Birthday party locations

[Anonymous]

I could really use some ideas of where to hold my DD's 5th birthday party in early March. It has to be indoors due to the weather. She is VERY active so we did Climb Zone last year and My Gym the year before. Something like ceramics painting is not for her.

I've researched the following and eliminated either due to horrible online reviews or cost (e.g., above $600-700):
- Badlands (too bad but with food it would be VERY expensive)
- Kidville
- Pump it Up
- Launch
- Zava Zone
- Dynamite Gymnastics

DH doesn't want to do Skyzone since we haven't liked other kids' parties there, but I will if there are no other options. Help!

[Anonymous]

In your basement. Lots of activities down there. Pin the tail on the Donkey. Duck duck goose. Musical chairs.

Maximum 6 kids to keep it focused and organized. Pizza, ice cream cake. Open presents.

In and out in 1.5 hours.

[Anonymous]

^^
and cocktails for the parents!

[Anonymous]

What about BounceU? We have been to two parties there and thought the parties were run pretty well.

[Anonymous]

Unfortunately I don’t have a basement so doing it in my house is out. Plus we’re inviting the class so I’d like somewhere that has organized activities.

Bounce U is interesting. I had ruled it out due to the horrible online reviews. One comment was that it was a tight space / nowhere for the parents to sit and relax. Was that your experience?

[Anonymous]

We’ve hosted two parties at Dynamite and have been happy with it. Other fun party venues that my current 2nd grader attended this year or in 1st grade

Ice skating at the MedStar Capitals complex in Ballston
ZavaZone (my 5 yo loved this too)
Bach to Rock in McLean
Driving range at Haines Point

[Anonymous]

Also Pinstripes bowling in Gtown

[Anonymous]

Bowling? We did a great party at Lucky Strike at Montgomery Mall.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Unfortunately I don’t have a basement so doing it in my house is out. Plus we’re inviting the class so I’d like somewhere that has organized activities.

Bounce U is interesting. I had ruled it out due to the horrible online reviews. One comment was that it was a tight space / nowhere for the parents to sit and relax. Was that your experience?

New Poster - we had DC’s 4th birthday at Bounce U in Wheaton Mall and it worked out quite well. The place is not very large but they limit the number of walk-ins if it gets too busy. We found there was enough space for everyone and they provide a seating area just for the birthday guests. In a way the smaller location helped in that parents could stay in the seated area and still keep an eye on the kids. I think we had about 12-15 kids. Another benefit is they allow you to Bring your own food and with CostCo right there I ordered pizza and drinks from CostCo. Also bought a large tray of sandwich chicken wraps and fruit bowls from CostCo for parents. Kept the cost real low and everyone had a great time.

[Anonymous]

We had my 3 year olds party and have been to one other party at the bounce u on Gude Drive and it was good. The bathrooms are a little dingy and it was warm in the party room (aka where they did the cake and a dance party after the hour of bouncing) but it was well run and the workers were kind. There are a few surprises for the birthday child that really thrilled my DD. You can bring in your own cake but have to purchase other food. We also did Costco cake.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Unfortunately I don’t have a basement so doing it in my house is out. Plus we’re inviting the class so I’d like somewhere that has organized activities.

Bounce U is interesting. I had ruled it out due to the horrible online reviews. One comment was that it was a tight space / nowhere for the parents to sit and relax. Was that your experience?

I was the poster who suggested BounceU. Both parties were held at the Rockville location. No tight space at all. There was a long table for the kids and another for the parents if they want sit. Most parents prefer standing and some of us had to help the kids wit this and that (2.5-3 year olds).

I thought both parties were run well. One had more food than the other....

[Anonymous]

1) change your day - instead of prime Saturday time frame pick an evening Friday or holiday Monday.
2) try the agility center or urban evolution for aerial silks.

[Anonymous]

Try your local pizzeria. We had a bday party at baccio (just reserved the upstairs space for free) and it was awesome.
Also, had a great bday party doing duckpin bowling, and if your DD likes firetrucks, there are firehouses that rent out space. There's always chucky cheese!

[Anonymous]

It sounds like you live in Maryland?

[Anonymous]

Agility Center. It’s owned by Dynamite Gymnastics, but is an American Ninja Warrior style gym. Very fun. Also like Jumping Joeys in Arlington.