07 Jan 11 How to Throw a Successful Kids’ Movie Night Party
Take a moment and imagine the sight of your child enjoying a movie night with his friends. Picture the smile on each one of their faces as they laugh and eat candy or homemade cookies. Now, imagine that each one of these children becomes bored and goes on a sugar-fueled rampage through your house. Are you starting to panic? Were there always four kids, or was it five? Why are there screams of help coming from somewhere deep within the house? This is the exact scenario that we are going to help you prevent.
Throwing a successful movie night for kids is a multi-tiered process that starts with the movie. First, is it a scary movie, comedy, action film, or something indie that will breed the next generation of Wes Andersons? Once the movie is determined, pick up some child themed party supplies that will create the perfect viewing environment. To enhance the immersion, encourage the children to wear party costumes. If anything, it will teach them to emulate their idols.* Now that the movie environment is set, it is time to whip up some themed party invitations.
*Note: Not recommended for gory horror or action movies.
Young children make poor calendar organizers, so it is best to send out party invitations only a couple days ahead of the scheduled event. During the days before the storm hits, contact the parents of each child and ask about food allergies. Nothing kills a movie night faster than a dead kid, unless it’s a Halloween prop. Even then, you might get some strange phone calls the next day.
Before the children arrive, get some themed party favors ready for them. Each one should contain all of the essentials they need to have a successful night of fun. If it is a scary movie, include a small flashlight in each bag and turn all the light in the house off. You can always check out our party favors section for more ideas.
Feeding an army of hungry children is no simple task. The children are there to have fun and let loose, so you do not want to deny them the pleasures of sweet, sugary treats. But, you also have to think about their health. If you are baking cookies, use only the egg whites, and replace the oil and butter with applesauce or bananas. The kids will not know the difference, but their future health will thank you later. As for the candy, limit it or let it flow, it is completely up to you.
As a parting note, have some games or toys ready for children that get bored or too scared during the movie. You may think your night is boredom- or fear-free, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
