Booking a function room for a kid's party

Hosting a large kid’s party at home can be an exciting idea – until you consider the inevitable mess, which alone might put you off! If the thought of endless clean-up and chaos is overwhelming, consider renting a function room. By understanding the value these venues offer, you can decide if it’s the perfect option to ensure a fun and stress-free event.

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In this article, we’ve outlined the main benefits of booking a function room for a kid’s party.

What benefits does a function room provide?

Function rooms go by many names – function hall, community hall, reception hall, or banqueting suite, to name but a few. Regardless of the name, they are spaces you can rent for parties or events. Keep in mind that renting a function room is typically more expensive than hosting at home, so be sure to check local prices for an estimate. However, the advantages often outweigh the extra cost.

More Space

One of the main benefits of a function room is that it will provide you with space you might not have at home. Function rooms come in various sizes, allowing you to book just the right amount of space you need. This makes them ideal for family events and large children’s parties.

On-site Catering

Many venues, especially those attached to restaurants, hotels, or pubs, offer on-site catering, which provides peace of mind by handling party meals. If you aren’t sure whether a venue offers this service, ask before booking. Alternatively, if you prefer to plan your own meal, look for a venue that facilitates self-catering, such as those in churches, community colleges, community centres, or local town halls. You can even bring in a caterer to help with the party food if that suits your better.

Amenities

Amenities vary from venue to venue. You can rent anything from a full-service venue to a simpler (and more affordable) room with just a few chairs. Full-service venues often provide additional comforts beyond what you’d have at home. Some key points to check include:

Are there enough tables, chairs, and cutlery for your party?
Is there a kitchen available if the venue doesn’t offer catering, complete with a fridge and microwave?

The more amenities provided by the venue, the fewer items you need to bring from home. In any case, make a list of what isn’t provided so you can plan accordingly on the day.

Audiovisual Equipment

Another main benefit of function rooms is that they often provide audiovisual equipment for parties. Music, lights, screen and projectors are the most common equipment. All you need to do is create a music playlist or find a DJ.

If you are hosting a kid’s party, you generally don’t need elaborate equipment. If you aren’t planning a disco theme, you might not even need a music and lights system.

When booking the room, double check to see if they ask for a deposit or an extra fee for the equipment. It’s also worth checking if they have a limit on the output volume. This typically isn’t a problem at kid’s parties or family events, however, it’s best to be informed.

Stress Free Parties

With a venue, you have less to do, and less to stress about. For example, there is no need to move your furniture around the house, you can just enjoy decorating the room to your liking, or not even worrying about that if it’s something that’s included as part of the package.

Renting a function room reduces your stress since you don’t have to worry about the post-party cleanup. Many venues include cleaning in the rental fee, leaving you free to enjoy the event in a neat, designated space.

Hire Your Own Entertainment

Such venues will generally allow you to bring your own entertainment to the event. This is an ideal opportunity to hire an entertainer. We’ve put together advice for hiring great kid’s entertainers and you can of course book a kid’s entertainer directly on our website HERE.

Customise the Venue

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Make the space uniquely yours with these creative decor ideas:

Themed Table Settings: Coordinate tablecloths, centrepieces, and place cards with your party theme.
Wall & Ceiling Decor: Hang banners, streamers, or balloons to add colour and excitement to the room.
Lighting Effects: Use colourful or soft lighting to set the mood and enhance the atmosphere.
Interactive Decor: Set up a photo booth or a DIY craft station where kids can create their own party mementos.
Custom Backdrops: Create DIY backdrops that reflect your child’s interests, whether it’s a favourite cartoon, superhero, or fantasy theme.

Before finalising your decor plan, check with the venue for any decoration restrictions (such as limitations on hanging items or adhesives) and confirm that you will be responsible for removing all decorations after the event.

Avoid the Crowds

Unlike a table in a restaurant, or spending the afternoon in an entertainment centre or soft play, when you book a function room you will be on your own. Less stress and less noise for you and your guests, perfect for those who prefer a quieter space.

Finding a Local Function Room

Finding a local function room might take a bit of research. Start by making a list of nearby venues and contact them to enquire about availability, pricing, and what is included in the hiring of the space. Consider options such as:

Hotels, restaurants, and pubs
Church halls, community colleges, or community centres
The local town or village hall

If the venue is part of a larger establishment like a hotel or restaurant, it’s often easiest to visit in person to view and book the space.

Alternatively, you could consider entertainment centres that specialise in kid’s activities. These venues typically charge based on the number of attendees rather than the space alone, which can be cost-effective for smaller groups.

Entertainment centres

Alternatively, you could make a reservation at an entertainment centre, or soft play centre. These are professional venues who specialise in kid’s activities. Unlike function rooms, the price of the party will generally be based on the number of attendees and not on the type of room. For large groups, this can add up fast.

However, if you’re hosting a small group, or if you don’t plan on inviting any adults, these venues might be a great option for you! We made an article outlining everything you need to know about hosting a kids party in an entertainment centre.

Questions to Ask Before Booking

Before booking a function room, here are some key questions to ask:

What exactly is included in the rental fee (tables, chairs, cutlery, audiovisual equipment, cleaning services, etc.)?
Is on-site catering available, or will I need to arrange my own?
Are there any extra costs, deposits, or cancellation fees?
What is the venue’s policy on decorations?
What is the maximum capacity, and are there any restrictions on noise or audiovisual equipment?
Does the venue have appropriate safety measures and child-friendly facilities?

We hope you’ve found this list helpful in booking your next kid’s party!