We've done the birthday package at AG twice. Expensive, but the girls loved it. It works a lot better on a weekday lunch (summer time) than a weekend. The restaurant gets overwhelmed on weekends and service is extremely slow, making it tough with young kids. Unless you have a private room, your subject to the same (lack of) service.

Vienna Singing Princesses will send people to your location and do party activities. I've been to a few with them. They even send super heroes if it's a boy/girl party. The ones I've been to have been at community rooms - at libraries, govt buildings, community center, rec centers, etc. In Fairfax, some room rentals are free to residents and others charge a small fee. Check out what's available near you.

We just did a princess party at home. Encouraged drop off (all parents did), decorate princess wands, "treasure hunt" for gems (colored glass stones) in the playroom, color princess masks ($1 or so at Michael's). Add in cupcakes and snack, playing with toys, reading a story, it made for an easy party that kept the girls busy. I actually found it easier to be at home with a small group. It helps that through the birthday party circuit at our daycare/preschool, I know all of the parents of the girls that were invited. I found it easier to have at home b/c no schlepping was required.

NP here. I'm also thinking about an American Girl party. Any experiences there for a group of 5 and 6 year olds?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Once Upon a Dream in Vienna. We did our daughter's party there last year and it was great. They set up everything for you and your party gets the whole space.

This would be great as it's close and looks like a nice space. Is it age-appropriate for a 5-year old? Some of the reviews I've read make it sound better for younger kids.

PP here who did a party there. I think 5 is fine. There is a room for littler kids, but the kids at our party just didn't go in there. There's a rock climbing wall and a grocery store set up and other stuff for older kids. Also an air hockey table. And the stuff like the pirate ship and castle I think are fun for everyone. We had kids as old as 8 (siblings of friends) at the party and they seemed to have a good time.

We went to an age 4 party with T with Mrs B. It was fantastic and I’d highly recommend it for a small group (<15). My daughter loved the dress ups and fancy tea party. She wS reluctant to try some things (ie fairy dust) and Mrs B had a great, non-confrontational way.

Anonymous wrote:Once Upon a Dream in Vienna. We did our daughter's party there last year and it was great. They set up everything for you and your party gets the whole space.

This would be great as it's close and looks like a nice space. Is it age-appropriate for a 5-year old? Some of the reviews I've read make it sound better for younger kids.

We live backing onto a large park, and I’ve seen a few princess parties there. The one we saw a lot of had lots of bubbles, a princess doing face painting, the guests running around with rhythic gymnastic ribbons, and a scavenger hunt.

Anonymous wrote:Once Upon a Dream in Vienna. We did our daughter's party there last year and it was great. They set up everything for you and your party gets the whole space.

I was about to suggest this. We haven't done it but it looks nice.

DD has a big guest list so we're going to Pump it Up.

Once Upon a Dream in Vienna. We did our daughter's party there last year and it was great. They set up everything for you and your party gets the whole space.

I did do princesses at my house for my daughter's 4th bday. I thought it worked well.

I've also seen people do princesses at a frozen yogurt place and at a FCPA nature center and a neighborhood community center.

I know there are a million birthday party questions but I haven't found a recent one for suggestions for an almost five year old girl in Northern VA (we're in McLean). DD wants a party at home with a princess, but DH is opposed to hosting at our house. Any suggestions for a spot to host a birthday party for a girly girl? She's interested in American Girl but it seems like those parties are basically just lunch, which they seem a little young for. We've also considered Tea with Mrs. B but haven't seen many reviews.