Birthday parties for children can be costly and, for most, it's about working around your budget.
As kids get older their expectations can get higher. Birthday parties for children can be costly and for most, it's about working around your budget.
My eldest daughter recently celebrated her ninth birthday and she decided to go roller skating with her closest friends. Funnily enough, it ended up the most economical birthday party to date. I opted against the standard party package by paying each child's admission on the day and brought them for food afterwards. All five girls had an absolute ball.
It pays to be savvy by doing a little bit of research, you might just find something well within your budget that they will love - that's of course if birthday parties are your thing.
So with that in mind here are some unique tween approved birthday party idea's suitable for both girls and boys.
Wall Climbing
Wall climbing centres are popping up all over the country in recent years and prove popular for both tween and teen birthday celebrations. The Dublin Climbing Centre offers one hour of action-packed climbing with an instructor for as little as €15 per person, all equipment is included and you can bring your own food or order takeaway to the venue.
Wall climbing centres are popping up all over the country in recent years and prove popular for both tween and teen birthday celebrations. The Dublin Climbing Centre offers one hour of action-packed climbing with an instructor for as little as €15 per person, all equipment is included and you can bring your own food or order takeaway to the venue.
Go Karting
Race individually, as a group or as a team at one of the many go-karting venues across Ireland. Tweens will love the rush and excitement as they test their skills against the clock. Sessions are usually monitored by fully trained staff, race gear is provided including helmets and full safety briefing takes place before anyone hits the tracks. Prices vary with each venue.
Race individually, as a group or as a team at one of the many go-karting venues across Ireland. Tweens will love the rush and excitement as they test their skills against the clock. Sessions are usually monitored by fully trained staff, race gear is provided including helmets and full safety briefing takes place before anyone hits the tracks. Prices vary with each venue.
Roller Disco
The Rink at D12 is Dublin's only roller disco based just off the Longmile Road. An ideal destination for a birthday whether you choose a package or not. Party packages are priced at €15 per child and include a slice of pizza or a hotdog and drink. General admission for 2-hour skate sessions is €10 per person and includes roller skate and protective equipment hire. Groupon regularly shares half-price tickets so it's worth keeping an eye on.
The Rink at D12 is Dublin's only roller disco based just off the Longmile Road. An ideal destination for a birthday whether you choose a package or not. Party packages are priced at €15 per child and include a slice of pizza or a hotdog and drink. General admission for 2-hour skate sessions is €10 per person and includes roller skate and protective equipment hire. Groupon regularly shares half-price tickets so it's worth keeping an eye on.
Pamper Party
A majority of play centres now offer reasonably priced pamper party sessions for kids these days, after all, there is a huge market for it. Typically treatments at pamper parlours include nail painting, glitter tattoos, foot spas and hair crimping starting at €10 per child. Karaoke, fizzy pop and treats usually come standard too.
A majority of play centres now offer reasonably priced pamper party sessions for kids these days, after all, there is a huge market for it. Typically treatments at pamper parlours include nail painting, glitter tattoos, foot spas and hair crimping starting at €10 per child. Karaoke, fizzy pop and treats usually come standard too.
Pool Party
Most public swimming pools take the headache out of organising a birthday party with a fun-fueled pool party some even supply inflatable slides. Larger pool areas such as Splashworld in Waterford have wave machines, a bubble poop, water cannons and rolling rapids. What's not to love?
Most public swimming pools take the headache out of organising a birthday party with a fun-fueled pool party some even supply inflatable slides. Larger pool areas such as Splashworld in Waterford have wave machines, a bubble poop, water cannons and rolling rapids. What's not to love?
Ziplining
Spend a day in the skies and test their limits at Forest Adventures, an exhilarating outdoor ziplining experience with locations in Roscommon, Dublin and Cork. Instruction sessions are required before anyone moves through the stunning woodland challenge. Prices start at €15 per person if booked online in advance.
Spend a day in the skies and test their limits at Forest Adventures, an exhilarating outdoor ziplining experience with locations in Roscommon, Dublin and Cork. Instruction sessions are required before anyone moves through the stunning woodland challenge. Prices start at €15 per person if booked online in advance.
Paintball Shooting
Be not afraid, adrenaline-fueled paintball shooting for tweens is a low impact activity and completely safe. As seen on Ireland's Fittest Family, Redhills Adventure in Kildare use pump blasters kits that shoot colour filled balls that are biodegradable, non-toxic and washable. All activities are fully supervised, protective masks are provided and it is suitable for ages 8 and up.
Be not afraid, adrenaline-fueled paintball shooting for tweens is a low impact activity and completely safe. As seen on Ireland's Fittest Family, Redhills Adventure in Kildare use pump blasters kits that shoot colour filled balls that are biodegradable, non-toxic and washable. All activities are fully supervised, protective masks are provided and it is suitable for ages 8 and up.
Kellie Kearney is a Dublin mammy of 4 kids aged 2, 3, 5 and 9 (and she is expecting baby #5 in May). Described as a self-confessed procrastinator and picker-upper of things, Kellie would never turn down a coffee, loves to travel and shares her every day true to life moments on Instagram.