Parents News Forum
Modern Parties for Kids
Quote from Fergus McCarthy on October 1, 2024, 1:20 pmFor parties, forget sausage rolls, modern kids want theme parks and sushi platters
If you have fond memories of classic party games like pass the parcel and enjoying sausage rolls at children's birthday parties, you may need to think again. New research has revealed that these traditional favourites are quickly becoming things of the past. Today’s children are asking for something far more extravagant, and parents are feeling the pressure to deliver.
Modern parties are more competitive than ever
A whopping 89% of parents admit that throwing a child’s birthday party is becoming a competition, and more than half (57%) say the pressure to host the "perfect" celebration has never been higher. The costs reflect this too, with the average party now setting parents back £524 when you factor in venue hire, decorations, food, and entertainment.
Fun activities over traditional games
Parents report that their children are no longer content with simple games like musical chairs or pin the tail on the donkey. Instead, kids are opting for adrenaline-pumping activities. Trampolining is a favourite, with 50% of children preferring it over traditional games. Other popular choices include laser quest (26%), wall climbing (22%), and even trips to theme parks (29%).
With these modern preferences, it’s no surprise that some of the old party standards are disappearing. Crisps in bowls, homemade ham sandwiches, and even hiring clowns or magicians are now considered outdated by many families.
Food expectations are changing too
The classic sausage roll is facing stiff competition from more sophisticated options. Sushi platters, burgers, and pizzas are now the order of the day. More than a third of parents report that their children would prefer to dine at a burger joint or have food catered from their favourite restaurant than stick with the party food of yesteryear.
Planning a party is more stressful than ever
It's not just about finding the right activity or food. Nearly half of all parents (45%) confess that organising a party is one of the most stressful things they've done. From navigating children's high expectations to catering to food allergies and dietary requirements, party planning has turned into a major event. For some, this includes inviting the entire class, adding to the stress.
How to make it easier
Stephen Wilson, CEO of Oxygen Activeplay, offers some reassurance. “Finding a venue that offers multiple activities can make party planning much less stressful,” he says. “Our party hosts handle everything – from food to entertainment – so parents can focus on the fun.”
To learn more about Oxygen Activeplay’s party packages, visit Oxygen Activeplay.
While the days of homemade treats and traditional party games may be fading, today's parties offer an exciting, activity-packed experience for children that they'll never forget.
20 MODERN DAY KIDS PARTY TRADITIONS
1. Soft play centres 57%
2. Trampolining 50%
3. Ordering pizzas 45%
4. Bouncy castle 36%
5. Going for Burgers 35%
6. Theme parks 29%
7. Inflatable assault courses 26%
8. Laser Quest 26%
9. Go Karting 24%
10. Ten-pin bowling 23%
11. Swimming 22%
12. Wall climbing 22%
13. Hiring a restaurant 16%
14. Hired a professional DJ 14%
15. Ice skating 12%
16. High rope course 11%
17. Professional photographer 9%
18. Private cinema screenings 7%
19. Pottery classes 5%
20. Sushi platters 3%
For parties, forget sausage rolls, modern kids want theme parks and sushi platters
If you have fond memories of classic party games like pass the parcel and enjoying sausage rolls at children's birthday parties, you may need to think again. New research has revealed that these traditional favourites are quickly becoming things of the past. Today’s children are asking for something far more extravagant, and parents are feeling the pressure to deliver.
Modern parties are more competitive than ever
A whopping 89% of parents admit that throwing a child’s birthday party is becoming a competition, and more than half (57%) say the pressure to host the "perfect" celebration has never been higher. The costs reflect this too, with the average party now setting parents back £524 when you factor in venue hire, decorations, food, and entertainment.
Fun activities over traditional games
Parents report that their children are no longer content with simple games like musical chairs or pin the tail on the donkey. Instead, kids are opting for adrenaline-pumping activities. Trampolining is a favourite, with 50% of children preferring it over traditional games. Other popular choices include laser quest (26%), wall climbing (22%), and even trips to theme parks (29%).
With these modern preferences, it’s no surprise that some of the old party standards are disappearing. Crisps in bowls, homemade ham sandwiches, and even hiring clowns or magicians are now considered outdated by many families.
Food expectations are changing too
The classic sausage roll is facing stiff competition from more sophisticated options. Sushi platters, burgers, and pizzas are now the order of the day. More than a third of parents report that their children would prefer to dine at a burger joint or have food catered from their favourite restaurant than stick with the party food of yesteryear.
Planning a party is more stressful than ever
It's not just about finding the right activity or food. Nearly half of all parents (45%) confess that organising a party is one of the most stressful things they've done. From navigating children's high expectations to catering to food allergies and dietary requirements, party planning has turned into a major event. For some, this includes inviting the entire class, adding to the stress.
How to make it easier
Stephen Wilson, CEO of Oxygen Activeplay, offers some reassurance. “Finding a venue that offers multiple activities can make party planning much less stressful,” he says. “Our party hosts handle everything – from food to entertainment – so parents can focus on the fun.”
To learn more about Oxygen Activeplay’s party packages, visit Oxygen Activeplay.
While the days of homemade treats and traditional party games may be fading, today's parties offer an exciting, activity-packed experience for children that they'll never forget.
20 MODERN DAY KIDS PARTY TRADITIONS
1. Soft play centres 57%
2. Trampolining 50%
3. Ordering pizzas 45%
4. Bouncy castle 36%
5. Going for Burgers 35%
6. Theme parks 29%
7. Inflatable assault courses 26%
8. Laser Quest 26%
9. Go Karting 24%
10. Ten-pin bowling 23%
11. Swimming 22%
12. Wall climbing 22%
13. Hiring a restaurant 16%
14. Hired a professional DJ 14%
15. Ice skating 12%
16. High rope course 11%
17. Professional photographer 9%
18. Private cinema screenings 7%
19. Pottery classes 5%
20. Sushi platters 3%