I’m in birthday party hell. Yes, that’s right. My daughter is turning two years old in a couple of months, and for the past couple of weeks I’ve been tearing my hair out trying to figure out what in the world we are going to do for her birthday. Some of you are probably laughing. Why all the stress for a 2-year-old’s birthday? Didn’t I always say I wasn’t going to be that mother?
The real reason: because I don’t want 10 2-year-olds in my house. I will do anything to have this party off site, anything my friend. So if that means I have to fork over a little cash, I’ll do it. The problem is where? I think I’ve explored almost every birthday party option in Champaign-Urbana and ruled them out for one reason or another.
Orpheum Children’s Museum? Just went to a party there. Don’t want to be a copy-cat (wink). YMCA tumbling? Can’t do it on the day I want. The Little Gym? A little overpriced and the timing isn’t good with Peanut’s nap; last resort. Champaign or Urbana Park Districts? Don’t offer birthday parties for children that young. Ants in Their Pants? Dude, I think I can buy my own cake.
If Peanut’s birthday wasn’t at such an unpredictable weather time of the year, this birthday party thing would be a piece of cake. Maybe we can pretend that she was born in say, July. Where is Chuck E. Cheese when you need him?
17 responses so far ↓
gamera // January 28, 2008 at 12:38 am
Here’s some of the stuff we’ve done over the years:
(1) Rented a room from Park District and played duck, duck, goose, balloon races, and other games; pinata; snacks; cake; etc…. Even though they don’t run birthdays for kids that young, you could still rent the room.
(2) Bumper bowling
(3) Michael’s does birthday parties—you pick the craft. The nephew did paint-your-own t-shirts, but you can pick other stuff.
(4) Skateland does birthday parties (peanut is a bit young, but you’ve got lots more in the future.)
(5) We did a Monical’s birthday one year—pizza, pop, we brought a cake, and we played games. We did it in the middle of the day—not during a busy shift—and our games weren’t super complex. We gave prizes of candy and silly hats and funny glasses. Eventually the kids made up their own games with their new toys.
(6) McDonald’s Playland—yah, it’s gross and all but kids love it…happy meals, ice cream, cake and then they run around screaming like banshees on the play equipment for 20 minutes. Super fun.
That’s all I can think of off the top of my head. There’s more obviously (he’s going to be 9 soon) but I can’t remember them. I think we did a BBQ in the park one year—the weather wasn’t much better than it is now….
Rayne of Terror // January 28, 2008 at 6:44 am
I hear you. I wanted a party this year, but not at my house. 2 year olds are hard because their not quite old enough for a lot of kid themed places. Even Henry’s birthday party last weekend might have been better saved or 4 or 5 years old.
Leeanthro // January 28, 2008 at 7:01 am
What about the Savoy Rec Center? Anita Pervis (Urbana Park District)?
Not sure if either of them do anything.
If people are willing to travel, how about the kids’ museum in Decatur? Bloomington?
Michael’s is a good idea.
You’re talking to someone who plans months in advance! I already have a theme for the baby’s 1st b-day!
We have May and July kids b-days so we always do a cookout in the backyard.
Ms. Maladjusted // January 28, 2008 at 10:05 am
Two years is too young, but keep the indoor water park on your radar as the age increases. Relatively inexpensive, they occupy themselves and are tired when they are done. Everyone is a winner.
Jenna // January 28, 2008 at 12:09 pm
I say skip the party all together. 2’s don’t care about the party. We didn’t even send treats to school for the 2yo he didn’t understand it was his birthday anyways.
Have a simple playdate with 1 or 2 kids (and have cupcakes or something). Or a family party. We have a friend whose bday in the winter but we celebrate her half bday in the summer instead…outside!
Kids birthday parties really should celebrate the parents who have made it through another year!
Donita // January 28, 2008 at 1:58 pm
I’m with Jenna, no need to needlessly stress out. I just had a small family get together for my 2 yr old last yr.
Lindsay // January 28, 2008 at 2:51 pm
I agree that 2 seems too young to coordinate anything revolving around an activity or event given fluctuating naptimes, mealtimes, and temprements. But I’m totally with you on the desire to have the 2nd birthday party somewhere other than your house (our son’s first birthday left my house in shambles, and my son dazed and confused). If you just want to host a get together outside of your house, what about the Boat House at Crystal Lake Park?
My son is turning 2 on 4/27, but I am expecting #2 on 4/20 so I’m really going to have to having go against my planning nature and decide on some sort of informal casual get together depending on the new baby’s arrival date.
Good luck with the planning!
Leeanthro // January 28, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Oh yeah, we’re still doing family get togethers. We recently went to our first friend birthday party (for a 4yo). I think you are only supposed to invite the number of friends that equals the child’s age (a 5yo gets to invite 5 friends).
Let us know what you decide on!
Mr. Chicken // January 28, 2008 at 8:10 pm
You can totally pretend that Peanut’s birthday is in July. My parents moved my birthday around all the time. For example, Super Bowl XIV coincided with my seventh birthday. Did my parents think to cancel their Super Bowl party? No way! Even though we didn’t know anyone who cheered for the Rams and everyone absolutely hated the Steelers (we’re Browns fans), that party for my parents and their adult friends had to go on. My birthday could be moved to any old day. Like me, Peanut won’t mind. She won’t be bitter about it or constantly bring it up over the next 28 years or so.
Griggs505 // January 29, 2008 at 11:15 am
I have two boys–now ages 2 and 5–and for both of them, we skipped the 2-year party, or at least, we didn’t do anything with children for that year but just had a family party instead and made a fuss over whichever kid was turning 2. We are lucky, though, in that the birthdays are in April and July, so at least the weather is good. Now, for the older son’s 3-year party, we went all out an had a safari-themed party complete with a giant inflatable monkey, safari hats, “binoculars” and a treasure hunt–all at our home, which is not very kid friendly. It was total chaos! I guess I’d better start planning the little one’s 3-year party now….
lbotp // January 29, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Well, not having a party is just not an option for us. Thanks for all the suggestions — I’m down to three options, none of them are perfect but none of them are at my house either!
Griggs — that safari theme is really creative and fun.
Mr. Chicken — I know a good therapist for you ;-).
Lindsay — Wow! Sounds like you will be busy. Your son and my daughter are about exactly a month apart. Unfortunately the Lake House won’t be open yet.
Erin // January 31, 2008 at 9:18 am
Jupiter’s at the Crossing?
veganlinda // January 31, 2008 at 11:49 am
You’ve been to the FCC indoor park? A friend had a birthday party there and loved it. I’m thinking about hosting there for my 8 year old since he has over 30 kids on his list and last year we had them all in the house and…well, I need to find a place. Anyway, they just took a cake and stuff and didn’t have to pay anything and the kids had a great time at FCC. It wasn’t closed to the public, but most places are still open to the public. Also, we had a great time at a party at Curtis Orchard.
lbotp // January 31, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Yeah, Jupiter’s is at the top of my list. FCC is an interesting choice, although we would like to do it on a weekend and I don’t think they are open on Saturdays.
Juney // February 17, 2008 at 10:00 am
When Mine were really little , they thought the preschool/daycare party was awesome, and we took pictures, so they always see they had a party.
I think a good place not mentioned here yet is The Planetarium( for older of course)… I dread the whole idea cuz of the cost,.. some gymnastics places did fun parties, the poolhouses at the condos in the area… indoor pools at hotels, and you get a room for everyone to change… that is probably a great idea for certain ages… the Zoo or kids museum in Decatur, yeah people drive out of town for kids parties….
Good luck let us know how it goes. I have 3 bigger kids in their 20s and 2 lil girls 6 and 8. It sure is different now… my bigger kids, we just had everyone over at the house and did party games. like musical chairs, pin the tail on the donkey, kids nowadays are so demanding, loud and wild that I can;t see doing that unless its all in the yard or park. Good luck with your little one.
Juney // February 17, 2008 at 10:03 am
sorry to post again, but please , where is this FCC indoor park exactly and what is it?
thanks!!!
lbotp // February 17, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Juney — welcome to lbotp. I did a post a while back about FCC: http://lbotp.wordpress.com/2007/09/27/under-the-weather/
I called there and found out you can rent it out on a Saturday morning from 10-12 — they have a form to fill out on their website to reserve space.
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