1. Parenting & Family

The Basics for Planning a Child's Party

Start here for essential advice on planning all types of kids' celebrations, from renting a facility to estimating how much food to serve. Want to know how to save money or have a question about party etiquette? That's covered here, too.

Rainy Day Party Solutions

Readers' solutions to rained-out parties.

Rainy Day Solutions for Outdoor Parties

What to do when rainy weather threatens your outdoor event.

Top Winter Party Ideas

Ideas for planning kids parties with a winter theme.

Kids' Music for Parties

Need some ideas for kids music to play at a child's birthday party? Check out these suggestions made by About.com Kids' Parties readers.See submissions

Simple and Cheap Birthday Parties: How to Do and Spend Less

Tired of extravagant, over-the-top birthday parties for kids? Simplify! Here are some tips for meaningful, fun and cheap birthday parties.

Cheap Birthday Parties - Cheap Birthday Parties

Tired of extravagant, over-the-top birthday parties for kids? Simplify! Here are some tips for meaningful, fun and cheap birthday parties.

Birthday Party Venues for Kids

Looking for birthday party venues for your kid's next party? Consider these unique, tried-and-true and creative birthday places before you book a location.

Readers Respond: When is it OK to Drop Off Kids at a Party?

At what age is it OK to drop off your kids at a party for their friend's birthday? If you're the party hostess, should you expect parents to stay at the birthday party and help supervise?

When is it OK to Drop Off Kids at a Party?

At what age is it OK to drop off your kids at a party for their friend's birthday? If you're the party hostess, should you expect parents to stay at the birthday party and help supervise?

How to Book Party Places and Entertainment

Looking for advice on contracting with birthday vendors and facilities? Or need some different ideas for where to host a kid's birthday party? These resources on party places and entertainment will help guide you.

Tips for Throwing a Cheap Party That Feels Rich

We've all read about over-the-top kids' birthday parties, but we can't all afford to shower our children with gifts and experiences. And we might not even want to. These resources will show you how to throw a frugal party that's just as meaningful as those big bashes--if not more!

Party Planning Timelines and Other Tips to Stay Organized

How long should a kid's party last? How many games should we plan to play? When should we open presents and cut the cake? Why do I keep having to run to the store? These resources will answer questions about birthday party planning.

How to Throw a Classroom Valentine's Day Party

Volunteered to organize the classroom Valentine's Day party this year, but you don't know where to start? Read on for ideas on how to organize the party, what games to play and more tips for a successful school bash.

A Book About Play Dates in the Kitchen

Need ideas for unique play dates for your kids and their friends? Read Kitchen Playdates by Lauren Bank Deen.

Reviews of Books About Kids' Parties

Want to buy a book about kids' parties, but you're not sure which title to get? Browse through this collection of book reviews by About.com's Guide to Kids' Parties and you'll make an informed purchase.

Stay Organized with a Birthday Party Planning Timeline

Planning a birthday party can feel overwhelming, but it’s not if you break it down into small tasks.

Follow this timeline for the weeks and days leading up to the party and for the party agenda itself, and the event should run smoothly.

How to Plan a Kid's Party on a Budget

Kids' birthday parties don't have to cost a lot if you're on a budget. By making your own decorations, cutting down the cost of food, and following other tips you can have a great party without breaking the bank.

What to Ask When Planning a Birthday Party Outside Your Home

What to Ask When Planning a Birthday Party Outside Your Home

What to Bring When Planning a Birthday Party Outside Your Home

When holding a birthday party outside your home, be prepared by packing along these essential supplies.

Prepare a Shopping List for Your Party

Plan your attack--of the stores, that is. Read this advice before making the rounds at the grocery, party supply and other stores and you'll save yourself time and money.

Top 10 Favorite Tips for Easy Entertaining

Follow this basic advice for any party you throw and you'll be a less-stressed host.

Child Behavior and Emotions at Birthday Parties and Holiday C…

When we think about kids birthday parties and holiday celebrations, it s usually the smiling faces we remember. After all, photos are almost always taken when everyone is laughing or singing. But most parents will tell you kids parties aren t void of frowns and tears. In fact, many kids break down at one point during a party, either due to a crescendo of emotions or pure exhaustion. Parents ofte…

How Can I Help My Shy Child Enjoy Her Birthday Party?

Here's some advice on helping a shy child enjoy his or her birthday party.

Shy Kid - Shy Kid

What tips do you have for parents of a shy kid with a birthday party approaching?

Kids Behavior - Kids Behavior

Have a question about kids behavior at birthday parties? Want to share a tip for how you've handled a kid-party dilemma? Leave your responses here.

Kids Behavior Dilemma: Help! My Child Acts Bratty at His Birthday Parties

Are you concerned about kids behavior at birthday parties? Does your child act bratty on her birthday? This advice from child psychologists and behavior experts will teach you how to coach your son or daughter before the party so he or she uses good manners at the party.

Bratty Behavior - Bratty Behavior

Have you dealt with a child's bratty behavior at his or her birthday party? Share your tips for correcting the behavior so that all kids can have fun at the birthday bash.

Winter Pool Party Ideas

Escape the cold days of winter with these tips for throwing a warm, indoor pool party.