Kelly Pearson is mom to three kiddos and owns Cowabunga’s with her husband Matt. They have hosted over 20,000 birthday parties in their 10 years in business. Their business model focuses on fun play & party time in a setting that parents feel comfortable playing along.
Moms, especially, are notorious for hyper focusing on the birthday party decorations, searching for the best birthday cake and may even agonizing over what they will wear to the birthday party. While they get caught up in the planning whirlwind, they forget something so simple. KIDS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN WITH THEIR FRIENDS! Make sure to focus on a fun activity for the kids to do together & plan your party around that!
While birthday party planning doesn't have to be hard, you do need some sort of plan. If you get overwhelmed with managing all the details, it's probably best to book at party someplace where they help you! Then, you'll you can focus on sending out the invitations, and they'll help you with the rest. Otherwise, a party checklist will be your best friend.
It's always best to have clear communication when sending out your birthday party invitations. At the very least, always give the birthday child's name, party date, start time, end time, address, RSVP information & date and if adults and siblings are welcome to stay. If having a party at home, it's great to let them know about any parking details and ask if there are any food allergies.
Balloon arches, three tiered cakes, oversized photo props make for amazing pictures. However, elaborate displays sets may only be perfect for a moment until the kids arrive. Grab pictures ahead of time & enjoy the laughter of the kids playing together once the party starts. Be flexible with party child pictures as he/she may have a hard time stopping to pose for your perfect shot.
Let's be honest. Parties never go exactly as planned. Balloons can pop, the pizza comes burnt or some guests don't show up. Just keep a positive attitude and focus on your ultimate goal of setting the stage for your child to have fun with their friends. While parents get frazzled when all the details don't fall into place, kids are just there for the FUN! If you keep your composure & a great attitude, the little things won't ruin the party!
Absolutely not. While it’s always nice to invite siblings to your child’s birthday party, it’s no longer expected that you will. Especially if you’re having a party at an indoor party place, it’s sometimes best not to.
Read about the top 5 mistakes parents make when hosting a kids birthday party.
We are revamping our party offerings to allow and encourage physical distancing and eliminate outside contaminates. Private parties are still going to be a hot commodity at Cowabunga’s, as it will allow you to party with family & friends without the people you don’t know!