Face paint? Nice try. Cupcake towers? That’s so 2015. Kids’ parties have come a long way from pony rides and pizza, but parents don’t need to spend a fortune to keep up with the times. Get creative and throw an epic celebration for your little ones with help from these South Florida companies reinventing the game on backyard bashes.
Backyard movies
FunFlicks brings the theater experience to you with a giant HD projection, concert-grade speakers, a DVD or Blu-ray player and a technical host to help you keep the feature running smoothly. Add popcorn, candy and lawn chairs for a chill night of fun, or open the pool and throw on a beach-inspired flick for a “dive-in movie” experience. 305-594-4443, funflicks.com/fl/miami
Cookie dough
Skip the ice cream: flavored cookie dough is the next big dessert trend in the children’s party circuit. MdoughW creates all sorts of raw confections, such as flat bites and layered jars, that are best for little hands. These stuffed cookie cups come in a variety of flavors, too—from sprinkle funfetti and white-chocolate churro to chocolate-chunk fudge brownie. mdoughw.com
Foam party
Not just for Ibiza, foam parties are all the rage with tweens these days—and turning your backyard into a South Beach club circa 1995 is easier than you think. Miami-based Confetti & Fog FX cranks up the fun, advising on equipment (spring for the black light!) and handling the setup, from delivery and operation to pickup. Clean up, however, is all on you. 1085 W 21st St; 877-576-4239, confettiandfogfx.com
Henna
A self-taught artist, Barbie Salazar of Henna by Barbie creates all-natural freehand henna designs that are the stuff of Instagram dreams. Book her for your next event, and let her intricate motifs be the party favor that keeps on giving. 786-294-7188, henna_mia@yahoo.com
Braid bar
Get Braidified is gaining legions of fans with its creative take on the braid bar, giving little fashionistas the opportunity to accessorize with beads, barrettes and glitter. The team takes on everything from small and large parties to private appointments, working its hair magic and leaving behind not only smiles but a supercool (and lasting!) new ’do. 646-256-9465, facebook.com/getbraidified
Lite Brite
Just like the game you loved as a kid—but with a spectacular large-scale twist—this eight-by-four-foot supersize version comes from All Star Events complete with fluorescent pegs in various colors to give budding artists a creative outlet that won’t require you to repaint your walls. 305-623-0058, allstar-events.com
PACOs
What do you get when you cross a pancake with a taco? We say deliciousness, but Foar, the food truck that pioneered the trend locally, calls it a PACO. Book the family-owned operation for gatherings, like bar mitzvahs and graduation parties, and give the kids an interactive alternative to the same ole dessert table and cake. They’ll always remember their first Elvis (a warm PACO filled with banana, peanut butter and bacon). 954-214-0532, foar.co
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