Birthday parties and low cost

I was wondering if any one knew of a low cost place to have ath birthday party? My daughter turns 4 next April and was thinking of doing a bbq at my in laws for her, but my mothe in law wants me to change the date because of weather. So I was thinking of renting a hall,. but dont want to spend alot of money. Any ideas for places

christina
Jul '09

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I believe the new art place in town (2 doors down from Stella G's) does Birthday Parties

Just Asking
Jul '09

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christina - Just a reminder, at 4 years old, they are just interested in the fact that their day is celebrated. In a few months, they will not remember where the party was held or who was invited (or not invited).

You should first figure out how much you are willing to spend make a realiztic budget and work within your means.

If you need to invite the family and that is a must to the party, then you would scale back the invitees for the children. There is no requirement that you must have a large party at this age.

DD is 7 and we have seen many different options for the birthday parties over the years. Some parents have a standard rule - family only parties until the child is a certain age (about 6 seems to be the consensus).

There are many options for a 4 year old party, but if you are having it at a party place, you should be planning on a cost of at least $15-20 per person (child). Some options good for 4 year olds:

Home (bit more work for you, but we have seen some great parties at the houses)
Little Gym - Hackettstown
Clown Around - Flanders
Build-a-bear - Rockaway (this is actually much cheaper than it appears - there is no need for a goodie bag because they get the bear!)
McDonalds or Burger King with a play area is great
Local fire house - you will need to provide / plan entertainment (bit more work for you, but we have seen some great parties)
Eyes of the Wild - Washington (Kids love this place - they put on a great party)

assuming that the other kids are mostly in the 3-5 age range, the above are my recommendations.

Just my suggestions! :-)

Have fun!

Coralie
Jul '09

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Coralie, very good advice! You pretty much covered everything.

Bessie
Jul '09

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We had my daughter's 5th at C'mere Cupcake. It was great! They did an excellent job and everyone had a wonderful time. Very inexpensive as well.

Alison
Jul '09

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As far as the family party goes, just pick the weekend that is good for you. The people will come if they want to, especially if you give this much notice. Both my children's birthdays are in April, and I am constantly battling the Easter weekend scheduling mess. I gave up, just started picking a date and letting things fall where they may. People always come. Remember - you can't make everyone happy, just your daughter. It's kind of like planning a wedding. Eventually, you just give up and do what you want to do.

Alison
Jul '09

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Good for you christina. I wish I was that organized.

Firefly
Jul '09

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