It’s party time! Birthday party time that is! With more and more choices available for party planners everywhere, choosing the right one for your child can be a challenge. You’ve heard the saying “location is everything!” Check out these great party spots to make your child’s birthday a memorable one!
The Sports Arena
Most kids love getting active at a birthday party, and sports is a great way to do it! Roller skating rinks offer birthday party packages including cake, decorations, skate rental and a goodie bag. Ice-skating can be fun as well, but might be a little harder to find due to figure skating and hockey practice. Check your local rink for details on what’s available.
Also very popular with kids is skate boarding. Skate boarding facilities offer per skater birthday party packages including helmets, pads and supervision. Look for a facility that offers the latest in skateboarding ramps, pipes and tubes. This type of party is best for party-goers over the age of five.
For the water lover in the bunch, consider a party at your local swim club, aquatic center, or YMCA. Many of these facilities have great water slides and water toys to enhance your aquatic experience.
Another fabulous activity to get kids moving is bowling. These parties are lots of fun, and even the most timid of bowlers can be successful if they use bumpers in the alleys.
Local Attractions
Museums of all sizes and subjects make great places to celebrate a birthday. Consider local science centers, art museums, hands on museum and historical museums that offer party packages. These packages usually include party space in an on- site cafeteria, admission for the birthday child, parents and all guests. Shop around for venues that include a birthday cake, goodie bags and free guest passes.
A day at the zoo is a nice warm weather attraction for a fun-filled birthday. Although most do not offer specific birthday party packages, picnic areas and pavilions can be reserved ahead of time for easier party planning.
If your child is an animal lover they might like a trip to the farm. Many state and metro parks have wonderful facilities where children can see a working farm in action. A spring birthday trip to the farm is a great time to visit all the baby animals.
The Entertainment Venue
or the serious movie lover in the family, consider a party at your local movie theater. Theaters have a range of movie party packages including reserved seats, concessions and a party room. Some movie theaters also offer the option of reserving a whole theatre for party use.
Other places to get some serious entertainment are indoor amusement centers offering a wide variety of video games as well as amusement park rides. These facilities usually offer birthday party packages, but also allow families to bring in their own party decorations and cakes.
Themed Restaurants
From eating in a jungle to having birthday cake with a mouse, themed restaurants are always a hit. These restaurants offer a range of birthday party options, from reserving a party room, to just bringing in the family for a special desert
The Backyard
Move over picnic tables and pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey! The new backyard birthday party has gone biggie-sized with inflatables. These large inflatable toys give children all the fun of a carnival right in their own back yard. From sinking ships and bouncing chambers, to blow-up obstacle courses, these party favorites bring out the kid in everyone. Make sure the equipment comes adequately supervised, talk to the children about safety rules and you’re sure to have a party that’s a hit.
Other Great Kids' Party Ideas
- Sleepovers - Most older children would agree that you can’t go wrong with a sleepover for birthday fun. Remember, these parties last much longer than your typical birthday and should be well-planned and organized. For those under age 10, carefully consider the chances of making it through the evening without midnight calls to parents.
- Favorite Stores - One of the hottest trends in birthday parties is visiting your child’s favorite themed store. Places like Build-a-Bear Workshops offer a party leader, gifts for the guest of honor, and goody bags for all guest starting at a set price per guest.
- The Park - Many communities now offer the latest and greatest in outdoor playground equipment. These playscapes can be a great alternative to having your own backyard party. Most city parks have picnic pavilions with direct access to the playscapes for all of your party time fun. Pavilion rentals vary in price, and depending on the number available in your park, reservations should be made well in advance of your party.
- Specialized Activity Facilities - These activities can include everything from rock climbing to laser tag. Consider your guest list carefully so everyone has a great time.
- The Family Outing - Choosing a special birthday activity like the circus, rodeo, a trip to an amusement park, or show, can be a great treat for the entire family. If your budget will allow it, give your child the option of choosing one or two special friends to go along. Usually this is enough to make the event even more special. If the activity is going to last later than bedtime, you might consider asking the special guests to sleepover.
No matter what type of party you’re planning, kids need to know and feel that this is their special day. Alternative birthday celebrations include special rituals, such as birthday plates, breakfasts, dinners or birthday cake with grandma, measuring to see how much they've grown, and reminiscing about the day they were born. Whether simple or elaborate, a well-planned birthday will be remembered for years to come.
Source:
- "15 Great Places to Have a Party," Parents.com, (accessed September 14, 2010).
Patti Richards - Patti Richards is a freelance writer and editor, former teacher, wife and mother of three. Patti writes children’s books and stories ...
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