When your shul hall is too small for your bar- or batmitzvah, and a posh hotel just isn’t the right fit, you need a venue as unique as your child.
In the first of a series of articles on venues with a difference, we take a look at KidZania London. A truly special event space offering a magical experience for that once-in-a-lifetime simchah - highly recommended by the guys at Uptown Events.
Time to play
While the adults are chatting, sipping cocktails and enjoying canapés, children can make the most of a long reception time by trying out some of the experiences that make KidZania so unique. KidZania is an indoor city for children, where they can have a go at all sorts of adult jobs. Whether they want to try their hand at their animation skills in the Pokémon studio, learn the basics in the British Airways aviation academy or channel their inner Alexander McQueen in the H&M fashion studio, there is plenty of fun to be had in this scaled-down world of work.
Whatever the likes or dislikes of your young crowd, there will be an activity to keep even the most boisterous or the shyest child happy in this amazing venue. And remember, you will have exclusive use of KidZania for the duration of your party, so your little guests won’t have to queue for ages before they can sample the different job zones.
Easy to reach, easy to park
KidZania is located on the first floor of Westfield London shopping centre in Shepherd’s Bush. Worried about seating capacity for your guests? No need. There’s a huge central space where there is ample room for about 500 people for a reception (minimum is 100) or 200 seated at tables (minimum is 100). The maximum standing capacity for the whole of KidZania is 1,600. Kosher caterers can be brought in if you wish.
Put your name on it…
At some of the activities, your small guest will earn kidZos – KidZania’s currency – which they can spend in certain other activities. They have the option to pay for some activities, or they can save their money, open up a bank account and spend it in the on-site department store. They can even save their kidZos for a return visit! Add a personal touch to the merchandise available to “purchase” by customising all the goodies and getting them branded with your child’s name and the date of the party. Hats, T-shirts and chocolates make great mementoes of the event and will ensure your party is the one talked about for weeks afterwards!
Dance the night away
With a DJ placed high up on a raised platform, you can bring that Ibiza vibe right to your celebration with hours of dance fun for everyone. Add in some non-alcoholic shots for younger members of the crowd and some cleverly themed cocktails for the adults, and you’ll be ready to party till dawn...or at least until the mums and dads arrive to collect their children!
The star of the show
If you’re looking to add a unique twist to your simchah, then you really have to think about what makes your child special. Is it their love of a particular football team, their ability at ballet, their fascination with space? Take their favourite hobby or interest and use it to theme your party. Table centrepieces, the party stationery and even the names of different items on the menu can all be part of the theme to bring that individual touch to the night.
If you want to find out more about holding your bar- or batmitzvah at KidZania, please contact the KidZania team on 020 3815 3889.
EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Every enquiry made about your bar- or batmitzvah at KidZania will receive a 20% discount code to visit the London attraction as a family during normal opening hours. Visit KidZania.co.uk for more details.
