If you have a small group (like under 10 kids) of preschoolers (like 6 and under), you can take them to Chick-Fil-A, order a large platter of nuggets and sides have them go and play in the indoor play area, then come back and do cake/cupcakes before sending everyone on their way. When my kids were younger, we went to two parties like this on a Saturday morning, like 11:00 AM and were done by 1:00 PM. When the party is done, anyone whose kid wants to stay and the parents are willing to stay and chaperone, can stay. Birthday family can collect up stuff and go home.

I recently saw pics of a space theme party on a neighborhood facebook group.

They used craft supplies to turn a picnic tent into a space shuttle, ordered bunch of cheap astronaut costumes from Amazon and cake was cute too. However, they only had like 9-10 kids, it can cost more if you are inviting everyone in kid's class. To be fair, its more manageable for parents and fun for the child.

Anonymous wrote:In ite no more than six kids to your home. Play a couple of games, Ice cream and cake. Open presents
Say thank you and goodbye. Simple, inexpensive, over and done with and you still have your sanity. Please note that I did not mention goodie bags because it is time for all kids and their parents to understand that only the birthday child gets presents.

It is also insane to spend more than $300 on a child's birthday party.

Agreed!

We've rented space from one of the Arlington rec centers as well as the gym at my kids preschool. Then we rented a moonbounce from the Arlington TEAM program (I think that's what it's called). It employs teens who set it up and monitor it during the party. I also paid an artistic babysitter to do face painting. Arlington pools are also a good choice. They come with a party room where you can have cake and other food. Long Bridge pool would be fun if the kids don't need as much monitoring.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about a scavenger hunt at the Natural History Museum downtown, followed up with cupcakes and hot chocolate outdoors on the Mall?

It's too cold for eating on the Mall.

No it's not, kids need outdoor time, but that's a party plan for 4-6 kids (two groups of 2-3) with at least another adult supervising, two more adults of you go at a crowded time.

34 degrees today and that is too cold for an outside party! I would not let my child attend if this was the plan.

Really? Are you one of them parents advocating for more indoor recess?

Anonymous wrote:Dinosaur party at home. Amazon has lots of decor items and craft activities. Keep it simple.

We did an indoor dino party for my then-5-year-old. So easy! There is scads of dino stuff. We got stuff like this:

https://www.orientaltrading.com/dig-and-discover-excavation-dinosaur-heads-12-pc--a2-13940313.fltr?keyword=dinosaur&searchTarget=search
https://www.orientaltrading.com/diy-dinosaur-sticker-scenes-12-pc--a2-57_6294.fltr?keyword=dinosaur%20sticker&searchTarget=product
https://www.orientaltrading.com/dinosaur-crafting-party-supplies-a2-14353120.fltr?keyword=dinosaur&filter=Craft--Hobby-Supplies&searchTarget=search

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Homemade cupcakes, individual bags of pirates bootie, capri suns. 1.5 hours in your house. Buy bubbles and glow sticks and host a rave style dance party 😁 cut down the guest list and enjoy.

Best idea yet.

+2

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about a scavenger hunt at the Natural History Museum downtown, followed up with cupcakes and hot chocolate outdoors on the Mall?

It's too cold for eating on the Mall.

No it's not, kids need outdoor time, but that's a party plan for 4-6 kids (two groups of 2-3) with at least another adult supervising, two more adults of you go at a crowded time.

34 degrees today and that is too cold for an outside party! I would not let my child attend if this was the plan.

Anonymous wrote:What about a scavenger hunt at the Natural History Museum downtown, followed up with cupcakes and hot chocolate outdoors on the Mall?

Nobody wants to eat cupcakes on the mall when it’s freezing

Dinosaur party at home. Amazon has lots of decor items and craft activities. Keep it simple.

Pajama, pancake, dance party. Kids come to your house in their pajamas. You have kid music, and have a dance party - freeze dance works well for the pre-schoolers.

Pre-make pancakes before the kids arrive, keep warm in the oven (blueberry pancakes, banana pancakes, plain, and chocolate chip pancakes). Then, more dancing! Eventually, cake or maybe a pudding/dirt dessert, then everyone goes home.

Party is 9-11, so two hours, and costs little to nothing

Anonymous wrote:You can rent a room at a rec center very inexpensively. You have to book far in advance because the rooms go quickly. Find one next to a great playground and have the kids outdoors playing, in for a game, craft, and/or piñata, then pizza and cake.

+1

Chinquapin Rec center is a great one if you are close to Alexandria.

Otherwise just do it on a regular playground. Kids can bundle up and do cupcakes and juice boxes.

In ite no more than six kids to your home. Play a couple of games, Ice cream and cake. Open presents
Say thank you and goodbye. Simple, inexpensive, over and done with and you still have your sanity. Please note that I did not mention goodie bags because it is time for all kids and their parents to understand that only the birthday child gets presents.

It is also insane to spend more than $300 on a child's birthday party.

We have a December birthday. Things that have worked which haven't been too pricey or free:

- Bumper bowling (we had a local rink that was fairly cheap for a small party. 3 year olds bowling for 30 minutes basically tires them out).
-Indoor pool rental at our kids swim school. It was $200ish I think. No food or drink so we just gave gift bags and cupcakes at the end as people walked out.
-Had friends over at our house and did arts and crafts and games.
-During covid we did a small park birthday where we lit a fire in the BBQ pit and made s'mores and roasted marshmellows. I brought hot chocolate in a big thermos and the kids played a bit then would come to the fire to warm up.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about a scavenger hunt at the Natural History Museum downtown, followed up with cupcakes and hot chocolate outdoors on the Mall?

It's too cold for eating on the Mall.

No it's not, kids need outdoor time, but that's a party plan for 4-6 kids (two groups of 2-3) with at least another adult supervising, two more adults of you go at a crowded time.