My son will be 4 next month and I'm not sure if I want spend money renting some place for the party where I don't need to worry about entertainment or do it at home and do all the work. I'm just not the most creative person with kids and since we need to be indoors it's more difficult. We should have 10-12 kids and need ideas for at least 1 to 1 1/2 hour of entertainment. Any suggestion is very welcomed. Thanks
First of all, thanks for the responses. After reading them all I've decided to keep it simple and do it at home. I did ask my son who he would like to invite and he named only two friends. I think I'll just let them free to play as the party goes, with pizza and cupcakes. Thank you all.
I think that most fire stations in the area will allow for birthday parties (and I believe that many of them just ask for a donation - no required fee). Not sure what activities you are allowed to do - I am sure you can look at the trucks and stuff, and probably fill some time with pizza and cake...but you might want to check that out.
Hi H.,
When my boys were younger, I always did parties at home. One year we made sugar cookies- the kids thought it was great to be able to bake and then eat what they made! I love the idea about the book party- it could be the theme for gifts, etc. My boys (now 14 and 15) prefer to have parties at home, even after we have done McDonald's, Chuck E Cheese, bowling and skating parties! They love to just have a chance to play with their friends and their toys!
Good luck!
C.
We went old school for my 4 yr old son's birthday. We usually have birthday parties at home, but we were in the middle of a remodel so we had his birthday party at McDonalds. We went to the Issaquah one, and they provided the cake and crowns and play area. All we had to buy was the kids happy meals, and party favors.
My daughter just turned 4 last month, so I know what you are going through. There are many choices for renting, depending on your budget and how much work you want to put into it. You might want to check out a few community centers for lower cost alternatives.
My own child just wanted a pinata for her birthday, so we had a simple home party with a pinata that you pull the strings (didn't want kids swinging a bat indoors).
One great book I like is "The Girlfriends Guide To Parties And Play Dates" by Vicki Iovine. I checked it out at the library and liked it so much I bought it later and lend it out to my friends. There are probably many others.
Talk to your child, and keep it simple. Good Luck!
~ Elise
Believe it or not, 4 yr olds are self entertaining, put a bunch of them together and they entertain and play with almost anything. What does your little boy enjoy the most? You don't have to spend a bunch of money renting out a venue or bringing in some attraction to make the day a great one. Find his favorite books and you become the 'story lady', get teeshirts and fabric paints and let them all make their own teeshirt to take home and wear. 4 yr olds are quite creative. On the invite, ask each guest to come acting as their favorite animal... you can have a zoo party, have your cake decorated accordingly, serve fruit cups. You can have pictures up of animals and then let the kids talk about themselves, having others guess what they are. Enjoy!!
