What to Ask When Booking a Venue for a Kid's Birthday Party

What Party Options Are Available?

• Venues that specialize in children's parties often have packages with varying options and prices. Having an idea of how many kids will attend and what sort of entertainment you want helps you narrow down the options. Some party venues have a per-child price, while others charge one price for the total, with a certain number of children allowed. You may have the option of inviting more kids for an additional cost. The packages may also vary in the types of entertainment activities kids have access to at the party. For example, one package might include only a game of bowling while another might include bowling, laser tag and coins for the arcade. Food is another variable if the venue offers catering. Some packages may only include drinks, while others include a meal, drinks and cake. Ask about ordering additional food if you also need to feed the parents.

How Do I Reserve the Venue?

• Once you find a date and time that works for your schedule, you'll want to reserve the spot so no one else slides in at that time. Ask about the booking process, which may include signing an agreement. Read the document to find out what you're agreeing to before signing. Holding your spot at a birthday party venue often requires paying for at least a portion of the party cost upfront. Ask about the amount of the deposit required to book your party. You should also find out if that deposit is refundable, if the party is cancelled, due to unforeseen events. In some cases, the venue may allow you to reschedule the party at no additional cost should something come up.

What Can I Bring?

• Each party venue sets restrictions on the outside food and items they allow. Some party places allow you to bring in your own food, while others require you to order food from the location. The venue may have an agreement with a specific restaurant or caterer in the area that you need to use. Even if the food must come from the location, the venue may allow you to supply your own birthday cake. Verify the specifics before booking. The decorations are another major issue with some venues. Party venues often ban decorations and activities that make a big mess, such as confetti or piñatas.

What Am I Responsible For?

• The rental agreement should spell out your responsibilities on party day, but double check with the venue so you know exactly what to expect. When you arrive, your party space should be clean. Many children's party places book parties back-to-back so you may not have much time to decorate or prepare the space. If you rent a shelter house at a park, you'll be responsible for all of the party activities, such as running the games and coordinating the food. Other party venues have staff members who keep the party moving by corralling the kids to the correct area and telling everyone when it's time to eat. You should also ask about cleanup. The venue may clean up the mess for you, or you may need to stick around afterward to clear out the space.