My husband and I both have HUGE families that include lots of kiddos from age 10 to 18 mos. We are also blessed with many friends, none of whom have yet to start a family of their own, so our 2 boys are special to all of them. Anyway, we had a big swim party for my older son's first birthday (in late Aug 2 years ago), which worked out ok b/c it was at my mother-in-law's clubhouse (free). It was crazy with all the people (maybe 70), but fun, special and very affordable.
We want to do something just as special for our second boy. He will be one in late July. We can't use the clubhouse again, unfortunately. Can you please help me think of a place I could hold this big party, either outside or inside, that would have entertainment for the kiddos but still be comfortable for the childless adults? I was thinking of a park, but it will be HOT! ;-) Any ideas are appreciated!!! :-)
Thanks - M.
You might consider something like a big "Picnic" Party somewhere like Sandy Lake Park. They have plenty of room, plenty of shade, a pool and other activities (they used to have pony rides. . . I haven't been there in a long time) for the kiddos. You could have it like a pot luck where you supply maybe the meat and everyone brings a dish and their suits.
Do you or one of your family have a large yard? When mine were young and there were more adults than kids we just did bar-b-que / water parties. Set up a kiddy pool for the little ones and maybe rent an inflatable water slide for the adults and big kids. We also did water balloons a lot. I don't like gun toys, but if they are ok with you have a water gun war, like paint ball wars. Then just fire up the grill. Do hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken or a brisket. Keep it simple and all will have fun.
It's not very cheap, but it's a nice pool to rent out. Bad Konigshofen park in Arlington at the Stovall park in Arlington. They rent it out for $450 and you can have the whole park to yourself for up to 250 people. I think they have packages for less cost, which includes private use of the pavilion but the pool is still open to the public. I'm throwing a client appreciation party in July there, and they make it very easy.
If you're near Keller you could rent the Keller Pointe or parts of for the party. You'd have swimming, party room, etc.
Hi M.:
How about the Coppell Aquatic and Rec Center? They have party rooms, as well as 4 pools outside and two inside. Wading pools both inside and out. You would have to check out their website for find out prices. It's a great place. My friends and myself go quite often, and have parties there.
You didn't mention where you live but you might want to see if your city pool has a program where you can reserve a table and bring your own food during regular pool hours. We had a party at Pleasant Glade Pool in Grapevine one year. I'm not sure if they still do it but you used to be able to reserve a table for a small fee and then you just paid for admission depending on how many people came. They have a kiddie pool and a regular pool to keep everyone happy. They have a punch pass which is $30 for 25 admissions so it's pretty reasonable. We then just bought snacks and a cooler with water etc. I have a son with a July birthday so I know it's hard to find outdoor things that aren't too hot!!
Judi
Hi M.:
My husband and I cater; we just helped a family from my daycare throw a 1st birthday party for friends, family and lots of kids. They keep things simple and hosted it in their backyard. We took care of everything else- it was a luau theme. Their were kiddie pools & a bounce house outside. Inside for the adults, there was great food, drinks and conversation.
If you'd like to not have it at home our church has a great hall- it's big enough to have a bounce house in it and for organized games.
Please call me, I'd love to help:)
M. S.
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If you have a community pool, that would work and then just set up some food on the picnic tables. Otherwise, if you live anywhere near the ranger stadium, its pretty cool and you can tour the ballpark and then have a theater room to yourselves, its all about baseball but if you have a boy it may be cool, not too sure how it would hold the attention for the one year old but the older kids would loveit and it is not too expensive. The guys loved it, all the dads went when I had it there for my oldest when he was five. Also, there is a ranch called Rocky Top in Keller, they have parties for large groups and you can go horseback riding or do pony rides and a bbq. BBQ food is really inexpensive to pick up from like dicky's or something then take lemonaide and tea to the horse ranch. OR if you can find somewhere to have it then you can rent the animal people to come, its like a zoo person with lots of animals and they come and show them all to the kids, pretty fun too ( not sure what the name of it was but we live in Southlake and tons of people have used those people if you google it). Speaking of the zoo, I know that the Fort Worth Zoo gives discounts for large parties and they have a whole section with picnic tables. You could ask families to come, ask the Zoo director if they have a tour or tour guide for large parties, then pack every family thier own little pic nic in large bags, or baskets from like big lots or something where you can get them a little cheaper, that would be really cute! And the kids and adults would love it, you would be surprised how many adults are amazed at how fun the zoo is and how they have not been there in forever! ONe more thing ( sorry I am kind of a party planner, I love kids parties) do you live near a central market? They have a great outdoor space at the one in Fort Worth also a great park at the one in Southlake, I am sure if you spoke to the catering director there you could do a lunch or brunch there and let the kiddos play and then there is a ton of space for people to mingle and do balloons and most of it is shaded? You may have to check with them on that. Let me know if you need any more ideas, I am full of them! My friends always ask me to help plan thier kids parties!
____@____.com
K.
SAHM of two boys 4 and 7!
If you decide to have something outdoors we would love to help keep your guests cooled off!
www.candisno.com Shaved Ice Delivered To You!
M.,
I do not know where you live however, if you are in the Bedford area they have a water park at the Bedford Boys Ranch. I do not know how much it is, my Son rented it out for their 2 children in July it will hold up to 200 people. It is a water park with slides, swimming the works. It is out side and you have the park benchs with some covering. You rent it after the park closes for the day. You might check with them. If you lived in Denton or around that area my daughter rented the water park there for her daughter in July and it was reasonable(cheap) and if you wanted to rent the indoor pool for the them there you could. The pool has 2 sides one for the little kids and the Olympia pool. Indoor was done for one child in Winter and it was $75.00 for 2 hours.
I hope this helps. Wish you all have a Great Birthday.
P.
I second the recommendation for the Keller Pointe indoor swimming facility. A friend did her daughter's birthday party there and it was a lot of fun.
There's a party room for the cake and presents, then you go out to the pool facility. It has a regular swimming area, a little kids' play area, a wading area for toddlers, and a big slide for the big kids.
My friend said it was very, very reasonable and the best price around for a party. The only thing is to double confirm the food situation with the manager. She was told by an employee that the snack bar had pizza. Well, they do at certain times, but not during the Spring. Some people left swimming early to eat. She said she could have brought in Little Caesar's if she had known.
Have a great 1st birthday with your family and friends!
there's a great place called "brookside center" in hurst. it is huge and inexpensive for anyone to rent. maybe u could set up a little section for toys and such for the kids and the adults can enjoy the nice cool air conditioning! here's the link: http://www.ci.hurst.tx.us/departments/recreation/Facility...
The Main Event is also a good place for the kids and adults. Their is one in Grapevine, they also have a bar for the adults. Or you could do a pizza party at Krystals Pizza in Irving, right off Beltline road and Airport Freeway. Good Luck finding a fun indoor party place
My 2nd daughters bday from 2y-5y was held at the city pool in grapevine off of Hall-Johnson. Check their website. At the time, it was $1.50 a person-not sure the price now. It has a big pool for the adults and has a zero entry kids pool that is pretty big. This pool is maybe 1.5 feet deep so not as stressful as a deep pool. They do let you reserve tables for birthday parties. It was very enjoyable.
L. W
Don't know where you live but Grand Prairie rents out their natatorium for swimming parties year round if you want to stick with the swim theme. And I haven't been there yet but Lynn Creek Park (by Joe Pool Lake) is supposed to be a nice place for all ages. I think they have sand volleyball and playground, as well as boat ramps and stuff, but not sure.
