Party on Down

We all remember how big a deal a birthday can be when you’re a child, and besides a bumper pile of presents and an abundance of junk food, the one thing that can make or break the big day is of course the all-important birthday party. Unfortunately, these days it’s unlikely that a group of energetic kids can be kept entertained with a simple game of musical chairs and a bowl of jelly and ice cream – to really tire them out and make it a day to remember, parents are having to pull a few more surprises out the bag. Here are some kids’ party ideas that are sure to make their day extra special – and give them bragging rights in the playground for months to come.

A jumpin’ party
AirHop, 5 Britannia Rd, BS34 5TA, www.airhop-bristol.com
Not only will hosting a birthday party at the world’s largest trampoline park make for some seriously excitable children, you’ll also have the gratitude of their parents when they conk out after a day of bouncing, dodgeball and Total Wipeout. A booking for 10 guests starts from £160, and includes snacks, drinks and Domino’s pizzas, as well as a free jump pass for the birthday boy or girl to use at a later date.

Under the sea
Bristol Aquarium, Anchor Road, BS1 5TT, www.bristolaquarium.co.uk
Bristol Aquarium offers organised children’s parties from £14.95 per head, with a full guided tour of the exhibits, a bouncy castle, fish feeding and a meal. There are three watery themes to choose from – pirates, sharks or mermaids – and for an extra few pounds they’ll even sort out your party bags too.

Match day
Goals Soccer Centre, Broomhill Road, BS4 5RG, www.goalsfootball.co.uk
If your whippersnapper fancies themselves as the next Lionel Messi, a Big Match football party at Goals is sure to please. A party for 10 starts from £120, and Goals offer extras for an additional price including coaching sessions, goodie bags, medals and boot bags. They’ll even send your invitations and thank you letters out for you.

Reach the heights
Clip ‘n Climb, Unit 3 New Gatton Road, St Werburgh’s, BS2 9SH
www.clipnclimbbristol.co.uk
Climbing walls meet theme park in an exciting concept for all ages, four and upwards. A series of climbing-based activities provide healthy, challenging fun for all the family. Test your resolve and determination across separate challenges – climb commando style on the Jungle Gym, reach new heights on the Skyscraper, take the Speed Climbing challenge, or race your friends up Face to Face! No climbing experience is necessary and a full briefing is given, with full equipment provided. All walls have automatic belay devices which take in the slack as you climb and then lower you gently to the ground.

Get active
There are eight Active Leisure Centres across Bristol
www.activecentres.org
If dragging a troupe of excitable sprogs across the city for a party doesn’t sound like a feasible option, chances are your local leisure centre is just as good an offer. Active Centres offer pool parties, bouncy castles, diving parties, softplays, inflatables and sports parties in everything from netball to rollerskating. Their very reasonable prices include a party host or lifeguard, invitations and you can order food from the resident cafes for when they need refuelling.

Zaptastic
Laser Fusion, Silver Street, BS1 2AG
If you struggle to peel them away from computer games at the best of times, the ideal birthday party may be just to plonk them right back inside of one. If the mention of a live game that involves running around under strobe lights zapping your friends with light guns is enough to get them all in a tizzy, a Laser Fusion party could be ideal. For £11.95 per head you’ll get two games, half-time drinks, a goodie bag for everyone and a voucher for the guest of honour.