Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Childrens' Parties in Cornwall - Party Guide
Your child’s birthday - it’s the one day out of the 365 that is extra special to you and your child, so naturally, you want to make it a memorable day! To help you decide what to do for your child’s party, what party treats to buy or what entertainer to use in Cornwall we’ve added some top tips for you here...
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>CLICK HERE TO JUMP STRAIGHT TO CORNWALL PARTY PROVIDERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
So, what are the latest Children's Party Trends?
Science and Slime Parties
Science and Slime parties engage young minds with a combination of thrilling demonstrations, wacky experiments and plenty of hands-on activities. Many science party companies run age-related, interactive games so children can concoct exciting things such as gooey DIY slime, amazing bubbles and colour-changing potions. Enormous fun and educational too. Find slime-making recipes here
LEGO / Plastic Block Construction Block Parties
The ever-popular construction toy provides a perfect birthday party theme for curious and creative children of all ages. If your child has a reasonably sized stash themselves then you may not even need to buy any more blocks. Should you want to purchase more supplies, however, stores such as Wilko have their own LEGO-compatible blocks that can be used. Games and activities can include block vehicle building and racing, scavenger hunts and tower building amongst many other ideas. Check out our LEGO ideas Pinterest board.
Swimming Pool Parties
A number of swimming pools across the region, particularly smaller and private ones will offer the opportunity for small groups to hire the facilities and equipment for the exclusive use of partygoers. These will often come with allocated sanitised changing facilities and depending on the venue, you may be able to hire a room afterwards to continue your child’s celebrations.
Circus & Funfair Parties
Roll up! Roll up! Party hire and prop hire companies often have sets of circus or funfair equipment that can be borrowed for an unforgettable party experience. Sets usually include juggling balls, rings, diablos, spinning plates on the circus side as well as traditional games such as ‘ hook the duck’, tin can alley and target shooting range for a fun fair experience. You can also add your own touches with face painting, a children’s entertainer or whatever you see fit. Find more ideas on Pinterest here.
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Cinema Parties
Many independent and larger chain cinemas can help you to arrange a private screening of a child’s favourite film is available on request by hiring one of their screens. Failing that, you can always take a small group to a traditionally scheduled screening.
Outdoor Parties
Whilst it may be true that you cannot rely on Devon to make things easy to organise a child’s birthday party outside, there are still plenty of options available to you but you may want to keep an indoor backup option available. Forest schools often offer party packages with a vast array of nature-based activities facilitated by their staff which may include bushcraft, den building, campfire cooking and more
Alternatively, if you want to do everything from scratch, you could do activities at a local park, beach or your favourite woodland abiding by any rules and restrictions in place.
Computer Gaming Parties
Video game, console and coding parties bring birthday celebrations well into the 21st century and have become hugely popular party options among boys and girls. The games can be put into an inclusive multiplayer mode enabling youngsters to challenge each other in a fun way. The choice of games is vast – choose from singing and dancing games, or football and Minecraft games, for example.
Festival Parties
If your youngster is a music and camping fan, why not curate their own festival for them? Best organised in your own garden or private land, you can have lots of fun making it bespoke to your own needs or interests. There are lots of scopes to be as creative as you like, even making invitations to look like tickets and homemade VIP passes to be given to guests on arrival
For music, why not involve your child in creating their own special party playlist with tunes that they love to dance to and play party games to or use any children’s musical instruments that they may have to make their own band
To create a comfortable outdoor space, use cushions, rugs, throws and any teepees, gazebos or tents that you have lying around or can borrow from friends or hire. Children can create their own bunting or other crafts either before or after the party and enjoy hair braiding, using biodegradable glitter to customise how they look. Find more ideas at the Netmums website
Sports Parties
There are lots of local companies that provide sports-themed parties at a venue of your choice to meet most interests as well as the most popular options such as football and multi-sport. These sessions will be geared to your child’s age and contain energetic and fun games and activities themed around the sports of your choosing.
Arts and Craft Parties
Across the region, you will find lots of suppliers and locations that will host craft sessions such as pottery painting as well as art sessions which produce a long-lasting memento of a special birthday party.
Alternatively, you can buy your own supplies from most high street stores such as The Works, Wilko, Hobbycraft, supermarkets, online or via your local Scrapstore. at www.reusefuluk.org/scrapstores-directory
Party Checklist
Make sure you don't forget anything important by using this party checklist. Click on the links below for more...
For party providers in Cornwall, >>>>click here
For parties at home >>>> click here
For parties at a venue >>>> click here
For party game ideas >>>> click here
For party food ideas >>>> click here
For an easy-to-make birthday cake>>>> click here
For party bag ideas >>>> click here
For invitation, RSVP etiquette >>>> click here
For those 'Don't Forget Items '>>>> click here
For Five Pound Gift Ideas >>>> click here
Here are some details about party providers and entertainers in Cornwall:
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The Tide Climbing Centre
Tel: 01841 531134
www.tideclimbing.com
Celebrate your birthday climbing at The Tide! You can join them for a birthday party filled with climbing, fun and pizza! During your visit you'll get 1.5 hours of both rope climbing and bouldering with one of their awesome instructors! Not only this, but you'll get a pizza buffet, exclusive use of their party room and a sustainable party bag!
Raze the Roof
Tel: 01326 377481
www.razetheroof.co.uk
One of the great perks to a Raze the Roof annual membership is getting 15% off the cost of parties. This works out to be fantastic value as all parties include soft play, a choice of food, unlimited juice, free adult entry, plus a return voucher for the birthday child. Laser fun and a character theme can be added too! There are three awesome, themed and decorated rooms to choose from or grab a decorated table in the restaurant. A range of packages is available, suitable for children aged from one to twelve years of age.
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The Party People Cornwall
Tel: 01208 851733
www.thepartypeoplecornwall.com
or www.facebook.com/timbothemagicman/
Timbo has been providing magical childrens' entertainment in Cornwall for over 15 years
With a 2hr party he can be with you from start to finish applying his experience to ensure a stress free, unforgettable party. The birthday VIP can even become an assistant and be the real star of the show.
Entertainment includes a mini disco, party games, magic show, balloon modelling, juggling and party dancing for gold medals. In addition to his ‘Magical Birthday Show’ Timbo can provide entertainment to suit various themes including Christmas, Easter, Halloween,‘Superhero’, ‘Princess and Pirate’ There is no limit to the number of children you can invite and joint parties are always welcome
Please email info@thepartypeoplecornwall.com for availability and queries
Jules the Children's Entertainer
Tel: 07779 306497
Jules is a professional ventriloquist, entertaining audiences all over the country and on TV. The amazing Jules thrills audiences with her characters namely, Oswald the chicken and the ever-popular Monkey. Jules also provides a disco with lights, a zany, interactive magic show and for the older children, a pop quiz, games, and party dances. In fact, the complete entertainment package provides a magical adventure that even the adults will enjoy. But the star of the party will always be the birthday child…
Jungle Jacks
Tel: 01637 852890
www.junglejacks.co.uk
Jungle Jacks have their own Jungle Tree-House party room for hire, an exclusive area overlooking the play centre with a party package to suit everyone. This includes 90 minutes of soft play followed by 30 minutes of party room fun. They provide hot and cold party buffets, unlimited squash, and ice cream and when it's cake time you might even get a visit from Jungle Jack himself! The party price is just £15.00 per head with a minimum attendance of 10 children and a £50 deposit is required to secure the booking. Party Includes - Party invitations, 90 minutes of playtime on Jack’s adventure playframe, 30 minutes in the party room with hot & cold buffet party food, Cake ceremony with a visit from Jungle Jack himself! (cake not included), Unlimited squash throughout the party, Jungle Throne for the birthday boy/girl, 1 free return pass for the birthday boy/girl, A free cup of tea or coffee for the birthday boy/girl’s parents/guardians.
Retallack Flowrider
Tel: 01637 882400
www.retallackresort.co.uk/flowrider
Jump, splash, bounce, climb and slide at Retallack Resort’s huge 'total wipeout' style floating inflatable Aqua Park, which will be four times bigger for 2017! Take on the challenge of the giant trampoline, catapult, water wheel, stepping stones, climbing wall, slides, blast bags, balance beams and lots more. Race your friends around the course, watch them wipe out, try and beat the obstacles and hurl yourself into the water – it’s more fun than you could dream of! It’s a really cool place in Cornwall for a party, with packages from £13pp including an hour’s session, wetsuit, food and drink.
Paradise Park
Tel: 01736 753365
www.paradisepark.org.uk
Party in Paradise! The JungleBarn at Paradise Park is a great place to hold your birthday party. Fantastic indoor play is guaranteed ranging from an area just for toddlers to massive drop slides. Our special rooms are beautifully painted with Jungle or Pirate themes, and make sure you go and see all the birds and animals as well. Your own themed room in the JungleBarn • The birthday child’s name on the party room door • Individual-named party food boxes which include a little gift • Party organiser free with each party and there is a discounted price for additional people • Entry to the whole of the Park (during normal opening hours) to see the wonderful birds and animals plus daily events & quizzes.
Minimum of 10 children. Get in touch to book your party! Email: bookings@junglebarn.co.uk, call 01736 758720. Paradise Park, Hayle, Cornwall, TR27 4HB. paradisepark.org.uk
Cornish Seal Sanctuary
Tel: 01326 221 361
https://sealsanctuary.sealifetrust.org/en/
Celebrate your little one's special day with a one-of-a-kind Cornish Seal Sanctuary birthday party! Join the fun at the Sanctuary with a memory-making birthday party that includes entrance to the site, a dedicated VIP tour and party host, an animal scatter feed for the birthday child, photo opportunity with Lily (our mascot)... and so much more. Parties start at £300 for up to 15 children and are the perfect way to celebrate the ocean-loving little one in your life. To book your event, call the team on 01326 221361.
Camel Creek
01841 540276
www.camelcreek.co.uk
The Camel Creek Birthday Party Package includes entry to the park for the whole day, birthday bear and certificate for the birthday child, free entry for the birthday child and 2 adults, hire for the birthday party room for 2 hours: 10am to 12pm, 12:30 to 2:30pm or 3pm to 5pm The prices for guests other than the birthday child and 2 adults who attend free of charge are £12.95 for non-member children over 92cm, £8 for children under 92cm and member children and £6 for non member adults.
They have limited rides and attraction open due to them operating their winter schedule. Currently open is Wave Rider, Carousel and Pony Express along with the indoor soft play and animal areas. Dietary requirements can be catered for.
China Fleet
01752 848668
www.china-fleet.co.uk
Adventure awaits the birthday child on China Fleet's Woodland Adventure Golf Course or Toptracer Driving Range. Available from April to October, attendees can play 18 holes of Adventure Golf or 1 hour of interactive fun on the Top Tracer Driving Range. Also available as part of the package are party invitations, decorations, party masks, unlimited squash, pizza, sandwiches (ham and cheese), crisps, vegetable crudites and use of the indoor seating area in The Cabin - cafe and bar.
Country Skittles
01736 850209
www.countryskittles.com
Country Skittles kids' birthday package includes a 30 minute session of skittles, a birthday meal made up of a burger in a bap or sausage or chicken nuggets served with chips, ice cream, soft drink and balloons and banners around the table.
Party Checklist
Party Checklist: For Parties At Home
• Decide on the timings and date of the party
• Decide how many children you can comfortably accommodate
• Send out the invitations
• Sort out the entertainment if it’s required.
• Plan in the fun factor or create a theme
• Sort out a music-playing device
• Select party games for the children to play
• Source decorations, party tableware, balloons and party hats
• Purchase the food and drink
• Get the birthday cake
Party Checklist: For Parties At A Venue
• Sort out party numbers
• Create a small list of your child’s favourite party venues in preferential order
• Check the availability of the venues and if there are any special deals
• Book a date and time with the venue. Pay the deposit
• Get the name and telephone number of the main party organiser at the venue
• Get the party invitations from the venue and send them out
• Sort out the food with the venue and establish whether a birthday cake is supplied
• Confirm numbers with the venue prior to the day
Party Game Ideas
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Traditional party games always go down a treat. Here’s a list of some of the most classic children’s games:
• Pass the Parcel
• Musical Statues
• Musical Bumps
• Musical Chairs
• Chinese Whispers
• Blind Man’s Donkey
• Animal Charades
• Treasure Hunt
And here are a few new party game ideas:
The Tray Game • Dead Ants • Doughnuts on a String • Marsh-mallow Bobbing • Piñata Games
Remember to stock up on prizes to award to the winning children.
Party Food Ideas 
• The birthday cake!
• A choice of sandwiches with simple fillings
• Chopped-up vegetables with dips
• Breadsticks
• Cheese straws
• Potato wedges
• Pizza slices
• Mini sausages and sausage rolls
• Cheese and pineapple on sticks (or uncooked sticks of spaghetti)
• Crisps and popcorn
• Chopped fruit
• Mini-sponge cakes
• Jelly Boats are made from scooped-out and quartered oranges.
• Ice-cream
• Drinks: Either orange and blackcurrant squash, fruit water, fruit juice, milkshakes or plain water
Birthday Cake 
Quick and Easy Chocolate Hedgehog Cake
- Buy or bake a round sponge cake.
- Divide the cake into three parts, the middle should be slightly bigger than the two sides, which should be the same size as each other.
- Cut a V-shape at the end of the middle piece of cake (this is the hedgehog’s nose). Discard the two smaller pieces. Or eat them.
- Cover the middle piece of cake with thick chocolate icing.
- Place the two remaining pieces of cake on top of the iced piece, round side up, for the Hedgehog’s hump.
- Liberally cover the entire sponge with thick chocolate icing.
- Use chocolate buttons or flakes for the Hedgehog’s spines.
- The Hedgehog’s eyes and nose can be made using Smarties or similar.
Don’t forget the candles for the cake. They are often overlooked with all the other preparations.
Party Bag Ideas
• Books or small colouring-in books
• Glowsticks
• Glitter Tattoos
• Small packs of pencils
• Bubbles
• Balloons
• Stickers
• Small bag of sweets
• Finger puppets
• A paper glider
• Decorate your own paper party bag
• Cake Pops
• A piece of birthday cake or a cupcake
Party Politics - Invitation RSVP Etiquette
For the party hosts
- Hand out the invites in plenty of time, ideally about 3 weeks before the party date.
- Include detailed information on the invitation such as the date, the start and finish times, the venue’s full address and postcode, and the name, email address and number for them to RSVP.
- Include an RSVP date to help you confirm the final numbers prior to the day. You may wish to use words to the effect of: ‘As the venue requires final numbers prior to the party we would appreciate confirmation of your child’s attendance by (add RSVP date). If we do not hear from you by this date we will assume that your child is unable to attend.
- As a second measure, about a week beforehand, you may wish to politely chase up parents who have not as yet RSVP’d.
For the guests
• RSVP as soon as you can, whether your child can make it or not.
• If something happens on the day of the party, and your child can no longer attend, let your hosts know ASAP.
• If you are running late, or need to leave early then let the hosts know in advance.
• If you have not RSVP’d then don’t just turn up uninvited.
Five Pound Gift Ideas
Does it seem like your child is attending a different birthday party each week? Needing suggestions for generic party gifts that won’t break the bank? If you are super-savvy you will have already stocked up on a number of general items in the Sales, if not, here are some ideas for a fiver:
• Colouring-in sets and basic craft kits
• Travel and Pocket games
• Top Trumps
• Books, jotters or notepads
• Pamper packages filled with hair bands, bobbles and snazzy hairclips
• Nail art kits
• Superhero action figures
• Vouchers
Don't Forget Items
• Candles for the cake
• Candle holders
• Matches
• Cake Knife
• You may wish to include party bags for unexpected siblings
• Printable directions, including the postcode of the party venue