The Ultimate Checklist for Hosting a Kids Party This Summer

a table with a plate of food and a bowl of paint

Summer is the perfect time to host a kids’ party. With the promise of frosty ice cream, dips in the pool, and time away from school, summertime parties are almost rites of passage. That’s why, if you’re going to plan a kids’ party, you want to do your best to ensure it’s safe, sensible and fun for everyone involved.

Often, this means you have to do some careful planning. In most cases, an impromptu kid’s party can turn into a bit of a mess. Between setting up activities, providing refreshments, and keeping nutritional needs in mind, here are a few tips for planning a fun kids’ party this summer.

Find ways to keep cool.

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While everyone enjoys a bit of fun in the sun, high temperatures can derail any block party. Naturally, this can get dangerous, especially if you’re providing outdoor activities. For starters, you should supply plenty of sunscreen if you’re going to be outside. Also, kids need to be able to cool off in the shade as needed. Whether you set up a tent or kids can freely come and go inside your home, it’s good to consider these solutions. You can even set up areas around the house that are off-limits, so nobody is venturing into private spaces.

You can also consider getting a portable ice maker to keep drinks nice and cold. A countertop ice maker can usually supply enough ice cubes for a kids’ party, making it a smart investment. Whether you’re looking for nugget ice or plain ice cubes, there are ice makers that can help you create pounds of ice to help everyone beat the summer heat. Before buying an ice maker or freezer, look at some reviews. You can even look for rental equipment if you want to save some money, though most entry-level ice makers are fairly affordable.

Set up entertainment.

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Whether you’re crafting an obstacle course in the backyard or you’re working with a rental company to get some inflatable rentals for your next event, you need ways to keep attendees entertained. Luckily, there are plenty of party rental services to help you find the right inflatables, carnival games, and rentals for any party. Party rentals are great for birthday parties, corporate events, kids’ parties, and much more. Plus, many party rental brands offer numerous photo booths, appliances, dunk tanks, inflatables, and bouncers.

Finding the right inflatable bounce house or photo booths is a good idea to search for geographically relevant services. For instance, if you live in the Long Island area, you can do a Google search for “inflatable rentals in Long Island.” Likewise, if you need a cotton candy machine in Los Angeles, search for “cotton candy machine rentals in LA.” This will help you find local full-service party brands that can help with any type of event. From concessions to carnival supplies, the right rentals can help you turn up the entertainment.

Don’t make it too long.

Even if it’s a party for some older kids or preteens, you don’t want the party to drag on too long. Setting a clear ending time is a great way to ensure everyone has fun without leaving you to play the host for hours on end. Suppose other parents are dropping off their children, coordinate pickup times. This will ensure that attendees get where they need to go when the party’s coming to a close. Whether this is a small party that’s only going to last for a few hours or it’s an all-night slumber party, make sure that you define clear times.

With these tips in mind, you can craft a fun, exciting party that will bring a smile to your kids’ faces.