Can Parents Join the Activities During a Kids Party?

8 October 2025

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

When planning a children’s birthday party or holiday camp, one of the most common questions we hear at UP Events Kids Amsterdam is: Can parents join the activities during a kids party? The answer is both culturally fascinating and practically important, especially for families in Amsterdam and Weesp. Let’s explore the traditions, benefits, and best practices around parent participation at kids’ parties, and how we at UP Events Kids create memorable experiences for everyone involved.

Dutch Party Traditions: Parents in the Circle

In the Netherlands, children’s parties are as much about community as they are about fun for the kids. It’s not unusual for parents, relatives, and even friends to be invited and actively participate in the festivities. In fact, at many Dutch parties, adults often form a “circle” around the room, socializing while the children play. Sometimes, there are even more adults than children present!

This tradition is rooted in the Dutch value of togetherness. Parents are not only welcome but sometimes expected to join in games, help with catering, or even pitch in with cleanup. This approach fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility, making the party a memorable event for all generations.

Parent Participation: What to Expect at UP Events Kids

At UP Events Kids, we specialize in organizing children’s birthday parties, holiday camps, and group activities for kids aged 7 to 14. Our activities — from lasergame and bubbleball to archery tag and arcade games — are designed for maximum fun and adventure. But what about parents? Here’s how we approach parent involvement:

  • Welcoming Atmosphere: Parents are always welcome to stay, watch, and cheer on their children. We provide comfortable spaces for adults to relax and socialize while the kids play.
  • Active Participation: For some activities, especially those that are team-based or require extra supervision, parents can join in the fun! Whether it’s a round of archery tag or helping out during a holiday camp, your involvement is encouraged — if you and your child want it.
  • Safety First: Having more adults present means enhanced supervision and safety for all participants. Our experienced staff lead every activity, but extra eyes are always appreciated.
  • Flexible Options: We understand that some parents prefer to drop off their children and enjoy some free time. That’s perfectly fine too! Just let us know your preference when booking.

Learn more about our party themes and options at our kids birthday parties page.

The Benefits of Parent Participation

1. Building Community

One of the greatest strengths of Dutch party culture is its focus on community. When parents join the activities during a kids party, it strengthens social ties — not just among the children, but also among adults. Shared experiences create lasting memories and foster a supportive environment for everyone.

2. Enhanced Safety and Supervision

With more adults present, there’s better supervision and a quicker response to any issues. This is especially important for active games like bubbleball or lasergame, where excitement can run high. Our staff are trained to ensure safety, but parental presence adds an extra layer of care.

3. Shared Memories

Participating in your child’s party — whether by joining a game or simply being present — creates shared memories that last a lifetime. It’s a chance to model positive social behavior and show your child that you value their interests and friendships.

4. Bridging Generations

Dutch parties often include multiple generations, enriching the experience for children and adults alike. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends can all be part of the celebration, making it a truly inclusive event.

Possible Drawbacks: Finding the Right Balance

While parent participation has many benefits, it’s important to strike the right balance:

  • Overcrowding: Too many adults can overwhelm the space or shift the focus away from the children’s enjoyment. At UP Events Kids, we design our venues to accommodate both kids and adults comfortably.
  • Encouraging Independence: As children grow older, they may benefit from parties where they can socialize without parental oversight. For kids aged 10 and up, “drop-off” parties are becoming more popular, allowing children to develop independence in a safe environment.

We always recommend discussing your preferences with us in advance so we can tailor the experience to your family’s needs.

Safety, Regulations, and Best Practices

There are no specific government regulations in the Netherlands that require or prohibit parent participation at private children’s parties. However, in organized childcare or school settings, parent involvement may be structured and subject to institutional policies.

At UP Events Kids, we follow strict safety protocols for all our activities. Whether parents are participating or observing, our staff lead every game and ensure a safe, inclusive environment. We also encourage open communication — just let us know how involved you’d like to be!

For more on our approach to safety and supervision, check out our holiday camps and contact us with any questions.

Real-Life Success Stories

Many parents who have joined their child’s party at UP Events Kids tell us it was a highlight of their year. One Amsterdam parent shared, “I loved being able to play archery tag with my daughter and her friends. It was a great way to bond and see her in action!” Another family said, “The staff made us feel welcome, and the kids loved having us cheer them on during the bubbleball match.”

Our team’s 15+ years of experience in event planning means we know how to create unforgettable moments for both kids and adults.

Creative Party Themes and Activity Ideas

Looking for inspiration? Here are some of our most popular activities where parents can join in or cheer from the sidelines:

For seasonal fun, explore our May Camp, Summer Camp, and Autumn Camp.

Best Practices for Parents

  • Communicate: Always check with us about expectations for parent participation.
  • Respect the Format: Some parties are designed for full family involvement, while others are “drop-off” events.
  • Be Supportive: Whether you’re playing or cheering, your presence matters.
  • Safety First: Follow staff instructions and safety guidelines at all times.

For more tips and creative ideas, visit our blog.

Useful External Resources

FAQ: Can Parents Join the Activities During a Kids Party?

Q: Are parents allowed to participate in all activities at UP Events Kids? A: Yes, parents are welcome to join many of our activities, especially those that are team-based or require extra supervision. Just let us know your preference when booking.

Q: Is it okay to drop off my child and leave during the party? A: Absolutely! For older children, “drop-off” parties are common. For younger kids, we recommend discussing your preference with us in advance.

Q: How does parent participation affect safety? A: More adults mean better supervision and enhanced safety. Our staff always lead the activities, but parental presence is a valuable addition.

Q: Are there any rules or regulations about parent participation? A: There are no specific laws about parent participation at private parties in the Netherlands. In organized childcare or school settings, there may be institutional policies.

Q: What if I want to be involved but not participate in the games? A: That’s perfectly fine! We provide comfortable spaces for parents to relax, socialize, and watch the fun.

At UP Events Kids, we believe in creating unforgettable experiences for children and their families. Whether you want to join the action or simply enjoy the atmosphere, we’re here to make your next party or camp a success. Ready to plan your event? Contact us today!