I know the feeling we traditionally have the kids birthday parties at hme for this reason. For example last Birthday, I bought a cake from HEB with Lighting McQuin (20.00), Bill Millers ( 40.00 /two family style meals usealy feeds 8 to 10)...some party decorations 30.00 ( bought the small pony and ballon set up from Walmart). We supplied soda and stuff another 20.00. We did not buy any adult drinks cause thats to expensive and you would have to figure out who liked what ext.....we did not buy him a gift cause figured my family would do that and it cost around 110.00. the good part also is did not have to worry about our youngest getting into stuff like a resteraunt party place.....
I have been to Gatti' it's ok for the kids lots of stuff to do. They have seprate party rooms and let you bring your own cake. I think the game cards ( like debut cards but for the games) you have to buy yourself. The food is ok....
Morgan is in school so we have been to a few this year...
Kiddy Park, Gatti' Gymberee, and the Whittie tree house...