How to throw the best make-your-own-pizza party for kids
Elle Redman
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From tasty toppings to setting the table, we’ve got lots of ideas when it comes to planning a GRATE children’s party. Here’s everything you knead to know about throwing the best make-your-own-pizza party for kids of all ages
Pizza. It’s the circle of life. Plus, let’s face it … a pizza party can’t be topped (sorry, too cheesy?!).
As well as being a brilliant way to celebrate any special occasion, pizza parties will always guarantee a good slice of fun for little ones and grown ups alike.
For kids, it’s the perfect chance to invite their friends over, dress up, get messy in the kitchen, experiment with yummy ingredients, and of course (the best part) play with their food!
It's so easy to put your own spin on the event. Pick an exciting theme, Italian-inspired decor, cute invitations, delicious desserts and a make-your-own-pizza station.
From making the dough to planning pizza party games, we’ve got your back with all the best ideas. For vegan, veggie and gluten-free pizza lovers, we’ve got you covered too with a whole bunch of imaginative alternatives.
Gathering supplies
You’ll need some kitchen equipment and basic supplies for your make-your-own-pizza party.
There's cutting boards, pizza trays, small dishes to put the toppings in, spoons for the sauces and pizza cutters for serving.
If you’re making the dough yourself, rolling pins and a mixing bowl are also essential.
Wooden pizza paddles are fab for showing off the finished results too.
Tip: If you have limited kitchen equipment, consider alternating half of the children at the pizza-making station while the other half play a pizza-themed game or take part in a craft (more on this to come).
Throwing the dough
This is a chance for kids to roll up their sleeves and have a slice of the action (though make sure they wash their hands thoroughly first!).
Read our recipe and step-by-step guide for making your own pizza dough. It takes only five minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook.
For a gluten-free or healthier alternative, try our recipe for cauliflower crust pizza with roasted veg. It’s absolutely delicious.
We also have an easy veggie pizza recipe for kids and loads more ideas which you can find over on the pizza recipes page.
If you don’t have enough time or all the ingredients to make the pizza base at home, doughn’t worry – you can always buy them ready-made from your local supermarket instead.
For the sauce, remember to have tomato puree or passata handy, as well as some mixed herbs and grated cheese.
Choosing tasty toppings
One of the best things about a make-your-own-pizza party is that it suits both adventurous and picky eaters.
What’s more, catering for various dietary requirements is made easy at a DIY pizza station where there’s something available for everyone and kids can choose whatever they fancy.
When it comes to drool-worthy toppings, these are some of our favourites (though feel free to put your own twist on things):
Fruit and veggies
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Peppers
- Garlic
- Fresh basil
- Olives
- Spinach
- Pineapple (though this one’s definitely up for debate!)
- Tomatoes
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Cress
- Broccoli
- Sweetcorn
- Quorn pieces
Meats
- Pepperoni
- Sausage
- Chorizo
- Ham
- Chicken
- Bacon
- Meatballs
- Salami
- Turkey
- Prosciutto
Fish
- Tuna
- Anchovies
- Prawns
- Smoked salmon
Cheese
- Mozzarella
- Cheddar
- Goat cheese
- Feta
- Parmesan
- Brie
Dairy-free alternatives
- Cashew cheese
- Hummus
- Sweet potato sauce
- Tahini spread
- Vegan pesto
- Dairy-free cheese (sold by various brands)
Sauces
- Barbecue sauce
- Sweet chilli sauce
- Tomato sauce
- Mayonnaise
For more yummy suggestions, browse through the pizza toppings thread in the forum to see what other parents recommend, or check out all our top pizza recipes.
Picking appetisers, drinks and desserts
Kids too impatient to wait for the pizza to cook? Breadsticks, bruschetta, garlic bread, mini meatballs, mixed veggies and side salads all make superb party appetisers.
To help wash down those mouth-watering pizzas with a sweet drink, place some orange squash on the table or give this easy lemonade recipe for kids a go. It only takes ten minutes to make.
If you’re feeling fancy, you could even whip up some mocktails for kids. They’re the perfect party drink for kids who want to feel a bit more grown up. Parents also love them too!
Jugs of water are always a safe go-to option, particularly for kids who are a bit too young for anything fizzy.
If the pizza party-goers still have room in their tummies for dessert (which we’re sure they will), banana splits, chewy chocolate chip cookies and fresh fruit salads will definitely go down a treat.
Looking for more party buffet food and canape ideas? Have a scroll through our recipes.
Keeping guests entertained
While the food’s cooking in the oven, why not play some pizza-inspired games and activities? Here are some ideas:
Pin the pepperoni on the pizza
All you’ll need to do is print out a giant picture of a pizza and some small pepperoni toppings (or you could make your own).
Next, blindfold each player, ask them to twirl on the spot and take it in turns to stick their pepperoni piece on the pizza. Whoever gets closest to the centre of the pizza wins!
Pizza Pictionary
This one will require kiddos to think outside the (pizza) box.
The usual Pictionary rules apply for this but with a pizza twist. Categories could include toppings (cheese, pineapple, ham), objects (knife, pizza cutter, fork) and people (chef, delivery person).
Design your own apron
This craft is a lovely way for little ones to get creative (plus, the finished aprons make perfect party favours).
Using fabric paint, marker pens and biodegradable glitter, kids can decorate their pizza aprons with a design of their choice.
Pizza box puzzle
Simply take an empty pizza box and cut it up into several small pieces. Mix up the pieces and challenge guests to reassemble the box.
Sending invitations
This is a really nice way to get little guests in the party spirit ahead of the main event. It's best to send them out at least 3 weeks before the party, to give everyone a chance to RSVP.
Kids will have loads of fun making these at home and sharing them with their friends.
Whether digitally created on Canva, handmade with felt pens, or downloaded via Pinterest, there’s lots of creative designs to choose from - everything from quirky colourful templates to classic pizza slice designs.
Make sure you include these essential points:
- Date, time and venue of the party
- Date you need an RSVP by
- Whether you want other parents to stick around
- Whether or not guests will be sleeping over
- Dietary requirements and allergies
Setting the table
Take your pizza party to another level with some cute and imaginative table decorations.
To celebrate all things pizza, give your party an Italian theme by creating (or buying a ready-made) Italian flag or bunting.
Or, you could simply brighten up the dining table with green, white and red decorations.
Drape a red chequered cloth or thin picnic blanket over the table for an authentic pizzeria vibe.
You could even sprinkle some pizza confetti on the table and use pizza-themed paper plates, napkins and reusable cups.
Personalised place cards also make a lovely finishing touch to any party. Plus, kids can practice their handwriting and calligraphy skills while writing out their friends' names.
Making party bags
As well as taking home their decorated aprons and personalised place cards, pizza-themed sweets make a brilliant party bag filler.
If you made your own dough at the party, kids could take some home in a little container to show off what they’ve learnt in the kitchen.
Chewy chocolate chip cookies leftover from dessert could also be added to party bags, accompanied by a little handmade card full of funny pizza puns and jokes (it’s the yeast you could do!).
Planning a kids' party? If you have any party theme suggestions, why not share your ideas with other parents in the forum? If you’re a little stuck for inspo, don't worry! Check out our articles below.
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