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Children's Party Trends 2025

Welcome to our Party Trends page! Stay ahead of the curve with the latest and greatest ideas for throwing unforgettable parties. Whether you’re planning a chic celebration, a fun-filled kids' event, or a trendy gathering with friends, we’ve got you covered. Explore cutting-edge themes, innovative décor, delicious food trends, and creative entertainment options that are sure to wow your guests. From eco-friendly options to unique DIY projects, discover what’s hot and happening in the world of parties right now. Let’s make your next event the talk of the town!

 

Don't forget to check out our frequently updated list of children's party providers including venues, entertainers and activities in Cornwall

See our useful party checklist

Get some party food ideas here

 

Don't forget to check out our frequently updated list of children's party providers including venues, entertainers and activities in Cornwall

 

See our useful party checklist

Get some party food ideas here

Venues

 

Venues

Village, church and community halls are a cost effective way to hire a venue for a child's birthday party.  Many have facilities such as a functioning kitchen with cooking facilities, tables, chairs, a carpark and outdoor space but this will vary.  Each location will also have its own rules and restrictions so be sure to check these out before booking.

 

Birthday party ideas for kids

 

Parties

 

Teepee Parties

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Board Games

Create stations around your venue with age appropriate games .  You can either use ones that you already own, buy new ones or visit your local charity shops which often have some in stock (just check they have all the pieces that your require).  Games we particularly recommend are: dominos, simple card games, Bingo, Mousetrap, Subbuteo, Twister, Buckaroo, Top Trumps, Uno,   Out and about: many cities and larger towns have board game cafes which offer refreshments and party packages

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

Outdoor adventure 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.

 

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

 

Christmas/winter themed Christmas parties

Create a winter wonderland for your child's special day with a Christmas or winter-themed party that’s filled with magic, joy, and festive cheer! Whether it's a cozy celebration by the fireplace or an enchanted winter forest adventure, this theme brings to life all the best parts of the season. From snowy decorations and twinkling lights to fun winter activities like cookie decorating and ornament crafting, there are endless ways to bring the holiday spirit to life. Our guide will help you plan the ultimate Christmas or winter-themed party, with ideas for games, treats, and memorable moments that will leave every guest feeling merry and bright. Let the festive fun begin with a winter celebration your child will cherish forever!

 

Pirate themed parties

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable treasure hunt with a Pirate-themed birthday party! Whether your little one dreams of being a daring captain or a fearless first mate, a pirate party is sure to spark imagination and excitement. From swashbuckling games and treasure hunts to pirate costumes and nautical decorations, every detail can be tailored to create the ultimate adventure on the high seas.

 

Animal themed parties

Step into the wild side with an exciting animal-themed party that’s perfect for kids of all ages! Whether your little one is fascinated by jungle creatures, underwater animals, or farmyard favorites, an animal party offers endless opportunities for fun and creativity. From animal-inspired games and crafts to adorable decorations and party favors, this theme brings the animal kingdom to life in the most exciting way. Think animal masks, a "safari" scavenger hunt, or a "zoo" of party snacks that will have everyone roaring with delight

 

Space themed parties

Decorations

  1. Galaxy Backdrop: Create a space ambiance with black, dark blue, and purple decorations. Use LED string lights for a "starry" effect.
  2. Planet Balloons: Attach paper rings to balloons to mimic planets like Saturn.
  3. Astronaut Cutouts: Have cardboard cutouts of astronauts and rockets for photo opportunities.
  4. Glow in the Dark: Decorate with glow-in-the-dark stars, moons, and planets.
  5. Space Tableware: Use tablecloths, cups, and plates featuring space or galaxy designs.

Activities and Games

  1. Astronaut Training Camp: Set up an obstacle course for kids to "train" like astronauts.
  2. Rocket Launching: Use small stomp rockets or build paper rockets for a launch contest.
  3. Moon Rock Hunt: Hide "moon rocks" (painted rocks or aluminum foil balls) around the yard or room for kids to find.
  4. Solar System Crafting: Provide supplies for kids to create their own planets or decorate spaceships.
  5. Alien Encounter: A game where kids toss "asteroids" (beanbags or foam balls) into an alien spaceship cutout.

Food and Snacks

  1. Rocket Sandwiches: Use cookie cutters to make sandwiches in the shape of rockets or stars.
  2. Planet Cupcakes: Decorate cupcakes to look like planets using colorful icing and edible glitter.
  3. Galaxy Popcorn: Toss popcorn in colored sugar or edible glitter for a celestial look.
  4. Alien Juice: Serve brightly colored drinks with labels like "Rocket Fuel" or "Alien Slime."
  5. Milky Way Cake: A cake decorated like the galaxy, with swirls of icing and star sprinkles.

Favors and Goodie Bags

  1. Astronaut Helmets: Small plastic helmets or DIY paper helmets for kids.
  2. Mini Rockets: Toy rockets or rocket-building kits.
  3. Glow Sticks: Representing stars or lightsabers.
  4. Stickers: Space-themed stickers with rockets, planets, and astronauts.
  5. Space Coloring Books: Include crayons or markers.

Entertainment

  1. Planetarium Show: Rent a portable planetarium or use a star projector.
  2. Storytime: Read space-themed books like “There's No Place Like Space” by Tish Rabe.
  3. Space Movie Screening: Show a kid-friendly movie like Wall-E, Space Buddies, or Zathura.

 

Food themed

If you have young foodie fanatics attending, there are lots of ways to incorporate basic cooking into your festivities with the added bonus that there will be less food to prepare later in the day.  Activities can include pizza making and or cupcake/biscuit decorating.  

Out and about: Search for cookery schools in your area to see if they offer a childrens' party package or chains such as Pizza Express do pizza making experiences

 

Spa party

Encourage attendees to arrive in or bring dressing gowns, flip flops or sliders or onesie and set up stations with fluffy towels and footrests where they can be pampered with a manicure, pedicure, hair style and facepacks.  To get the full spa experience, use esseitnal oils in diffusers and make refreshments

Out and about:  selected beauty salons have created pampering party packages for younger audiences - search for one in your local area

 

A Halloween-themed party for kids can be a spooky, fun-filled event! Here are some creative ideas to ensure the little ghosts and goblins have an unforgettable time:

Decorations

  1. Pumpkin Patch Corner: Use real or fake pumpkins with hay bales and scarecrows for a festive look.
  2. Spiderwebs Everywhere: Stretch fake spiderwebs across windows, furniture, and walls. Add plastic spiders for effect.
  3. Ghost Balloons: Draw ghost faces on white balloons with black markers.
  4. Haunted Entrance: Use a fog machine and spooky sound effects to set the mood as guests enter.
  5. Creepy Lights: Swap out regular bulbs for orange or purple ones to create an eerie glow.

Costume Contest

Encourage everyone to come in costume and have categories like:

Offer small prizes or certificates for winners.

Activities and Games

  1. Pumpkin Decorating: Set up a station with small pumpkins and safe decorating supplies like stickers, paint, and markers.
  2. Mummy Wrap: Divide kids into teams, and have them wrap a teammate in toilet paper to look like a mummy.
  3. Monster Freeze Dance: Play Halloween songs like “Monster Mash” and have kids freeze when the music stops.
  4. Witch Hat Ring Toss: Use a witch's hat as the target and rings made from glow sticks.
  5. Candy Corn Guessing Game: Fill a jar with candy corn and have kids guess how many pieces are inside.

Food and Snacks

  1. Witch’s Brew Punch: Serve a green or orange drink with floating gummy worms. Add dry ice for spooky fog (adults should handle this).
  2. Monster Eyeballs: Use peeled grapes or lychee stuffed with blueberries as creepy snacks.
  3. Spider Cupcakes: Decorate cupcakes with black licorice legs and candy eyes.
  4. Jack-o'-Lantern Fruit Cups: Hollow out oranges and carve faces, then fill them with fruit salad.
  5. Ghostly Popcorn Bags: Fill clear bags with popcorn and tie them off with orange or black ribbon.

Favors and Goodie Bags

  1. Mini Cauldrons: Fill small plastic cauldrons with candy, stickers, and small toys.
  2. Glow-in-the-Dark Items: Include bracelets, necklaces, or plastic fangs.
  3. Halloween Masks: Give each child a fun mask to take home.
  4. Spooky Slime: Add mini jars of Halloween-colored slime.
  5. Stickers and Pencils: Halloween-themed stationery is always a hit.

Entertainment

  1. Storytime: Read “Room on the Broom” by Julia Donaldson or other kid-friendly Halloween tales.
  2. Outdoor Movie Night: Show a not-too-scary movie like Hotel Transylvania, Casper, or Hocus Pocus.
  3. Magic Show: Hire a magician or perform simple tricks yourself.
  4. Pumpkin Piñata: Fill it with candy and small toys for a fun twist on the classic game.

 

Cooking party

 

A cooking party for kids is a fantastic way to combine fun, creativity, and learning! Here's how to plan a memorable and age-appropriate cooking party:

Theme Ideas

  1. Pizza Party: Kids make their own mini pizzas with toppings of their choice.
  2. Cupcake Decorating: Focus on frosting and decorating pre-baked cupcakes.
  3. Breakfast Bonanza: Pancakes, waffles, or fruit parfaits are fun and easy.
  4. DIY Pasta: Kids roll out dough and cut shapes or make simple gnocchi.
  5. Mini Chef Challenge: Like a kids' version of a cooking competition, with simple recipes.

Setting Up the Party

  1. Invitations: Use food-themed invites shaped like chef hats, pizzas, or cupcakes.
  2. Decorations: Decorate the space like a mini kitchen with aprons, chef hats, and colorful utensils. Hang a banner saying “Welcome to [Name]’s Kitchen!”
  3. Prep Cooking Stations: Set up individual or group stations with tools and ingredients. Include cutting boards, mixing bowls, and spatulas.

Activities

1. Make and Take Cooking

2. Decorating Fun

3. Chef Hat Craft

4. Cooking Relay

Menu Ideas

Keep it simple and kid-friendly!

  1. Savory Options:
    • Mini pizzas
    • Sliders
    • Veggie wraps
  2. Sweet Treats:
    • Ice cream sundaes
    • Cupcakes
    • Fruit parfaits
  3. Drinks:
    • Fruit punch
    • Smoothies
    • DIY lemonade

Party Favors

  1. Personalized Aprons: Send kids home with the aprons they decorated.
  2. Mini Recipe Books: Include recipes for the dishes made at the party.
  3. Utensil Kits: Small spatulas, cookie cutters, or rolling pins.
  4. Packaged Treats: Let kids take home cookies or cupcakes they decorated.

Safety Tips

 

A movie-themed birthday party is a fun and glamorous way to celebrate! Whether it’s a general “movie night” vibe or based on a specific film, here’s how to plan the ultimate cinematic celebration:

Theme Options

  1. Hollywood Red Carpet: Focus on glitz and glam with a classic movie star vibe.
  2. Specific Movie Theme: Choose a favorite movie like Frozen, Toy Story, Harry Potter, or Spider-Man.
  3. Drive-In Theater: Create a retro outdoor movie setup with blankets or cardboard cars.
  4. Classic Movie Night: Focus on popcorn, snacks, and a cozy movie-watching setup.

Decorations

  1. Red Carpet Entrance: Lay out a red carpet for kids to walk down as they arrive.
  2. Gold and Black: Use balloons, streamers, and tableware in gold and black for a Hollywood vibe.
  3. Director’s Cut: Add clapboards, film reels, and “Now Showing” signs for authenticity.
  4. Personalized Posters: Create mock movie posters featuring the birthday kid as the star.
  5. Starry Backdrop: Hang black and gold curtains with string lights for a glamorous photo booth.

Activities

  1. DIY Hollywood Stars: Have kids create their own "Walk of Fame" stars on gold paper or cardboard.
  2. Movie Trivia: Quiz guests on fun movie facts. Adjust questions based on the kids' ages.
  3. Costume Contest: Encourage kids to come dressed as their favorite movie character. Award small prizes.
  4. Director’s Cut Game: Let kids act out scenes or create their own skits to perform.
  5. Movie Screening: Set up a cozy area with blankets, pillows, and a projector for a movie. Choose a kid-friendly film everyone will enjoy.

Snacks and Food

  1. Popcorn Bar: Offer popcorn with various toppings like caramel, cheese, chocolate drizzle, or rainbow sprinkles.
  2. Candy Counter: Set up jars with classic movie theater candy like gummy bears, licorice, and chocolates.
  3. Pizza: Easy to eat while watching a movie and always a crowd-pleaser.
  4. Themed Desserts: Decorate cupcakes, cookies, or a cake with stars, reels, or movie characters.
  5. Mocktails: Serve “red carpet” drinks like sparkling apple cider or juice in fancy cups.

Favors

  1. Mini Movie Packs: Include a bag of popcorn, a small candy box, and a movie ticket-shaped thank-you note.
  2. Director’s Clapboard: Miniature clapboards kids can use for fun.
  3. Themed Accessories: Sunglasses, glow sticks, or costume pieces like crowns or capes.
  4. Personalized Cups: Tumblers or popcorn buckets with each child’s name.

Entertainment

  1. Photo Booth: Add props like boas, oversized sunglasses, and “Oscar” trophies for fun photos.
  2. Short Film Creation: Let kids make a quick movie on a phone or tablet. They’ll love acting, directing, or filming!
  3. Mini Awards Ceremony: Hand out “Oscars” for categories like “Best Laugh,” “Best Costume,” or “Most Creative Dance Moves.”

Invitations

  1. Ticket Stubs: Design invites to look like movie tickets.
  2. Clapboard Style: Create invites shaped like a director’s clapboard.
  3. Digital Premiere: Send a video invitation where the birthday kid “announces” the party details.

Movie Recommendations by Age

With this setup, your movie-themed birthday party is sure to be a blockbuster hit! Let me know if you’d like help tailoring the theme to a specific movie or adding more activities. 🎬✨

 

4o

 

 

 

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