Toddler Birthday Parties

[Xero]

So Eli is turning two on September first. It's not that long away! So I've been trying to think of what I want to do for him this year. I was wondering if you guys had any good ideas as to where would be a good (and fun) place to have his party. I think this year there should be several other little kids at his party (all girls!! lol) so I have to take that into consideration as well as the many adults (my family) and young adults (my friends and siblings) that will probably be there. So what is an ideal place to have a birthday party for a toddler? And all his toddler friends?

I have thought of a few places so far. And I'm not really sure. I thought maybe the park - there are a few to choose from, and they are all great. They each have picnic tables all around them where you can have birthday parties and whatnot. But we did have his party at the park last year and I thought it would be nice to have it indoors this year, but at the same time I can't think of a good place to do that. I thought maybe Chuck E. Cheese. The last time I was there I was like 8 though, so I have no idea what it even looks like or if its even good for toddlers or how much I'll have to pay or ANYTHING. I was hoping maybe someone would have some experience with this. Or of course, we could have it at our own house. That would be a more relaxed and secure atmosphere for sure, if I could find enough stuff for the little ones to do in the yard or whatever.

Or maybe there are other good ideas that I haven't thought of? Anybody have any success stories, or opinions to help me decide on this? I have to figure it out soon so I can make plans and send out invitations and ask off for work that day and stuff. I'm excited though! I can't believe my baby is turning two!!

[IADad]

How exciting, turning two!

We've always had separate kid parties and family parties, so the kid party can be solely focused on the kids having fun. Obviously the problem with that is that you have to host two parties.

The problem with a party at home is you have to prepare for it all, then when it's over you have to clean it all up. That's the nice thing about going elsewhere.

The park idea is nice, and would seem to fit the variety of ages you're planning for and cleanup should be relatively easy. Can you reserve a park shelter at any, so you have a "base of operations" with a roof and a definitely location rather than inviting people just to "somewhere in the park, we're not sure where...."


Chuck E Cheese would be fun, but ya know he's not going to remember it and it's going to be a pricier option (I think you can get party price info online from them, I know you can make reservations online). It seems like at 2 you're going to be doing a lot of "herding" and what are the adults going to do. Additionally the animated animals can be intimidating to very little ones. I'd probably save the CEC option to 3 yos or later.

I've been to some fun parties at city recreation centers and our local children's museum hosts parties too (again, probably better for 3,4 or 5 yos...)

[fallon]

we waited until DL was turning 4 to do Chuck E Cheese, it's pretty expensive and at 2 he won't remember much if anything about the party. Personally I would go with a park. That's what we did when Debralyn turned 2 and it was perfect for guests of all ages. We did a party sub, and chips for food...as well as cake and everyone had a blast

[ElliottCarasDad]

Originally Posted by IADad

Chuck E Cheese would be fun, but ya know he's not going to remember it and it's going to be a pricier option (I think you can get party price info online from them, I know you can make reservations online). It seems like at 2 you're going to be doing a lot of "herding" and what are the adults going to do. Additionally the animated animals can be intimidating to very little ones. I'd probably save the CEC option to 3 yos or later.

Some Chuck E Cheese serve alcohol!!!

[IADad]

Originally Posted by ElliottCarasDad

Some Chuck E Cheese serve alcohol!!!

They do? I never knew that. I guess I've only been to one and maybe I just wasn't paying attention.

I propose a new theme song tag for their commercials:

"Where a drunk can be a kid!"

(on a related note, I always thought disneyland was missing the mark on that one...nobody needs a beer more than the guy who's just spent 11 hrs (and $32,000) at the "happiest place on earth." When I was there, dragging my limp carcass to ESPNZone for one of those great big beers was the happiest place on earth to me.)

[Xero]

LOL well Chuck E Cheese seems like the right place to have alcohol after a whole day of chasing screaming toddlers around. Hahahaha I didn't know that.

Yeah I was thinking the park would probably work best too... It was pretty nice last year. Thanks for all the input guys. It makes sense to wait until he's older for Chuck E Cheese. Probably at least three, maybe four. He's not the most active kid anyway. So now to decide WHICH park to have it at lol.