Tips For Parents: Party Ideas

Party Time is always here and time is running out to plan the perfect children’s party. At Zap Entertainment we have been planning parties and special events since 1979.  We have been serving the Parma community since when we first opened our doors here in 1988.

Every weekend of every month mom and dad are planning that “Special Party” for a loved one's birthday, communion, graduation etc. This article will focus on how to plan a successful children’s birthday party.  First and foremost, the number of children invited will be a key point.  The rule of thumb is to have as many guests as twice your child’s age. So, if you are having a party for a five-year-old, 10-12 children will be ideal.  Inviting the whole class and having a party with 15-25 children will be overwhelming to a five-year-old child.  This rule holds up through the teenage years. 

Where to have it and what to expect?  Many families will decide to hold the party at home.  If you are having a party at home, plan on three hours maximum length.  You need time for the guest to arrive, play, have ice cream and cake, open gifts and take part in a group activity.  This could be an art and craft project, game playing or hiring an entertainer to bring in a “Special Event” feeling to your party. 

Other alternatives are a trip to Kiddie Park, Bowling (make sure the alley has bumper bowling) Jump Houses, Golf and more.  At these parties, people will be spread out so expect a much shorter time for cake and presents.  Remember, if you are having a party for anyone age 6 and younger, most of the parents will stay.  Make sure you have room and something for them to do, too.

Hint of the month:  Piñatas Time! : At many parties we attend, the kids all partake in the classic Piñata game.  It is almost impossible to break a Piñata with a stick unless you poke tiny air holes throughout the body.  This is all you have to do: just take a pin and poke holes all around it.  Now when they hit it hard, it will start to break off in pieces. This age-old wisdom is usually written on the tag, but who reads those tags nowadays? They also sell Piñatas with ribbons attached where each child can take a turn pulling a ribbon off.  One ribbon will open the bottom of the Piñata and let all the candy fall.  These ribbon Piñatas are safer and better for small-age children.

Until next month, we “Hope Your Party is a Great SUCCESS!!!"

Bob & Sue Durante 440-843-8749  www.zaphg.com