Who's Creative with Ideas?

Hi T., there is a nice place called My Gym that has activities for kids, and is much cleaner than Chuck E. Cheese. Also, how about a water park or YMCA? They do fun little parties, as well. Z

You could go to Bounce U which is on Gilbert Rd, just past Val Vista in the Civic Plaza. Chuck E. Cheese may be cheaper. You could rent a water slide and have it at the park, look into the city pools. Tempe town lake has that splash park, it may not be too bad if you have it in the evening. I mean it will still be hot but you won't get sunburned. Good luck.

I would check into places like Bounce U. There is one in Mesa off of McDowell and Greenfield. My friend and I took our two 5 years olds and her 2 year old there the other day. It's an inside bounce place with two rooms full of blow up bounce houses and slides. For a one year old I think it would be convinient. The realy nice thing is that you reserve it for a birthday and no one else is allowed in at that time. I plan on taking my nephew who is just over one next week during open bounce.

I don't know where you live but here are some ideas on my side of town. There is Tempe Beach Park, that has a huge, free, public splash park. While some of it is for older kids there is a decent amount of area dedicated to small toddlers. The shady spots go fast though for sitting so you might consider staking it out early or bringing some shade umbrellas.

Then there is Desert Breeze Park in Chandler. As well as another smaller small child friendly splash park there is a playground, ducks, a train ride, and big grassy fields for the older kids to play ball etc. There is lots of shady seating and something for just about everyone to do.

Also look into the many East Valley Rec. Centers. Most have toddler friendly pools complete with splash parks. Then even the grown-ups can get in on the fun. Make sure and let parents know to bring their suits too! It might have been a long time since they were allowed to take part in a pool party.
Or you could see about discounted rates on a pool safety lesson for toddlers, most of which have free swim sessions afterward so everyond could learn something life saving, play afterward and then eat cake when everyone gets out.

Either way have a happy and safe birthday party!

How about amazing jakes?

Last year, a friend of mine had a birthday party at Chandler Municipal Pool. They have a splash pad and a kiddie pool that is only about 1 foot deep... in addition to the regular pool. Life guards were there, and my friend and her husband just brought soda, pizza and cake.

I've also heard that that AZ Museum for Youth does parties... I guess it depends on how old the friends are...

We just went to a place called Jeepers. It's an indoor amusement park that's on Alma School and Guadalupe (NW corner). My kids had a blast. They have birthday packages too. www.funindoor.com/amusement/index.html. Also, there's a computer place (for kids) that we went to that my 3 and 5 year old enjoyed. Your one year old wouldn't get it, but if he has older friends, they would have fun. It's called Imagine Tomorrow. (www.imaginetomorrow.com). Good luck planning!

our favorite was getting washable paint, plates, large boxes and paint. Each child painted their box and then we all put them together, each kid sat in it and ate cake. When all done the kid could take home the box and brush. Parents painted two extra large ones. (pre cut holes for windows and leave one end open. break down for travel

My friend just had her 2 year olds party at a splash park. the kids had a blast! it was way cooler near the water and you don't have to plan party games. chandler has several and there is a really big one in tempe town lake park. Also plan ahead and rent an armada or take a tent of your own to set up. good luck! :)

Honestly, at that age I'd keep it super small with just a few of your close friends or family.
I really think once you start the big birthday parties, it is expected to get bigger every year.
That is what happened with us, we just thew at home parties and made the food, and every
year they'd want to invite more friends. I think simple is best. At one they really aren't going to remember the birthday at this point it is often for the family/friends/parents.

Have fun whatever you decide.

K. =)

Try Makutu's Island! (Hope I spelled it right...) It's basically a giant playground - no arcade games or coupons (which I personally LOVE- you don't have to deal with kids being upset that someone got more or they couldn't get the prize they wanted etc.). They have lots of room and places to run & climb, and an area designed especially for littler folk like your birthday boy. There's also a snack bar/cafe place where you can buy pizza or burgers etc. I believe (but not positive) that they offer birthday packages. They are in Chandler. You can check them out here: http://www.makutusisland.com/

Good Luck!

Stapely pool is wonderful. It has a gym type play area as well as a huge wade in pool! My girls love it there. I would also recommend keeping in mind that the first birthday is usually more for the parents then the child. As long as they are with you they really aren't bothered where they are or who else is there! I hope this helps.

A Little about me:
Married to a wonderful man for 10 years with two beautiful girls 6 and 4yrs old.

Tempe Town Lake Splash Pad-they have ramadas that you can rent and the kids can play in the water and you won't have to worry about water depth.

An indoor bounce place? We went to one for my nephew's fourth birthday and my kids were two and 7 months old at the time. Even though my younger one was only crawling, she loved it. They had their own private bounce room, a separate party room for pizza and cake and I don't think it was too expensive.

Rollie Pollies on Warner/McQueen This is an indoor children's gym and they also blow up a bouncer/slide for your party. We went to a private party there and I think that it would definitely be suitable for a one year old and probably children as old as ten.