How to Host a Multi-age Party

Planning a party for every age group from great grandma down to your two-year old nephew can, to say the least, feel a tad overwhelming. Different age groups have different interests, different energy levels and, typically, different ideas as to what makes a great party. So, it’s hardly surprising if the thought of organising a multi-generational bash leaves you thinking twice!

Multi-age parties are more common than you might think. From christenings, baptisms and first birthday celebrations to milestone anniversaries, communion parties, engagement parties and small family weddings, these are the kinds of events where toddlers, teens, parents and grandparents all gather in one place. Even retirement parties, housewarming celebrations and significant birthdays such as 18th, 21st, 50th or 60th often bring together three or four generations under one roof.

The good news is that a little smart planning can make your multi-age party fun, inclusive and memorable for everyone, including you!

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The even better news is that we’ve created a handy guide packed with everything you need to know about hosting a successful intergenerational party. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary or family reunion, our guide covers everything from food to entertainment, plus practical planning tips to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and

included.

So, shall we get started?

Choosing a multi-age party theme

When you’re planning a multi-age party, it’s best to choose a flexible theme that can be adapted for all ages. We suggest:

Garden party
Picnic at home / BBQ
Cowboy/western
Decades party – dress for your decade (we have a great blog on 70s parties!)
Carnival or circus themed – nostalgia for adults, fun for kids
Scavenger hunt – adults can team up with very young family members or sit back and watch
Trivia – ensure a trivia night includes varied questions that are accessible to all
Board games

Selecting a venue

Unless you have a very large house (or a very small extended family), you’ll need to find a suitable venue for your celebration. If your family is scattered across the country, it’s important to choose somewhere that’s equidistant from everyone insofar as possible. However, do bear in mind that older relatives may be less willing to travel long distances, particularly if this involves an overnight stay. And on that note, you’ll want to check how many guests will need to stay over and whether your venue has sufficient available guest accommodation.

Something else you’ll want to factor into your choice is outside space. In the summer months, gardens will give children somewhere to run riot and use up their excess energy, while older family members will welcome the chance to sit in an attractive space and watch them. The space can also be used for outdoor games such as giant Jenga, croquet or hoop toss. It’s also worth checking whether there are patio heaters/parasols available to ensure everyone’s comfort.

Finally, consider accessibility/inclusivity:

Does the venue have suitable, accessible toilet facilities?
Are there any steps?
Is there disabled parking close to the venue’s entrance?
Is there sufficient room for wheelchairs, prams, walking frames etc?
Are there baby changing facilities, bottle warming facilities and a private room for breastfeeding?
Is there a quiet area where babies and toddlers can nap?

Sending invitations

Here at PartyWizz, we’re usually all in favour of eco-friendly digital invitations. However, this is one occasion where you might want to consider paper invitations for at least some of your relatives. While it’s entirely possible that your great-grandmother is a whizz with technology, she may, nevertheless, appreciate a ‘proper’ invitation. Meanwhile, don’t forget that some older people either don’t use email etc, or may struggle with it.

Décor for your multi-generational party

The goal with décor is to create a festive atmosphere without leaning too heavily toward one age group. Neutral themes, such as colours and simple concepts like garden party or carnival décor, work much better than cartoon characters or ultra-modern aesthetics.

Why not make your family part of the décor? Ask everyone for photos in advance of the party and display them on a board at your venue, not only do these look good, but they’ll also spark conversation and help different generations connect. Other décor choices could include:

Fairy lights
Family tree, enlist family members to help with this
Plants, flowers and greenery
Fabric bunting – ask guests in advance to help with this
Soft cushions and throws make the space look welcoming and are also practical

Timing

Timing can make or break a multi-age event:

Start the party earlier in the day when children and older guests have more energy
Avoid scheduling major activities too late
Allow flexibility so guests can come and go without feeling awkward

A relaxed schedule helps guests enjoy the party without feeling rushed.

Multi-age music

Create a playlist that blends classic hits, family-friendly pop, and relaxed background music. Above all, keep the volume low enough for conversation, especially for older guests.

Food and drink for a mixed-age party

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Food is one of the easiest ways to bridge age gaps if you keep it simple and adaptable:

Offer variety, but don’t overcomplicate things
A mix of familiar favourites and slightly elevated options works well. Think build-your-own stations (e.g. tacos, pasta, or baked potatoes) so guests can customise their food.

Consider dietary needs
Multi-age groups often mean a wider range of dietary restrictions. Label foods clearly and include vegetarian, gluten-free, and low-sugar options where possible.

Don’t forget the little ones and the elderly
Finger foods, softer textures and milder flavours are appreciated by both younger and older guests. Spicy or adventurous items should be optional.

Delightful desserts
Please everyone by providing a dessert table with cookies, fruit, cupcakes and a more grown-up option like dark chocolate or mini cheesecakes. During the summer months, a DIY ice cream cart with sprinkles, chocolate flakes and other toppings would also go down well.

Drinks
Ensure you have a good selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Non-fizzy diluted fruit juice or squash is ideal for younger children, while older members may appreciate tea and coffee. It’s also a good idea to ensure that drinking water is accessible to everyone throughout the party.

Why not hire out the catering to someone else? They’ll have plenty of experience ensuring everyone enjoys the food, and you’ll be able to simply relax and enjoy!

Party Games for mixed ages

Games are where multi-age parties really shine. The best games are simple, optional and adaptable. Ideally, play games in groups with a mix of younger and older participants.

These games work well for mixed ages:

Charades or Pictionary – play the latter on a flip chart with a marker pen
Trivia – with questions from different decades
Bingo – (custom cards can include pictures for kids and words for adults)
Baby photos – not a game per se, but great fun, especially if older relatives team up with youngsters. Well in advance of the party, get everyone to find a picture of themselves as a baby. Place photos on a board or table and write a number next to each picture. Pre-print a numbered table (or just use paper) and get teams to write down who they think the babies are. Information can be traded with other teams if desired! After the event, determine which team scored the most points and provide a small prize. Do ensure everyone writes their name on the back of the photo, unless you’re certain you can identify them all!

Colouring sheets and crayons or felt pens – again, not a game, but these items are indispensable for keeping little ones amused – at least for a short while!

Games like these encourage interaction without putting anyone on the spot and making them feel uncomfortable. The baby game can be dipped in and out of throughout the party and is sure to spark conversation.

Photo Booth

This is the perfect opportunity to capture memories and inspire future generations! You could take photos by generation, by family etc. Provide a few props – either tied to the party theme, or silly items like oversized specs, funny hats and feather boas – and you’ll have some hilarious moments to look back on in years to come! Find out more about hiring a photobooth here.

Hire a professional entertainer

Professional entertainers can really elevate a multi-age party while taking pressure off the host (and we’re not just saying that because we happen to know a few..!) The key is choosing performers who know how to engage different age groups:

Magicians who perform clean, interactive shows
DJs who specialise in family-friendly events
Balloon artists
Caricaturists
Face painters for child-focused areas

These entertainers provide visual and interactive experiences that appeal to both kids and adults alike. When booking a professional entertainer, do let them know that this is a multi-generational party; they can then ensure the content is age-appropriate. Try to schedule your professional entertainment early on so that older guests and young families, who may leave the party early, don’t miss out.

The most important part of hosting a multi-age party is letting go of perfection. Kids will be energetic, conversations will overlap, and plans may shift – but that’s part of the magic.

With flexible planning, inclusive food, engaging games and thoughtful entertainment, you can create an event where guests of all ages feel comfortable and connected. When generations come together to laugh, play and share memories, your party becomes more than just an event – it becomes a meaningful experience.