subject: Birthday party tips [print this page] Birthday party tips Birthday party tips
Secrets of having a great Birthday party
#3 - Location, Location, Location
In addition to having the party at home, birthday parties can be at churches, restaurants, banquet and reception halls, "game" rooms such as Dave & Buster's or Game Works, libraries, YMCAs, Country Clubs, community rooms, public parks, amusement parks, swimming pools, hotels, skating rinks, bowling centers, gymnastic centers, and so forth.
By their very nature, some locations "split up" the children so they are not interacting with each other, such as game rooms, amusement parks, swimming parties, skating parties and so forth. In these situations, it is best to only invite a few play-friends so they can interact with each other at the location. Otherwise, you will have only paid the children's entrance fee to the location with the only interacting when eating or singing "Happy Birthday".
My experience is that the most memorable birthday parties for the birthday party child are at a location where they are able to interact with their guests. Yes, it can be more convenient to take all of the children somewhere like Chuck E. Cheese's, but these locations do not create the memories that will last a lifetime for the birthday child. The exception is if you are planning an overnight party at a hotel, YMCA or other location where there are late night activities to keep them entertained.
TIP: You will frequently pay for an outside location through the cost of the food provided. Not one of the children is going to go home talking about the great food at the party! (Keep in mind that's also true for most adult parties and banquets!)
#4 - When Is The Best Time To Have The Party?
There are two key variables to consider when deciding which day and time - the location and the children's ages. An overnight party will need to be on the weekend or a holiday. Parties outside of the home depend on when the location is available. To avoid some possible conflicts, avoid the normal birthday party time of Saturday from 1:00 3:00 and 2:00 4:00. After all, that's when everyone else is also trying to plan their children's birthday party.
The children's ages normally also dictate which activities are taking up part of their free time. Soccer, baseball, lessons, gymnastics, Karate, competitions and so forth are part of most children's routines. And we think we are busy! It will probably be impossible to schedule around every possible activity, but some times are better than others.
TIP: Saturdays starting around 3:00 tend to have fewer conflicts because most of the children's activities are after school, Saturday morning and early afternoon. And don't forget about Sunday afternoons, where fewer activities for children are scheduled. Just remember that some people may not get back home from church until 1:00.
