Party at Chuck E Cheese

I go there with my nieces and nephew frequently. They love it! My daughter is 27 and she still loves it.

HATE HATE HATE Chuck E Cheese. Did I mention I HATE Chuck E Cheese. The giant rat tends to frighten little kids, the food is truly disgusting and the parties are right next to each other (like at the next table, you can bump into the other groups if you pull your chair out too far). The running around time is incredibly noisy and chaotic - sensory overload for adults and lots of kids. I would rather have a root canal.

For 2 kids they won't even do a planned party, but you already knew that...

Personally, I dislike VERY MUCH Peter Piper and Chuck E Cheese type parties. The kids don't associate with each other, there are a million other parties going on, it's noisy, busy, expensive, and stressful to keep any eye on your kid(s). Plus, you HAVE to be out at a certain time. Go during an off time and thrown down the cake and order a pizza and let them have fun.

We went to a CEC birthday party for a 1 year old back in January--worst party I've ever been to.

It was an INCREDIBLY packed place--I thought I was going to have a panic attack from all the activity, running kids, throngs of people, chaotic "Happy Birthday" song and cake presentation by the staff and Chuck E...I will never again attend a party there.

If you do decide to go there, I would try to do it during the weekday, when it won't be as busy. You couldn't pay me enough to step foot inside another CEC on a weekend.

A.:

A party with 2 kids? Doesn't he have friends from church or pre-school, playdates??

CEC usually won't "do" a party of two. At least ours won't. I would just show up and let them have fun.

My kids are older now so CEC isn't their "thing" - it's Dave and Buster's now! YIKES!! But when we did parties at CEC - there were, at a minimum, 5 kids and the birthday boy. The largest we had was 14 kids plus the birthday boy.....with the 6 kids total - the party was about $250 as we kept up on tokens and the parents stayed so we had pizzas and beer for parents....the 15 total? YIKES!! That one was $500 - only reason it wasn't more - is the parents didn't stick around like they did for the younger one....

Happy birthday to your son!!!

Happy birthday to your son, my guy turns 4 the same day :)

If your son is on a big Chuck E Cheese kick right now he'll love it. Basically all the kids want to do is play, not eat cake or even sit, (torture.) I've been to several parties there, so say this with knowledge, don't expect it to actually go like a party. Plus, the place gets crazy, though if you go on his birthday, a Tuesday, it won't be bad, (Monday - Thursday are best, followed by Fridays and Sundays.) Avoid Saturdays.

Do call them now to ask if they'll even do a walk-in party for such a small group, and if you can bring in a cake for an unreserved party (our local one said no, but one of theirs could be purchased.) Their site says "You can even add a birthday crown, medallions, balloons, and delicious cake to your walk-in party. Unreserved parties do not include the birthday package items or reserved table."

My inclination would be to have cake, balloons, etc, at home before or after going to Chuck E. Cheese's to play with such a small group and save the extra money. That would be special in your son's eyes.

The party people will only book a party for a minimum of ten kids or maybe it is eight (it has been a few years).

For just the two kids, you can go there and take a cake...and party away no need to book anything. Of course you won't get to sit in the party area or have the party stuff from them...but it will be cheaper.

I loved my kids parties there!! We always got the same sweet hostess and the kids had a blast then we came home and crashed....no set up or clean up. Good luck!!!

If he loves CEC, do it there. But, he likely won't get the benefits of being a birthday boy since it won't be a true, booked party. Other birthday kids will get to go in the ticket machines and maybe take pictures with CEC himself, but I doubt your son will be able to since you won't have paid for a party package.

I think your best bet is just to go with his cousin to CEC and let them have fun playing. Bring a small cake, but don't think of it as a party. Just tell him you're going out for a birthday lunch/dinner.

My 6 yo went to a party there this year - it was a bit crazy. 5 other parties going on at the same time plus all the other people just there for the afternoon. Some of the parents just dropped their kids and left while the host mom and dad were split between watching the presents at the table and watching their other child. It was a hot mess.

I would never recommend someone doing a party there as there is nothing 'special' for the birthday boy/girl. They lined up each party at 6 long tables and went down the line singing happy birthday to each table one after the other. BUT if it's just the birthday boy and his cousin then I think you'd be OK just going in as patrons .... and doing your own thing rather than paying for a party.

I would try to pick out a slow time and go then. Seems like Sundays aren't so hectic. We take our girls there every once in a while and it's usually pretty calm later in the day. I guess it depends. I'm sure he'll have fun!

I've been to several CEC parties and enjoyed them all. They have a party plan but since there's just the two boys I'd just do a walk in. Give them a call or look at their web site to find out what they offer. You could also do a short visit without having to buy anything to check them out. Just ask to speak with the manager or events planner.

My older son had his first 6 b-day parties at Chuck E. Cheese - but that's been quite awhile ago (he's about to turn 19 in April). :P

I think you'll have a great time with a small group (easier to maneuver around). I might call ahead to ask about bringing a cake.

Have a wonderful time and Happy Birthday!!!!

Try to go when they open (10 or 11am). Also, if possible can you go during the week and not during a spring break week?

I have been to a few and it really is not that bad. It has more of a stigma than anything. The kids will have fun and use hand sanitizer through the day.

edit:
He is 3 and will love it. My daughter wanted a Pink birthday party for her 3rd. I was really sick and only had her brother with us (my husband picked up a cake from the store). She had a blast. It was way less stress than a huge party. Sure it was just us at home, but she loved the attention. Your 3 year will have fun at CEC. NO need to make it a big $500 party.

We did an actual party package there for my oldest child's fifth birthday. I absolutely think it was worth it, because Chuck E. came out and gave her a crown, she got to dance with him on the stage, she got to go in the ticket tornado thing, etc, and it was just convenient...it was fun. For a three year old, I think the walk in style party would be best!

(And while yes, it may be like a root canal to adults...kids enjoy it. If you go during non peak hours, you can have the place almost to yourself.)