3yr old bday party - not at our home

[Anonymous]

I am due w/our 2nd child only 2 weeks after my DS turns 3 years old ... so to make it easy on myself I would like to do DS' bday party offsite somewhere.

I was thinking Jonah's playhouse but havent checked it out yet. Any reviews for this or other venues? I want to do very little work and just show up - and in the event baby #2 comes early, easy enough that even Grandma can take our DS to his bday party... TIA

[Anonymous]

We went to a 3 year old's birthday at JW Tumbles. It was great. Tons of energy expended and they also had pizza, cake and ice cream. There was a cool bubble machine and they played dance music that the kiddos loved! They also tried to set up some relay races and other circle time activities but that was more like herding cats. The kids basically just wanted to run around, jump, and be crazy. We went to the one in Rockville. http://www.jwtumbles.com/

[Anonymous]

We just had a 3 year old birthday party at the Little Gym in Olney, Maryland. Far from NWDC but same idea as Jonah's Treehouse. We did nothing, just showed up with a cake and money to pay the Domino's guy. It was terrific. I think the kids loved it, they have a 20 kid max. No clean up, they even put the presents in the car. Good luck!!

[Anonymous]

We went to a 4yo birthday at Jonah's Tree House last year and enjoyed it. We got there late but I was impressed with the facility. I think it's on the pricier side. We've also been to parties at Silver Stars gymnastics in Silver Spring - the place itself is vaguely dingey (it's a real working gymnastics place in addition to having awesome kiddo facilities) but it was a fun party. Frankly even Chuckie Cheese's was great considering our kid had never been before. They're all good.

I think for both the party hosts didn't have to do much in terms of prep or clean up if at all. We've done parties at the house and at the community center which is a horrific amount of work and stress. For my son's next party we'll have a newborn and I'm trying to book the zoo as early as possible to minimize the drama/work. The zoo might be a little old for 3yo though.

[Anonymous]

From what I've heard, Silver Stars gymnastics is the easiest thing around. They even provide the pizza! YOu show up, the kids jump around and then they eat. You provide the cake, nothing else.

I actually think it's quite nice facilities (as opposed to PP) but I guess it can't compete with a sparkly new Gymboree. They have great equipment for 3 yos and the instructors know their stuff. They do book up early, so you should call now if it sounds at all appealing.