Birthday Party Alternatives in Central Connecticut

Do you dread the planning, shopping and preparations that go into your children's birthday parties? Do you find yourself just wishing for it to be over? Tired of the same old inflatable backyard parties or overpriced all-in-one party venues? Put your wallet and exhaustion aside. There are birthday party alternatives that will be enjoyed by all and celebrate your child's special day in a way he or she will remember.

All of the following party alternatives are one day celebrations designed for one adult chaperone, the birthday child and a special friend and most cost less than $100. You can select one of the packages yourself and surprise your child with the celebration on his or her special day or you can create a party package pamphlet that contains detailed information on the following birthday party alternatives and let your child choose his or her favorite.Alternative #1: Mini Golf Extravaganza. This package includes two rounds of mini golf, one at Safari Golf in Berlin (2340 Berlin Turnpike, 860-828-9800) and the other at Mini Blast in Cromwell (150 Sebethe Drive, 860-632-1137), lunch at a fast food restaurant of their choice and an Italian Ice at Rita's in Rocky Hill (1783 Silas Deane Highway, 860-436-4152).

Alternative #2:Trains, Ferry's and Mystery Writers. This package includes a trip on the Essex Steam Train, a ride across the Connecticut River on the Chester/Hadlyme Ferry, and a hike to Gillette's Castle. Coordinate with another adult to meet you at the old railway station on the grounds at the Castle for cake and ice cream. Go to: http://www.essexsteamtrain.com/gillette.html for more details.

Alternative #3: City Slickers. This package includes a ride on the Bushnell Carousel (in hot weather, take swim suits for the splash park near the playground), lunch at the Bushnell Park Café at the Pump House (go to www.bushnellpark.org for more information) and tickets to the Connecticut Science Center (http://www.ctsciencecenter.org/) a short ½ mile walk away.

Alternative #4:Play till you Drop. This package includes 1 hour of duck pin bowling at Fun Squared in Newington (56 Costello Road, Berlin Turnpike), a $10.00 allotment for each child for the in-house arcade (go to www.funsquared.biz for more information), two tickets to Timbergyms indoor playground across the street at 94 Pane Road (www.timbergyms.com/TGWebsite2010/openplay.html) and dinner on the corner at the Olympia Diner (http://olympiadiner.net/).

Alternative #5:Shop till you Drop. This package includes a cash allotment of $50 for each child and a trip to The Shoppes at Buckland Hills in Manchester (http://www.theshoppesatbucklandhills.com/ ) and The Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk in South Windsor (http://www.thepromenadeshopsatevergreenwalk.com). Finish the day off with burgers at Johnny Rockets (www.johnnyrockets.com/index2.php) at Evergreen Walk.

This year, try one of these party alternatives to celebrate your child's birthday. A fun filled day with a special friend will be a welcomed surprise for any child. Best of all, you will find yourself filled with anticipation rather than dread as the day approaches.