- Choose kid-friendly meals that are easy to eat, include healthy options, and accommodate any allergies or dietary restrictions.
- Decorate the venue with streamers and balloons, and set up tables and chairs in an accessible area for kids to move around.
- Ensure safety by setting up barriers and having extra staff to monitor activities.
- Choose a theme that appeals to children, such as a cartoon movie or superhero theme.
Hosting a children’s event at your restaurant can be a great way to attract new customers, as well as build relationships with the families already visiting your establishment. When it comes to planning and executing a successful event for kids, however, there are many factors to consider. Below are five tips for creating an enjoyable and memorable experience:
Choose Kid-friendly Meals
When it comes to meal selection, think about what kids like. Select dishes that are easy for them to eat, such as chicken tenders or macaroni and cheese. Include several healthy options such as salads, fruit cups, etc., too. For drinks, offer choices such as juices and smoothies in addition to sodas.
Be mindful also to incorporate any food allergies and dietary restrictions into the meal selection. You can learn about these allergies and restrictions in advance by inquiring with the parents of each child attending.
Decorate the Venue
Give the space a makeover with balloons, streamers, and other decorations that appeal to young people. Set up tables and chairs in an area that’s easy for kids to move around in, such as a large room or outdoor patio. Decorations will make the space feel inviting and create a festive atmosphere.
Safety
Ensure the safety of everyone by setting up barriers to keep young guests away from the kitchen, exits, stairs, and other areas that may be dangerous. Have extra staff to help monitor activities and ensure that no one is wandering off or getting into trouble. If you’re hosting the event outdoors, take additional steps to secure the area. You can install security cameras or hire a security guard, depending on the size of your event.
Theme
Applying some themes depending on what event or what the customer wants can elevate the atmosphere of your event. Choose one that appeals to children, like a cartoon movie or superhero theme, and create activities around it.
You can also ask for input from the parents of each child and make sure to include their ideas and suggestions when planning. This will help personalize the event and make it more enjoyable. Kids love to dress up and role-play, so encourage them to wear costumes or accessories related to the theme.
Incorporate Fun Activities
You cannot underestimate the power of fun activities when it comes to entertaining kids. Think outside the box and come up with ideas that will keep kids of all ages entertained. Some ideas to include are the following:
Inflatables
Kids love to jump, bounce and climb. Setting up an inflatable obstacle course or bouncy castle will keep them occupied for hours. These will also be a hit with the parents, who can sit back and relax without worrying about their child’s safety.
However, inflatables can be a significant investment. In that case, you might want to consider renting one. You can find many affordable inflatable rentals online or from local suppliers, each having a variety of shapes and sizes to choose from. Either way, it’s worth seeing the children excitedly having fun.
Arts and Crafts
Turn your restaurant into an arts and crafts studio by providing supplies such as markers, paints, glitter, and paper. Kids are naturally creative, so allow them to explore their creativity by letting them make cards, picture frames, and other items.
You can also hire an artist or craft instructor to help lead the activity and teach kids how to make different items. This will add a professional touch to the event, plus parents can be sure that their children are in good hands.
Dedicate Some Elements for the Parents
Don’t forget the adults who will be accompanying their kids. Set up some comfortable seating areas and offer them a menu of adult beverages. This will give the parents something to do while their children play, allowing them to relax and have fun.
If you want to, you can dedicate a separate area for parents only, where they can mingle and chat with one another. This will give them some much-needed time away from the kids and make the event a success for everyone.
Hosting a successful event for kids requires careful planning and preparation. With these tips in mind, you can ensure that your event is entertaining and safe for children of all ages. With a little effort and creativity, your restaurant can become the perfect venue for kids’ parties.
