As much fun as the planning process can be, there are still many things to consider and keep in mind if you want the party to go off perfectly. If you need some help or extra inspiration, check out our guide on how to make your kid’s birthday party in Los Angeles a raving success.
Where to start when planning a child’s birthday party?
Before we get down to the specifics of how to make your kid’s birthday party a hit, let’s start with the very basics.
- Budget – The first and most important step is to set your budget. Consider how much you’re prepared to spend on venue rental, catering and entertainment. If you need to go easy on your wallet, you can always have a potluck and/or take care of the entertainment part yourself.
- Guest list – Decide who you’re going to invite. Knowing the estimated number of guests will help you choose the right place for your party and avoid overspending by renting a venue that’s too big. This will also ensure that you have funds left over for other important details, such as catering and party activities.
- Location – As already mentioned, once you’ve got the budget and guest list out of the way, it’s easier to pick the appropriate location. Do you want to stay in your neighborhood or visit a new area? When choosing the location for a kid’s birthday party, try to think like an adult and a kid at the same time: you should consider all the practicalities (such as accessibility), but also look at the location from a child’s perspective (is it going to be fun enough?).
What are the best places for throwing a kid’s birthday party in Los Angeles?
Speaking of choosing locations for your kid’s birthday party, Los Angeles offers plenty of options. Have a look at the types of venues you’ll find around the city:
- Restaurants – A popular choice for a variety of occasions, including kids’ birthday parties. Choose something with an easy-going, relaxed vibe. Many places will provide a special kids menu, so don’t forget to ask about that!
- Bars & cafes – Many LA-based bars and cafes offer private function rooms ready to host your kid’s birthday party. And they can be quite affordable too!
- Dance studios – Though this may not be your typical choice, dance studios are actually great spaces for throwing a birthday party for kids! They offer plenty of room to move around, the floor has a special surface to limit injuries and there’s usually a good sound system.
- Amusement venues – Arcades, bouncy castles, laser tag, rock climbing, bowling. LA boasts countless amusement venues and play areas that offer all the fun you can imagine. Examples include Ultrazone in Sherman Oaks, Lucky Strike in Hollywood and DTLA or Adventureplex in Manhattan Beach.
- Outdoor venues – One of the best things about Los Angeles is that outdoor parties can take place pretty much all year round. So why not celebrate your kid’s birthday outdoors and soak up some of the South California sunshine? There are plenty of amazing outdoor birthday party venues around the Los Angeles area, such as patios, terraces, rooftops and private gardens.
- Public parks – And how about having a celebratory picnic in a park? For example, spacious Griffith Park is filled with amazing picnic spots, plus it’s home to the famous Los Angeles Zoo and a big playground for children.
- Beach – Similarly to parks, LA’s beaches are awesome places for outdoor celebrations. So grab a few blankets and some sunscreen, and host a beach birthday party! Santa Monica, Venice Beach and Malibu are among the most popular locations.
Kids’ birthday party in Los Angeles: tips and ideas
Now that you have an idea where to host the party, let’s think about how to make it unforgettable!
- Activities – Plan some fun and engaging activities! Face painting, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts: there are countless ways to keep the kids busy and entertained during the birthday party. Think of what would make your little one happy and plan ahead.
- Entertainment – You can also have a professional entertainer take care of this for you. Surprise the kids by inviting a magician or a balloon artist who will liven up the party with their energy and repertoire of activities.
- Catering – If you’re throwing the birthday party at a restaurant, food will most likely be taken care of by the venue. If you need to use external caterers, there are plenty of great ones in the Los Angeles area, e.g. Bite Catering Couture. Think about fun party snacks that kids will love, such as popcorn or cotton candy, and have some healthy alternatives, including fruit and veggies. Remember to ask the parents about any food allergies and dietary restrictions!
- Theme – Theme birthday parties are always a fun idea. Is your child into pirates, superheroes, princesses, barbies or ponies? Do they have a favorite movie, comic book or any special interests? Use those as hints while picking decorations! And how about a costume party? We bet your kid will have tons of fun impersonating their favorite character.
- Party favors – Party favors can be a great way to thank your guests for coming to the birthday party. However, if you decide to go for this option, avoid handing out junk-filled goodie bags that kids will love for five minutes. Instead, try to think of useful alternatives, such as coloring books and crayons, puzzles, or something to go with the theme of your party.