Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I loved my son's birthday party for age 4: swim and pizza party at a community center (February birthday). Along with the pizza I had other nice food. The party room was large and roomy and there was plenty of space. Swimming for one hour then party room for one hour.

I'm going to down vote this one! I don't want to put on a bathing suit and get in the pool at your 4 year old's bday party. Which is what I'd have to do since my 4 year old can't swim. Of course I'd just decline the invite, but still.

Another down vote! I hate indoor pool parties. Seriously, no one wants to swim in February, not the parents and not the kids.

THIS THIS THIS.

Best party is at a local park/playground. Reserve a pavaillion that has picnic tables and a grill. Grill out, let the kids play on the playground, bring some balls, bubbles and balloons. You could also do a piñata. Low key, cheap, and fun

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I loved my son's birthday party for age 4: swim and pizza party at a community center (February birthday). Along with the pizza I had other nice food. The party room was large and roomy and there was plenty of space. Swimming for one hour then party room for one hour.

I'm going to down vote this one! I don't want to put on a bathing suit and get in the pool at your 4 year old's bday party. Which is what I'd have to do since my 4 year old can't swim. Of course I'd just decline the invite, but still.

Another down vote! I hate indoor pool parties. Seriously, no one wants to swim in February, not the parents and not the kids.

Pump It Up, Badlands, and Clark's Elioak Farm. Badlands is very pricey and Clarks is very cheap, but my kids are equally happy to go to a party at either place.

Been to several at Badlands this past year and have been impressed - they do a good job there.

We did a party at the local fire station. The kids still talk about it!

Anonymous wrote:I loved my son's birthday party for age 4: swim and pizza party at a community center (February birthday). Along with the pizza I had other nice food. The party room was large and roomy and there was plenty of space. Swimming for one hour then party room for one hour.

I'm going to down vote this one! I don't want to put on a bathing suit and get in the pool at your 4 year old's bday party. Which is what I'd have to do since my 4 year old can't swim. Of course I'd just decline the invite, but still.

Not Chuck E Cheese, please

Best means different things to different people!

I went to 3 year old b-day parties back to back last year.

One of them was very choreographed. The kids were "penned in" to an out door area for a longer music session. Then everyone was brought down to do cake. Then finally the children were allowed into the bounce house that they'd been staring at since they arrived

The other party was just at a park a lot of green space with some beach balls, soccer balls, and a couple activities that were more "do as you please".

I personally enjoyed the more relaxed party better, but it was definitely a less impressive party.

I loved my son's birthday party for age 4: swim and pizza party at a community center (February birthday). Along with the pizza I had other nice food. The party room was large and roomy and there was plenty of space. Swimming for one hour then party room for one hour.

We went to a party at MyGym, which IME is the best of the indoor gym parties.

Otherwise, anywhere the kids can run around and play. Less is more at this age.

MyGym was the best younger "coordinated" party where they led the kids through a lot of activities and it was very well done with good staff. That would be a good option.

Center Ring circus school was the best elementary school kid party, but I think they may have closed.

Climbzone was also good. Launch trampoline park was fun, but no feeling that you were at a party per say. Kids did their own thing other than cake.

Puppet Co in Glen Echo, College Park Aviation museum, and the area nature centers all have bday party options.

Anything that wears my kids out: jump places or gymnastics places are the best.

Cars 3 theme. Party favors were a Cars Car attached to a helium balloon. A musical group and a Bubble Lady. Great food for kids and parents. A photographer.

What's the best kids bday party you have been to? My DS is turning three and we are weighing options, but I'm generally interested in which parties have been hits with kids and/or parents for the under 5 set.