Venue for 3 year old birthday party?

Hi fellow forumites -

This old chestnut is coming up again :-)

I'd like to tap into collective knowledge for any updated secrets please...

We are looking for a venue for our soon-to-be-3 year old's birthday party. She'll have around 15 other kids as guests, and likely an entertainer. We'll need some space for mums and dads to have snacks, etc.

Cost is an issue, taking in the overall party budget into consideration.

We've already explored the usual sorts of venues - church halls, etc but they're all booked out (we're looking for a Saturday or Sunday afternoon in October).

Happy to go a bit eclectic too, thinking outside the box. Our range would be anywhere between Waterloo, Canada Water (yes, even looking at SE16....) and down to Elephant & Castle.

Any suggestions please?

Chris

One of the urban farms?

http://now-here-this.timeout.com/2015/06/04/squeal-an-urban-farm-is-coming-to-waterloo/

Not sure they'd have indoor facilities, hmmm wrong time of year perhaps.

The Draper Tenants' and Residents' Hall is being refurbished, (new heating, double glazed windows, outdoors landscaping, Disability access, new toilets and office decorations ready for rental) and will be opened in early November 2015.

Both good ideas, folks. The easily accessible farms seem to be booked on the dates / times we can use.

November is a bit late, otherwise Graham's idea sounds brilliant.

Sigh - should be easy, but isn't :-)

Chris

Try Downside Fisher on Druid Street (http://www.downside-fisher.org/hire-space.html). That might be an environment conducive to an enjoyable kids' party.

Good luck with the arrangements!

Good idea, Gavin. We're familiar with the space already but didn't even consider it to hire. Thanks!

(Other ideas welcome too just in case they're booked :-) )

We had our daughter's 3rd birthday at Surrey docks farm. They have a room you can hire and we also booked their two donkeys who took all the kids for a ride along the river path. We brought our own food and drink but there is a cafe there who can cater. All the kids loved it! Did you try there?

She also went to a friend's 3rd birthday at the soft play in Kennington whos name escapes me! They all had a great time there too.

Great tips! Surrey docks is fun, isn't it. We didn't know about the soft play - thanks!

post the question on the boroughbabies yahoo group or FB page and you should get a few more options.

Thanks Paolap! Great idea - didn't even know that group existed. I've just posted.