The Ultimate Guide for Kids Parties in Melbourne

Your son or daughter's birthday is fast approaching and the anxiety level is increasing ... Will you have a party at home or at a venue? How will you keep the children entertained? How can you make the party exciting and fun? Where can you get some interesting invitations? Will you have a themed party and if so, where can you get decorations to match the theme?

Melbourne Playground's party portal, the most extensive portal of children's party ideas and party places for kids in Melbourne will reduce the anxiety level and make everything available at your fingertips.

Melbourne has a wonderful range of party options for kids, whether it is fairy bread and cordial in the backyard with an exciting entertainer or a thrill packed event at an amusement park. We have combed Melbourne and found a huge array of party activities and ideas. Celebrate and enjoy.

1. Celebrate a birthday with the farm animals at Collingwood Children's Farm in Abbotsford. Book well ahead since this is a very popular destination for parties.

2. Ahoy there maties, did you know that parties are held on the Polly Woodside near Southbank. Will you be a Sailor or a Pirate?

3. Dress up in chef hats and aprons, make a treat and you can even lick the spoon. Have a cooking based party at Gourmet Kids in 15 locations around Melbourne, Brasserie Bread in South Melbourne or The Tiny Chef in Essendon. Alternatively have a party at home with Petit Four Chefs or Make Bread Kids Parties.

4. A birthday party would be a bit grey without some colourful Decorations. Our party portal has more than 90 suppliers for everything from themed tableware to balloons.

5. The moon doesn't have to be shining to enjoy a 'hands on' animal party at the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park in Pearcedale.

6. Warn the neighbours to leave town for the day and then invite Rhythm Arkadia to host an African Drumming party.

7. Encourage the birthday darlings to make a great big mess with a huge dollop of creativity at Mess Matters in Caulfield North.

8. There is a delightful smell of chocolate wafting across Brighton East. It must be from Choc'd Chocolate Parties.

9. Hope for some fine weather and have a fun outdoor party next to a Smurf village, two big slides and play equipment galore at Bicentennial Park in Chelsea.

10. Hold a party with a dose of nostalgia at a roller skating venue such as Sk8House in Carrum Downs. There are plenty of fun party games - bring a sense of balance though.

11. 'When my birthday baby smiles at me I go to Rio, De Janeiro, my-oh-me-oh, I go wild and then I have to do the Samba'. Maybe you didn't get to Rio for the World Cup but a soccer birthday party could be the next best thing at Soccer Time Kids (37 locations across Melbourne), Football Star Academy (18 locations across Melbourne) or Kickstart Soccer & Fitness (in the North Carlton, North Fitzroy, Preston and Brunswick areas).

12. There's 30 birthday climbing challenges and two extra amp it up experiences - the Leap of Faith and the Vertical Drop Slide at Activate by Hardrock in Heatherton.

13. Get lost in the mazes and gardens and participate in the Great Gnome Hunt at Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens in Shoreham. Make sure you find your way out for the birthday cake though.

14. Let the kids go wild at a birthday party at the Melbourne Zoo with a feast in the Keeper Kids Party Room and tour of the zoo.

15. Learn some Circus skills like juggling and trapeze at a Little Devils Circus birthday party in Moorabbin.

16. Our Jumping Castle section has a huge selection of suppliers covering all of Melbourne with a wide range of styles and themes.

17. Try a birthday party with a mix of sports at a Sports Centre such as Hoppers Indoor Sportz in Hoppers Crossing, Springvale Indoor Sports Centre in Springvale, Oakleigh Indoor Sports in Oakleigh, Werribee Indoor Sports, Eastern Indoor Sports Centre in Knoxfield, Melton Indoor Sports Stadium, Northcote Indoor Sports in Thornbury or Moorabbin Indoor Sports.

18. Build magnificent structures from little blocks at the Legoland Discovery Centre in Chadstone.

19. Head to the enormous Caulfield Park which has three playgrounds for an outdoor birthday celebration. There are playgrounds at Park Crescent, Balaclava Road and Inkerman Road.

20. Combine the excitement and speed of go-karts with a party to provide lots of thrills. Go-kart around the three outdoor tracks at Le Mans Go Karts in Dandenong South or the purpose-built indoor racing circuit at AusCarts in Port Melbourne.

21. Celebrate your child's birthday with an amazing maze party at Sky High Mt Dandenong Observatory and Maze in Mount Dandenong.

22. Quack, quack, gobble, gobble - invite a mobile farm or some native cute and cuddly animals to your party with Rain, Hayne & Shine Farmyard, Parklands Mobile Farm Animals, Wildlife Xposure, Farmer Darryl's Mobile Animal Farm, Fun Farm 2 U, Animals on the Move, Animals of Oz, Animals 2 U - Mobile Animal Farm, Wild Action or even the flutter of butterfly wings with Butterfly Adventures.

23. Combine the party experience with advanced gaming at Sunshine Intencity. It's sure to be an intense experience.

24. Find a playground in your area which has facilities for a party such as great play equipment, shelter, tables and toilets using the Advanced Playground Search.

25. A fairy can add a touch of sparkle and magic to any birthday event and they have such lovely names. Seek out a fairy from our Fairy section including Fairy Twinkletoes, Fairy Anastasia and Fairy Flutterby.

26. Melbourne has lots of face painters who can are capable of the full alphabet range of facial art work from A for Aardvaark (one of the least popular), B for butterfly, through T for tiger and ending in Z for zebra. Our Face Painting section has more than 25 face painters across Melbourne.

27. Party with a Gentoo (penguin) and other aquatic creatures at the Melbourne Aquarium.

28. Party your way through the giant wooden maze, play a round of mini-golf, test out the display games or run around in the playgrounds at A Maze 'n Games in Wallington.

29. Celebrate with a soaking at Adventure Park Geelong, Victoria's premier water theme park with water slides, water play areas and other non-wet attractions.

30. Toy, toys, toys .. Why not hire a party pack of toys from a local Toy Library.

31. Look right, then left and right again. Have some birthday fun with a road safety theme at Essendon Traffic School or Kew Traffic School.

32. Bring along some party food and use the enchanting facilities at Fairy Park in Anakie.

33. Explore the Children's Gallery or treat them to a movie at IMAX at the Melbourne Museum and then bring them to the Museum Cafe for kids birthday party catering with party hats and birthday cake.

34. For extra fun at a birthday party come in fancy dress. Our Costumes & Fancy Dress section has a wide range of places, both physical stores and on-line, where you can find fancy dress and costumes for children.

35. Enjoy all the thrilling rides and a splash of party food for a fun birthday at Funfields in Whittlesea.

36. Party with the latest arcade games, indoor laser skirmish and state-of-the-art bowling at Kingpin Crown at Southbank. Just remember that money laundering is frowned upon here.

37. Parties are a lot more fun when you dress-up in a costume. Become a Power Ranger, ballerina, Dora the explorer, Peppa Pig or your favourite character. Find a banana loving party friend and become B1 or B2. Explore a fancy dress store like Creative Costumes to add character to your party.

38. Have a party farm adventure at Warrook Cattle Farm in Monomeith which includes lunch and a tour.

39. Knock over some pins and party at an Indoor Tenpin Bowling Centre across Melbourne. Bumper bowling, ramps and light-weight bowling balls are usually available for kid's parties.

40. Party at Melbourne's iconic Luna Park in St Kilda and enjoy an unlimited rides pass, food pack and a reserved table in the Party Tram.

41. Dive into our list of Aquatic Centres and swimming pools which host kid's parties. Some of the more exciting Aquatic Centres with year round indoor facilities are Leisurelink Aquatic & Recreation Centre in Waurn Ponds which has two fantastic indoor slides and a huge Water Adventure Park, Ashburton Pool and Recreation Centre which has an indoor children's tunnel water slide, Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre in Bentleigh East which has two indoor slides and a Water Adventure Park, Casey Recreation & Aquatic Centre (RACE) in Cranbourne which has two fantastic slides, Dandenong Oasis Leisure Centre with party fun which includes inflatables, cargo net and Tarzan rope and WaterMarc Banyule in Greensborough with two great indoor water slides.

42. Let the kids go wild at a birthday party at the Werribee Open Range Zoo with a feast in an African Hut and a tour of discovery that can take in lions, gorillas, hippos and more.

43. It would be utter madness to miss an action filled birthday party at Karting Madness in either Braybrook or Bayswater.

44. Have a fun, interactive and educational animal based birthday experience at Bundoora Park Children's Farm.

45. They typically have huge shoes, a red nose and a shock of orange hair. Yes, clowns. Provided you make them wipe their feet on a wet day, invite one home for some clownish fun. Clowns include Cathys Clowns and Peppi The Clown.

46. Maybe Carousel rides at the beautifully restored Geelong Waterfront Carousel for a charming birthday party treat?

47. If you have kids who are mad about ponies then arrange a birthday party where the star attractions are ponies and ask Melbourne's Pony Parties or Shetlands for all Occasions to gallop along to your party location.

48. Celebrate your birthday by driving and putting like Tiger Woods at a mini-golf course such as Wetlands Golf 'n' Games in Wheelers Hill, Latrobe Golf Park & Adventure Mini Golf in Bundoora, Dingley Village Adventure Golf in Dingley Village, Maroondah Adventure Golf Park in Chirnside Park or Bellarine Adventure Golf in Wallington.

49. With a choice of tenpin bowling, mini golf, playground and arcade machines, birthdays will be very active at Wyncity Family Entertainment Centre in Werribee.

50. Skate through a party on roller skates or roller blades at Caribbean Rollerama in Scoresby, Skateworld Mordialloc or Rollerway Skate Centre in Newtown.

51. Push it, pull it, spin it, bang it, get interactive and celebrate it at Scienceworks in Spotswood.

52. Celebrate in Torvill and Dean style at an Ice Skating venue such as O'Brien Group Arena in the Docklands or the Olympic Ice Skating Centre in Oakleigh South.

53. Interact with the animals for a birthday party experience at Myuna Farm in Doveton or Chesterfield Farm in Scoresby.

54. Hand paint a ceramic piece at All Fired Up Ceramic Cafe in Hampton or Glaze It Studio in Elsternwick.

55. At Maru Koala and Animal Park in Grantville they host children's parties that can be Koala or Pirate themed. Ask and they might even host a Long John Koala party for you.

56. Start your engines, ready, set, go to lots of slot car racing birthday fun at King Willys Slot Car Raceway in Williamstown North or Mr Slotcar in Hallam (which also has a portable track which comes to you).

57. Kids love trains and birthday parties. Combine the two at the Mornington Tourist Railway which runs between Moorooduc, Tanti and Mornington.

58. Snakes Alive. Share a party with slithering serpents or reptiles with Snake Handler, Black Snake Productions or Roaming Reptiles.

59. Bring a picnic and other party treats and the kids can explore the wetlands, mazes and giant games at Boneo Maze and Mini Golf.

60. Time is going to fly irrespective of what zone you are in, when you attend a birthday party at Timezone in Knox or 10 other locations and redeem your games tokens for prizes.

61. If you are looking for a gift for the lucky birthday boy or girl, then have a browse through our Gift directory. Toys from companies such as Good to Play Toys are always appreciated.

62. Build a bear, even Paddington Bear, at a Build-A-Bear party at Highpoint, Chadstone, Southland or Doncaster.

63. Climb a cliff or at least an indoor wall with a rock climbing party at Bayside Rock Indoor Climbing in Carrum Downs, Cliffhanger Climbing Gym in Altona North, Hardrock in Nunawading or The Rock Adventure Centre in Newtown.

64. Have a fun children's party which includes games, dress ups, makeovers, pampering treatments and more at Candy Hair in Cheltenham or Narre Warren.

65. Let's get physical (without any Olivia Newton-John songs in the background) with a Sports party at Ready Steady Go Kids (33 locations across Melbourne), SportzBuzz (7 locations across Melbourne) or Insportz Knox in Wantirna South where there is a choice from Aussie Rules, Indoor Cricket, Netball, Volleyball, Soccer or Dodgeball.

66. Do you want to shoot like Robin Hood (or even Maid Marian)? If so, try out an archery party at AIM Archery Club in Cheltenham or Moorabbin Archery Club in Highett.

67. Wow the birthday guests with a spectacular chocolate fountain hired from Chocolate Fountains Australia.

68. Play tennis like Pat Cash but please don't throw your racket like John McEnroe at a tennis party with Royal Avenue Tennis Centre in Sandringham or Tennis World at Melbourne Park.

69. How did that coin appear from behind my ear? How did that cloth turn into a live rabbit? Children are captivated by magic and a magician is sure to bring some surprise and fun to a birthday party. Our Magician section has more than 20 magicians who can come to your party and captivate your party guests.

70. Run, jump, tumble, swing, climb or even trampoline into a gymnastics birthday party at Eclipse Gymnastics in Ringwood, Eastern Gymnastics Club in Box Hill South, PIT Gymnastics in Mill Park BTYC Gymnastics in Donvale, Gymnastics Unlimited in Caroline Springs, Gymnastics Unlimited in Kealba, Brighton Recreational Gym Club in Brighton, BUGS Gymnastics in Burwood, Dolphin Gymnastic Club in Carrum Downs, Funtastic Gymnastics in Berwick, Waverley Gymnastics Centre in Mount Waverley, Armadale, Glen Waverley and Narre Warren, Footscray City Gym Club in Footscray West.

71. Does the birthday child know karate, judo and at least fifteen other Japanese words? If so, a martial arts party at the nearest dojo might hit the spot. You could try Guests Martial Arts Academy in Thornbury or Shiryodo Karate in Grovedale.

72. Giddy up horsey. Trot or gallop to an Equestrian birthday party at Tandivale Equestrian Centre in Warrandyte.

73. Take the bravery pills and prepare for a birthday combat mission through an urban city underworld with mazes and dark tunnels at Zone Bowling and Laser Tag Centres in Clayton, Forest Hill, Highpoint and Watergardens. Alternatively rent laser tag equipment for a party at home from Laser Tag in a Box.

74. Is that a T-Rex in your backyard? Why not get Dinosaur Diggers to bring museum quality exhibits to your home or venue and run an amazing show?

75. Make a Jackson Pollock painting (or something even better) with an art party at The Art Factory in Balwyn North, Malvern or Essendon. Try an arts and crafts party at Bec's Tree House Art School in Thornbury. Alternatively order some art and craft packs for a birthday party from Craft4Kids.

76. A lovely location for a party is Angus and Rose at the Briars in Mount Martha which is a boutique space offering kids parties with creative activities.

77. Fancy the sweet tunes of birthday party singing coupled with some kid based instrumental work? If so, a music based birthday party could hit the right tune at Music Works Magic in Elsternwick or Colour Me Music could bring Sparkle the Rainbow Fairy, Bubbles the Mermaid or Pickles the Pirate and provide magical, energetic musical entertainment.

78. You can have a birthday party full of physical activities at Leaping Lizards in Balwyn North.

79. How about a woodwork party? Maybe the kids can make a rocking chair for Dad. If that's not possible in the time available then at least each child will construct a model from the toy library at The Woodwork Room in Elsternwick and take their completed, painted model home.

80. Shimmy along to a dance birthday party at Charisma Dance Centre in Glen Iris. Fairy Dance, Music Madness, Hip Hop and Disco dance parties are available at home from Keilor Supersonics Singing and Dancing School (also Delahey and Hillside), and disco and karaoke fun from Bop Till You Drop Parties. Just Kidding Parties does high energy disco parties, full of fun games, singing and dancing, with high quality music, lights, smoke and bubble machines! With Kindy Groove and Jitterbugs the children will bop and groove along at a dance party.

81. If an entertainment centre with coin operated games and attractions sounds like birthday fun then head to TunzaFun at Fountain Gate or Dandenong

82. Samba down for a dance party at Mad Fun Disco Parties in Wantirna South or Moorabbin.

83. Can you work out how a magician does his tricks? Probably not, but have some birthday fun trying at The Magic Zone in Bayswater which hosts children's birthday parties specifically designed for children aged 6 - 12 years.

84. Most little girls love the magic of their very own fairy party. Fulfil that fantasy at Fairyfields in Fairfield.

85. Science has never been more fun. Dress up in a cute little white laboratory uniform and perform some wild science experiments with Fizzics Education party.

86. If disco dancing dressed as a character like a big cat, a princess, a dinosaur, a fairy, a cowboy, a mermaid, or a pirate sounds like fun then head to The Magic Unicorn in Essendon West.

87. Hire (and even help drive) a heritage steam or diesel train on the Bellarine Railway in Queenscliff for a Thomas inspired birthday.

88. Get off the street and come inside for a high energy acrobatic free style dance party by Off the Street Hip Hop.

89. Almost all Play Centres provide the option to host a birthday party. Big slides, jumping castles and party food - an awesome combination which most kids will enjoy. Some of the Play Centres with great play facilities to keep the kids well entertained are Kids Space Indoor Play & Party Centre in Hallam where you tremble in fear before going down the huge slides, Sprouts Play Centre in Kilsyth South where you can partake in some fairy bread and then take off in a rocket, Croc's Playcentre Pakenham which is one of the largest indoor Play Centres, Bigslide Indoor Sports Playground & Cafe where you can ride some big slides, Lollipops Playland and Cafe in Bentleigh East where you can ride the cars around the hilly indoor track or Run A Muck Indoor Fun in Epping.

90. Missing some equipment to host a party such as marquees or children's chairs and tables? Companies such as The Little Big Company and All For Kids Party Hire will help fill the requirement. Our Other Party Supplies section also includes hire or purchase of other miscellaneous items for parties such as Juke Boxes.

91. Do indoor Karting with other party options such as drifting, sumo wrestling and bowling at Fun City Go Karts (234 Fun Galore) in Braybrook.

92. Some special drinks would be fun at a birthday and you could try making slushies from equipment hired from Chill Drinks Slushee Machines.

93. Paint some plaster casts (which are not on someone's leg). Buy some plaster casts from A Plaster Party or Plastermania and arrange some birthday plaster painting fun.

94. Whether it is scrapbooking, card making or creating that special keepsake, there is birthday fun to be cut, drawn and pasted at Alphacrafts in Ferntree Gully.

95. If you looking for a venue for a party, then Partystar or PartyHelp might be able to help you find a suitable location.

96. Combine dancing with African Drumming in their amazing African Studio in St Kilda or at home.

97. Magical Happenings comes to your home providing party entertainment with magical characters, games and fun-filled activities.

98. Celebrate a birthday in the gardens and grounds of The Enchanted Maze Garden which has extensive gardens, exciting mazes, tube slides, 3D indoor maze and the bush adventure scramble.

99. Impress your guests with The Kazoos professional theatre show straight from the stage to your living room or backyard!

100. Alejandro, the Mexican Music Man is sure to liven up your party with exciting rhythms and energy from his homeland. I hear on the grapevine that his rendition of 'La Bamba' is a classic.

101. Put the fizz into your birthday with a party at Fizz Kidz in Malvern East, Balwyn or Essendon. They have a wide range of party themes ranging from science to slime.

102. Cool 4 Kids is an interactive music experience that invites children to actually become part of the show. Each show involves children in dancing, singing, using puppets, blowing bubbles, playing musical instruments, using props and having fun. Now that sounds like a great addition to a birthday party.

103. Cirque Mystique offers inspiring and innovative performances in circus, fire, stilt walking, puppetry, magic and children's entertainment using world-leading professional performers.

104. Interact with the farm animals with a self-catered party at Animal Land Children's Farm in Diggers Rest.

105. Environmentally thoughtful party practices are incorporated into themed parties such as Enchanted garden, Farmyard Frolic, Backyard Bug Adventure and Teddy Bears Picnic at Apples and Jam in South Melbourne.

106. Music Fun for Everyone based in Fairfield and Heidelberg provide instruments and props for a music party at your home. Kids will sing, dance, move, create, listen and play.

107. Enter the world of pampering, styling and runway parades at a "Model for a Day" party with Suzan Johnston Modelling.

108. Everyone likes to be pampered and Harmoni Pamper Parties fulfil every little girl's dream to feel like a Princess for a day.

109. Add a touch of magic to your child's party by inviting Fairy Cool Parties for a fairy party or attending their fairy den in Balwyn.

110. If you are looking for an entertainer to entertain the kids with activities such as ballooning, face painting and games for a party at home, then Funny Bizness, Jo Jo's Agency, Funtastic Productions (performers and shows) might fit the bill.

111. Do you need an entertainer to add some spark to your party at home? - invite a character from Character City and enjoy a birthday party which includes story telling, music, interactive song, games, prizes and giveaways, magic, face painting and temporary tattoos. Entertainment Emporium Kids Parties, Kiddly-Winks Children's Entertainment, Mr. Flim Flam's World of Entertainment and Dreamscape Kids Entertainment also have plenty of party entertainers.

112. If you are looking to hire special amusements and games for your birthday party, our Games & Amusements section includes suppliers of interactive amusement equipment, pinball machines, video arcade games, juke boxes, air hockey tables, soccer tables, children's rides, trackless trains, bungee, climbing walls or giant games such as Lego or Snakes and Ladders.

113. Pass-the-Parcel can provide a range of party performers with a range of skills to entertain the kids including stilt walkers, fire twirlers, poi twirlers. In fact I'm sure they could provide someone to twirl anything you could dream up.

114. Karaoke 4 Kids has a unique format for birthdays which is designed for children to experience the fun and excitement of performing live and caters for children of all ages.

115. Amazing Mr Twist and Colourful Characters will capture your kid's imagination, bringing lots of laughter and joy to any birthday event. He keeps the kids (and adults) in awe with his mystifying and humorous magic, his doves which appear out of a flash of fire, balloon twisting, face painting and more.

116. Balloonaversal Entertainments have a wide range of party entertainment options for all ages including face painting & balloon twisting parties, pony parties & pony rides, clowns & magic show birthday parties and parties for teenagers.

117. Journey into the forest of Sim Sala Bim where Wizards, Pirates and Superheros await and parties have interactive storytelling and Adventure Play.

118. Note to self - find someone to organise just about everything for the party. In that case give Aussie Events and Amusements a call and they can help with jumping castles, rides, games, entertainers and party food.

119. A key element of most birthday parties is a mouth watering, beautifully decorated Birthday Cake or even a caterer to provide a cake and all the birthday food. Our party portal has more than 70 Caterers and Cake Suppliers covering everything from 'smash and shatter' pinyata cakes from Naughty Nush Smash Cakes, delicious roasts from Cristy's Spit Roast Party, ice-cream cake from the Ice Cream Birthday Cake Shop to hiring a mobile Wood-Fired Pizza Oven from Hot Coals and serving freshly wood-fired pizzas or tender roasts in your own backyard.

120. E-mail may suffice for casual communication but a birthday party demands something more special to invite guests to the party. Our Invitations - Gifts section has a wide range of suppliers of fun and personalised invitations.

121. CARP Productions provides two characters at every party and you don't need to be a twin to enjoy this. Activities include games, magic tricks, music, magic carpet, a birthday wish complete with wishing dust, prizes and a treasure hunt with lolly bags for everyone.

122. Sometimes you wish you could just hand all the work and pitfalls of birthday party organisation to someone else and enjoy the special day. Using an event planner such as Parties Galore or Event Head Party Styling & Hire can make that a reality.

123. Invite Faery Emma from Stardust Fairies to captivate and enchant the little party goers with an explosion of dance, mythical stories and the most amazing face painting.

The Ultimate Guide for Kids Parties in Melbourne

Web Links