Planning a memorable and fun-filled party for your little ones and not so little ones can be a challenge. But with so many great options available in Basingstoke, it doesn't have to be! From exciting activities to delicious treats, we have pulled together a list of local suppliers, venues and ideas to help you create the perfect celebration for your child.

Party venues

Whether you're looking for an indoor or outdoor venue, from bowling and trampolining to laser tag and soft play, Basingstoke has plenty of options to choose from and something for every child's interest and preference. 

Millers Ark and 4 Kingdoms Adventure Farms offer great outdoor spaces with activities like animal petting and adventure play areas. For a football party, take a look at Basingstoke Soccer Centre and they also offer Bubble Parties.

If you are looking for something active at an indoor venue, you can check out Active Tots for soft play, bounce around at Atmosphere Trampoline Park and Flip Out and get your party rolling at Hollywood Bowl.  Basingstoke Sports Centre offers soft play, pool parties and a pic ‘n’ mix option where you can choose two or three activities out of bouncy castle, football games and party games. Children’s pool parties are also available at Basingstoke Aquadrome, Tadley Health and Fitness Centre, and Queen Mary's College.  Basingstoke Gymnastics Club offers party packages which include a range of gymnastics and free running activities including games, mini competitions, tracks, trampolines into foam pits and party games. 

For a quieter, less active party, those aged over seven can celebrate with a Gaming Party at QM Esports Arena where you get one or two hours exclusive use in one of their gaming rooms, followed by 30 minutes in the café area. You can have a cinema party at Tadley Community Centre or Viables Community Centre which includes hot dogs and popcorn! Or little ones can become Stonehouse pizza chefs at The Beach Arms where they get to make and personalise their own pizza, enjoy bottomless ice cream from the ice cream factory and take home a Stonehouse Pizza Parties goody bag

If your teenager is looking to pamper their pals, Laurabella The Barn offers spa day packages for those aged 11 and over with additional treatments available for parties aged 14 and over.

Be sure to check out each venue's website for more information on their party packages and availability.

If you are looking for a venue to arrange your own party celebrations, then look at your local community or village hall. We know that Oakridge Hall 4 All, Viables Community Centre, Chineham Village Hall, Brookvale Village Hall and Sherbourne St John Village Hall all have space for parties to hire.

Entertainment 

If you're looking for some fun and engaging entertainment for your child's next birthday party, look no further than these amazing local entertainment options!

Becky of Balloonatic is a fantastic choice, offering balloon making shows and activities that are sure to bring a smile to your child's face. With her creative designs and playful approach, Becky is guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Another great option is Routine Riots, who provide a range of activities including face painting, discos, and story times. Their talented team of performers will keep your little ones entertained and engaged for hours on end, making for a truly memorable birthday experience.

Pop Up Play Village - Basingstoke is a multi award-winning mobile role play village based in Basingstoke that can cater for parties. Maximum Play also offer a mobile role play service for parties along with tuff tray treats and garden games.

If you are planning a party for a first birthday then Bloom Baby classes theme your party and include parachute activities, sensory games and a photo backdrop. Those aged one to four may enjoy a party with Tots Play which includes songs, instruments, bubbles and a wide range of equipment and sensory toys.

TNT Family Fitness run active, fun and lively parties involving music and games and provide all the equipment!

No matter which of these amazing local children's entertainers you choose, you can rest assured that your child's birthday party will be an unforgettable event filled with laughter, joy and plenty of fun activities.

Catering and decorations

No party is complete without cake and decorations! Luckily, Basingstoke and Deane has lots of talented bakers.

Caker Street on Church Street in the Top of the Town is a one-stop shop for cakes of all occasions including birthdays and weddings. Cake Box on Wote Street offers delicious egg-free cakes which might be an excellent choice if you are unsure if guests follow vegan diets or have allergies. Patisserie Valerie in Festival Place offers a range of fun kids birthday cakes complete with an ice cream cone on top!

Slice of Fun Cakes is based in Rooksdown and creates freshly made celebration cakes for all occasions. Cupcakes by Kelly offers a delicious assortment of birthday cupcakes and is based in Popley.  You’ll find Cake the Biscuit at Viables Craft Centre and Summer Daisy Cakes in Whitchurch. Both can create something yummy that will impress your guests!

If you are looking for a real showstopper cake Sugar Spice Cakes is a great option. They have been featured on Channel 4’s Extreme Chocolate Makers and ITV's The Big Bake and their cakes are works of art!

If the venue you have selected does not offer catering as part of the package, don’t worry we have that covered too! A Bit of a Do is no stranger to catering for children’s parties. They see it as the perfect opportunity for adults and children alike to let their imagination run wild with inventive and colourful party food to fit any theme! Global Kitchen and Mannicitas are great options for exciting flavours. 

Next up, decorations! The Party Booth in Overton is a one-stop shop for all your party supplies, decorations, gift wrapping and a unique range of greeting cards. Balloons For U has a large range of stock their Pack Lane store, online orders are also accepted.

Sustainability

Take a moment to consider sustainability when planning your party. We've got some suggestions on how to do this:

• Make bunting out of fabric scraps that can be reused instead of buying plastic bunting.
• Instead of plastic toys as party bag gifts why not search for eco party gift bags or look at books. They can be reread over and over then donated to others.
• Ask guests to bring their own reusable water bottles/cups or contact Sustainable Overton who have Overton cups you can borrow for your event.

If you are looking for more ideas on how to make your party planning more sustainable check out this handy article from BBC.

Please note the inclusion of any business within this listing should not be seen as an endorsement of their services. Whilst the information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.   

Created April 2023, updated January 2024