Meet the dinosaurs at the National Dinosaur Museum. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Children love birthday parties. For parents, however, planning, organising and running a kid’s birthday party can be stressful and take a lot of time and effort. Even small-scale celebrations need food, drinks, invitations, decorations and activities.
Whether you’d prefer to let someone else do all the work, or don’t mind a more hands-on approach, you’ll want to ensure your child’s special day is one to remember.
In this article, we’ll outline what to consider when choosing a venue for your kid’s party, and share some of the best venues in Canberra.
What makes a great kid’s birthday party venue?
Like any event, the secret to a great birthday party for a child is planning. Doing everything you can to get organised well ahead of the party helps the day run smoothly. That includes deciding on a theme, activities and a venue.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind with your child’s party.
- Venue. Successful parties can be planned at short notice, but if you’re looking to hire a venue, you may need to book several weeks (or even months) in advance.
- Activities. There’s no end to the type of activities you can have. Don’t go overboard with the number of activities. If you’re organising the party on your own, you’ll need supplies for games or other activities. If you’d prefer, hire a party organiser or select a venue set up to run activities.
- Number and age of guests. The number and age of guests is important when deciding which venue to choose. Some venues are suited to smaller parties, while others can easily handle larger ones.
- Budget. Set a budget and stick to it. Without a set budget you may get lost when deciding on a venue or activity. Memorable parties don’t have to cost an arm and a leg but some cost more than others.
- Food and cake. Incorporate this into your budget. Do you want just snacks or a full meal, for example? Consider whether guests have food allergies or intolerances. Decide whether you’ll make the food or have a supplier do so. The same goes with the birthday cake. Will you create a memorable one or source from a specialty cake place?
The best kid’s birthday party venues in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintained a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
National Dinosaur Museum
Want a dino-mite kid’s birthday party with the giants of the past? The National Dinosaur Museum is a venue the kids will never forget. Day and night party options are available, with hands-on activities and unique photo opportunities making for an impressive birthday experience.
The two-hour party program includes fossil casting workshop, guided museum tour, T.rex tooth experience, dinosaur excavation activity and a themed party room for food and cake. Guests receive unlimited museum access after the party ends.
Food can be self-catered, or museum catering can be ordered in advance. Minimum age: children turning 6 years old. Minimum 10 children and maximum 20 per party. Day parties available Saturdays and Sundays. Night parties Fridays and Saturdays.
Parents who want to organise their own party can hire the themed dinosaur party room. Bookings can also be made online.
Dan Sutherland wrote on Facebook, "We had our son's 7th birthday party there and it was perfect. Great host who was fantastic with the kids, informative tour just for them, day pass to the museum, digging for fossils... getting to hold part of a real T-Rex tooth, and getting a party bag to take home at the end... Fantastic way to engage kids for a couple of hours, and very easy going on the parents. Highly recommended!"
Henry's Parties
Henry’s Parties guarantees the ultimate kids birthday party experience. For a tremendously exciting birthday, choose Henry’s Parties at either Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden, Tuggeranong or Jamison locations.
The fantastic range of inclusions makes each child’s birthday truly special and memorable. Henry’s Parties supplies all food, manages clean-up duties and makes sure everyone has a super time.
Henry’s Helper runs a fun game at each party and kids squeal with delight as they enjoy unlimited access to Henry’s play area and arcade for a full 40 minutes. Parents also receive an editable Henry’s Themed Party invitation template.
Everyone is well fed at Henry’s Parties. Kids have a choice of meal, beverage and dessert. Parents and guardians enjoy grazing through sharing platters from a selection pre-ordered at an additional cost. Other extra offerings include a birthday cake, take home gift bags and face painting.
Henry’s Parties are all about entertaining the kids while parents relax and watch the good times roll.
Parties run for 1.5 hours (minimum eight kids) and are available Saturdays and Sundays 10.30am to 12pm and 1pm to 2.30pm. There’s plenty of parking at all Henry’s Parties Canberra Southern Cross Club locations. An online enquiry form and payment method makes confirming details easy.
Power Kart Raceway
Power Kart Raceway hosts parties for kids aged from 6 years of age and has birthday packages to suit every budget. Safety is a priority but that never stops kids from having a fun-filled and memorable time as they complete 14-lap indoor go-kart sessions.
Part of the thrill and excitement is the quality of the Junior Kart, imported from Italy. Electric motors eliminate exhaust fumes and produce less noise, creating a clean racing experience. With remote power control, experienced track controllers can restrict karts when on the circuit, if needed, creating a safer driving experience for kids.
For safety, Power Kart Raceway also has strict height requirements, especially important for young racers. Parents can be assured that kids will be able to reach pedals. Minimum height for Junior Karts is 124cm for those 6 to 12. For age 12+ the minimum height requirement for Adult Karts is 148cm.
In addition to indoor go-karting, Power Kart Raceway offers glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, ice skating, arcade games, and Smiley’s Café with burgers, shakes, coffee and smiles.
On Google, Antonino Iannella wrote, “Here is a spacious facility with something for everyone. Lots of parking outside. The electric go karts are fun. The staff are attentive to your needs.”
If you’re looking for more information on birthday parties for youngsters, you might like our articles on the best birthday cakes in Canberra and school holiday activities in Canberra and, if you’re planning a big celebration, the best function venues in Canberra.
Your experience with kid’s birthday party venues in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the kid’s birthday party venues listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I start planning for my child’s birthday party?
The earlier the better is always the way to go, but lead time will be influenced by the type of party you’re hosting. If it’s a small number of kids at your home, you won’t need as much planning time as if you’re hosting a larger number of kids with several activities.
How many kids should I invite?
This depends on your budget, the size and type of venue and, of course, your child’s personality. Shyer children may not want a super-big party. Extroverts may want more friends to come along.
What if I don’t have a lot of time to organise a party?
If you’re super busy with work or other priorities and don’t have time to organise a party, get external party planning help. If your budget allows, select a venue that will handle all the organising.
How do I decide on a theme?
This depends on budget, your child’s personality, the venue and even time of year. Summer, for example, may be perfect for an outdoor party. This might be tricker in winter. If you’re stuck for ideas you can always search online.
Do I need goody bags?
Many birthday parties do have goody bags, but you don’t need to spend a fortune or be too elaborate. A few lollies, novelty toys or inexpensive items will make guests smile.
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