Kids Party Suggestions

moar bargains on 02/03/2024 - 20:41

Hi all,

I would like to crowd source suggestions for a kids birthday party, and have come to ask Australia's professional money-savers.

Some requirements/restrictions:

  • 8 year old birthday, and kids will be 6-8ish (boys and girls).
  • Approximately 10-12 kids.
  • It will be in winter (June), so indoors or sheltered is basically a necessity.
  • We don't want to pay for an ‘event’ party (game lobby, 10 pin bowling, etc). We can see the attraction of these things, because the party organisation, catering, entertainment etc is sorted but we basically can't afford it.
  • We're in regional SA, so that also limits accessibility of many of the above options.
  • We could have it at our house, but would rather not because there's not a whole lot of space for a dozen kids to tear around, crazy on sugar. Open to suggestions for entertainment at our place though.

Our only idea so far is to go to a nearby state forest, have a campfire, and let the kids embrace the mud and play in the forest. A bit of drizzle would be ok, but this wouldn't be any good if it's pouring with rain though. It's also about half an hour away, so could be tricky logistically.

I realise the above makes it quite tricky, which is why we're having trouble coming up with things. So please hit me with your ideas.

Thanks in advance!

Toys & Kids

Comments

  • djones145 on 02/03/2024 - 20:54
    +12

    10 to 12 8 year olds
    camping
    no power, internet
    plus rain
    in rural SA…

    are u are serial killer???? lol

    rent a hall, u can be the entertainment ( magic show, science experienments). pizza and fairy bread for food

    • TheRealCher on 02/03/2024 - 22:42
      +1

      The smell of children sizzling and the feel of rain a drizzling
      Makes a birthday party kinda grand
      The little bits a splatter while the rain goes pitter patter
      Makes a birthday party kinda grand

      In the forest on your own
      They'll never hear the kiddies groan
      From the goodies that you bought from the shop
      Yes you're in south Australia
      Where everyone is stranger
      At your kids birthday party
      Bullets flying littlies crying
      Make your kids birthday party really truly madly go off!

      • jzdhgkd on 04/03/2024 - 12:38
        +1

        Jesus

  • AustriaBargain on 02/03/2024 - 21:00
    +3

    Two bumper lanes for a few hours at bowling can't cost that much can it?

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 02/03/2024 - 21:03
      +4

      Everything be expensive in this day n age

    • moar bargains on 02/03/2024 - 22:09
      +3

      $40-50 pp isn't super cheap to us.

      • larndis on 03/03/2024 - 08:10
        +4

        You may be able to do it a lot cheaper without booking as a party. Even with a party package some some places let you bring your own food, etc.

  • Benoffie on 02/03/2024 - 21:32
    +2

    When you say regional SA… where are we talking? Even if it's the region itll help narrow something down (Barossa, Clare, Riverland, SE/MtG etc)

  • AngoraFish on 02/03/2024 - 21:45
    +11

    8 out of 10 or so years we went to the biggest playground in the area and bought a cake. It was always fantastic.

    Birthdays were late September, which is just about peak rainy season, and the most rain we ever got was a bit of drizzle - people massively over estimate how often it rains.

    One birthday that we did have at our house we got two boxes of foam swords from ebay https://www.amazon.com.au/Trademark-Innovations-Prince-Pirat… and handed them out as kids came through the door and we never saw them again, couldn't even interrupt them to try to feed them - best birthday party ever.

    • moar bargains on 02/03/2024 - 22:26

      This is an interesting idea, thanks.

  • dtc on 02/03/2024 - 22:21
    +5

    If you have a local gymnastics club they often run kids parties (basically a few instructors take them through some gymnastic activities); not super expensive but does cost obviously

    Your idea sounds good. Maybe a treasure hunt (take photos of objects in the forest eg leaf, pine one, whatever is in your forest, some choc coins) or (as mentioned) some foam swords (nerf gun fight would be fun but some kids are a bit young/cost).

  • onetwothreefour on 02/03/2024 - 22:47
    +5

    Local park with a playground and backup as your house if it rains.

  • jjjaar on 03/03/2024 - 00:03
    +4

    Any local community hall, scout hall, bowls club, council facility up for hire? Local places like this are usually relatively affordable and then you could just do a typical birthday party with sausage rolls, party pies, fairy bread and lolly bags, just not at your house.

    Not the most familiar with Adelaide hills, so ignore if my geography is wrong.

    $15/hr: https://piccadillyhall.wixsite.com/hall/copy-of-bookings
    $20/hr: https://www.mtbcc.org.au/facilities-hire.html (various venues incl Brukunga Hall Community Facility)
    $25/hr+$35 kitchen: https://www.spacetoco.com/space/mount-barker-town-hall

    • moar bargains on 03/03/2024 - 08:07

      Thanks. Yeah there's a couple of community halls nearby next to playgrounds, so that's another option we're considering. If the weather turns out ok then the playground is good, but if not the hall has us covered.

  • morse on 03/03/2024 - 04:05
    +3

    Some Bunnings do birthday parties, our local one lets you have the space for free on weekdays, or hire it on weekends. They supply the party plates cup etc you bring your own food. More for younger kids though.

    Inflatable World is one of the cheaper centre based ones, you can cater your own food. The kids are so busy running around you can just do a cake and then have some packs of lollies, chips, etc. The kids generally have a blast and use up a lot of energy and it’s good for lots of different ages. There’s inflatable worlds all over Australia.

    An obstacle course or park eg this one https://book.venue.life/woodhouse/book/day-adventure-pass/pr… this one has discounted entry for groups of 4 works out at $15.5 for each.

    Park parties are always good, buy or borrow a gazebo and go somewhere with a few cool park features, climbing, maze etc. rain can definitely be an issue though. Could hire a big glamping tent for the theme

    Themes and activities for park/outdoor can be panning for ‘gold’, scavenger hunt (can do maps, clues etc and have prizes), bikes (everyone brings a bike to bmx track or bike trail, could be harder for the younger ones to keep up though)

    Home themes can do a Lego party (requires lots of Lego), slime party (get stuff to make various slimes, have an area covered in plastic etc for this), make your own pizza, bbq, hire a bouncy castle (make sure to secure it), craft/building e.g. plaster moulds, wood kits (Kmart has cheap stuff), science theme do some simple science experiments, circus theme get juggling balls etc and teach kids to juggle or do other tricks, magic theme learn some magic tricks and do a magic show +- get the kids to learn some. If doing a house party just make it clear where the party section is so only one part gets messy.

    • moar bargains on 03/03/2024 - 08:18

      Thanks, lots of good suggestions there!

  • Lastchancetosee on 03/03/2024 - 09:40
    +3

    We did an at home 'Olympic Games' for ours in a big shed, but you could usexa gatage or carport. Instead of all the athletics, they had skills like knocking down coke cans, twister, drawing, building a tower, etc. The children were divided into three teams and we had a big cardboard score board. They won home-made medals for each activity and everyone had a party bag to take home.

    Others we did were
    - Pop star parties for girls, with pin the mic on the singer, make-up sessions (Mum), fancy dress, and dancing
    - Pirates, with home made eyes patches and bandanas and bought hats, pin the parrot on the mast, treasure hunt outside (it was winter, so they were asked to bring jackets), etc.

    Themed pass the parcel worked well with a small gift in each layer so everyone got
    something, not just the big prize and musical
    chairs.

    It takes prep and some imagination, but the children loved them.

  • JimmyF on 03/03/2024 - 09:48

    I realise the above makes it quite tricky, which is why we're having trouble coming up with things. So please hit me with your ideas.

    Looking at your post and replies to other peoples ideas. Honestly you have a massive list of reasons why you can't do something, always seems to be a reason.

    It is a 8yo birthday, not a special one. So skip the party with other kids, do something with the family at home instead.

    tl;dr you're not going to do a party or event for 'free', so skip doing it.

  • elgrande on 03/03/2024 - 10:27
    +5

    How much are you allocating for alchohol?

    • moar bargains on 03/03/2024 - 14:12

      During the party, or for parental recovery afterwards?

      • elgrande on 03/03/2024 - 23:06
        +1

        During. Its a reference to an old post..

        • moar bargains on 03/03/2024 - 23:29
          +1

          Ah, haven't seen that one.

  • 2esc on 03/03/2024 - 13:29
    +1

    Does your kid want a party?

    Did you give your child options other than a party?

    Ideas my kids have come up with is a mini break with the family, a bigger present(save money and time instead of a party), a trip with other family(cousins) to mini golf/archery, some new bedroom furniture I thought they were ripping themselves off a bit with that one but that's what they wanted.

    • moar bargains on 03/03/2024 - 14:11

      Good thoughts, thanks.

      Hard to tell if the desire for a party is genuine or just FOMO from siblings/school friends, but we'll sus it out a bit more.

  • angywoo on 03/03/2024 - 14:07
    +1

    Is there a park-like venue with a "shelter" you could use if it rains?

    Some ideas I have done for Birthday parties in May:

    minute to win it games.

    Chalk chase.

    An amazing race with pitstop challenges. (did this one with about 50 kids.. Do not send you kid to school with a spare invite book)

    Find a free camping venue. Get people to bring a small pop up tent with them and pitch a tent for a day.
    Toast marshmallows, hot chocolate and a sausage sizzle. Can do a bush scavenger hunt.

    • moar bargains on 03/03/2024 - 14:10

      Lol at the spare invite book 😆

      Yeah there's a few local playground with shelters which we could make use of.

      Thanks for your suggestions.

      • angywoo on 03/03/2024 - 15:29
        +5

        I think there was 29 in the class and the invite books came in 25's and I couldn't remember the names of the last 6 (I mucked up an invite too)

        It was a bit of a surprise as half of them didn't even RSVP.
        It was easily managed as we just put them into extra groups and quickly sent my mum to buy some more icecream, sausages, bread rolls, doughnuts and calico from spotlight.

        One of the race stations they had to create a team tshirt which we changed to a calico headband as I was not going to buy 20 odd more tshirts.

        From memory the stations were:

        A bowl of icecream and toppings. In their groups they were given some icecream then had to roll a dice and add the topping that corresponded to the number on the dice. The toppings were things like m&ms, 100's&1000's, tomato sauce, chocolate topping and soy. They each had to add 3 toppings and then finish their bowl.

        Design a team head band and replicate the design for each team member.

        Make a newspaper paper plane and fly it across a line.

        Blow a ping pong ball from one cup of water to another. There were about 10 cups on the table.

        Memorise a limerick.

        Eat a hanging/swinging doughnut with your hands behind your back.

        Find the popstick in a tub of sand. Think of a tub of sand with pop sticks standing up and one of them has a coloured end hidden in the sand. They had to answer a general knowledge question and if they got it right, they could choose a pop stick. There were a few hidden in the tub.

        Coin toss into a tub of ice and water with cans on the bottom. If the coin landed on a can they got to drink it, if not, they had to choose another option. Water/juice box.

        Make fairy bread blind folded.

        The kids had a great time so did the adults and the best part was it wasn't done at home.

        • Euphemistic on 03/03/2024 - 16:33
          +3

          Make fairy bread blind folded.

          Thats a brilliant idea.

  • Euphemistic on 03/03/2024 - 14:21

    Its not that difficult. Just dont get caught with trying to keep up with the Jones.

    Quite like the idea of a state forest 'camping' party.

    Kids will have fun if you organise some basic activities for them to do. Kids favourite sport (soccer, netball, cricket) treasure hunt, chalk chase etc. Then a home made cake with candles. Give them all some lollies to go home with. Pick a local park with a playground.

    • moar bargains on 03/03/2024 - 14:57

      Thanks! All that basically sounds like our idea of a kids party.

      Just dont get caught with trying to keep up with the Jones.

      This is exactly what we're trying to avoid! Kids parties are ridiculous these days!

  • Dollar General on 03/03/2024 - 15:03

    Bring back maccas birthday parties. Seems to be a stigma about them now even though kids are shoving more calories and preservatives into their bodies at most kids birthday parties anyway

  • sumyungguy on 03/03/2024 - 18:15
    +1

    DIY Escape Room if you can organise the room

    • Munki on 04/03/2024 - 09:55
      +3

      But make it Saw themed.

  • Oahu on 03/03/2024 - 23:04
    +2

    Most councils have halls or community centres that you can hire for parties and some have playgrounds or outdoor areas as well if the weather ends up being nice. You can organise games or hire entertainment. They usually have kitchens or fridges. The one I looked at in an expensive area of Sydney was $40 an hour so it's much more affordable than a commercial venue.

  • gromit on 04/03/2024 - 09:22

    young kids, in winter, in forest, possibly wet. recipe for disaster. At least one will slip and hurt themselves, most will be crying and miserable within an hour due to the cold. surely you have a community centre or something locally you can use cheap or free.

  • Bren20 on 04/03/2024 - 10:08

    your post reads like a prompt for AI, so I put it into ChatGPT

    Given your restrictions and preferences, here are some budget-friendly ideas for a kids' birthday party in winter:
    1. DIY Craft Party: Set up different craft stations at your house where kids can make their own creations. You can have stations for painting, drawing, making jewelry, or even simple DIY projects like decorating picture frames or making slime.
    2. Indoor Scavenger Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt around your house or a local community center. You can come up with clues and hide small prizes around the area for the kids to find.
    3. Movie Marathon: Set up a cozy movie corner with blankets and pillows where kids can watch their favorite movies. You can have a selection of age-appropriate movies and provide popcorn and snacks.
    4. Cooking or Baking Party: Have a cooking or baking party where kids can make their own snacks or treats. You can choose simple recipes like homemade pizzas, cupcakes, or cookies that the kids can decorate.
    5. DIY Game Olympics: Create a series of DIY games and activities for the kids to compete in. You can set up stations for activities like sack races, egg and spoon races, or bean bag tosses.
    6. Indoor Sports Tournament: If you have access to a local community center or sports hall, you can organize an indoor sports tournament. Set up stations for different sports like soccer, basketball, or mini-golf, and have the kids compete in teams.
    7. Themed Dress-Up Party: Choose a fun theme like superheroes, pirates, or princesses, and have a dress-up party. You can set up a costume station with props and accessories for the kids to use, and even organize a fashion show or talent contest.
    8. Science Experiment Party: Set up a series of simple science experiments for the kids to try. You can find age-appropriate experiments online or in kids' science books, and provide materials like baking soda, vinegar, and food coloring for the kids to use.
    9. DIY Photo Booth: Set up a DIY photo booth with props and costumes where kids can take silly pictures. You can provide a Polaroid camera or disposable cameras for them to use, and they can take home their photos as party favors.
    10. Outdoor Adventure Day: If the weather permits, you can have an outdoor adventure day at a local park or nature reserve. Plan activities like nature walks, scavenger hunts, and outdoor games, and bring along a picnic lunch for the kids to enjoy.
    With some creativity and planning, you can host a fun and memorable birthday party for your 8-year-old without breaking the bank.

  • cunningdrew on 04/03/2024 - 11:36
    +2

    Go to a local park and have them do a scavenger hunt. You go there prior of course and create the hunt.
    - 'If I am a tree that overlooks the toilet block, what initials are scratched into my tree trunk?'
    - 'How many tables are there in the park?'
    - 'There's a water tap behind the toilets, what colour is the handle?'
    - 'What are the maximum number of users allowed on the tyre in the playground?'
    - 'Who turns 9 years old on 20th July 2024?'

    You arrive 10am and secure the undercover table(s) and place a few balloons. Guests arrive 11am onward.

    Hunt starts at 11.30am and goes for 45 mins.

    BBQ lunch at 12.30 on the provided gas BBQ is pretty cheap and easy.

    Cake at about 1.30pm and then give a gift bag of lollies to each kid about 2pm and you're all done.

    Cost, BBQ, cake, lollie bags.

    You just did a kids party for $150.

    https://www.cluedupp.com/blogs/blog/plan-your-own-scavenger-…

    • fredk1000 on 04/03/2024 - 22:10

      I would agree with you, I have been to a few parties with the kids. These type has always been the best.

      A local park with playground and bbq.

      You could do activities like tug of war, sack races…

  • 7hours 44min ago on 04/03/2024 - 12:27
    +1

    https://bakebelieve.com.au/
    We just used this for a party and was great.

  • Real Bill Pullman on 04/03/2024 - 14:03
    +1

    For backyard/park parties we've had a lot of luck with community toy library party kits. Usually very affordable if there's a toy library nearby.

  • Ak850 on 04/03/2024 - 22:35

    We went to Kmart / target and got a bunch of cheapie little plastic soccer balls. Enough so every kid could have one (with some spares) let all the kids go nuts in the backyard kicking balls everywhere, went over to the oval and had a kids v dads soccer match, and then let each kid take a ball home as a party favour. Party done.

    • Hangryuman on 05/03/2024 - 15:13

      yep - cheap is the way - kids don't care about expensive - they just want to run around - ideally outdoors

      from my 5 years of observing after-school and holiday childcare, I would say some large cardboard boxes and cloths (old QS sheets or bedspreads - shiny is good), even some chairs they can put the cloth over to make a secret cave and they can invent games for hours.

  • logistics on 04/03/2024 - 22:41

    A couple of options.

    • Animal farm
    • Organise some mini games at a park + food catering. If you can, hire a kids entertainer
  • johnfuller on 05/03/2024 - 08:46

    jumping castle /thread

  • cupcake on 05/03/2024 - 11:01
    +1

    Find a parkland that has some sort of playground with free barbecues.
    I was thinking of doing this in July for my son.
    Get them off their devices/gaming and get outdoors.
    A sausage sizzle with bread, onions and sauces.
    If they don't want sausages, you can do chicken burgers with lettuce and mayo.
    Mud cake cut up into squares in a tub.
    A case of water bottles.
    Birthday cake.
    A few bags of chips or snacks.

    They can bring their bikes and scooters or skateboards.

    • moar bargains on 05/03/2024 - 12:02
      +1

      Thanks, sounds like we're on a similar wavelength!

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