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 Devon - 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 Devon we’ve added some top tips for you here...
>>>>>>>>>> CLICK HERE TO JUMP STRAIGHT TO DEVON 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...
Parties at home >>> Click Here
Parties at a venue >>> Click Here
Party game ideas >>> Click Here
Party food ideas >>> Click Here
An easy-to-make birthday cake >>> Click Here
Party bag ideas >>> Click Here
Invitation, RSVP etiquette >>> Click Here
'Don't Forget Items' >>> Click Here
Five Pound Gift Ideas >>> Click Here
Also, don't forget to check out our Party Ideas Pinterest board
Here are some details about party providers and entertainers in Devon:
Tel: 07703 719402
www.gokartpartysw.co.uk or www.facebook.com/GoKartPartySW or nathan@gokartparty.co.uk
If you are looking for a party that is really different, great fun and hassle free then Go-Kart Party is it! Nathan and his team offer boys and girls of 4 -10 years an opportunity to drive battery powered go-karts around an inflatable circuit. The parties are fully hosted and fun games such as laser tag, cops and robbers, cone dodging and racing will leave the kids buzzing. Kart speeds and games are tailored to the age and ability of the kids so whatever the age the kids will have an amazing time. 5.0 average review scores on Facebook and Google prove it! Available indoors in numerous locations across Devon Go-Kart Party is accessible all year.
Sporty Stars
Tel: 07514983066
www.sportystars.co.uk
Sporty Stars offer a fantastic selection of sport themed and active birthday parties, suitable at a range of venues across Devon. Options include Multi Sports, Football and Glow in the Dark Sports for ages 4+. As well as action packed alternatives such as Nerf, Bubble Football, Inflatable Foot Darts and Archery tag for older children, or those seeking a bit more adventure! All parties are hosted by enthusiastic sports coaches, who will take complete control of the party and harness every opportunity to make the birthday child’s day extra special.
Cofton Holidays
Tel: 01626 241513
Cofton Holidays, Starcross, Nr. Dawlish, South Devon. EX6 8RP.
www.coftonholidays.co.uk/childrens-parties
Your child and their friends can splash around in their indoor pool, refresh with a birthday buffet and then head off to their indoor soft play or amusement and games arcade, including a bowling alley, for a birthday party where the fun never ends. Their Children’s Birthday party includes a 1-hour swim session, buffet and refreshments, a decorated party area, birthday foil balloon, an indoor soft play area (suitable for ages up to 8 years), and access to the amusement arcade (at an additional charge.)
China Blue
Tel: 01803 860908.
China Blue, Station Road, Totnes, TQ9 5JR.
www.china-blue.co.uk
What to do for your kid's party this year? China Blue has covered you with their Pottery Painting Parties; packages include balloons, ceramics, firing and glazing starting from £10.00 per child. With your own space in the studio, you can choose any ceramic from their Party Selection! Why not let them sort the food and a cake for you too! They have a Kids Menu that has something for everyone, and their in-house pastry Chef Tori can create the perfect bespoke cake for any occasion!
The Honiton Pottery Workshop
Tel: 01404 42106
30 High Street, Honiton, EX14 1PU.
www.thehonitonpotteryworkshop.co.uk
Children can let their imaginations run wild at The Honiton Pottery Workshop. They get to choose any pre-fired bisque ware to paint - with over 50 lines to choose from. Staff can help the children with their artwork and even clean up afterwards! Adults can join in the fun as well or choose to relax and enjoy a coffee. As part of the Birthday Package, they provide drinks and a choice from the ice cream dessert menu. You are very welcome to bring along a birthday cake or have a personalised one provided for you. The Honiton Pottery Workshop offer a range of Painting Birthday Packages at varying prices, please contact them for more information.
Planet Play - Crediton and Honiton
Tel: 01363 774626
www.planet-play.co.uk
Packages at Planet Play include 90minute play sessions, buffet or cooked meal, exclusive use of the party room, 2 free hot drinks, unlimited squash, 1 free return voucher, party invitations and reserved seating for adults. They can also offer Party invitations, reserved seating for your adult guests, party bags, sweet cones and a huge selection of helium balloons. Prices start from £10.95 per child (minimum of 10 children)
They also offer exclusive use of the whole of Planet Play from 4 pm-6 pm. You would get exclusive use of the whole venue, a buffet meal for the children, unlimited squash, 2 x free hot drinks and 1 free return voucher. The cost for an exclusive use party is £180.00 for the venue and £3.75 per head for each child. (minimum 20 children). Planet Play is also able to offer private parties from 9.15 am - 11.15 am or 1.45 pm - 3.45pm for an additional £70.00 hire fee, and a minimum number of 20 children.
Pecorama
Tel: 01297 21542
Underleys, Beer Seaton.
www.pecorama.info
Birthday parties at Pecorama are currently suspended (as of October 2022). Check the website for updates
The Waie Inn
The Waie Inn, Zeal Monachorum, Crediton, EX17 6DF.
Tel: 01363 82348
www.waieinn.co.uk
Waie2Play Children’s Party packages are £9 per child with unlimited squash throughout the party, a choice of hot food or cold buffet and exclusive use of the party room for 30 minutes whilst eating during the 2 hour session. The Waie Inn also offers a children’s swimming party package which includes one hours swim followed by a meal and the option to hire the pool exclusively.
Street Motion
Tel: 01392 953046
Street Motion, 26 March Green Road, Marsh Barton, Exeter, EX2 8PN.
www.streetmotion.co.uk/birthdays
Check the website or contact Street Motion for the most up-to-date information.
Crealy Adventure Park and Resort
Tel: 01395 233200
Sidmouth Road, Clyst St Mary, Exeter, EX5 1DR.
www.crealy.co.uk/groups/birthdays
Crealy’s Birthday Extravaganza package offers the birthday child and their friends a number of rides and attractions to fill their day. Included in a Crealy birthday are entry to the Theme Park from 10:00am to 17:00pm, free entry for the birthday child, free downloadable Crealy invitations, wristbands for the party group and a birthday card, sticker and £10 gift card for the birthday child. Pricing for each guest over 92cm varies depending on whether the party takes place in peak season or low season. See the website or contact the team at Crealy for more information about the terms and conditions.
iBounce
Tel: 01392 537333
33 Marsh Green Road West, Marsh Barton, Exeter, EX2 8PN.
www.i-bounce.co.uk
Party Packages at iBounce Exeter are BOUNCE-TASTIC! To go with your hour’s bouncing there’s water & grip socks included for all of your guests. The party host also receives a branded water bottle, draw string bag plus a free return visit to the park! Prices start from just £85 (based on 6 bouncers during off peak time). Party area & food options available.
Rather have exclusive use of the Trampoline Park? Try the VIP BOUNCE PARTY - Only £180 for up to 20 Bouncers! Visit our website for more details.
The Bear Trail
Tel: 01392 881780
Westcott, Cullompton, EX15 1RZ
www.thebeartrail.co.uk
The Bear Trail Child Birthday Party Package* £17.95 per child includes one free accompanying adult. Their party package is for a minimum of 10 children to a maximum of 16. Please note that you book a morning (10:30 am – 1:30 pm) or afternoon session (2 pm – 5 pm) and a 45-minute slot for your party food in the barn, which cannot be changed after booking.
Their party packages include three hours of entry into the trail – please ensure you arrive within the correct time slot, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm or 2 pm – 5 pm. You can arrive anytime during your slot. For morning parties your food will be served at 12 pm or 12:45 pm and for afternoon parties your food will be served at 3:30 pm or 4:15 pm - please make your selection when booking. Party organisers can enjoy a pizza buffet for the children – a selection of pizzas, bowls of chips and crudites, chocolate birthday cake, a 45-minute time slot in the party barn, Jugs of squash, free downloadable party invites, 1 free non-participating supervising adult for each party child (up to 16 adults in total) as well as a free return visit for the party child.
TLH Leisure - Aztec Games
Tel: 01803 400200
Torquay, TQ2 5HL.
www.tlh.co.uk/aztec-leisure/aztec-games/
With four fantastic venues to choose from and great party plans, there’s something for everyone.
Take a look at their party choices:
• Aztec soft play party • Aztec bowling & soft play party • Aztec 10 pin bowling party
Enjoy 10% off of parties booked for a weekday (Monday to Friday).
World of Country Life
Tel: 01395 274533
West Down Lane, Sandy Bay, Exmouth, EX8 5BY.
www.worldofcountrylife.co.uk
Celebrate your birthday in Country Lifestyle with a fantastic day to remember!
Book your party with World of Country Life and you'll have a full day of fun!
• Free entry for the party organiser plus one extra adult
• A full fun-filled day at the park
• Exclusive use of the Pirate Ship Party Deck for food
• A party bag for every child
Quay Climbing Centre and Clip ‘n Climb at the Quay
Tel: 01392 426 850
Haven Road, Exeter, EX2 8AX
www.quayclimbingcentre.co.uk or www.clipnclimbexeter.co.uk
A number of packages are available. Visit the websites for details.
The Miniature Pony Centre
Tel: 01647 432400
Wormhill Farm, Newton Abbot, TQ13 8RG.
www.miniatureponycentre.com
Various party packages are available including Unicorn Birthday Parties, Check the website for option
The Outdoors Group
Tel: 01392 811907
www.outdoorsgroup.co.uk
Parties are currently available at Exmouth and Escot Forest School. They offer two-time slots on Sundays at our Exmouth site. The morning time slot runs from 9.30 am to midday. The afternoon is from 1 pm – 3.30 pm.
Escot Parties are available by request on Saturdays at Escot Forest School from 9.30 am–12.00 pm or 1.00 pm–3.30 pm. A morning/afternoon party costs £150 for up to 12 children with additional children charged £10 each. These prices include VAT. They can easily accommodate numbers up to 20, but if you are expecting to have more children than this please get in touch as they may need to provide extra staffing. Bookings for parties are taken online and you will be asked to pay a £50 deposit at the time of booking. Please select the required date on the bookings calendar to book.
Occombe Farm 
01803 696250
Preston Down Road, Paignton, TQ3 1RN.
www.occombe.co.uk
The Occombe Birthday Party - Package contains all-day entry to their Farm Park and Play, a special 45-minute animal encounters session with a Ranger, a private party room for 2 hours, a party picnic, animal feed for goats and sheep, 2 free complimentary tickets for use by parents and you can bring your own birthday cake and decorations too. Alternatively, you can choose a tailor-made animal experience - be a goat ranger, join in with pig's playtime, collect chicken eggs from the pens and meet them along with the ducklings and chicks or meet their small animals with supervised handlings.
Bear Town 
01392 881780
Westcott, Cullompton, EX15 1RZ.
www.beartown.co.uk
Birthday party packages are available for children aged 7 and under. All party packages include entry to Bear Town at your chosen session time as well as exclusive use of your own decorated party room when choosing a Play Den, Disco Cave or Exclusive party package. In addition, children will be given a lunch bag and a birthday cake and balloons will be provided.
The Queens Hotel, Paignton
Tel: 01803 551048
2 to 6 Queen's Road, Paignton, TQ4 6AT.
www.queenspaignton.com
Go to The Queens Hotel to make a splash and celebrate a birthday! The Queen's pool is available for use for birthday parties to make your little one’s day extra special and facilitate the most fun they will have all year! The Queen's pool is the perfect place to watch your children splash around with pure joy on their faces, surrounded by their friends to celebrate their birthdays. Call their reception team to organise the perfect day for your youngster.
Pennywell Farm 
01364 642023
Lower Dean, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0LT.
www.pennywellfarm.com
Pennywell does not offer a birthday party package, but you are welcome to visit they will try to make the day special by displaying the birthday person's name on their birthday board in the entrance porch in time for when they arrive (please email info@pennywellfarm.co.uk with the name, age and date of visit no later than 72 hours before your visit). You can also introduce the birthday person when you come in and they will be given a birthday rosette to wear so that the team can help them have a great birthday.
Dazzling Pamper Parties 
07920 092984
www.dazzlingpamperparties.com
Choose from a variety of girls' party experiences including pamper parties and themed activities such as their 'unicorn sparkle' or 'glitz and glamour' options amongst many others. Pamper Party in a Box is also available.
Devon Windsurf and Canoe Centre 
Decoy Lake, Decoy Country Park, Newton Abbot, TQ12 1EA.
07971 051509
www.devonwindsurf.co.uk
These watersports birthday parties cost £12.50 per head for groups of eight or more with fun on the water followed by a hot shower and BBQ (party organisers/attendees) to provide the food.
Tiny Travels 
www.tinytravels.co.uk
Hire their Round The World play set up for exclusive use to enable children to learn more about the world and have fun in the process.
Tel: 07850 889162
www.quadworld.co.uk" target="_blank">Web: www.quadworld.co.uk
Quad World near Exeter offer birthday parties for all ages. Children and teenagers aged 16 or younger can complete a training lap around half of the track followed by an instructor to prepare them for their ride. When the riding technique is mastered, party attendees can then go out on their own using the full track for the ultimate ride! Safety is paramount at Quad World and riders will be assigned a machine suitable to them and their capabilities as well as partial body armour and a helmet and overalls are also available to hire. Quad Bites, the purpose-built restaurant, is the ideal place to cater for your birthday party and an on-site professional photographer is available to cover the event by prior arrangement.
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
(1) Buy or bake a round sponge cake.
(2) 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.
(3) 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.
(4) Cover the middle piece of cake with thick chocolate icing.
(5) Place the two remaining pieces of cake on top of the iced piece, round side up, for the Hedgehog’s hump.
(6) Liberally cover the entire sponge with thick chocolate icing.
(7) Use chocolate buttons or flakes for the Hedgehog’s spines.
(8) 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 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.
Don't Forget Items!
• Candles for the cake
• Candleholders
• Matches
• Cake Knife
• You may wish to include party bags for unexpected siblings
• Printable directions, including the postcode of the party venue
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