With more and more parents throwing their children over-the-top parties, it can be challenging to keep up. If an expensive, activity-packed party isn't within your budget, don't worry—you can still throw a fun, memorable party without breaking the bank. Here's how to entertain kids at a birthday party without spending a fortune.
Set up a craft station.
Setting up a craft station can keep kids entertained for hours, and they'll have something to bring home by the end of the party. Check out Pinterest and Instagram for low-cost craft ideas or head to your local craft store for inspiration. Some classic craft ideas include creating a picture frame out of Popsicle sticks or asking each guest to bring plain white shirts to decorate. If you're throwing a party for older kids, set up a dessert bar and let the kids create their own desserts. Most arts and crafts options cost under $50 for 10 to 15 children.
Hire an entertainer.
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Although hiring an entertainer may seem like a more expensive option, you can cut costs by hosting the birthday party at home. While party packages for local zoos and museums can end up costing you well over $1,000, entertainers typically cost between $150 and $250 per hour. However, the cost of hiring an entertainer can vary depending on where you live, how many performers you hire, and what type of performer you hire.
If you're looking to get the most bang for your buck, consider hiring a clown rental. To find a clown rental service in your area, search "clown rental for birthday party" or visit Clowns 4 Kids. Clowns 4 Kids provides birthday party clowns in NY, NYC, NJ, CT, and Long Island, along with an affordable clown show package packed with activities to keep your children's birthday party fun and engaged.
Give out custom birthday party bags.
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It's common practice—and often expected—for parents to hand out goodie bags at the end of their children's birthday party. Birthday party bags can range from small bags of candy and toys to bigger bags packed with personalized goodies. As expected, the cost of birthday party bags can vary drastically. To avoid spending a fortune on goodie bags, try visiting the dollar store for toys or buying candy in bulk. Hand out the goodie bags in advance to keep the guests occupied during the party.
If you're interested in giving out custom goodie bags without breaking the bank, consider creating cheap photo canvas prints for each guest. With Simple Canvas Prints, you can create beautiful, one-of-a-kind canvas prints for each guest. To create your own canvas print, just upload a picture from your computer, Facebook, or Instagram. If you opt for a picture of the guest at the party or your child with the guest, you can send the canvas print with a "thank you" card. Since smaller prints only cost $4.99 each, you don't have to worry about spending more than $5 for each guest.
Organize an outdoor scavenger hunt.
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If you're hosting a birthday party in the spring, summer, or fall, take advantage of the weather by organizing an outdoor scavenger hunt or treasure hunt for your guests. You can even divide your guests into two teams and have a contest to see who can find the most clues first. Plus, scavenger hunts aren't just limited to younger kids—older children and teens can enjoy them, too.
To organize a budget-friendly scavenger hunt, visit the dollar store to find mini prizes for each guest and limit your budget to $10 for the winner. Make sure to create a list of items for the players, and then hide the items carefully around your backyard. The first player or group to find all of the items wins.
Between food, decorations, and entertainment, the cost of throwing your child's birthday party can add up. Finding affordable ways to entertain guests at your child's birthday party can help you save money and focus on hosting a memorable, fun-filled party.