Untraditional First Birthday

I took my daughter to the Skokie Park District's Exploratorium on her 1st birthday. It's great because it's not too big. There's lots of things for kids of various ages to do, and it's inexpensive. We then had cupcakes at home. She had a great time and I got to watch her explore! We had a blast!

My son will be one next month. We are having a huge party for him, but on his actual birthday, we are either going to go to the shedd aquarium or to the children's museum at navy pier. You could also go to wonder works in oak park, the zoo, bubbles academy. Have fun and happy birthday to your little one!

I was in the same situation last year. None of our family lives in Illinois and the small group of friends we've made in Chicago are not married and have no kids. So my hubby and I just went to Shedd Aquarium with the boy and I made cupcakes with whipped cream frosting. Not a big production, but he doesn't know the difference between his birthday and a Tuesday. :)

Honestly, I would keep it at home with a small group of family and friends or just the immediate family and grandparents. It's easy for your child to get overwhelmed with lots of people, presents, or location (and the parents too). Often site-based parties have multiple events so it will be loud and filled with other families. This may be a too-stimulating environment or if your party is small in number. This is the one birthday where your child has no expectations so keep it simple. Before you know it, your daughter will be insisting on a Dora party or at a Chuck E. Cheese and you'll have less choice on the matter. Make sure it's at a time that doesn't conflict with naps. Just let the baby enjoy the adoration of those in attendance and have a meal and cake. I think we put high expectations on a first birthday unneedlessly. Rather than try to manage a large party or the staff at another location, use your time to take lots of pictures and/or video. Remember, this party is for you and your husband too--you have successfullly cared for your child for an entire year. Good job!

if i were doing over, i wouldn't have a 1st bday party as most little ones are too young to enjoy. i would have a few cup cakes with whoever is there and blow out the candle.

I think the aquarium is a great idea but even if you stay home that is great too! Do not put so much pressure on yourself for this 1st Birthday. Ask yourself if your 1 yr old will remember how their 1st Birthday was celebrated? They won't. Trust me with a now 11 yr old, 9 yr old, and 6 yr old there will be plenty of birthday celebrations throughout the years. Just being together with one set of grandparents and the two of you is all the joy and comfort a little 1 yr old could possibly dream of. Enjoy!

Hi N.,

Check out www.kidwinks.com for all sorts of ideas on things to do with your daughter in the Chicago area. The Events Calendar will have ideas for a particular day, or you can browse through the Ongoing Activities section for all sorts of indoor play places, etc. Also, you can read the reviews by other parents, and learn from their experiences.

Enjoy her birthday! She won't remember, but if you capture it on video, it's always fun to go back and watch it. We watch family videos with my daughters (8 and 6 years old), and they love it. One of my older daughter's favorites is her first birthday - we presented her with her very own cake, and just set the whole thing in front of her. It's hilarious watching her dig her tiny hands into the cake and eat it. She would watch that video everyday, I think; and it doesn't matter if you have family around or not!

J.

Hi N.,

Why not make a little party for just you, your daughter, and your husband? It can still be a special day for the three of you...sounds like you are right on track. My son, at age one, enjoyed the Shedd Aquarium because he really could get a good look at all the fish in the great big tank they have (I forget what that is called!). Another option is one of the kids' museums. The Dupage Children's Museum in Naperville has a lot of areas set up for "Young Explorers" which might be perfect for your daughter. I know the next few weeks do not guarantee great weather, otherwise I would suggest some fun outdoor places. I have not been to Fantasy Kingdom, but hear that it is good. If you Google "indoor play areas for kids Chicago" you will get all sorts of interesting results. I think the actual day of my son's birthday we took him to get his picture taken at The Picture People at a local mall. We then went out for lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. We have really cute photos of him enjoying the ice cream sundae with a candle in it -our server brought it to our son in honor of his birthday. We did have a HUGE bash with family on a different date, but I would say that we had a just as fabulous a time just getting his first birthday photos done & having lunch together. We've never taken our son to Rainforest Cafe, but that might be someplace that would be fun for a little one too. I imagine there's lots to look at there! Enjoy your day & don't worry too much. At this age, you still have to make sure your daughter gets a nap or most likely two..so I wouldn't worry too much about making it a huge day that your daughter might not be able to fully enjoy. Some places like the Shedd Aquarium can be really expensive (tho' Chicago residents can get a discount. Not sure if there are free passes at the libraries)- so that is something to keep in mind too.