bday party venue... any ideas?

[zap]

Ok ladies I need some ideas as to where to go for Alessio's and Luca's combined 1st & 4th bday?? It's in September do I risk it and go with a BBQ in the park or go to a play centre??

[fionas]

we're probably going to have DD's at the swimming pool.

Friends had theirs at the park but specified on the invite that if the weather was bad then they would regroup at their house.

[No.5]

Depends how much you want to do I guess. The park gives you more opportunity to choose decorations/food etc whereas a play centre, that's all included.

I'm thinking of having DS party at Chipmunks (play centre) this year because I just can't be bothered with the set up/clean up etc and I think at his age, they'll enjoy it more.

Also depends on numbers. Play centers normally have a minimum number of children and it can get quite expensive if there are a lot of kids going...

[Earthmama]

I'd go for a play centre for sure ! They do everything for you and there is lots of play equipment for the kids. YOu can order the food for kids per head and just get a few platters of sandwiches and hot food for the adults. No mess no fuss because you can just leave. I did my DD first birthday at home and thought NEVER again Her second birthday was at a play centre and so much more stress free ! Plus my house didn't look like it had been trampled through by barn yard animals ! That's just my 2 cents worth

[Artechim]

The swimming pool is a good idea. We did a combined 2 and 4 birthday last year for my big kids and just had it in a hall with some big outdoor/ride on toys from the Toy Library.

Can't believe it is nearly birthday time already!! Not sure what we are doing yet.

P.S, do you mean combined 1 and 3 birthday?

[feeb]

DS1 had a party for his 3rd birthday at a local small hall that is used for occasional care activity groups so was perfect as had outdoor play area and little kids chairs and tables. The effort and cost of setting up decorating and food was basiccly as much as others paid for a play centre without all the stress I had of getting organised!

So this year I think we will do a play centre!

DS2 will have a party for his 3rd birthday as well early next year.

[Kazbah]

which general area are you in?

only thing I have against play centres is to be sure and check the cleanliness of the baby area - some of the ball pits get rather gross

Next party we have for kids will be at a play centre.