Five sensory-friendly kids party ideas
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Most kids’ parties tend to follow a specific formula: lots of noise, lights and sugar.
This might be fine for many, but on weekends when venues can get overcrowded it can lead to sensory overload for some kids (and adults!)
If you have children with sensory difficulties, it can be a tricky task finding a party venue that is quiet and calm, or party activities that won’t overwhelm. That’s why we’ve done our research and rounded up five venues that fit the bill!
Little artist parties at Tiny Creatures Kids Club
Let your kids become mini artists for the day and express themselves with paint! With Tiny Creatures supplying smocks, easels, paint, brushes, and sheets, all you need to do is turn up. Studies show painting or drawing lowers stress levels and promotes calmness, helping kids deal with challenging emotions like anxiety. Along with painting, Tiny Creatures runs a range of other sensory-friendly parties, including yoga and crafts. The best part is you get the venue all to yourself!
Fyshwick Plaza, 63 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick | tinycreatures.com.au
Cooking parties at Kids Pantry
Cooking parties are a fabulous way to introduce children to the sensory journey of food! With lots of mess and creativity involved, it’s a great option if you’re after a mindful party. Kids Pantry will supply all ingredients, tools and aprons, so all you need to do is turn up (and you might even get a taste test at the end!) If you’d prefer a party at home, Kids Pantry also offer party packs to take home, with recipe mixes including vanilla cupcake and vegan chocolate cake. Yum!
7 Geils Circuit, Deakin | kidspantry.com.au
Kite making parties at the National Arboretum
Combining the magic of Vitamin D and craft, children will have fun decorating, assembling and flying their own kite. With all materials supplied, kite parties include exclusive use of the Arboretum’s terrace room and includes a 60-minute facilitated kite making activity with the fun of flying your creation at the end.
Forest Drive, Acton | nationalarboretum.act.gov.au
Brews and bubbles potions class parties at Quizzic Alley
Grab your wand and forget about being a muggle for a day at Quizzic Alley, Canberra’s very own Harry Potter-themed store. Parties at the venue include exclusive room hire and a party host who will run an immersive 90-minute potion-making class. Kids will love the thrill of forging magic from ancient ingredients, the chance to try Quizzic Alley’s famous QBrew and even a bit of slime at the end. There’s also the chance to take a photo in Ron Weasley’s famous flying car, with no whomping willow in sight!
5 Pirie Street, Fyshwick | quizzicalley.com
Pamper parties at Revelation Hair and Beauty Manuka
Nothing quite says relax like a bit of pampering! Pamper parties at Revelation Hair and Beauty include hair braiding, nail painting, a fruit and nibbles platter, drinks and a movie of your choice. A take home party bag is also included in the package, as well as ice cream vouchers from Gelatissimo which is conveniently just around the corner for a very chilled post-party treat!
10 Palmerston Lane, Griffith | revelationhairandbeauty@outlook.com
Feature image: Tiny Creatures Paint Party. Credit: Ben Calvert.
