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Where to host your kid’s party: Tips for parents planning the perfect day

It's easy to plan a fun and affordable birthday party for your child

Getting ready for an outside birthday party
Jon Tyson / Unsplash

Planning your child’s birthday party is exciting but can also be stressful. Sometimes, finding your kid’s party location can be affordable and fun, and there are venues that cater to kids. But trust us, it does not have to cost you a fortune! There are plenty of budget-friendly party places that you can find for your child’s party. Keep reading to learn more on kid’s party locations.

Consider their age

Children at a birthday party
Africa Studio / Adobe Stock

The biggest factor you want to consider is the age your child is turning. Are they young children? Chances are that if they are between the ages of 2 to 7, you can probably have their birthday party at a local park. Family and friends can gather around picnic tables, the kids will have an open area to play in, and it’s a bonus if there is a playground at the park. The kids would love that! Most young children don’t care where their party is being held — they just want to have fun!

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Number of guests

At-home 5-year-old birthday party
Ground Picture / Shutterstock

Another thing to think about is the number of guests that will be attending the party. Is it going to be for family and friends — or just for your child’s friends? If you are inviting both family and friends, you may want to again go with the park idea or find a children’s venue that does birthday parties for kids. However, if it is a family-only party, it may be in your best interest to have it at your home — if you have the space, of course.

The season

Toddler near table at a backyard birthday party
fotoliza / Shutterstock

Something important that you might want to factor in is the time of the year your child was born. If they were a winter baby, you would be better off having an indoor party for them. If your children were born in the springtime, a great idea might be to do something outside. Local farms sometimes run specials for birthday parties as well, so that is another option you can check out. Summer kiddos may enjoy time at the beach building sandcastles and playing games.

Party venues

Boy with birthday hat at a bowling alley
Dziurek / Shutterstock

Many children’s museums, play places, arcades, bowling centers, and laser tag arenas almost always offer some kind of program for hosting children’s birthday parties. Another great option is if you have a gymnastics spot in your area, you can always give them a call and see if they have birthday packages.

Any venue that offers a way for children to get rid of excess energy is a win-win for the parents! If you don’t live close to a park, then these types of venues may be your next best option.  Not to mention, your children will probably love it and make lasting and enduring memories that they will never forget.

Talk to your child

Teens having fun at a birthday party
Rawpixel.com / Shutterstock

It can be easy for a parent to get caught up in planning the perfect birthday party for your child, which is why it’s important to ask your child what they want for their party. Your child’s wants may be different than yours when it comes to celebrating their big day. Maybe they just want a quiet get-together at home with a few close friends and some pizza, or maybe they’ve been hoping to go to a local movie theater to see the latest animated movie.

Explain to your child the budget you’re willing to spend on a party and ask them for their input on what they may want to do. You just may save yourself a lot of headaches planning a big bash when they would prefer something smaller and more intimate.

At the end of the day, the only thing that truly matters is your child. You are there to celebrate them and the day they entered the world. Children inherently love birthday parties no matter where they take place. If you come up with a couple of fun games and a cake and allow the birthday boy or girl to open presents, then you’ll probably have one happy kiddo on your hands. It all comes down to the love that is put into the party, not the party itself. It is the memories made that will be cherished for years to come that will truly be the gift your child will remember.

Jennifer Passmore
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Jennifer has written two books on how to deal with living with chronic illness using the power of positivity. She has written…
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