My son will be 3 soon, and while I usually do "house parties," since I am pregnant, I am going to be nice to myself and plan parties outside the house for both kids this year. I was thinking of taking a small group of kids (6) to a play place. Do I have to pay for a party room? I would be buying everyone pizza, but I really want to keep it simple. I was then thinking we could come back to my house for cake.
Do you think a play place would let me do this if they don't know it's a party? I don't think it would be that strange for me to buy pizza for a group of us. It would be in the morning on a quiet weekday.
I was planning on taking them to Monkey Joes. They do not allow outside food, at all.
If you are not bringing a cake or decorations there's no need for a party room, you are just regular paying customers. Go for it!
I don't know if a play place would let you do this, but probably if it's not too busy. I wanted to comment on going back to your house for cake, though. That seems like kind of a pain for you (still have to clean your house and host people) and for your guests. Honestly... we'd probably skip out on the cake part, or the whole party because it sounds like it would take too much time and effort. If everyone comes back to your house for cake, you know the kids will want to start playing and then you'll have people over for an hour or two. You can't exactly invite people in for ten minutes to eat cake and then escort them out the door.
As long as you pay per kid and don't try to use private rooms/bring in food they don't allow, you should be fine. You should ask them if there are any food restrictions (like maybe you buy their pizza but can't bring in the cake). Since you are returning to your house for cake, it's unlikely to be an issue.
I would think as long as you weren't trying to use their party room/tables, they wouldn't care at all. They would be happy to have the business. I would also call to see if you can bring your cake or buy JUST their cake....not the whole package. That would also save you a lot of time and energy if that is what you are looking for.
It was 10 years ago, but my friend did her son's birthday at Chuck E Cheese, the same way you plan on doing yours. They didn't have a problem with it, and they even let her bring in her own cake. I would call the place you are planning and just ask.
If it's during the week I would bet they can be more flexible. I agree to call and ask if you can just buy pizza and then bring your own cake in without using a room. It will be much easier on you then traipsing back and forth. Sometimes the party room is free if you buy food or something anyway, especially if it's a weekday morning and they aren't busy.
I went to a bd party at Chuck E. Cheese. The parents did not buy the party package. The kids just played and the parents bought everyone pizza. They did also bring a birthday cake. The purpose of the party package is to provide additional services. It's alright to just be a regular customer. You don't have to hide that it's a party.
I hosted a party for my daughter at Kids Town (Wheaton) when I was pregnant. I cringe at the thought of how much it cost, but at the time, It was the best money I ever spent!
I would imagine the play place you are thinking of allows for private and non-private birthday parties. In my case, I rented the whole place for two hours on a Saturday, and it was pretty expensive. I did bring my own food and cake. On weekdays, they allow you to have non-private birthday parties for a much much more affordable rate. The kids have to share the play areas with the general public, but the party room is private.
I think for you, you can just call it a play date and not worry about paying for a party package. Six kids is a small group, and it's no larger than a play date between a two or three moms with a few kids anyway. It's not like you need more than a couple tables for the group. Call the place and tell them that you are celebrating your sons b-day with a very small group of friends. See if they are able to accommodate you for space for the cake and gifts. Good luck!
I've done this before, and it's a great way to cut costs but still have a fun birthday. Some places won't allow any outside food at all, not even the birthday cake--so I don't pick those places. But we've had no problems at Chuck E Cheese and McDonalds, bought the food there and brought our own birthday cake/cupcakes. You can always check the policies at the place you want to use and ask them what they allow.
And I agree with Everley about the cake. I'd either eat the cake at the play place or just skip it. It would be to difficult to get everyone back to my house just for cake. It would turn into a whole extra play session, and with three year olds, we'd probably end up with break downs.
I'm not sure if this is too far for you but Nibbles Play Cafe in Wheeling is a GREAT place for that age. I specialize in 1 year old bday parties but the place has excellent options for kids 5 and under and it is so easy to plan.
They have themed parties or just normal. They help you with all of the planning. The kids are in a fun, safe environment too. You can order pizza there and it isn't super expensive. They let you bring in cake from outside but I think that is it. Most places won't let you (unless it is a park district room rental).
Good luck with your planning!
by play place to you mean chuckie cheese? you can have a party there without paying for the big party package. you just pay for pizza and pop and save out a couple tables. the long tables are reserved for the parties they have there but you can get some booths close together and bring your own cake. if your starting there i would finish there and not drag everyone back to your house lol
