You can drastically reduce your options by checking which kid’s venues are available. Booking your venue early is the best option. Book the venue four to six months before your event if you know it will be a busy day (communion, holidays …),). Book your space four to six weeks before the event to avoid this.
You can expect to find other parties at your event if you host it in an entertainment center. This may not be an issue depending on the layout and capacity of the venue (see section about space). Do not hesitate to contact the venue and ask about their quieter hours …. You can ask them if they have quieter times.
Location
Avoid making parents travel far to the event. It increases the likelihood that guests will not show up.
The entertainment centers tend to be in vibrant, noticeable colors. If your event takes place in a room with a lot of furniture, you may want to give parents detailed directions.
You can only have many guests if you drive or meet other children. Some venues will be better suited for smaller groups. Select your venue accordingly.
If parking is easy and free, parents are likelier to stay for the whole event. While you’re cleaning up the cake, it’s fun to talk with other parents.
Space and Capacity
If you can’t visit the venue, pictures will do. If you can’t visit the venue, pictures will do. You will find that some areas of an entertainment center are shared while others are private.
You don’t need to worry about this if you are booking an event room. The entertainment centers usually offer a private area, while the shared activity space is for the other groups. Private spaces can range from a room to a simple table. If the venue has lockers or baskets to store the children’s coats, that’s a great idea. This prevents the chair from turning into Mount Everest.
You can stay at most venues for the entire afternoon. A kid’s birthday party does not have to last that long. It only takes a few hours to create a memorable event.
The maximum number of people accommodated in a private room will be stated on the venue’s website. The venue should have this information on its website. However, you won’t likely reach this limit with a children’s party.
Table sizes vary depending on the venue. It can be difficult for children to decide who sits with whom. Check how close the tables can be if you are in a common area. If the tables are too close together, they might merge.
Services Offered
What services does your venue offer? And, more importantly, what does it NOT offer? It is important to consider the core services and the small details. Some venues may not allow birthday candles to be lit for safety reasons.
The venue will usually provide paper or plastic tableware for children. It’s also shatterproof.
Ask if the venue has a kitchen that you can utilize. If not, you may be able to use the fridge or microwave. You can bring your food to some venues.
Cleaning costs are usually included in entertainment centers but not in rooms for functions. Double-checking is always a good idea. You can hire cleaners if the cleaning costs are not included. Check if cleaning supplies are available at the venue to save you from having to run home and grab your vacuum cleaner.
Enjoy the Entertainment
The entertainment center will have a variety of activities and games that children can do. Some require adult supervision. Will parents be expected to provide entertainment or coordinate the games?
Do they have an audio system and music? Or do you have to prepare your playlist?
This won’t be an issue if your party takes place in a room that has a stage. Entertainment centers may have their entertainers and won’t allow you to bring in your own. It depends on the venue.
Some entertainment centers can take and print photos as an extra. Thanks to cell phones, this service is no longer as important as it once was. However, nice pictures make for great souvenirs.
Cost
Compare the cost of the venue with other venues in the area to get an idea.
The cost of the entertainment center is usually charged per child. Prices will vary depending on whether you purchase a party package or participate in activities.
Do you have a maximum or minimum group size? Private rooms have a maximum capacity. Entertainment centers may require a certain number of guests. You may have to pay for empty seats if your group is smaller.
The venues that host birthday parties regularly will offer different packages. You can choose a more affordable package that includes all the options.
You can also find out more about Catering
Are there any catering services available?
Most entertainment centers have a cafeteria or restaurant on site.
You can self-cater at most venues, but they may not have kitchen facilities. Do they have a refrigerator that you can use to keep your food and beverages?
You can bring your cake, but will you end with two? While some venues allow you to bring your cake, most party menus already have one. Ask if there is a menu that does not include dessert to avoid a sugar crash.
Decorate your home with a variety of decorations
The rooms in entertainment centers are often already themed. The venue will determine the extent to which the theme can be seen. You can either decorate to match or over the theme.
If you’re in a shared area, you may want to ask if you can bring your decor. Consider bringing your tableware decor if you cannot decorate the venue. Some venues provide decorations. You can add your decorations to these basic decorations.
