Party Planning
The Birthday Planning Guide
A simple week-by-week plan for a kids birthday party in Melbourne, from someone who runs them every weekend.
To plan a kids birthday party in Melbourne, book your venue two to six weeks ahead, keep the party to about two hours, invite around eight children, and let the venue handle food and hosting. At Happy Hippos in Clayton, packages start at $279 for eight children and include a private themed room for 1.5 hours, a dedicated host, food, drinks and full-day play.
Your countdown
6 weeks out
Pick a date and a theme, and send your party request so we can hold the room.
4 weeks out
Confirm numbers, pay the $100 deposit and send invitations with the address and start time.
2 weeks out
Choose your three kids menu items, add games, lolly bags or a cake, and tell us any allergies.
1 week out
Give us final child numbers and let guests know grip socks are compulsory ($5.50 at reception).
On the day
Arrive 15 minutes early. Your host sets up the room, runs the food and keeps the group moving.
After the party
Pay the balance at reception, grab the leftovers and let the kids finish their full day of play.
Party planning questions
Book at least two weeks ahead, and four to six weeks for weekends and school holidays. At Happy Hippos you send a request online and our team calls to confirm the date and take the $100 deposit.
At Happy Hippos, popular themed rooms (Princess, Dinosaur, Under Water) are $279 for eight children, and premium rooms (Disco, Baking) are $369. Extra children are $27.90 each including food and entry.
Full-day play for each child, a private themed room for 1.5 hours, a dedicated host, French fries, chips, cordial and water, three items from the kids menu, complimentary small coffees for the birthday child's parents, and no limit on adults.
Yes, birthday cakes are always welcome. You can also add a 900g party frozen cake for $25.
Musical Chairs $10, Pass the Parcel, lolly bags $3.99 each, party frozen cake $25, and customised decoration on request.
How to get here
Parties run at 1924 Princes Hwy, Clayton, with free parking for all your guests.
- 1924 Princes Hwy, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia
- Free on-site parking directly in front of the centre.
- Clayton Station is a short drive away; buses stop on the Princes Highway.
- +61 414 571 351
Opening hours
- Monday — 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Tuesday — 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Wednesday — 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Thursday — 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Friday — 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Saturday — 9:00am – 4:30pm
- Sunday — 9:00am – 4:30pm
- Public holidays — 10:00am – 3:00pm (check availability)