How To Pick The Right Birthday Party Venue For Your Child?
My very first official post will be around my children, like everything else in my life. Birthdays. Birthday parties. Why is it so hard to pick the party venue for our kids birthdays? It's almost like picking a wedding venue, although if I was getting married again, I'd know in 5 seconds where I want to get married. So, why is it so hard with the kids? Is it because we have our own visions in our heads? Visions from Instagram? Or it's just not perfect, not cute enough, or not fun enough. What about party planners? Have anyone used that option?
I did my research. I wanted to throw the coolest birthday party for my kiddos. One party for both of them since they are both September babies. But, the more I was planning, the more cute stuff I'd been finding online, the more Alex wanted Jump Zone. So, we went with the Jump zone... Bye my Instagram dream.
Here are my favorites Chicago suburbs venues:
a) JUMP ZONE
Locations: Chicago Ridge, Bolingbrook, Buffalo Grove, Mokena, Niles, Schaumburg, Volo.
"Your kids will have a blast playing at a Jump!Zone Party and Play Center which features massive, themed inflatable slides, obstacle courses and bounce houses kids love, interactive games, toddler activities and more. Don’t let the weather keep your kids in the house, come to Jump!Zone and let them enjoy outdoor-type, healthy, active play, indoors!"
Price Range: $250-$310
Party Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes in play area)
What is included:
a) A personal party coordinator to help with the party. They handle setup and clean up.
b) Free paper plates, cups, napkins, and utensils.
c) Free vivid-color invitations or free use of their Ezinvite party management system.
d) Private party room for entire party.
e) Free open play pass for birthday child to come back and play!
Party Add-ons:
* Food packages
** Drinks
*** Balloons
**** Goodie bags
***** T-shirts
****** Invitations mailed
******* Open play Jump pass
DEALS:
* Book your weekend party and get two FREE cheese pizzas ($34 value). When booking your party online use the coupon code 2FREECH and click the validate button.
** Take $25 off the base price of all weekend parties! When booking your party online use the coupon code SUMMER25 and click the validate button.
*** Friday night special - for $200 you can have up to 25 Kids. The party must start at either 5:00pm, 5:30pm, 6:00pm, or 6:30pm.
My opinion:
If you want to relax and let your kids loose, this is the safest place of all. The place is huge, they have many different inflatables for all tastes, from princesses to super heroes. They also have infant area, from where you can see your older child in big play room. After this, kids will definitely pass out on their way home.
Location: 1368 Patriot Blvd, Glenview, IL
"The Little Gym of Glenview offers progressively structured classes and a positive learning environment to create opportunities for your child to try new things and build self-confidence, all with a grin that stretches from ear to ear. Our trained instructors nurture happy, confident kids through a range of classes like parent/child classes and gymnastics, plus fun extras like parties, camps and more."
The Little Gym gives your birthday kid and their friends the full run of the facility, filling the celebration with instructor-led games, music, and fun LEGO® Juniors or LEGO® DUPLO® building activities created especially for your birthday boy or girl. And you don’t have to worry about setup or cleanup, making it totally awesome for you too!
Ages: 1-12
Price range: $300-$330
Party time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
What is included:
a) A qualified birthday leader plus an assistant
b) All the set-up and clean-up
c) Paper goods (plates, forks, cups, napkins)
d) Cups of apple juice for each child in the party room
e) The Little Gym t-shirt
f) Water bottle for the Birthday Child, and
g) Invitations (either through Evite or printed, addressed, stamped and mailed for you!)
More than this information I wasn't able to find on their website. Also, there is no option to book a party online, so if you decide to book with them, you will have to go in, or call them at (847) 724-4929.
My opinion:
No option for booking party online is disadvantage. It does look super fun though.
3) TREE HOUSE
Location: 985 S. Rand RdLake Zurich, Illinois 60047
"A 7,700-square-foot facility offers children a multi-level climbing structure with swinging bridges, enclosed slides, padded mats and ramps, swings, and a soft basketball court. The TreeHouse provides parents a place to relax with constant eyeshot of the climbing structure, and gives kids a place to exercise their bodies and minds. You can expect a fun, active, imagination-filled play experience for you and your kids without any coin-operated machines or video games."
Price range: $205 for up to 15 children - $15.50 per child for 24+ child
Party time: 2 hours
What is included:
a) Your own personal Party Host who helps set up your table in advance, serve your party food, refill drinks, keep the table tidy, and pace the party
b) One slice of pizza for children at the party, and the option to purchase additional pizzas to feed the grown-ups
c) Pink lemonade for the kids
d) Tableware – plates, silverware, napkins, serving utensils
e) Name tag stickers for each of the children, and a special birthday name tag for the guest of honor
f) Printable party invitations and thank you notes
g) Balloons at your table during the party
My opinion:
On their website saying that "Our birthday staff enthusiastically earns tips just like any waitstaff. 15% minimum for all parties.", which means you have to pay extra tip on top of the total price. Also, infant area is separated area, so if you are here with your baby, there is almost no chance you can see the older child running in the tree house. Older kid will end up by your side in infant area.
Locations: Vernon Hills and Schaumburg
Yes, shopping with kids can be a big deal, so they created an kid-friendly indoor environment inside malls that is stimulating and enjoyable for your kids. At Yu Kids Island Chicago, your kids finally have the perfect place to have fun and let off some steam out at the mall. Now, neither rain or snow will stop your kids from having a blast at Yu Kids Island! They currently have over 10 attractions for your kids to play around with.
Price range: $199 - $320
Party time: 1 hour 30 minutes
What is included:
a) Unlimited playtime in our playground for all guests on the day of the party
b) Use of the private party room for 1.5 hours
c) Each additional child is $10 (M-TH) and $12 (FRI-SUN)
d) Complimentary party supplies (cups, plates, utensils, tablecloths, and napkins)
e) A personal party coordinator
f) Party setup, clean up, and help throughout your party
g) Free printable invitations
h) Special gift for the birthday child
Party Add-ons:
* Food
** Drinks
*** Balloons
Other than cakes, cupcakes and a fruit/veggie tray for birthdays, absolutely no outside food is permitted at Yu Kids Island.
DEALS: $20 off WEEKEND Birthday + included 1 slice cheese pizza for children :) $30 off WEEKDAY Birthday (Mon-Fri) Parties include free party supplies!
My opinion:
This play area is only for kids under 48" tall, which is a big bummer for families with older siblings, and bummer for party planners. Last year I was planning on having a party for Alex at Yu Kids Island, but I did not book it from exact that reason - his bigger friends would not be able to come. But perfect for small kids. Also, this place can be very relaxing for parents. It's super safe for all ages.
Location: 901 Leicester Road, Elk Grove Village, IL
"The Park is designed to stimulate and encourage the creative exploration and imagination of children between the ages of one and nine." They have attractions like Pete's Pirate Ship, where you can have lunch and explore the sea around you, Barnacle Bay Boats, where you can be the captain of your own paddle boat., carousel, Castle of Camelot playground area. Climb to the top of the tower and slide down the slides. Make your escape with Misty the Smoke Breathing Dragon by sliding down her back. Jolly Roger Jump bounce house, Pirate Plunge, take the plunge down this giant fun slide as you race your friends to the bottom. Climbing wall, Safari Express train, Soarin Schooners and Swashbuckler Wharf Fun Stage, where they have daily performances at 11am and 1pm Monday-Thursday.
Price range: $194 - $378 R/$196 - $410 NR
Party time: 2 - 3 hours
What is included:
a) Invitations
b) 30 minutes of prep time before your scheduled party
c) Unlimited time on all of the Pirates' Cove attractions and use of the party site for the entire time of your party.
d) Paper pirate hats for each child
e) A special Pirates' Cove shirt for the birthday child
f) White plastic table covers -All tables in Cannonball Falls (Serving tables only in Dragon's Castle and the Pirate Ship) If you have a specific party theme you are welcome to bring your own.
g) A shared party captain to set up and clean and to help you throughout your party
h) Guest count includes both children and adults. Birthday child and 2 adult chaperones do not need to be included in the guest count
There are 3 different areas in the park that parties are held: Cannonball Falls, Dragon's Castle and the top of the Pirate Ship. Dragon's Castle and the Pirate Ship are only available during the evening and Sunday morning party times. The Cannonball Falls sites are available for all party times.
Party Add-ons:
* Birthday Cake
** Balloons
*** Candles
**** Character Visit
***** Goodie Bags
****** Private Party Captain
******* Food
My opinion:
Love this place! So much fun things to do, kids could be there for ours. The only bad thing here is that they are closed during winter, so it can be too hot if the weather is in high 80s. Make sure to bring sunscreen!!
Location: 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview
Kohls Children’s Museum offers 17 interactive, hands-on exhibits for children ages birth to 8. All of their exhibits and programs are aligned to the Illinois State Learning Standards and are designed to nurture a love of learning in young children. Museum provides engaging informal learning environments featuring interactive exhibits and programs that encourage young children to become effective learners through self-directed complex play.
Price range: $275 - $610 for Members/$300 - $680 for Non-Members
Party time: 1 hour 30 minutes
What is included:
a) Private party room
b) Free parking for guests
c) Full day admission
d) No charge for adults
Deluxe upgrade:
e) Plates, napkins, table cover
f) One birthday cupcake per child
g) A Party Coordinator to assist you the day of the bash
Party Add-ons:
* Pizza, cake and other catering options are available through Cosi Cafe.
My opinion:
One of the most fun and educational places for children. My children love this place, and so do I.
Locations: Chicago and Evanston
Little Beans Café was founded in 2010 as a family destination for kids and parents/caregivers to play. Their goal is to provide a safe and fun environment for the kids and a comfortable place for adults to hang out with other parent friends and have a good cup of coffee and meal. They also offer classes such are arts & crafts. They have good variety of classes you can pick from during the week. They offer party for children 0-5 and children 5-11 years.
Price range: $450 for Private Party, $270 for Semi-Private Party
Party time: 2 hours
What is included:
a) 1 hour and 30 minutes of playing in play area and 30 minutes celebration in private party room
b) 2 staff members for set up and clean up
c) Includes up to 30 children
Party Add-ons:
* Food
** Drinks
*** Decorations
**** Goodie Bags
***** Face Painting & Balloon Artist
****** Crafts
******* Dance Class
******** Extra Time
My opinion:
No outside food. I also read few of their reviews and people are complaining that is too cold in the play area. It is definitely a place I want to visit with my children soon.
SOME OTHER PLACES TO LOOK INTO:
1) Each Park District hosts birthday parties, they are super cute and not over prices. Make sure to check your local brochure. Also check for pool parties.
2) Local farms: Lamb's Farm in Libertyville, Didier Farms in Lincolnshire, Goebbert's Farm & Garden Center in South Barrington, to name few. If your party is in September or October, make sure the weather is good.
4) Pump it Up with locations in Glenview, Schaumburg, Crystal Lake and Elmhurst.
5) Color Me Mine for artists.
7) Gymnastics and Dance classes.
I hope this information helped you with your big decisions. If you have any comments or suggestions, please, feel free to comment. If you've been to any of these places, post some pictures for us and let us know what you liked about it, what your party boy/girl liked about it, that is all what matters anyways, right?
xoxo Renata
~ you can call me Renee
