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Inside Party Venues (First Birthday)

In the South Hills/Peters area? I thought we could do it in our townhome, but the list is hovering around 56ish right now. And while I know to expect some to not attend, most of those are DH's family members and they will make sure to attend (that's just what they do). So I'm beginning to consider back up options.

We have access to a neighborhood community center. I haven't seen it yet, but I'm told it's outdated and $200 to rent. That seems a bit much for a few hours. I need to call to find out if that is true though.

I looked up Peterswood Park and the pavillions are reasonable, but I think I'd like to keep this inside. The party will be October 12. 

Thanks to our wonderful RE our family is complete!
DS #1 10.12.12
DS #2 10.24.14

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Re: Inside Party Venues (First Birthday)

  • In October I would definitely make sure that you have an inside location in case it is a particularly cold and dreary fall day!  If you have a patio and a large living space, you may be OK at home as long as its not freezing or actively raining, but I would go somewhere else, too!  Then at least you won't have to clean before AND after everyone comes!

    I don't think $200 is crazy expensive for a hall rental.  Do you get to use the kitchen?  Do they do the hard core cleaning after you're gone?  (Bathrooms, empty trashes, etc.)   All of those things may be additional fees other places.   I would definitely call to confirm and see what is included.  Also, outdated may not be a deal breaker.  Some colorful table cloths and a bunch of helium balloons can make anything better.  

    I have no idea on prices, but here are some other ideas:

    Isn't there a house (the Girl Scout House maybe?) in South Park?  I think there are also some other semi-indoors locations.  Someone from the Knot was planning their wedding there years ago when I was planning mine....but that was a lot of years ago!

    Are you a member of a church?  Would they let you use their fellowship hall?  (We lend our hall to members without cost, but we do pass on the $100 for the cleaning crew to come in afterwards.  At least I think that's the way we do it.) 

    Are there any local fire halls?  Again, you'll likely have to pay some.  And some have restrictions on who you can have cater, what you can bring in?

    Are you having other kids?  What about a play place?  (Bounce houses, the lilyput place, etc.)  Those may increase the price, though.

    Good luck!  I love planning birthday parties!  What theme are you going with?


  • I'm not super familiar with the area, but what about a place like Trax Farms or Simmons Farm? 
  • imageMeghan&Rich:
    I'm not super familiar with the area, but what about a place like Trax Farms or Simmons Farm? 

    oh! that might be a good idea! we're right down the road from both of those! i noticed that trax has an inside space. it's not pretty, but like PP said, some table clothes and balloons might fix that.

    i'm not sure if the center here has cleaning. i suspect we would have to do that since it's just a community center in a neighborhood. i'll have to find out.

    i'm going to do milk & cookies in a red & aqua/turquoise color combo. :) 

    Thanks to our wonderful RE our family is complete!
    DS #1 10.12.12
    DS #2 10.24.14

    image
    image
  • We were at a party at Trax last year - we were in a large room, one side was our party, the other side was another party.  I don't really remember too many details about the room, but it definitely seemed nice enough.  It was also in October and was a lot of fun since they had a lot of their Fall festivities going on at the time.
  •  ETA: chrome won't upload the other 2 pictures of the DR and kitchen, but this is the LR (complete with the mess of an infant and the will be birthday boy). The DR is obviously smaller, but it is a decent size. The kitchen can fit a table for food. There is also a small deck that I imagine some guys can go hang out on. Any idea of an approximate for people? My mom thinks we can fit 30-40. I am terrible at judging anything.

     And thanks for the insight on Trax, that's not a bad idea!  

    Thanks to our wonderful RE our family is complete!
    DS #1 10.12.12
    DS #2 10.24.14

    image
    image
  • If you decide to have it at home, try open house style with guests arriving throughout, staggering the crowds. You can put the cake cutting time on the invite and encourage groups of guests to come before OR after. Could be a long day for your LO but that's usually the case anywhere. 

    Check into the community room at your local libraries, too.  

  • This is starting to get a little far away, but Gianna Via's (formerly Italian Oven) in Caste Village has a backroom that is supposed to be really nice.  One friend had a shower there, another did her daughter's 2nd birthday there.

    "The Little Gym" is in Donaldson's Crossroads.  Their site says they do parties: <<clicky>>  .  Probably not insanely appropriate for a party that may be mostly adults.

    The bowling alley at the Meadows?

    The Iceoplex @ Southpointe/Bladerunners in Bethel/Ice Castle in Mt. Lebanon?

    Burgh's in Bridgeville has a small room that can be rented, but I'm getting far away again.

  • imageInkedMegs:

    This is starting to get a little far away, but Gianna Via's (formerly Italian Oven) in Caste Village has a backroom that is supposed to be really nice.  One friend had a shower there, another did her daughter's 2nd birthday there.

    "The Little Gym" is in Donaldson's Crossroads.  Their site says they do parties: <<clicky>>  .  Probably not insanely appropriate for a party that may be mostly adults.

    The bowling alley at the Meadows?

    The Iceoplex @ Southpointe/Bladerunners in Bethel/Ice Castle in Mt. Lebanon?

    Burgh's in Bridgeville has a small room that can be rented, but I'm getting far away again.

    some of those are great ideas-we're just down from donaldsons crossroads. thanks!  

    Thanks to our wonderful RE our family is complete!
    DS #1 10.12.12
    DS #2 10.24.14

    image
    image
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