Great Summer Party Places for Kids in Bloomington, Indiana

Planning a summer time bash for your child? Be it a birthday celebration or just because, Bloomington, Indiana has something for every occasion. I've put together a list of the top places to hold a summer time party for kids in this bustling town.

For outdoor fun in the sun, head to Bryan Park on the southeast part of town. This 33-acre park, located at 1001 S. Henderson Street, hosts shelter houses, playgrounds, and large fields for running. For your sports fan, check out the tennis courts, softball/baseball fields and basketball courts. If a poolside party is what you're looking for, take advantage of their large pool, equipped with three great water slides for children over age ten and a designated pool for younger children. For more information or to reserve a shelter house, contact the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department at (812)349-3700.

For a fun party with an educational kick, let WonderLab be your guide. Located at 308 W. 4th Street, this hands-on science museum hosts activities and exhibits to encourage your child's imagination and curiosity. The facility offers a private party room, and themed birthday party packages for your little chemist, space fanatic or rainforest explorer. These packages include nearly everything you need for a birthday party, including a guided science activity by a WonderLab staff member. Prices for themed packages begin at $185. Basic room rental is $95. For more information, call (812) 337-1337. For the bash of the year, ask about renting the whole museum!

To encourage your child's creative side, plan a party at Latest Glaze, a pottery studio located at 1301 S. College Mall Road on Bloomington's east side. The store provides everything you need to paint your own pottery pieces and will fire them in their kiln when you are finished. Choose from mugs, plates, vases, and other unglazed pieces. However, don't plan to take your finished product with you, as it takes a couple of days to be fired. Store hours are Tues.-Fri. noon-7pm, Sat. 11am-7pm, and Sun. 1pm-5pm, but larger group appointments are available outside of these times. For more information or to make an appointment, call (812) 335-8711.

These are just a few of the many places to hold a summer party for your child in Bloomington, Indiana. This town is full of outdoor and indoor venues that are great party places for kids of all ages and interests. For more information, contact the Bloomington, Indiana Visitor's Bureau at (812) 334-8900.