From animal encounters to electric go-karts, zorbing and NERF-gun battles to pottery painting or body paint - there is a growing number of options for children’s parties which now go far beyond a traditional round of pass the parcel and musical bumps.

Amazing Animal Encounters, based in Tonbridge, offers hands-on animal experiences with a range of creatures living within the family home and small holding.

From a pig and skunk, to bearded dragon and tarantulas the qualified and licensed business has won a number of awards for its interactive handling sessions.

The team, lead by head handler Maria Cooper Harle, has the knowledge, training and qualifications to ensure all of the animals are loved and are raised in an environment which can only be described as something close to Dr Doolittle!

In Sittingbourne, Little Potters studio, cafe and soft play gives children the opportunity to explore their creative side with pottery painting parties.

How to thrown the perfect party.

Parties give partygoers the chance to paint and take home a Little Potters ornament, enjoy the soft play and eat the party food provided during the two-hour celebration.

But if it is adrenaline rushes and action-packed party-going that your energy-fuellled little charges are looking for, there is plenty on offer across the county to wear them and their friends out.

Go-Kart Party, enabling budding drivers to get behind the wheels of electric go-karts and race around a small inflatable track, and Nerf Wars, which let children enjoy imaginative play using the popular Nerf range of toys can also both be booked in Kent.

And Kent’s more traditional soft play centres are also getting in on the act.

Tiny Town in Larkfield, alongside its own range of Nerf Gun parties, runs Zorbing parties for youngsters to try their hands – and feet – inside the inflatable hamster-wheel style balls.

The centre, which has indoor pitches that can also be booked for football parties, says its vast range of activity parties are extremely popular among families and can get booked up months in advance.

For something equally action-packed and fun-filled, you need look no further, say the providers of Sublime Science parties.

Smokey bubbles, fizzing potions and slime making are among the lessons taught at the parties packed party full of experiments.

The Sublime Science team, which have appeared on Dragons Den, offer the parties in most parts of Kent including Dartford, Sevenoaks, Maidstone, Medway and Tunbridge Wells.

And for those adults who perhaps remember a shop-bought face paint kit being part of their party as a child, consider the work of award-winning body painter Clare Jeffery and her company Cosmic Face Painting.

The trained nanny and qualified beautician, who also runs tailored pamper parties, is using her experience as a body painter to create intricate works of art on children’s arms and faces at their birthday celebrations.

Claire, based in Kings Hill, is also called on for wedding receptions, christenings and corporate events as word of her work has spread, with customers often booking months in advance to secure a booking for their special occasion.

Beaney House of Art & Knowledge and Canterbury Heritage Museum

Parents can choose from either of the two fun-packed museums in the heart of Canterbury. Party themes range from the curse of the pharaoh to pillaging pirates and Second World War air raid warden training. Parties for younger children can get to grips with creepy crawlies or feature TV favourite Bagpuss and friends.

Ages: From two to teenagers.

More here.

Bowling

Fun, competitive, weatherproof and you don't need to even turn the oven on - what's not to like? There's two various packages to choose for young children through to teenagers. Most party packages include bowling, mocktail, wristband, food plus a team photo. There's bowling centres at Ashford, Gravesend, Maidstone, Medway and Tunbridge Wells.

Ages: From four upwards.

More information here.

How about this unforgettable trip for the kids? The super-fast safari takes you from Dover to Deal and beyond to Pegwell Bay, where you will find a large nature reserve and a ‘secret seal’ colony. I bet you never thought you’d see wild seals in Kent? Parties are catered for on a private hire of the boat that sits 12.

Ages: Recommended for slightly older children

More information here.

YMCA Maidstone

For kids with too much energy the YMCA could be just the ticket. Trampolining, roller skating, football and even a bouncy castle are all part of the options at the centre at Loose, just outside Maidstone. Each party includes a selection of food options, party invitations, a host/coach of the party and a decorated party room with banners and balloons.

Ages: Children up to five years old.

Go to www.maidstoneymca.org.uk