Birthday Party Tips for Des Moines' Kids

If you and your child decide to host the party away from home, perhaps you'll consider the following selections from around the Des Moines metro area.

Backyard Adventures
Iowa Reptile Rescue
Triad Gymnastics
Sleepy Hollow
Skate North Incrediroll
Metro Ice Sports Facility
All-Star Strike Zone
Build A Bear Workshop
Incredible Pizza
Chuck E. Cheese
Living History Farms
Blank Park Zoo
Aquatic center/pool
Mini golf course
Movie theater
Science Center of Iowa
Iowa Cubs game at Principal Park
Local Beauty Colleges

Consider the age, sex and interests of your child, the time of year, how many attendees, transportation, costs, and supervision prior to making your decision. Be sure to call ahead to find out how they handle birthday party groups. Some will include food and/or party favors so they can actually fit many budgets.

However, maybe you and your child prefer to host the party at your home. Maybe your child would enjoy a "theme" party. Suggestions include, jungle, fairy, princess, tea, baseball or other sport, cowboy, farm, movie, book, fun t-shirt, pajama or action figure theme parties. Again, consider age, the amount of room you have, number of kids, and appropriateness for your child.

If you're hosting the party around meal time - provide a simple to eat menu. Mac and cheese, nuggets, fruit, cheese, carrot sticks and birthday cake will work fine.

Perhaps you'd have a watermelon themed party . Include a seed spitting contest and watermelon in the food menu.

Cupcakes, sheet cakes, or store bought cakes will be your decision. You can work hours on it or buy a special cake or simply bake the kind of cake your child loves.

Winter sledding parties with hot chocolate, grilled cheese sandwiches, fruit and cake can be very much fun.

Use simple invitations - buying them is just fine. If your child is old enough they can complete the invitations. If not, simply make up something on the computer or go as fancy as you'd like.

The usual goodie bags can contain candy, or they can skip the candy and you can check out the dollar store. Again, be sure goodie bags are age and child appropriate.

Decorations - simple things can make a big hit. Throw a sheet over the table, or purchase a plastic tablecloth to fit the theme. Maybe you want party hats or other fun little trinkets. You really don't need to get much "junk" as most kids don't really play with it once they get home.

Perhaps you'd be able to have the kids frost cupcakes, or tie-die, or plant seeds, or sign and decorate balls or mini-balls for the sports-minded. Nails can be polished and lip gloss or hair decorations are fun take home favors.

Most important for the parent:
1. Kids parties often are not successful for very young children.
2. Invite only enough kids that you can handle.
3. Specify a certain time span. Remember games you think will last 1/2 hour will probably last 5 minutes.
4. Remember kids may cry and want birthday child's gift. Birthday child should be prompted to be polite about all gifts received prior to the party.
5. You should see to it that all children know their gifts are appreciated - pass them around and comment on each gift.
6. Expect tears and possible fights. They are kids. Move them forward.
7. Have everything prepared ahead of time. You will have no extra time when kids arrive.
8. It's best to have a helper.
9. If you drive kids, be sure everyone is buckled and has age appropriate car seats.

Have fun! Take lots of pictures. Go with the flow! Have fun in Des Moines at your child's next birthday party. Try to make good choices and prompt your child ahead of time. Happy Birthday!

Sources:
Myself and years of children's parties
The Des Moines Register