Kids Parties: The Numerous Options

Throwing a birthday party for kids is certainly not what it used to be. A thirty-something Mom myself, I recall the days of simple parties at home with cake, friends, swings and maybe a pinata; a great day at the park with playmates and balloons; or a celebration at the local skating rink featuring the Hokey Pokey.

Now, the options seem endless. You can customize the perfect kid's party based on the age, gender and ,of course, personal taste of the birthday boy or girl. Here are just a few examples of what's available these days.

Inflatable Parties
These parties are great for the younger crowd. The kids can jump and play to their heart's delight. You can have one of these in your own backyard, if you've got the space, through local party rental agencies. If you'd rather take the party and ultimate clean-up to another location, there's a good chance you can find a local inflatable play establishment that offers party services. Some businesses offer a mainstream variety where your party shares the floor with their stop-in-and-play customer. Others will provide a completely private party experience where your child and his or her friends have it all to yourself. My kids loved these parties and arrived home completely worn out with big smiles on their faces.

Princess or Diva Parties
Princes or diva parties provide little girls with their very own fairy tale/rock star experience. I'd say there are ost appropriate for girls in the 4-10 year-ol age bracket. They generally start off with what I'll call a "primping period." Depending on the age of the birthday group, this means help with fancy hair styles, application of glitter and a touch of color to their face. Next comes the transformation -- they step away as a girl and come back "glamorous," all dressed in poofy, glittery. princess splendor or maybe something you might have seen on a recent Hannah Montana episode. From here, they'll most likely share in a performance -- a dance, princess ceremony, or sheer fun on stage. Afterwards, it may be "tea time" or cake and punch. Like the inflatables party, you can create this experience in your own backyard or living room via various birthday services that will gladly bring the entire experience to your very own "palace." Many include clean-up as well. If and out-of-the house celebration is more to your liking, local businesses that offer this service at their location are out there to help. My 5-year old recently enjoyed on of these for her birthday and she just can't stop talking about it.

Multi-Faceted Parties
There are the types of parties offering several phases or activities to entice your party attendees. I've found that most of these establishments will/can provide pizza, which almost every kid will actually eat. Some activities, depending on location you choose, include laser tag, bowling, arcade games, miniature golf, rock climbing, bumper cars or boats, mini-carnival rides and more. Kids of all ages and both genders enjoy these and, like the inflatables parties, usually arrive home both beaming and exhausted.

Pony Parties
What child hasn't at some time thought or wished that owned a pony? This party allows that dream to come to life a a few hours on a special day. The children can ride and pet a pony and, depending on the party location or service, may also enjoy the opportunity to visit or pet other farm animals, take a hayride or get a taste of the barn experience. The little ones between 3 to maybe 10 will love this option. For kids 8-15, a horse-riding party might be a more mature option, offering riding lessons and the like. Vendors can bring the farm to you if you've got the space to accommodate the animals. If not, pack up the party and head out to a local farm or ranch in the area that offers this fun option.

These are only four of a huge pool of birthday party possibilities. Kids' ceramic parties, cooking parties, sports parties, gymnastics parties, magic or clown parties, indoor pool parties and more are all potential choices, depending on your location or budget.

If you live in or around Austin, Texas including Buda, Bastrop, Georgetown, Round Rock, Pflugerville and more, you can quickly find out what's available in your area on my website, KidzAustin.com, where I've gathered everything I can find on the subject. The site offers lots of great options on our Partiez2U and PartyPlacez pages.

If not from the Austin area, the Internet is an amazing resource. Simply type in some of the party terms I've mentioned in this article into your favorite search engine along with your local city and state. The perfect kid's party is just a click or two away!