Throwing a Child's Birthday Bash in Bloomington, Indiana

Planning a child's birthday bash? If you live in or near Bloomington, Indiana, there are multiple venues from which to choose. I've either hosted or been a guest at many birthday parties held in many locations, but these are a few of the best.

Wonderlab is a great educational place to celebrate your child's special day. A children's science museum located in downtown Bloomington, it offers many hands-on activities for your guests, including a fossil dig and bubble room. It hosts a private party room with themed birthday packages for your little scientist, astronaut, or rainforest explorer. Each package includes virtually everything you need for the party, including place settings and utensils, party favors, and birthday cake. There is also a staff-guided science activity, and decorations to go along with your theme. The staff handles set up and clean up while your child and guests explore the museum for the rest of the day. The themed package price for up to twelve people (including adults) is $205. The standard party package for the same number of people is $155. If you wish to decorate the room and host the party yourself, you can pay the basic room rental price for $95 for up to twenty people. Call (812) 337-1337 for more information or for reservations.

For your adventurous child, host your birthday party at Hoosier Heights. An indoor rock climbing facility located at 5100 South Rogers Street, it offers a variety of rock walls and climbing surfaces for the enjoyment of your child and guests. The basic party package rate is $150 for up to eight participants and $9 for each extra person. The package includes two hours of climbing time, half hour use of the party room, and harness rental. The premier package is $200 for up to eight climbers and $9 for each extra participant. It includes everything from the basic package, as well as a birthday cake, drinks, birthday present, place settings and invitations. For more information, call (812) 824-6414 to make reservations.

If a smaller-scale birthday party is what you have in mind, try out Lower Cascades Park located at 2851 N. State Road 37. The park offers two reservable shelter houses, drinking fountains and modern restrooms. Entertainment is provided by the outstanding playground added in 2006. If decorating for and hosting parties is your cup of tea, consider this beautiful outdoor venue. At a fraction of the price of other locations, it is packed with tons of outdoor fun in the sun. To reserve a shelter house or for more information, contact the Bloomington Parks and Recreation office at (812) 349-3700.

These are just a few of the numerous venues that Bloomington, Indiana has to offer for your birthday bash. Each is unique in the amenities that it offers, so you are sure to find something to strike the fancy of your birthday boy or girl.