If you live where winters are unpredictable and sometimes treacherous, planning birthday parties for kids born between November and March can be a challenge if you don’t have a large room at home. Your birthday child shouldn’t have to cut the guest list just because it will be cold outside. Consider these big party solutions for your winter baby:
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Set the theme at your local community center. Many centers have large rooms that can accommodate 50 or more people. That means you can find space big enough for eating and playing without concerning yourself too much with noise. The center usually provides tables and chairs. All you have to do is decorate and cleanup. If your community center has an indoor pool, plan a middle-of-winter pool party. Rental time can range from one to a few hours at an hourly rental rate. In many cases, you must be a resident of the community to reserve space at the community center.
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Find space at your church or social club. One of the least expensive options may be renting a room at your church or social club. Depending on the venue, you may have to be more considerate of noise levels and scheduling around other events. If noise is an issue, consider hiring some entertainment, such a magician or animal trainer, to occupy those young minds between opening gifts and birthday cake. Some venues also may not be appropriate for kids. For example, some social clubs equip facilities with a bar or theater seating. You should be able to decorate to your child’s chosen theme and may be able to rent the space for a longer time.
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Heat things up at a local fire hall. Get two smiles for the price of one as your birthday child gets to have a party and climb on a fire truck. Many fire halls rent rooms for parties and special events for a reasonable price. You may even be able to talk them into a guided tour and guest appearance by a local firefighter. Tables and chairs are usually available and included in the rental fee. Some halls book up fast, however, so you might not want to wait until the last minute to make your reservation.
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Reach new heights at an indoor rock gym. You’ll probably have to share the space with strangers, but indoor rock climbing can focus all that young energy into a brain- and body-building activity. Your party package will likely include facility hosts that can handle some knot-tying training and manage guest safety. All the same, climbers or their guardians will probably have to sign a waiver. You may be limited on the food and beverages you can bring to the facility, so be sure to check ahead. The good news is that your birthday kid probably won’t make it home with eyes open.
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Swish and glide at the skating rink. Slip on some wheels or blades (and knee, elbow and wrist pads) and head to the local skating rink or park. Even if you brave the cold, your local ice skating park may have rental rooms to warm up guests during gift opening and cake. Skiing and snowboarding parties are an option for older kids too. Kids may also be able to take a break in the arcade if the facility has one. While your party won’t be private and you may not be able to put up a lot of decorations, the kids will be able to burn off some of that cake. The room rental may be limited to a couple of hours, but guest may be permitted to continue skating beyond the party time.
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Arcades and jungle gyms may offer party packages. A few national arcades and gyms that cater to youth birthday parties are Chuck E. Cheese, Gymboree and The Little Gym. You may have any number of regional or privately owned establishments in your neighborhood, as well. These venues may make a good bit of their living on food sales. If they do, your party package probably includes a meal. A la carte food and treat add-ons may be available. Expect to spend some extra money on games to keep the kids occupied between food, gifts and cake. Party times may range from two to three hours.
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Strike out (in a good way) at your local bowling alley or sports center. If your birthday child enjoys friendly competition and misses playing outside sports, consider bowling, indoor batting cages or putt-putt golf. Some facilities have indoor courts for soccer, basketball or football too. Parties are usually limited to a couple of hours for the rental room and a little bit of extra time for your games. You may not have a lot of leeway for decorations or outside food, but you may not have any cleanup, either.
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Animals…cars…dinosaurs — oh my! Check the museums in your city for party packages. You may be able to reserve a room at your local zoo, children’s museum, science center, natural history museum or other museums. Your child can learn about cars, trains or sports superstars on their special day. The kids will have so much fun they won’t even realize they just spent a birthday party learning. Room sizes at museums may be smaller than what you would find at other venues. But kids usually walk away with special treats provided by the establishment.
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Give the gift of new skills and hobbies. Consider exposing your child and party guests to glass blowing, woodworking, dance, gymnastics or other art and craft classes. Local businesses in your area may offer party packages that include materials and instructions. Check with local gymnastics, dance and martial arts studios for room rentals and party packages. You can also contact local specialty businesses to see if they offer youth classes in pottery, painting or other artistic explorations.
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Embrace the cold with your sleds and winter crafts. What better way to celebrate your winter baby than with a little snow on your boots? Contact your local parks department. You may be surprised to learn that they have a covered, heated pavilion available for the winter months. Kids can go sled riding or make snowmen, snow angels and snow forts, and then come in for hot chocolate and birthday cake. You may get a longer party for lower cost with your own themed decorations and food. You can also arrange for your own winter games, crafts and entertainment.
Many venues that offer party packages charge a flat fee per child or party guest. Add-on foods, party favors, hosts and activities may bump that price. When considering your budget for your child’s big day, be sure to ask about cancellation or rescheduling policies should you have to cancel due to inclement weather.