Kids' Activity Hosting: Slime, Crafts, Ninja Courses & More

If you'd rather trade some hands-on time for a higher rate per booking, activity hosting is the step up from pure equipment rental. Instead of just dropping off gear, you're providing the entertainment itself, either as a take-and-make kit or a fully hosted experience.

Kit vs. hosted: which model fits you

Drop-off / pickup kits You assemble supplies for an activity (say, a slime-making kit for 10 kids) and the host runs it themselves. Lower price, lower time commitment, and it scales easily. You can prep several kits at once.

Hosted experience You show up and run the activity yourself: leading the craft, managing the ninja course, keeping the group on schedule. Higher price point, but it requires you to actually be present for the party (usually 45–90 minutes), and it works best if you're naturally comfortable directing a group of kids.

Many hosts on party marketplaces offer both tiers, a basic kit and a "premium" hosted version, so families can choose based on budget.

Activity ideas that translate well to this format

Slime & sensory stations Pre-portioned slime-making kits (glue, activator, glitter, mix-ins) are inexpensive to assemble and popular with elementary-age kids. Hosted versions can include a "slime bar" with mix-in stations.

Craft & art parties Canvas painting, tie-dye, friendship bracelets, or seasonal crafts (ornament-making, pumpkin decorating). These work well as both kits and hosted sessions, and materials are cheap relative to what you can charge.

Ninja warrior / mini gym setups Portable obstacle courses, and agility equipment for a backyard "ninja course." This can lean more toward the equipment side but can also be done more simply and usually rents better as a hosted package, since kids need some direction to run the course safely and keep it moving.

Food-based activities Cookie decorating, mini pizza-making, or cupcake-bar stations. These need a bit more logistics (food safety, allergies) but tend to command higher prices since ingredients and cleanup are more involved.

What to actually charge

Pricing usually scales with group size and whether you're hosting or just dropping off a kit:

• Kits: often priced per child (roughly $8–$20/child depending on materials)
• Hosted sessions: often a flat rate for a group (commonly $100–$250 for a 45–60 minute session for 8–12 kids), sometimes with a per-additional-child add-on

Look at what similar hosts in your area are charging before setting your own rate, and don't underprice your time if you're hosting in person. Your hourly rate needs to account for prep and cleanup, not just the party itself.

Practical things to sort out before you list

• Age ranges. Be specific about which ages an activity suits (a slime kit works differently for 5-year-olds vs. 10-year-olds). Listing the target age range up front cuts down on mismatched bookings.
• Allergies and materials. For anything food-based or skin-contact (slime, face paint, craft glue), have a basic ingredient list ready in case a parent asks.
• Group size limits. Decide your max group size per session before someone books you for 25 kids expecting the same setup priced for 8.
• Supplies restocking. Kits get consumed, unlike equipment, so factor ongoing supply cost into your price, not just your initial setup cost.
• Liability. Even craft activities carry some risk (glue, scissors, running around during a ninja course). A basic liability policy is worth looking into once you're doing this regularly.

A reasonable way to start

Pick one activity you could run confidently for a group of 8–10 kids without much prep, price the kit version and the hosted version separately, and see which one gets booked. It's easy to expand into a second activity once you know what your area actually wants.