My son LOVES to play there. Usually we eat before we go, and then just have drinks, ice cream while we're there. His birthday is April 11 so I need to pick a place, but spending 200 for a birthday just seems ridiculous.
I plan on contacting them about their party plan, but I would be fine just having everyone come for cake. I'm thinking if I just do it myself without the planner that I will get McDonalds cards with $5 on each so moms can get whatever they want for their kids and keep the change if they like.
Not sure about the weather here - we have an indoor play place pretty close to home.
Your thoughts? Thanks!
Thanks Mamas. He loves the play place, and I'm planning on a 2-4 time period. I like to go after lunch so he eats "regular" food and then he can have an icecream or something like that. I plan on giving the moms the McDonalds cards so they aren't tied to a happy meal for food and can get a yogurt parfait or salad or whatever they like.
Thanks for the help!
I don't think you could ever go wrong with a mcdonalds bday party for a 6 yr old. I have an 8yr old and if i would let it happen, we would have every "function" at mcdonalds playhouse. Lol. I think its a great idea. Fun for the kids and super easy on the pockets!
I think $200 is a lot for a 6 year old's party!! And I agree that a lot of parents are going to have problems with the location due to the high fat and salt content of food - there are so many more kids now with diabetes, gluten issues or allergies. Even the $5 gift card can pose a problem for parents - they kind of "have to" redeem them, and kick in more money of their own. Can you just have a small party at home or in a park with some games and some healthy snacks and a small cake? Go to the library and get a book on "old fashioned" party games -- the kids in our neighborhood have been having outdoor parties with things like sack races and 3-legged races and potato races, and they are all having a fabulous time because they've never done it before. They are tired of McD and Chuck E. Cheese, and they just love running around freely. If you are in Texas, things should be plenty warm enough in April. Keep the party smaller - we always followed the "year rule" - you invite the number of kids for the year of your age. So age 6 invites 6 kids. If it's outside, you can have a few more especially if you are having cousins or siblings. We also had a lot of treasure hunts - we used the plastic Easter eggs (and called them whatever the kids are into - dinosaur eggs, alien eggs, insect eggs) and put little prizes in them (not candy since a kid in our neighborhood is diabetic). We gave the kids a card with a colored dot on it (either marker or sticker) and then they had to find the eggs in that color - that ensured that everyone got something, and they even helped each other find things. The year our kid was "into" insects, we used cupcakes to create a large "caterpillar" cake, and decorated the cupcakes with fake "legs" and "antennae". It sure didn't cost $200 and everyone had a great time.
The kids will love it but some parents will have a problem with the fast food. But its your sons bday and if he lvoes MCdonalds have it there. The parents will have to deal.
We had our daughter's 5th birthday party at McD's. The kids had a great time and it was reasonably priced! There were 15 kids total at her party and they all had a great time.
Sounds like a plan! The chance for free play is all they need.
But just to let you know, April is the most gorgeous month here.
It's chamber of commerce weather. Right now is pretty weather but April...
Don't miss the botanical gardens between April and May.
Oh, But watch out for hail between the last two weeks of April and the first two of May!
There's nothing wrong with McDonald's for a party. Yes, it's unhealthy food. Big whoop. One birthday party a year with unhealthy food isn't going to foster bad eating habits.
I would bring my own cake, not worry about getting a birthday room, and just push some tables together in the Playspace. Order a happy meal for each child.
Just a thought - Sonic rents their playgrounds for free!
If McDonalds is an accepted place for kids to eat in your community, it sounds good. But if your town is like mine, almost no one would accept since there's a lot of focus on healthy foods here. (not trying to judge you - truly - just pointing this out in case your son's friends don't go there).
