Kids Birthday Party Ideas

chicagolaw

Hi all. I am trying to plan a 2nd birthday party and am looking for ideas on places to have it.  I have thought of a few and priced them, but still not convinced by them.  Any suggestions?  City or suburbs is fine. 

giapez80

Gymboree! I have taught Gymboree since I was 17, and birthday parties are always so much fun.  There is a gymboree play and music in the city, and one in Orland Hills.  Anyways, gymboree is a parent-child interaction program, so the kids will have to have at least one parent with them.  The kids are always exhausted at the end of the party, and most don't want to leave!  Gymboree has 44 pieces of interchangeable equipment, that kids can climb on and off.  Everything gymboree does has a purpose, (play with a purpose) and the kids never know they are learning...they work on tactile awareness, spatial awareness, listening skills, inner ear stimulation (which leads to better balance), etc.  They offer several different packages for birthdays, and have themes also.  I suggest the Gymboree in Orland Hills, because I know the staff is amazing (yes, I work there), always clean, and the manager is awesome.  She has been involved in Gymboree for as long as I can remember (at least 1987) so she knows her stuff!  

wbl

If you're in the city, I'd check out Bubbles Academy and Pump It Up - they both have private party availability.  If you're looking for a little smaller space, maybe try My Corner Playroom. 

And Bubbles is similar to Gymboree but about 1/100 of the price LOL

 

LAS710

We did our DD's birthday party at My Gym in Wheaton, but they have locations all over.  It was great and just the right length and level of activity for little ones.  I think it cost about $300 and we were able to bring in our own cake, drinks, etc.

We recently went to a party at Pump It Up and while it was fun for her, the inflatables were geared to kids that were a bit older than 2 years old.  My husband had to go on everything with her -- he was exhausted by the end of the party (I was 9 months pregnant and got to sit on the sidelines). 

The Balloon Academy piqued my interest, but the Website says Bday parties are $750!  That's a lot more than Gymboree and My Gym.

 

In Downers Grove there are also a couple of train-themed diners that are popular bday places -- The All Aboard Diner, www.allaboarddiner.com and 2 Toots Cafe, www.2toots.com.  I haven't been but have heard good things.