It's the start of the new school year, and it won't be long before birthday invitations start appearing in school bags. Fed up with soft play parties? Here’s a list of five unique ideas for children's birthday parties in Glasgow.
The Tall Ship at Riverside
Invite guests to attend the (pirate) ship as a Peter Pan character such as Tinkerbell, Captain Hook, Tiger Lily - there’s plenty of choice. Hire charge is £100 (including VAT), which includes hire of the space (a section of the lower deck), tables and chairs for up to 35 children and 10% off in the café for the guests. Hosts are welcome to provide their own entertainment and food or let the ship's staff take the strain by taking advantage of the pirate lunch box or goody bag deal for just £5 per child.
The Tall ShipGlasgow Mummy
Pony Party at Busby Equitation Centre
Pony parties last for an hour and the children will be given some basic riding instruction as well as the chance to play games with the ponies. Hosts are welcome to bring a snack and/or cake for the guests and have this afterwards in the gallery or training room. The birthday boy or girl will be presented with a rosette and the centre can provide pony themed party bags and rosettes for the party participants if required. The minimum age is four years and costs from £17 per head. An ideal birthday party for 'My Little Pony' fans.
Glasgow Climbing Centre
Calling all super heroes! The Glasgow Climbing Centre offers birthday parties for children from the ages of four and up. The sessions run for one hour (or 1 hour 45 mins for kids over seven) allowing youngsters to pretend to be Spider-Man as they tackle the climbing wall. There is a maximum ratio of one instructor to four children (1:6 for the older groups) and it costs £45 for a group of four younger kids, or from £90 for a group of six children participating in the longer session. The centre is also home to The Balcony Café, where refreshments can be arranged for your group.
Glasgow Climbing CentreGlasgow Mummy
Tubing Sessions
For the more adventurous children, the Glasgow Ski & Snowboard Centre offers tubing sessions for £96 (£120 for non-members) for a group of 12. This includes a party plate, which is taken in the Hobbit House, and invitations too. The parties last 45 minutes on the slope. Tubing sessions are suitable for children aged four years and up.
Zumba Dance Party
Most little children love to dance and perform (mine certainly do!) and a zumba dance instructor would provide the perfect party entertainment. Zumba kids' parties are for age four and up and prices start at £75 for up to 25 children. There are also a variety of Poco Loco packages that include games, prizes and even your child's favourite song choreographed by the teacher. A perfect opportunity to learn some dance moves ahead of the school disco!
Hungry? Here's a look at family-friendly cafés in Glasgow's Southside.