Party planning guides

• How much does a kids' birthday party at a venue cost?

  Real starting prices published by US party venues: per child and per package, by venue type and city, with how many venues and the date checked.

• Trampoline park vs indoor play centre parties: what's included

  What a trampoline park party and a soft-play party usually involve, which ages suit each, and what published prices look like.

• Kids' party planning checklist and timeline

  A week-by-week timeline for a venue birthday party, from six weeks out to the day after, with a worked example.

• How many kids to invite to a birthday party, by age

  A simple rule of thumb by age, how venue package sizes change the maths, and worked examples.

• Questions to ask a venue before you book a kids’ party

  The questions that avoid surprises: what is included, timings, food, deposits, waivers, add-ons and cancellations.