Uggh, I am trying to plan my winter baby's 5th birthday party. I never thought it would be so expensive and so much trouble. I wish I had a large home to invite people over and just have a lunch or afternoon snack. Last year I would guess I spent around $450 on the party when all was said and done.
So we have 30 kids total including 2 of my own. Yes we have 28 friends we see on a very regular basis (ie weekly). The bulk of which we've known for years. My options thus far. The two jumping places I'd do an afternoon 2-4 pm party and just snacks, cake, and juice again.
1. Jump 1 (same as last year) = $349 for 25 kids + $10/kid = $400
2. Jump 2 = $325 for 24 Kids + $12/kid = $400,
3. Bowling 1 = $8.50 per child = $225 but we need to do pizza and drinks (required by bowling alley), and based on times I'd be feeding adults and kids. So I would guess @ $10 cheese pizza and $7.50 Pitchers I'd be looking at 10 pizzas and 10 pitchers?
4. Bowling 2= $250 for bowling and cake but I think I'm capped @ 20 kids which is the real problem. I can't find kids to cut.
5. $245 Ice Skating + $25 Room Renta + $75 Skate rentals = $345 plus food, and since they are turning 5 I wonder how many would be into it? My DK has been taking skating lessons and skates solo but most haven't taken lessons and I would guess most parents can't ice skate.
6. Children's Museum - $475 for package but unsure if it's firmly capped at 25 kids.
Okay help me out with ideas. There is no way I am fitting 30 kids into my townhouse. There is no way it can be held outdoors in January. For my younger child I do a park and lunch but that's just not an option here.
What should I do?
Kid's Birthday Parties
October 30th, 2014 at 01:39 pm
October 30th, 2014 at 02:38 pm 1414679923
There are lots of party ideas here that might spark a solution for you:
http://www.coolest-kid-birthday-parties.com/birthday-parties-for-kids.html
October 30th, 2014 at 03:29 pm 1414682986
October 30th, 2014 at 04:01 pm 1414684909
Check your local YMCA. Rates are lower if you're a member. You can do a 2-hour rock climbing wall or dance party for $100 for 10-12 children. Or see if your local Park District has a room to rent. Far more reasonable than the prices you're considering. Maybe consider celebrating the big years (5/10/13) with big parties and put the expense into those.
October 31st, 2014 at 01:57 am 1414720677
November 9th, 2014 at 06:57 pm 1415559474
I also checked the elks $200/hr, churches $175-250/hr room rental rates. Things are not cheap in the area. I've been calling and calling and calling.
I did find a groupon for $194 for a gymanstics birthday party but it covers only 20 kids and because it's drop off it requires kids be 5. So some friends wouldn't be able to get dropped off.