Sitting still isn’t fun for children - get them involved!
While many kids can sit for a good chunk of time in front of YouTube or the TV, when it comes to real human connection it needs to be more interactive. A face to face encounter doesn’t have the flashing lights, rapid perspective changes and bright colours of modern TV shows and video games, so when it comes to birthday party entertainment, well- honed interaction is the key. This doesn’t just mean characters, though. A performance like a puppet show or a magic show will also have plenty of chances for kids to get involved, whether it’s coming onstage as a volunteer or getting them to join in with actions or shout out from their seats.
There are many ways we learn and relate to the world around us but the biggest one is to be a part of it, experience it with curiosity and try things out for ourselves, and we learn that in childhood. In today’s world there are more chances to interact than ever and involving kids in the entertainment creates a very special party.
The importance of interactive activities
At a birthday party kids have a chance to play with their classmates and friends outside of an educational setting, they are also often hyped up on sugary party foods and have energy to burn!
They might also be experiencing different emotions due to unfamiliar social settings - perhaps they are shy, or even overconfident and showing off. To have interactive activities can be a great way to help harness some of that rogue energy, and to incorporate all kids on a level playing field to help them work through heightened emotions.
Then there’s also the social importance of interactive activities. As social animals, humans need to build connections in order to survive and by creating places where children can learn this in a safe (and fun!) way - like a birthday party - we are helping them with their relationship building skills. Add interactive activities into the mix and we can also foster team building, negotiation, kindness and leadership skills too.
Examples of interactive activities
Some interactive activities include games, magic and balloon twisting. Games can be in teams or individual competitors and can be as simple as relay races or musical statues. Having a simple game with clear rules and an aim (first team to complete the race, fastest freeze when the music stops) creates a container for focus, fun and building those skills mentioned above.
A magic show can create a shared experience filled with wonder and imagination. This is the closest they will get to some of the magic of the shows they watch and computer games they play. Sleight of hand tricks are faster than the transitions used by their favourite YouTuber and suspend disbelief, bringing the group together in a magical bubble.
Interactive activities like face painting and balloon animals are fantastic for encouraging decision making and communication skills - asking for what they want. It helps children practise eye contact and manners when asking for something they want and they learn to use their voice and to receive respect (when the balloonist or face painter respects their request and provides it - even if it’s unusual!) or give respect (like respecting the boundary of only choosing one design per person).
The lasting impact on kids’ party memories
Having more interactive activities at a party helps kids create lasting memories of the event itself and with their friends and family. They will remember the magic trick they got to wave the fairy’s magic wand for, and the feeling of making up a dance with their friends or winning a running race with their team. They’ll remember how special they felt to be the centre of attention on their birthday with all their friends cheering them on, and the way their dad danced so embarrassingly in front of everyone.
More than anything they’ll remember that feeling, that warm, loving feeling of being in the centre of something special surrounded by humans they’re connected to. A feeling that you can’t get from a screen or games console. A feeling that we belong and we are important.
Now you see why interactive entertainment keeps kids happier than ever at parties, how can you provide it?
Play games, go to bowling alleys or escape rooms, or hire an entertainer to host the party and bring interactive components from magic to games, to balloon animals and face painting. The kids will thank you!
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