Birthday Party FAQs 

Got a birthday coming up? We take the stress of planning away with our fun-filled parties! Whether you have booked with us before, or are planning your first party, we are here to help and below you can find some of our most frequently asked questions, which we have done our best to answer. Terms and conditions for each party can be found here.

How do I book my AquaDash or AquaDash Extreme party?

You can book your AquaDash/AquaDash Extreme spaces and party package together online, via this link 

How far in advance can I book my party, and do I pay when booking?

You can book your AquaDash party a minimum of 31 days to a maximum of 120 days in advance, subject to availability. For example, if your party is the 1st of June you can book between 2nd of February and 1st May. Payment will be taken online at the time of booking. 

What is the AquaDash/AquaDash Extreme Party cancellation policy?

Refunds and transfers (subject to availability), will be offered up to 14 days from point of booking, unless the party date is within 4 weeks of the requested cancellation.

Outwith this there will be no refunds or transfers, so please ensure you book the correct session and are sure you can attend before completing purchase.

Please contact AskUs@edinburghleisure.co.uk in the first instance with any enquiries.

When are AquaDash parties available?

During regular term time, our party bolt-on can only be added to bookings for the following weekend AquaDash sessions:

Saturday

  • 13:45
  • 14:45
  • 15:45

Sunday

  • 10:45 
  • 11:45
  • 12:45

Please Note: We are only able to accommodate one party booking per time-slot, and these are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

* Programme may be subject to change where we have facility closures due to events.

**Times may change during school summer holidays.


I can't see the party slot I'm looking for?

If you are within the booking period and your preferred time/day is not there, unfortunately this means it’s sold out or unavailable for operational reasons.  Please select another suitable date or time.

What is the minimum and maximum number for my party?

For AquaDash parties the minimum number is 12 and the maximum is 20. At time of booking additional Aquadash spaces can be added if required e.g., to meet required ratios.

Can I add to my booking later?

AquaDash is extremely popular so please ensure final numbers are confirmed at the time of booking, as it may not be possible to make changes at a later stage.

What can I expect on the day?

All the information you'll need for your AquaDash session (when to arrive, what to wear etc.) can be found here.

After your AquaDash session, you will get changed and make your way back up to the foyer (at the top of the stairs as you come up from the changing area). You will have a reserved table in this area and your food and drinks will be delivered to your table 25 minutes after your AquaDash session finishes. 

What ages can attend an AquaDash party and how many children are allowed?

It is one of the few activities that groups, and families can do together at the same time. The adult to child ratio for the use of the AquaDash/AquaDash Extreme is as follows:

  • 6 to 8-year-old – 1 adult to 2 children.
  • 9+ years are able to use AquaDash/AquaDash Extreme without an adult or guardian.

It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to ensure that their children are old enough to participate and the group is within the above ratios. At time of booking additional Aquadash spaces can be added if required to meet these.

What food do you offer?

Choose from two menu options for our AquaDash parties:

Menu Option 1: Cheese and tomato pizzas, ice cream station, and diluting juice or water.

Menu Option 2: Hot dogs & wedges, ice cream station, and diluting juice or water.

Vegan/vegetarian/gluten free options available for both menus. Please note there's no option to mix items from both menus. Additional refreshments and snacks can be purchased from our Café Refresh.  

How do I let you know about any dietary requirements?

Once you have selected your party there will be a form for contact details.  On this page, please detail any dietary requirements you may have in the relevant field. 

What should parents bring?

You can bring your own birthday cake*, napkins for cake and party bags.

*Please ensure that any cake brought in caters for all dietary requirements of those attending the party. It is the responsibility of the party organiser for checking allergies of all children in advance. 

Can I take photographs during my child’s party?

The use of video or photography is prohibited. Once seated at the table photographs are permitted as long as you only capture pictures of your group. 



How do I book my Clip ‘n Climb Party?

Please book via the website.

How far in advance can I book my party, and do I pay when booking?

You can book your Clip ‘n Climb party up to six months in advance.  

What is the minimum and maximum number for my party?

For Clip ‘n Climb parties the minimum number is 5 and the maximum is 20.

What is provided?

Your party will include 55 minutes on Clip ‘n Climb followed by 45 minutes in your own private birthday party room where your food and drinks will be delivered. 

What ages can attend a Clip ‘n Climb party and how many children are allowed?

Clip ‘n Climb parties are available for children 4 years and above.

Children remain the parents’ responsibility during a Clip ‘n Climb session, the Clip ‘n Climb staff are primarily there for your safety.

Parents must stay with the group at all times. We anticipate a child aged 9 and above is likely to be able to clip themselves in, however if you think your climbers may have difficulty clipping then please be prepared to assist, we recommend 1 adult every 5 5 children under 12 years old. 

What can I expect on the day?

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your session. When you arrive, please report to the Party Waiting Area to the right of Reception where a member of the Clip ‘n Climb team will meet with you.

After your Clip ‘n Climb session you will be led up to your party area by one of our Party Hosts. You will have the room to yourselves and your food and drinks will be delivered to your table shortly after your Clip ‘n Climb session.

What should we wear?

Please make sure the children are wearing comfortable clothing, closed toe and clean shoes/trainers. Glasses must be secure and any jewellery such as rings and earrings should be removed before climbing for safety reasons. It can be cold in this area in the winter months, warm clothing/layers should be worn.

What food do you offer?

Choose from two menu options for our Clip 'n Climb parties:

Menu Option 1: Freshly baked margarita pizzas, ice cream station with sauces and sprinkles, and diluting juice or water.

Menu Option 2: Hot dogs & potato wedges, ice cream station with sauces and sprinkles, and diluting juice or water.

Vegan/vegetarian/gluten free options available for both menus. Please note there's no option to mix items from both menus. Additional refreshments and snacks can be purchased from our Café Refresh.  

Can I take photographs during my child’s party?

The use of video or photography is prohibited. Once seated at the table photographs are permitted as long as you only capture pictures of your group.



What is the maximum number for my party?

Soft play parties have the following capacities:

  • Scrambles at EICA:Ratho – min 12 / max 20 
  • Clambers at the Royal Commonwealth Pool - min 12 / max 20

What is provided?

Your party will be for a total of 1hr 45 min.

You will have one hour of soft play fun followed by the remainder of your time with exclusive use of our party room. When you book your party, your booking will appear as a one hour time slot - please be reassured that your 45 minutes for food are also included. 

In the party room we will provide the birthday food. We will also provide the tables and chairs. You will also have a party host who will help ensure your party goes smoothly.  Seating and catering facilities will be available for any additional parents wish to wait for the party to end.

What should parents bring?

Please bring tablecloths (if you wish) and your own birthday cake*, napkins for cake and party bags.

*Please ensure that any cake brought in caters for all dietary requirements of those attending the party. It is the responsibility of the party organiser for checking allergies of all children in advance.

Clambers at RCP only: If you would like us to use themed plates, cups, tablecloths etc that you have brought please let your party host know on arrival. You must bring any prizes for party games - this includes any pre-wrapped pass-the-parcel prizes. (Please note: games can only be played if time allows).

Can I decorate the room?

You can decorate the party area with balloons, banners, etc. Only low adhesive material can be used to hold up such items (such as ‘Blue tack’).

Please note that due to health and safety helium balloons must have a weight on the bottom, and we cannot accommodate piñatas, net balloons, sparklers, silly string, or confetti balloons.

What should children wear to the party?

Please make sure children wear socks or tights in the soft play. No bare feet please! Socks can be purchased from the soft play reception if required. To avoid friction burns on the slides we advise trousers and long-sleeved tops be worn.

What ages can play at the party and how many children are allowed?

Children must be 10 years or under. Children from ages 1 – 10 years old must be booked online and paid for at time of booking. Babies under 6 months are free. Babies from 7 – 12 months can come along to the party (no food). The price for babies aged 7-12 months is the standard entry fee for soft play. Please speak to your party host when you arrive.

Can all the adults stay?

Our soft play team are not responsible for supervising party children, so we ask that you ensure a reasonable number of adults (16 years or over) attend the party, maximum number of adults in the soft play area is set at 10 for EICA and 12 for RCP. 

Any other parents who wish to stay until the party finishes there will be seating and catering facilities in the café areas.

Can parents pay for another sibling to play in soft play at the same time?

Yes, but this is dependent on there being space within the soft play and does not include party food.

What can I expect on the day?

When you first arrive, please report to the main reception. Party parents are welcome to arrive 15 minutes before the start of their booked birthday party. 

All parties have a host assigned and they will meet everyone at the designated meet and greet point from 15 minutes before the start of the party and take everyone to soft play. 

You will have 60 minutes in soft play. At the end of this, the host will take everyone to the party room for 45 mins of food and fun. They will help to serve the food and organise the cake while the children are still at the table.

At the end of the party the team will begin clean-up duties and we would appreciate it if you could vacate the area as soon as your party is finished.

EICA: at the end of the party children can be collected from the party room.

RCP: at the end of the party children can be collected from the party room next to our soft play.

How far in advance can I book my party, and do I pay when booking?

You can book your party online up to 6 months ahead and you pay the full amount when booking.

Can I take photographs during my child’s party?

We understand that you want to capture the special birthday moment, but whilst the party is on in soft play, we have to consider the privacy of our other customers. We ask that adults attending speak to the party host first about permission to take photographs within our soft play.

How do I let you know about any dietary requirements?

Once you have selected your party there will be a form for contact details.  On this page, please detail any dietary requirements you may have in the relevant field.

Can I add more children on to my booking?

Yes, we will send you a reminder 14 days before your party for you to contact us if you need to add more children on to your party booking.  This must be done a minimum of 7 days before your party for EICA. RCP team will be in touch on the Tuesday before the party to confirm numbers and dietary requirements. We will take payment for the additional children over the telephone.

Will music be provided on the day?

No, please provide your own music on the day. Speakers and device connections will be provided.


If you have any questions that are not answered above, please contact us at bookings.rcp@edinburghleisure.co.uk for RCP or bookings.eica@edinburghleisure.co.uk for EICA.



Which venues offer Bouncy Castle parties?

You can book a bouncy castle party at Ainslie Park, Drumbrae, Gracemount, Jack Kane, Kirkliston or Wester Hailes High School**.

**Parties at Wester Hailes High School will last 120 minutes with the first hour in the sports hall and the second hour in a separate party room for food. Please note food and drink are not permitted in the sports halls, catering can be provided, contact the facility for more details.

What is the maximum number for my party?

All venues currently have a maximum capacity of 20 children.

What is provided?

With all our parties you will have one hour of fun for your main activity followed by 30 minutes for your food.  

We will provide the equipment you need for your party and tables and chairs for your food. Please note that you need to provide your own food. It's your responsibility to ensure that your food meets the dietary requirements and allergies of the guests.

What should parents bring?

We only provide the space and equipment required for your party. Please bring everything else you need, for example all catering, cake, party bags, party game prizes, plates, cups and tablecloths and any room dressing. If you’d like music, please also bring this and any equipment needed to play it.

You can bring an external party entertainer/face painter etc with you but please let us know by emailing us venue once you have arranged this. You can find our contact details on your booking confirmation.

You can decorate the table and/or party area with balloons, banners, etc.

Due to health and safety helium balloons must have a weight on the bottom, and we cannot accommodate pinatas, net balloons, silly string or sparklers.

What ages can attend the party?

Our bouncy castle parties are for 3 to 8 year olds.

Will there be party supervisors provided?

We don’t provide any party supervisors but our staff will be on hand to assist with any questions you may have. 

We ask that you ensure a reasonable number of adults (16 years or over) are at the party.

How far in advance can I book my party, and do I pay when booking?

You can book your party online up to 6 months ahead and you pay the full amount when booking.

Can I take photographs during my child’s party?

We understand that you want to capture the special birthday moment, but we have to consider the privacy of our other customers if they are in the area of your party. Please speak to a member of the team in the venue about permission to take photographs.

What can I expect on the day?

When you first arrive please speak to one of the Edinburgh Leisure team on site. The supervising adults are welcome to arrive up early and we will try to give you access to the party area, but this is not always possible and is dependent on other bookings.

You will have an hour with the bouncy castle and then 30 minutes in a dedicated area to have your food.

At the end of the party the team will begin clean-up duties and we would appreciate it if you could vacate the area as soon as your party is finished.

What other equipment is included in a Bouncy Castle party?

Each venue has a slightly different range of equipment which is provided alongside our bouncy castle. See below for a guide to each venue's equipment. Venues can change their equipment at any time, so this is just a guide.

Ainslie Park Leisure Centre provides Didicar Scooters and a variety of balls.

Drumbrae Leisure Centre provides football, short tennis, inflatable twister, scuttle bugs, cheerleading kit and space hoppers.

Gracemount provides football and short tennis.

Jack Kane provides space hoppers, hula hoops, indoor football, and soft tennis equipment.

Kirkliston provides hula hoops, space hoppers, little goals and soft balls.

Meadowbank Sports Centre provides indoor football, bean bag throwing game set, and a games activity kit, which includes frisbees, foam ring toss, tennis racket set and more.

Wester Hailes High School provides push bikes, bouncy balls and fold up goal posts.



How far in advance can I book my party, and do I pay when booking?

You can book your Pool Inflatable party a minimum of 14 days to a maximum of 120 days in advance, subject to availability. Payment will be taken online at the time of booking. 

What is the Inflatable Pool cancellation policy?

Refunds and transfers (subject to availability), will be offered up to 14 days from point of booking, unless the party date is within 4 weeks of the requested cancellation.

Out with this there will be no refunds or transfers, so please ensure you book the correct session and are sure you can attend before completing purchase.

Please contact AskUs@edinburghleisure.co.uk in the first instance with any enquiries.

When are Pool Inflatable parties available?

Saturday

  • 13:45

* Programme may be subject to change where we have facility closures due to events.

 

I can't see the party slot I'm looking for?

If you are within the booking period and your preferred time/day is not there, unfortunately this means it’s sold out or unavailable for operational reasons.  Please select another suitable date.

What is the minimum and maximum number for my party?

For Pool Inflatable parties the minimum number is 12 and the maximum is 25. Please be aware that 1 adult must participate for every 2 children aged 6-8 years. There is no charge for supervising adults but these will count towards the maximum of 25 people allowed in the session

Can I add to my booking later?

Where possible, please ensure final numbers are confirmed at the time of booking as it may not be possible to make changes at a later stage.

What can I expect on the day?

Please arrive before your 13:45 time slot to ensure you can get started promptly

After your Pool Inflatable session, you will get changed and make your way back to the cafe where you will have a tables in this area and your chosen food will be delivered to your table 15 minutes after your Inflatable session finishes. 

What ages can attend an Inflatable party and how many children are allowed?

It is an activity that groups, and families can do together at the same time. The adult to child ratio for the use of the Pool Inflatable is as follows:

  • 6 to 8-year-old – 1 adult to 2 children.
  • 9+ years are able to use the pool inflatable without an adult or guardian.
  • Lifeguards will perform a swim test with participants prior to the session and children may have to wear a buoyancy jacket depending on swimming ability.

It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to ensure that their children are old enough to participate and the group is within the above ratios with no more than 25 participants in total. At the time of booking the number of supervising adults required should be considered to ensure that no more than 25 people take part in the session.

What food do you offer?

Our party package consists of either Pizza or Hot Dogs with accompanying juice, crisps and sharing fruit. There is also the option of party food boxes (Sandwich, Fruit Shoot, Yoghurt, Crisps, Chocolate bar and juice. After booking, Gracie’s café will be in contact to personally arrange this with you and discuss any special dietary requirements.

What should parents bring?

You can bring your own birthday cake*, napkins for cake and party bags.

*Please ensure that any cake brought in caters for all dietary requirements of those attending the party. It is the responsibility of the party organiser for checking allergies of all children in advance. 

Can I take photographs during my child’s party?

The use of video or photography is prohibited within the swimming pool and changing areas. Once seated at the table photographs are permitted as long as you only capture pictures of your group. 


Which venues offer Football parties?

You can book a Football party at the Jack Kane Sports Centre

What is the maximum number for my party?

The maximum capacity is 16 children.

What is provided?

With all our parties you will have one hour of fun for your main activity followed by 30 minutes for your food.  

We will provide the equipment you need for your party and tables and chairs for your food. Please note that you need to provide your own food. It's your responsibility to ensure that your food meets the dietary requirements and allergies of the guests.

What should parents bring?

We only provide the space and equipment required for your party. Please bring everything else you need, for example all catering, cake, party bags, party game prizes, plates, cups and tablecloths and any room dressing. If you’d like music, please also bring this and any equipment needed to play it.

You can bring an external party entertainer/face painter etc with you but please let us know by emailing us once you have arranged this. You can find our contact details on your booking confirmation.

You can decorate the table and/or party area with balloons, banners, etc.

Due to health and safety, helium balloons must have a weight on the bottom, and we cannot accommodate pinatas, net balloons, silly string or sparklers.

What ages can attend the party?

Our football parties are for ages 5 to 12 years.

Will there be party supervisors provided?

We don’t provide any party supervisors but our staff will be on hand to assist with any questions you may have. 

We ask that you ensure a reasonable number of adults (16 years or over) are at the party.

How far in advance can I book my party, and do I pay when booking?

You can book your party online up to 6 months ahead and you pay the full amount when booking.

Can I take photographs during my child’s party?

We understand that you want to capture the special birthday moment, but we have to consider the privacy of our other customers if they are in the area of your party. Please speak to a member of the team in the venue about permission to take photographs.

What can I expect on the day?

When you first arrive please speak to one of the Edinburgh Leisure team on site. The supervising adults are welcome to arrive up early and we will try to give you access to the party area, but this is not always possible and is dependent on other bookings.

You will have an hour for your football party then 30 minutes in a dedicated area to have your food.

At the end of the party the team will begin clean-up duties and we would appreciate it if you could vacate the area as soon as your party is finished.

What other equipment is included in a football party?

5 a side goals, small goals for smaller children, goal with a target, a football rebounder, mini football tennis, bibs, cones, and a ball for each child. 

Do you provide a football coach?

We do not provide football coaches, but you are welcome to source your own party coach.