Parents Night Out: Fun for Kids, Funds for Your Cause

A Parents Night Out event is a slam dunk for PTAs, sports teams, cheer squads, and church groups looking to raise money while giving back to local families. It is the ultimate win-win: parents get a well-deserved break, kids have a blast, and your group raises funds for new uniforms, classroom supplies, or mission trips. In this blog, you’ll learn how to plan and organize a successful event, plus discover how Cheddar Up can make registration, payments, and volunteer coordination effortless.

What is a Parents Night Out?

A Parents Night Out is a fundraising idea where parents can drop off their kids for a few hours of fun, supervised activities, and babysitting, while they enjoy a night off. These events are typically hosted by schools, churches, or community organizations to raise funds. In exchange for a set fee, parents get peace of mind knowing their kids are in a safe, engaging environment. Meanwhile, the proceeds from the event support a specific cause, such as classroom upgrades, sports equipment, or community projects.

Why Parents Love a Parents Night Out Fundraiser

Parents love a break, but they also value convenience and trust. That’s why a Parents Night Out event resonates so well. Knowing their children are safe, supervised, and entertained allows parents to enjoy their evening. Add in an easy registration process through Cheddar Up, and they’re even more likely to participate. It is a small act of service that has a major impact on their busy lives.

Why Organizations Love a Parents Night Out Fundraiser

For organizers, hosting a Parents Night Out is simple to execute and incredibly rewarding. The built-in babysitting aspect adds value, and the event has the flexibility to fit various budgets, venues, and age groups. With Cheddar Up’s tools at your fingertips, tasks like coordinating volunteers, collecting waivers, and tracking donations become quick and stress-free, leaving more time to focus on creating a memorable night for the kids.

Whether it is your first time hosting or you’re a seasoned event planner, Cheddar Up makes it easy to manage the details so you can focus on what matters — building community and reaching your fundraising goals.

How Do I Organize a Parents Night Out?

Build a Team

Gather a group of reliable volunteers to help with planning and execution. From activity leaders to check-in helpers, everyone plays a crucial role in making the night run smoothly. Use Cheddar Up’s volunteer sign-up feature to easily organize your team — volunteers can see available tasks and pick what works best for them, saving you time and eliminating confusion.

Choose a Kid-Friendly Venue

Find a space that’s safe and spacious enough to accommodate your group. Schools, churches, or community centers are popular choices. Ensure the venue has areas for different activities like games, crafts, or a movie corner.

Plan an Epic Night of Fun

Design a lineup of activities that keep kids entertained for the entire evening of our Parents Night Out event. Add variety with games, crafts, and even a dance party. Don’t forget to plan breaks for snacks and a quieter activity like a movie to wind things down.

Set the Right Price

Price your Parents Night Out event based on your fundraising goals and costs. Offering sibling discounts or early-bird pricing can help boost registration and allow parents to choose the option that works best for them.

Create a Cheddar Up Event Page

Simplify the process with Cheddar Up by creating a single Parents Night Out Event Page where parents can handle everything at once:

  • Register their kids
  • Submit liability waivers
  • Add on extras

Incorporating liability waivers into the online registration process makes check-in a breeze, giving everyone — parents and kids alike — more time to enjoy the night. Cheddar Up also lets you add extras, like donating additional funds or snagging some spirit wear, pizza, or unique event keepsakes while they register. This allows you to raise more funds while providing a convenient and enjoyable experience for families.

parents night out babysitting fundraiser

Stock Up on Supplies

Make a checklist of everything you’ll need, from art supplies and snacks to first-aid kits. Use Cheddar Up to collect supply donations from parents or community members — just add a donation option to your page, and supporters can contribute cash or sign up to bring specific items, all in one place. Ensure there are enough materials to cover all activities and dietary needs.

Promote Like a Pro

Promote your Parents Night Out fundraiser through school newsletters, social media, and word of mouth. Include your Parents Night Out event’s QR code or URL on all communications so parents can register, pay, and sign waivers in one easy step. The convenience of online registration makes it more likely they’ll commit to attending, and you can track sign-ups in real-time to ensure a great turnout.

Prioritize Safety with Seamless Drop-Off & Pick-Up

Safety and organization go hand in hand for a successful Parents Night Out fundraiser. Establish clear procedures for drop-off and pick-up, including verified emergency contacts and matching kids with the correct adults at the end of the night. Parents will appreciate the smooth process, and it builds trust in knowing their children are in capable hands.

Thank Your Supporters

After your Parents Night Out event, use Cheddar Up’s Message Center to send a heartfelt thank-you to parents and volunteers. Share photos from the evening, highlight the total amount raised, and remind everyone of the impact their support has made. With all your registrants’ contact information already organized in the platform, following up is quick and seamless — making it easy to show your gratitude and leave a lasting positive impression.

With Cheddar Up handling the logistics, you’ll spend less time managing details and more time creating a Parents Night Out experience families will rave about. From hassle-free registration to tracking payments and donations, it’s your go-to platform for running a smooth, professional event.

Before you go

Organizing a Parents Night Out event has never been easier — Cheddar Up simplifies the process so you can focus on making the night unforgettable. With features like customizable event pages, built-in waivers, and donation tools, it’s everything you need to save time, reduce stress, and host a successful fundraiser.

Collect for FREE

Whether you’re collecting dues and fees, fundraising, managing an event, creating a sign up, or selling something online or in-person, you can do it with a Cheddar Up collection.