Great Birthday Ideas for Kids with Summer Birthdays in WA

Why is it that birthday parties have become year upon year of outdoing the last? I laugh because I myself have fallen into this crazy category of parent with only child that is always outdoing herself every year. The wonderful gift to all of you reading this article is that you will look like a star to your 3-8 year old and I've done all the work for you!

Below are my finest birthday party activities and themes that have proven to be winners for my now going to be 8 year old son. This year is still top secret but stay tuned for future articles on birthdays for 8 and up...

Party Ponies - This outfit in Fall City, WA will come to your home with pooper scoopers in hand to give your child the best petting zoo birthday party possible. They also provide western wear for the kids and take pictures of each child on the pony for a perfect souvenir. The mobile farm stays for 1.25 hours and brings a variety of 5 farm friends for a great learning experience. Children get to pet & visit with their new friends and receive balloons, instant photos w/ frame & costume dress up with the birthday child receiving a Party Pony T-shirt & Cowboy hat. Price: $250.00 (8-14 children)

My niece attended the party and she is a VERY shy little girl. We were worried how she would interact but the angora rabbit became her territory. She sat with the rabbit for 30 minutes learning about its care, fur, and other neat tidbits. Her mom was so excited about the party she has recommended to a lot of parents and it was the hit bringing farm life to suburbia. The staff was not only excellent with the children, they made handling farm animals look like a walk in the park. They were also really sensitive about cleaning up any droppings immediately and keeping my yard picturesque which my husband greatly appreciated (he wasn't all for the farm in the beginning).

Emerald Downs - This party idea is a best kept secret and a sure fire winner for boys and girls. My son's grandfather is a trainer at Emerald Downs and races about 40 thoroughbreds a year. For $50.00 you can have a race named after your child and they (and a few friends or family) can stand in the winner's circle and have their picture taken with the winning steed. It was quite the spectacle at my son's party as he had just turned six and the #6 horse won the race! The owners were great and held him up in the picture so it almost looked like he was riding the horse. Emerald Downs also provides group events and you can be outside during the summer under their gazebo or inside in a window seat during stormy weather. Kids and adults were entertained and catering provided pizza and pop for all. Everyone enjoyed cheering for their favorites.

Live-Wires - When I first found this website I thought it was a bit odd that strippers and children's entertainers were featured on the same site, but don't be too wary, it's a great site and has a ton of options! I have used the outfit twice. One time for Barney (that was a little iffy - the usual Barney had come down sick or had some conflict so our substitute Barney was a bit off) and just this last year (7^th birthday) for Darth Vader. My brother posed as Obi Wan and his costume was TONS better than the Vader they sent over but the entertainer was actually really nice and did a great job. They had a fight out on the lawn and the kids thought it was the coolest. My son also got to have a light saber battle with him and overall I would still use them as I just don't know ANYWHERE else that hosts this many entertainers under one website. The travel fee is about $50.00 and then it's usually $150 an hour. One hour is truly as long as you need unless perhaps you're using a clown or princess that has a bit more to do with the party.

A few other ideas that have been hot this year is Kid Bounce in Fall City, WA which is a warehouse full of inflatables that kids slide, bounce, and play on. It's pretty reasonable for hours of working off steam and cake and ice cream. We've also attended a bowling party where the child took home a pin and everyone bowled and had an incredible time. It was definitely a better option than just plain ole' roller skating. Waterslide parks and swimming parties are perfect for summer birthdays and don't forget inflatable pools and waterslides that are perfect for your backyard and much more cost effective.

Whatever you decide for your child, keep it simple, make it fun and memorable, and all the kids will be talking about the best summer party ever... yours!