Unsual and unique birthday parties in Kent

Looking for a party that's unforgetable? Different? Something that nobody has done before?

Alongside the county's bowling alleys, soft play venues and leisure centres are a growing number of companies offering extremely unique children's birthday parties.

From racing go-karts to stroking skunks, making your own chocolate and sweets to science experiments. We take a look at some of the more unusual party providers in the county:

Animal Encounters

The chance to meet all creatures great and small can make for a popular party for animal lovers. But it is worth remembering to ensure that any company you choose has the correct licences and insurance, and is registered with the correct bodies, to be running such events.

Amazing Animal Encounters, is based in Tonbridge and is one of those offering 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!

Nerf Wars/ Laser gaming

Battle on your birthday in a game involving laser or nerf guns.

Nerf Wars or some form of laser storm is becoming a popular choice of party where children can take on challenges and games in teams or groups.

Merry Go Round in Sittingbourne and Mote Park Leisure Centre both offer laser gaming within its soft play area while Nerf Gun Parties and Tiny Town in Larkfield are among two of those able to bring a nerf-themed birthday party to life.

Super Science

Wonderfully different and absolutely unforgettable is the promise from Dragon's Den winners Sublime Science.

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

The Sublime Science team offer the parties in most parts of Kent including Dartford, Sevenoaks, Maidstone, Medway and Tunbridge Wells.

Go Karts

If your party has a need for speed, then a whizz in a go kart could be the answer.

Bayford Meadows outdoor race track in Sittingbourne offers a fully supervised driving session and use of the whole circuit.

Full safety equipment is provided along with tuition for drivers and its junior party packages are suitable for children aged nine to 14.

But if your pint-sized persons are still keen on a track day but not tall enough for a professional circuit, take a look at Go Kart Party, which bring an inflatable track and tiny go-karts to a hall or leisure centre hall which you have hired for your celebrations.

Making and baking

If tearing around with a laser gun or going wild in a go-kart sounds all too energetic for your birthday boy or girl, get creative with something to make or bake.

From pottery painting and cupcake decorating to making your own chocolate or sweets, there are lots of opportunities to get creative.

Little Potters in Sittingbourne is a pottery painting studio, cafe and small soft play area.

It provides children's birthday parties where children can paint and decorate a pottery decoration, eat a birthday tea and enjoy some time in its soft play area.

Alternatively for chocolate-filled sugar-induced creative fun Chocolate Raindrops could be where you should drop in.

The West Malling-based firm offer 'Chocolate Parties' for both children and adults. All the details from its website here.

Forest fun

Den building, bushcraft, archery, mini beast safaris and open fires with marshmallow toasting are all options and opportunities with birthday parties booked through Kent County Council's Country Parks department.

Shorne Wood, Manor Park, Trosley, Brockhill and Lullingstone all offer outdoor parties where owl experiences, natural arts and crafts and hedgehog trails are also among the themes and booking options in parties suitable for children aged four and over.

For further details click here.

For more birthday party suggestions in Kent click here.

For help and advice on throwing a children's birthday bash including when to send invitations and what food it is best to serve, see our helpful hints and tips on throwing the perfect party.