Celebrating your kids’ milestones is one of the best parts of being a parent. While backyard birthday parties are awesome, sometimes it’s nice to allow someone else to do the hosting – and maybe some of the planning and cooking too! Below you’ll find a roundup of a few fabulous Indianapolis Birthday Party spots.
Sweet celebration
If refreshments are a top priority, have your child’s party at a place where food is the focus. At Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt (www.menchies.com) in Glendale Town Center, dairy lovers can choose from three different 90-minute party packages. All include a 10 ounce cup of yogurt with toppings, decorations, activities, goodie bags and a “mixologist” party host, which means parents need not do much other than relax and enjoy a tasty yogurt treat. Birthday traditionalists can add a cake or cupcakes to the package for an additional fee, but there’s nothing wrong with blowing out a candle stuck into a cup of yogurt!
Active affair
Would you rather see young party guests moving than sitting? Consider My Gym in Fishers (www.mygym.com), a fitness facility offering programs for children ages six weeks to 13 years. Their website promises “nonstop action-packed activities, games, puppets, songs and more,” making this venue a perfect option for busy toddlers and preschoolers. The basic or “Grand Celebration” package includes a 90-minute private party for up to 12 guests, facilitated by two “Party Specialists.” If you’re looking for something active for older athletes, try Climb Time Indy (www.sharpsgym.com) opens its doors for gymnastics parties for kids preschool age and up.
Blast from the past
Conner Prairie Interactive History Park (www.connerprairie.org) welcomes birthday boys and girls year-round at its outdoor picnic pavilion and indoor party room. In addition to facility rental, birthday packages include park admission for up to 20 guests. Who needs Pin the Tail on the Donkey when you can watch pottery and horseshoes being made in 1836 Prairietown (on season) or milk a pretend cow and play an old-fashioned game of basketball in Discovery Station (off season)? For additional themed fun, encourage guests to wear purchased or homemade period costumes.
Arty party
If your kiddo is the creative type, consider celebrating his birthday with art. Myart (www.myartindy.com) hosts parties at its Zionsville, Noblesville, Carmel and Fishers studios. Kids ages four and up can enjoy a 90-minute drawing party, while kids ages six and up get a two hour painting party. Guests will be entertained by an art lesson, and you can skip goodie bags since each child leaves with his own masterpiece. Unlike some other venues, Myart allows parents to bring in any decorations and birthday treats desired for the party, so bring on the palette-shaped cake and rainbow balloon bouquet!
Choose-your-own adventure
If you like the idea of outsourcing some party-planning responsibilities but still want options, have your event at the Monon Community Center (Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation has teamed up with Oogles n Googles of Indianapolis (www.ooglesngoogles.com) to offer all-inclusive themed birthday parties. The birthday boy or girl can choose from more than 15 themes like “Dinosaur Hunt,” “Pom Pom Princess,” and “Hurry, Hurry Ride the Fire Truck.” If you’d rather party closer to downtown, the Indianapolis Children’s Museum (www.childrensmuseum.org) offers a similar list of themed parties that correspond to its exhibits.
Didn’t find your perfect party on our list? There are also pool parties, zoo parties, putt-putt parties, bowling parties . . . the possibilities are endless! At the end of the day, as long as you’ve got some good friends, family and a delicious birthday treat or two, your child’s celebration is practically guaranteed to be a success.
