.

SL Recommends: Utimate Nerf Party; Paintball; Bunker 51; Kids Paintball; Go Paintball

For adrenaline junkies…

For more adventurous types, there are plenty of indoor activities tweens will love. Whether it’s climbing, trampolining, or taking part in an obstacle course, there are companies with weather-proof centres nationwide promising hours of fun – and minimal faff for parents. 

SL Recommends: Flip Out; Team Sport; Clip ‘N’ Climb Chelsea; Oxygen Trampoline Park.

For sleepovers with a difference…

Most tweens we know would love a sleepover with their friends – and there are companies out there who will come to your house, install the dream set-up, then dismantle it the next day and take it all away. For something a bit further afield, book into one of the Dino Snores sessions at the National History Museum or reserve a place at the Chessington Safari Hotel for a really special occasion.

SL Recommends: Canvas And Peg; The Social Set Up; Sleepy Teepee; Dino Snores at The Natural History Museum; Chessington Safari Hotel

For reliable favourites…

An oldie but a goodie – there’s plenty of fun to be had in an afternoon spent bowling or ice skating. Queen’s London comes highly recommended for ice skating, while All Star Lanes offers specific packages for teens covering food and beverage, including mocktails and bottomless soft drinks. For something outside London, Namco Funscape has bowling centres up and down the country.

SL Recommends: Queen’s London; All Star Lanes; Hollywood Bowl; Spectrum; Namco Funscape