Party Places for Children

Where to Go When You Don't Want to Host at Home

Park
One of the easiest and probably most inexpensive places to hold a child's celebration is the local park. It provides plenty of space to spread out food and play games and entertainment for any age. If you live near a large state park, you might find a recreation area with paddleboat or bicycle rentals or possibly even a wildlife resource center with educational opportunities. Since you'll probably be out for several hours, avoid a birthday cake with a lot of icing, which could melt. Instead, opt for a big cookie cake or individual, unfrosted cupcakes.

YWCA/YMCA or Private Swim Club
A pool party is always a hit with children. Many organizations will have clubhouses that can be rented out for parties. You can give it a beach bash theme by decorating in tropical colors. Throw around a few beach balls and put tropical umbrellas in juice drinks. Don't plan for a lot of food, since children will spend most of their time swimming. And keep safety top of mind. Ask parents about their child's swimming skills and make sure you have enough chaperones around.

Family Friendly Restaurants
Many restaurants welcome groups for parties and will partition a special area for you. You won't have to worry about food preparation or clean up, so just bring along some tabletop decorations and party favors. This is probably best for a smaller group of immediate family and close friends, as the restaurant will be serving other patrons as well.

Movie Theaters
A movie is a great idea for a small group of elementary school age children. Although you won't have cake, "movie food" is always a treat. And you don't have to decorate. This type of outing is the ideal length for a fun afternoon that doesn't wear everyone out. Skip the expensive candy counter and get several big tubs of popcorn for sharing instead.

Bowling Alley
Most bowling alleys now are complete entertainment centers with game rooms and other activities that make them perfect for hosting a party for teens and pre-teens. Sometimes, they have rooms set aside for parties and you can count on a concession stand or restaurant with plenty of kid-friendly menu items like hot dogs and pizza.

Zoo or Petting Zoo
Many city zoos have incorporated a "Children's Zoo" area in recent years with kid-friendly activities and playful animals to see. You can bring in food and decorations or the zoo might provide them. Larger groups can sign up for educational programs. Zoo personnel direct activities and sometimes bring animals in for a unique experience. Although older groups might get more out of these programs, some are designed for children as young as three. If you don't live near a big zoo, look around for a smaller petting zoo with farm animals. Children are always delighted when they can interact with animals. Bring along plenty of anti-bacterial hand gel!

Waterparks or Amusement Parks
If you're fortunate enough to live near one of these, consider the ease versus the expense. Admission can be pricey, although there are group discounts. On the other hand, you don't need to do anything but make the arrangements. This type of fun is best for older children who need minimal supervision. Gather everyone in the concession area at a set time to share ice-cream or other treats. Most parks won't let you bring in your own food, but you may be able to make special arrangements. As with pool parties, keep safety top of mind-go over ground rules with everyone before entering the park and make arrangements for periodic check-ins via cell phones if the children are old enough to play in the park without a constant chaperone.

"Party Zone" or "Kid Zone" Facility
You can find many businesses now that specialize in parties just for kids. Sometimes these take the form of indoor playgrounds where you pay a small entrance fee for each child or rent a party room. Sometimes they are party equipment rental stores that will use their facilities and supplies to throw amazing themed parties. They even have employees who will dress up as a child's favorite cartoon or movie character and lead sing-alongs and games. Like amusement parks, these places are made for kids to have fun with limited effort on your part. Check your local phone book and plan for a good time to be enjoyed by all.