If your child would prefer to 'do' something specific rather than have party games or run around you could try an 'Activity Party'. There are lots of these venues around now. You can take children to paint pots / play football / make pizzas etc etc. Again, this can be expensive, and you often have to make up the the party bags yourself. This page lists your suggestions.

Click here if you'd like some inspiration for a party theme - you've come up with some great suggestions that could apply to parties at home or other venues.

Top Tip: Do not forget to prepare your camera for the event. Here are some great photography tips.

"My daughter Holly had an activity party where they made their own lip balm and bath bombs. It was by fizzpotzz - they sent the party bucket in the post and all her friends made some great stuff. It was very high quality and great personal service. I would recommend it to everyone". - Kate

"Most of the local children have parties at playgyms or playbarns and the novelty has worn off quite a bit now. For something different why not look at other local attractions? We have a couple of small railways locally where you can hire a carriage for a party and the children are not only entertained but also have a train ride, something that not a lot of children get the opportunity to do in today's 2 car family society. Zoos and Community Farms often make 'different' party venues and lots of museums are now offering activity parties where all you need to do is turn up."

"Pizza Express offer a pizza party with a difference, the kids get to make their own pizzas, I haven't actually tried this yet, but have had very good reports and we are definitely booking our sons next party there." To find your nearest Pizza Express restaurant visit www.pizzaexpress.co.uk/indexf.htm.

Swimming Parties

"We recently went to a great party at the local large swimming baths. The children and parents got to go swimming, there was a room for the party but you brought you own food (much cheaper and nicer) and a small soft play area. Check your nearest facilities to see what they offer.

"A swimming pool party at the local activity pool, I think is a great idea. The kids love it because there are lots of things to do, swim, play games etc, plus the parents can take part too!"

"When my oldest son was younger we hired the local swimming pool for one of his parties. He still says this was the best birthday party he ever had. We made invites to send out in the shape of fish. The food for the children was prepared and put into the white cake boxes, (that you can buy from cake shops). At the end of the allotted time each child was given small gifts of a pencil, rubbers and small writing pad with sea theme on them. The parents also enjoyed the party as they got a swim in as well. Best of all was no mess for me to clear up at the end."

"My daughter and her friends had a great time at a 'Pots of Fun' party where they got to decorate a ceramic 'Paint it Yourself' item such as cute animals and treasure boxes. This type of party is suitable for boys and girls from aged 3 upwards. You can find out more information at www.potsoffun.co.uk or try asking at your local craft cente".

"The latest craze with my son's friends is a Football Party. We are lucky to have a Soccer Dome in our local town where you can book a 'Football Party' that includes 1 hour of football with supervised coaching on an indoor pitch plus a choice of warm meal, and drink, balloons and party bags. Many local sports centres will also hire out a football pitch but you often have to provide the food."

"One year when we were feeling really brave we held our daughter's party at our local skating rink!"

Craft Parties - Kidz Crafts offers creative fun craft kits for children's birthday parties and craft activities for kids aged 5 to 12 years. They are based in Swindon, Wiltshire and distribute throughout the UK.

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