Kids' birthday parties come with a few unwritten rules, and most of the awkward moments come from the same four questions. Should we reply? Do we bring a gift? Can the little brother come? How many adults is too many? Here are clear, friendly answers for hosts and guests.
RSVPs: reply and be specific
For guests, replying by the date on the invitation is the single most helpful thing you can do. The host is ordering food and booking space based on the headcount. If your plans change, tell the host as soon as you know.
For hosts, set a reply date about a week before the party and include a phone number or email. Send one friendly reminder if you are missing replies. A short text such as "Just checking if Leo can join us on Saturday" is enough.
Always mention allergies when you reply. It takes ten seconds and helps the host plan food.
Gifts: keep it simple
A modest gift is a nice gesture, but it is never required. Most families spend a small, comfortable amount. If a guest is not able to bring a gift, a handmade card works beautifully.
Hosts who prefer no gifts can say so on the invitation with a friendly line such as "Your company is the best present." Opening gifts during a short party can eat into play time, so many hosts open them later at home and send thank-you notes afterward.
Siblings: ask before you assume
Invitations are for the named child. If a guest has a younger or older sibling, the polite move is to ask the host before bringing them. Space and headcount are usually limited, and many venues have a set number of children included in the package.
Hosts can make this easier by stating it on the invitation. Something like "We are keeping this party to invited guests only" avoids confusion. If siblings are welcome, say so and ask parents to include them in the reply.
At Kart Town, party packages include a set number of kids: 8 for Cancun and Hawaii, and 15 for Rio. Extra children can be added up to the maximum for a small fee, so a host who wants to include siblings can plan for it.
How many adults to bring
This is the question families ask most. For younger children, a parent often stays. For older children, many parents drop off and return at pickup. Check the invitation, and when in doubt, ask.
At Kart Town, the rule is clear. Up to two adults per child can enter the facility with the purchase of a bundle or party package, and additional adults are $5 each. Adults are not allowed in the playground or bouncy castle, so parents watch from the seating area while the kids play. Because the rule is per child, a family with two children attending can bring up to four adults.
If your guest list includes grandparents and relatives, count them in early so you know the total.
Drop-off or stay?
Hosts should say whether the party is drop-off or stay. A typical pattern is that guests under 5 come with a parent, and guests over 6 can be dropped off. Always leave a phone number with the host if you are dropping off, and arrive on time at pickup so the host is not left supervising.
Food, cake and decorations
Basic outside food is welcome at Kart Town, and there is a cake discount, so you can bring a cake without paying twice. Every party package includes pizza and juice boxes. Decorations should stay light: confetti, loose balloons and piñatas are not allowed. For ideas that work within those limits, see our guide to mess-free birthday decorations and the post on kids' birthday party food ideas.
A quick guest checklist
- Reply by the date on the invitation.
- Mention allergies when you reply.
- Ask before bringing a sibling.
- Arrive on time and pick up on time.
- Bring a small gift or card if you like, but never feel pressured.
More hosting advice
For a full planning guide, see planning a kids' birthday party in Toronto and how to choose a birthday party venue. You may also like our guide to indoor party ideas for ages 2 to 9 and the tips in birthday party games for ages 2 to 9.
Book a party at Kart Town
Kart Town is inside Parkway Mall at 85 Ellesmere Rd Unit 102, Scarborough. Every party lasts 2 hours. Choose a package on our birthday packages page.
Small courtesies that help everyone
A few habits make any party easier. Guests should greet the host and the birthday child, say thank you when leaving and help tidy up their own space. Hosts should greet each family at the door, point out the restrooms and the seating area, and let parents know when the cake will happen.
If a child is having a hard moment, step in gently and give them a quiet minute. Birthday parties are exciting and sometimes overwhelming, especially for the youngest guests. A calm adult nearby is usually all that is needed.
Finally, keep phones for photos and messages, not for long calls, and keep the focus on the children. A warm, relaxed attitude from the adults sets the tone for the whole party.
Etiquette FAQ
How many adults can come to a Kart Town party?
Up to two adults per child can enter with a party package. Additional adults are $5 each.
Can adults go in the playground or bouncy castle?
No. Adults are not allowed in the playground or bouncy castle, but they can watch from the seating area.
Is it rude to ask guests to skip gifts?
No. A friendly line on the invitation, such as "Your company is the best present," is perfectly acceptable.
Can I bring a sibling who was not invited?
Ask the host first. Headcount and space are limited, and the host may be able to add a child.
When should I reply to an invitation?
By the reply date on the invitation. If there is none, reply within a few days.
