Planning a children's birthday party around Dartford, Gravesend or Ebbsfleet and stuck for ideas? Here are the party themes local parents book again and again — plus honest tips on what works for each age group.
1. A face painting party (ages 3–12)
The classic for a reason — a professional face painter turns an ordinary party into an event. Children queue up excitedly, choose their design (butterflies, tigers and Spider-Man never go out of fashion), and spend the rest of the party in character.
Shilpkar's face painting covers parties across Dartford, Gravesend, Northfleet and Swanscombe — DBS-checked, fully insured, with hypoallergenic paints that wash off easily. A painter for an hour comfortably covers 12–15 children.
Works best: village halls, garden parties, school fairs. Tip: book 3–4 weeks ahead for summer weekends.
2. A paint party (ages 5+)
Give every child a canvas, an apron and a guided painting to follow — and they take home their own masterpiece instead of a party bag. It's calmer than soft play, wonderfully absorbing, and the results genuinely surprise parents.
Paint parties work from about six children upwards (from £15 per child, all materials included) at your home, a hall, or anywhere with tables. There are grown-up versions too — sip & paint nights for the adults' birthdays!
3. Crafts & games at home
For smaller budgets: set up three craft stations (decorate a tote bag, paint a wooden spoon puppet, design a paper crown) and rotate groups every 20 minutes. Pound-shop aprons, newspaper on the table, and a "gallery wall" of finished work for pick-up time photos.
4. The park party
Free and brilliant in summer — Central Park in Dartford, Shorne Woods near Gravesend, or Jeskyns' play trails. Bring a picnic, garden games, and (top tip) a face painter for the first hour to anchor the chaos while parents set up food.
5. Something to take home that lasts
Whatever you plan, children remember making things. A party that produces a painted canvas, a decorated bag or a butterfly face beats a plastic-toy party bag every time — and the photos are better too.
Quick planning checklist
- 3–4 weeks out: book entertainment (painters and venues go fast in summer)
- 2 weeks out: confirm numbers — most entertainers price by the hour, not per child
- On the day: schedule face painting or the paint activity for the first hour, food after
Need a hand with the party?
Shilpi runs face painting and kids' paint parties across Dartford, Gravesend, Ebbsfleet and the surrounding villages — one message covers availability, pricing and ideas for your age group. Get in touch here or say hello on WhatsApp.
Happy party planning! 🎈