Pittsburgh Nesties
egpitt22
member
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birthday party locations-north/city area
Jake's birthday isn't until January, but I know time is going to slip away from me once November hits, so I'd at least like to get some ideas of places to hold it so that one thing is out of the way before the holidays.
We had it at Wildwood Highlands last year, which worked out well. Other suggestions for either structured places like that, or places where you can rent a space and bring your own stuff?
And the follow up question-am I crazy to consider having it in my own house? 
He has already put in a request for a Batman theme, and I found so many cute ideas on pinterest, so I'm very tempted.....
Re: birthday party locations-north/city area
We haven't been to parties at any of these places, but some indoor places that come to mind are:
Jump Zone (Allison Park)
Bounce U (Warrendale)
My Lil Play Place (Wexford)
You can also rent the house at Evergreen Community Park near you - my co-worker had her son's 1st b-day party there and it was nice. It was summer, so we could go outside, but it's still a nice space if you only stayed indoors - plenty of space to set up games and things. (they have a kitchen,etc.)
How time flies! Caileigh (9), Keira (6) & Eamon (3)
How time flies! Caileigh (9), Keira (6) & Eamon (3)
I was going to recommend bowling too!
Also, Clayful Dragon up on 19 over by the Adzema Pharmacy and the DA's office has a party room in the back. I believe you can bring your own food and decorate. The owners are VERY nice (have kids themselves). They even have a tv in that room - you could play Batman movies/cartoons in the background and you could ask them if they have Batman pieces (like banks or figurines) for the kids to choose from to paint, if they want. (That could also double as their party favor!)
Hmmm.... I can't think of anywhere else.There used to be a place in Nothway Mall, but I think they closed. Oh, there is also a roller skating rink over on Rte 8 somewhere (closer down towards Shaler, I think)? Though 5 might be too young for that endeavor!!
My three sons!
I thought about bowling (the packages at the place on Perry Hwy are very affordable) but I wasn't really sure about the attention span of that for 4-5 year olds, I thought maybe that would be a better idea for next year when the kids would be older.
Clare-I've never heard from Clayful Dragon, off to google their site!
The bouncy places are nice, and I know the kids have a good time, but ugh to the cost! It just pains me to fork over that much AND have to pay for food on top of it. I guess I was spoiled at Wildwood Highlands last year, it was cheaper than most of the bouncy house packages and included food in that cost.
Jake - 1.15.08
Liam - 5.17.11
Emmy, you're right at the cost of these bouncy places. We looked into it this past year for Gavin but I hated the thought as well (plus it seems that every other kid was having theirs at one of those places). That's why we went with bowling this year! The first hour of bowling was fun for the kids but after that - yup, they lost some interest.
Luckily, where we went, we had the place to ourselves so the kids could run around while we waited ont he food to be delivered. Once the food came and we did that, cake and then presents, the time passed pretty quickly. A few kids/parents stuck around after to take advantage of free bowling, others left. It didn't matter to us!
There is something to be said about not having to clean up your house before and after a party, though! But, you guys seems to be pros at house parties, so that probably doesn't faze you!
My three sons!
Clare-if you're looking for a place in the future, I'd check out Wildwood Highlands. The packages included food and they have a huge arcade, plus you get one attraction per kid (since Jake was only 4, we just did the indoor play area as the attraction---ball pits, climbing tubes, etc...) But they have a lot of outdoor stuff and laser tag for older kids. I think it was around $12/kid, that included the activities, a party leader, a private room, food, drinks, and a favor bag.
I don't mind having parties at my house, but the idea of entertaining a dozen or so 4-5 year olds is a bit intimidating to me....I've seen these kids at other parties when they get all charged up in someone's house, now I just need to figure out if I can handle having them in my own place!
Jake - 1.15.08
Liam - 5.17.11
Thanks for that info! We tend to only do bday parties for "bigger" bdays (1, 5...) but with us being 8 weeks into school and Gavin already invited to five, 6-yr old bday parties so far, I'm not sure if we can get away without something. I thought having him invite a few friends to laser tag (there's a place on McKnight Rd in McCandless that has been around FOREVER and, from what I remember from my Chamber of Commerce days, the owner was super nice). I didn't realize Wildwood Highlands offered Laser Tag as well - thanks for that tip!!
And I agree - I see Gavin around his one friend - and, for only two of them, they are quite the wild bunch. "Charged up" is putting it mildly! Without being able to go outside, that's even harder. I won't envy you if you have it at the house! LOL
My three sons!
I know, the prices are redonk. We had Garrett's at Toys 2 Try last year - the price was comparable to most, and included food. I remember the Zoo's package not being too bad (included everything), but then it didn't cover nearly enough people, so by the time you added on extra people it was a bit much. I hate the options for winter birthdays!
A friend recently went to a b-day party at Jewart's gymnastics - I believe she said the prices were more reasonable than some of the bounce places, might be another option to look into!
I never thought of gymnastics places! (I should have, too, we were at a gymkhana bday party last year, it was in the s. hills, but I think there's one up north) I'll look into both of those, thanks!
Jake - 1.15.08
Liam - 5.17.11
Oh yeah - isn't Gymkhana over by the old Levin (now DFW Furniture) at the intersection of Truck 19 and the road that takes you over to Brandt School (drawing a blank)!
Good thinking Meghan - the Jewart family is super nice and I think they still have the climbing wall, too!
My three sons!
I just looked at that site--man, she puts my few ideas to shame.
Jake - 1.15.08
Liam - 5.17.11
Shaler Skateland/ romp and roll has reasonable prices and loads of fun for everyone
The girls go to Gymkhana - they haven't had a party there but the gymnastics place is nice & they have crazy inflatables for special gymnastic days so I bet they bring them out for birthdays. Also, Caileigh went to one at Jewarts and really liked it too - they also have a climbing wall but it may be too old for Jake's age?
How time flies! Caileigh (9), Keira (6) & Eamon (3)