Updated September 22nd, 2024
Let's face it birthday party celebrations can get expensive quickly. But there are things you can do without (depending on your budget and needs). Alissa has broken down some options. As a mother of three she says there are times to splurge and there are times to save and staying within your family budget is always most important. This is the reason we designed party options at the Play + Learn to be offered a la carte. So you can add on as little or as much as you need and want!
First, let's talk about some things to consider when determining your budget. How old is your child? How many children do you have? How many children will you invite? What are their interests? What are your priorities or the things that are most important to you about the party? Do you have any of your own talents or friends with talents you can call on to help (see more ideas below).
Best Value
Play Option | Starting at $100
Invite your guests for play. There's nothing basic about this option and children will have a blast! Trust us, we have hosted several this way and everyone walked away smiling (actually a few even crying because they didn't want to leave but we consider that as a successful party).
The cost for this option is $5 per guest. There is a 20 guest minimum. You still get private access to the play space after the public play hours. You are only charge for the guests who arrive for play, not the amount you invite. In our experience if you invite 40, 30 will actually come the day of the event (children get sick, etc).
Bonus Saving Tip: Since you are paying per guest, when you send the invite, say something like "Johnny + One Adult". This is a polite way of saying one adult instead of the whole family.
Common Concerns + Our Solution
Boredom Concern:
The children will get bored with just playing.
Bordum Solution:
Firstly, we have been hosting parties for almost 2 years at this point. We are certainly not downplaying add options like crafts, games, face painting, etc BUT we can also tell you that children are very satisfied with "just play". But if it's not in your desired budget to pay for an add on but you really want something more than play, here are some ideas!
Bring bluetooth speaker and make a child friendly fun playlist to do a dance party!
Watch a tutorial online and teach yourself how to face paint or call upon a friend!
Make your own simple scavenger hunt within the play space.
Play some old time favorites like duck duck goose or musical chairs.
Food + Beverage Concern:
Our guests will be hungry or expect food to be provided.
Food + Beverage Solution:
Not true! This detail is easily fixed based on the time you shcedule the party. If you are going to a party from 12pm-2pm, guests will likely expect lunch. Saying that, if you attend a part from 2pm-4pm, a meal would not be expected.
Cake Concern:
It won't feel like a birthday if we don't sing happy birthday, blow out candles on a cake and eat cake!
Cake Solution:
Not only have we hosted plently of parties where no traditional cake was provided, I personally have done this for my own children. Two words - GOODIE BAGS. Get special cupcakes or custom cookies to put in the goodie bags. Each child's lasting memory of the party, will be the cupcake they get to eat after the party!
Have questions about using our location for a party or private rental? Click here!