Kids’ parties among the expat community are usually themed. Beware though, the selection of character and famous movie-based party decorations and tableware is dismally too non-existent; many families have them sent from websites overseas. Clowns, balloon makers, makeup artists, magicians, puppet theatres and child minders who oversee arts and crafts activities are all for hire for parties in or outside the home. A good reference is Kids Gids (www.kidsgids.nl) which is a guidebook for children in Holland, in English. Good party locations include The Little Gym (020 404 07 98, www.thelittlegym-eu.com) Race Planet (020 611 11 20, www.raceplanetforkids.nl) and Konijn Bowling (020 664 22 11, www.knijnbowling.nl) to name just a few.