Organising Your Child’s First Birthday Party (and How I Keep Little Ones Engaged)
Mat Briscoe • 20 January 2026
Organising Your Child’s First Birthday Party (and How I Keep Little Ones Engaged)
Organising your child’s first birthday party can feel exciting… and slightly nerve-wracking.
A big question I often hear from parents is:
“How will you keep a room full of 3–5 year olds engaged?”
I was reminded of this just last Saturday, when I performed at a joint 3rd birthday party for three children. The parents were incredibly organised and had lots of brilliant activity stations set up, but when they booked me, they were unsure how I would captivate such a young and energetic age group.
So, here’s exactly how I did it.
Before the party even beginsOrganising
Once the party was booked, I sent the parents a short personal video message for their children.
It’s me saying hello, introducing myself and performing a little magic trick.
This might sound simple, but it’s powerful.
Children often watch it with their parents, and by the time the party comes around, I’m no longer a stranger. I’m someone they’ve already “met”, which makes a huge difference to confidence, engagement and excitement.
Arriving at the party
When I arrive at the venue, I always allow time to meet the children alongside their parents.
There’s no rushing straight into a show.
This gives me time to:
* Learn names
* Read the room
* Gently engage with each child at their own pace
For young children especially, feeling safe and comfortable is key.
Setting expectations (without losing the fun)
When the show starts, I take a moment to explain what’s going to happen in a calm, friendly way.
This instantly puts children at ease and helps them understand what’s coming next.
We then begin with games, where every child wins a prize.
This helps focus attention, builds confidence and introduces them to my character in a positive way.
A family magic show (not just for the kids)
When the magic begins, it’s not just a children’s show.
It’s a family show.
Parents and children watch, laugh and engage together. This shared experience keeps children settled and makes the party feel inclusive rather than chaotic.
I have different shows for different age groups, but just as important is how I adapt:
* My language
* My body language
* My tone and pace
All of this changes depending on the age of the children, the space we’re in and how the children are reacting in the moment.
That kind of flexibility only comes with experience and training.
“Were you a teacher?”
At this party, three different parents asked me the same question:
“Were you a teacher?”
While I wasn’t, I did spend several years early in my acting career working for an award-winning early years childcare provider, and that experience shaped everything I do today.
It taught me how children learn, how they engage, and how to hold attention in a positive, respectful way. Honestly, it was invaluable… especially when we later had our own child.
More than just an entertainer
So yes, when you first come across me, you might see “a children’s entertainer”.
But behind that is:
* Years of experience
* Early years training
* Acting background
* And a genuine understanding of how children think and respond
That’s what allows me to create a party that feels magical, calm, engaging and memorable for everyone involved.
And that’s exactly what every child deserves on their special day ✨
How to Organize an Unforgettable Birthday Party for Your Child Planning a birthday party for your child can be both exciting and daunting. With so many details to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, with some organization and creativity, you can throw a memorable celebration that your child will cherish for years to come. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan the perfect birthday party. Step 1: Choose a Theme A theme adds a fun and cohesive element to the party, making it easier to plan decorations, activities, and even the cake. Consider your child’s interests and preferences when selecting a theme. Popular themes include: Superheroes Princesses or fairytales Animals or safari adventures Space and astronauts Favorite TV shows or movies Step 2: Set a Budget Before you dive into the details, determine how much you’re willing to spend. Setting a budget helps you make decisions about venue, food, entertainment, and decorations. Be realistic and prioritize what matters most to your child. Step 3: Choose a Date and Venue Select a date that works for your family and check with your child’s close friends to avoid conflicts. Decide whether to host the party at home, in a park, or at a rented venue such as a community center or a kid-friendly establishment like a trampoline park or zoo. Step 4: Create a Guest List and Send Invitations Work with your child to create a guest list. Consider the size of the venue and your budget when deciding how many guests to invite. Send out invitations at least three weeks in advance. You can opt for traditional paper invitations or use digital invitations for a quicker and eco-friendly option. Step 5: Plan the Activities and Games Keep the kids entertained with fun and age-appropriate activities. Here are a few ideas: Craft Station: Set up a table with craft supplies related to the party theme. Games: Classic party games like musical chairs, pin the tail on the donkey, or a treasure hunt can be easily adapted to fit your theme. Entertainment: Consider hiring a magician, face painter, or balloon artist if your budget allows. Step 6: Plan the Menu Kids' parties are all about fun, so keep the menu simple and kid-friendly. Include a mix of savory and sweet items: Mini sandwiches or sliders Pizza Fruit skewers Veggie sticks with dip Cupcakes, cookies, and, of course, the birthday cake Remember to check for any dietary restrictions or allergies among the guests. S tep 7: Decorations and Party Favors Decorate the venue to match the theme using balloons, streamers, tablecloths, and themed plates and napkins. Party favors are a nice way to thank guests for coming. Small toys, stickers, or themed goodies make great take-home gifts. Step 8: Capture the Memories Don’t forget to capture the special moments. Designate a friend or family member to take photos or hire a photographer if your budget allows. You can also set up a photo booth with props related to the theme for some extra fun and memorable pictures. Step 9: Have a Backup Plan If you’re hosting an outdoor party, make sure to have a backup plan in case of bad weather. Have a covered area or an indoor space ready just in case. Step 10: Relax and Enjoy On the day of the party, try to relax and enjoy the celebration. You’ve put in a lot of effort, and now it’s time to have fun with your child and their friends. Things may not go perfectly, but the most important thing is that your child feels special and loved. Final Thoughts Organizing a birthday party for your child doesn’t have to be stressful. With careful planning and a bit of creativity, you can create a magical day that your child will remember for years to come. Happy party planning!
