Spring is coming! Really, it is. With more sunshine and warmth, it is a time to celebrate and that’s especially true for those with birthdays. Here are some ideas for throwing a spring birthday bash your little one won’t forget.
Go for a swim
Make a big splash with a party at Timber Ridge Lodge at Grand Geneva Resort& Spa in Lake Geneva, Wis.
Birthday celebrants are made to feel special throughout their event, starting with an announcement of the birthday child’s name and age on the sign in the lobby at the check-in desk and getting to use a special birthday tube in the water park.
Parents have fun by hitting the water, too. “Parents can also enjoy the water park time since the lifeguards are so attentive and on their toes,” says Courtney Nobilio, director of marketing communications at Grand Geneva Resort& Spa. “They know their children are very safe.”
The indoor water park is open all year and the outdoor pools open on Memorial Day weekend.
The birthday package includes time at the water park, lunch and arcade tokens. “We can work with you to create the just-right arrangements for everyone on the guest list, and maybe even something special for your little guest of honor,” Nobilio says. Those special surprises can include the Moose Mountain Adventure package — karaoke, balloons, signs and even a mascot appearance.
Bounce around and play in a tree house
The kids might have spent the winter bouncing off the walls at home, but spring birthday parties at the Deerfield Park District can include fun in a bounce house or a chance to climb the indoor tree house at Jewett Park. It offers a wide variety of party options, with themes including hip-hop dance, indoor swimming, magic, ceramics, mad science and yoga.
“It’s really difficult to come up with something we don’t already have,” says Mark Woolums, Jewett Park program manager, of the variety.
If a parent has a unique idea, however, Woolums says the park district can make it happen. Parents can leave the activities to the staff working the party.
“Our staff is dynamic and energetic,” Woolums says. “They can read the room and the kids and figure out quickly what they want to do, get them all involved and engaged. They have experience with different age groups and temperaments.”
Hit the links
Putting Edge might be located in Norridge, but the glow-in-the-dark mini-golf courses “makes you feel like you have entered an alternative universe,” says Natasha Saladino, marketing manager at Putting Edge. “We turn down the lights and turn up the music to create an 18-hole fantasyland full of vibrant colors and themes.”
Also, forget the rule about not wearing white until Memorial Day. Saladino suggests wearing white clothes so that the kids glow under the black lights.
Spring weather in Chicago can be unpredictable, but that isn’t a concern at Putting Edge because it is entirely indoors. There is nothing worse than booking your child’s birthday at an outdoor facility, only to have it rain or snow that day.
“We are weather guaranteed,” Saladino says.
Blast some tunes
The Rock-n-Roll birthday party is one of the most popular offerings from the Mount Prospect Park District, says Mindi Schwartz, rental coordinator and center director at the Rock Plex. The 2- to 6-year-old set rocks out with rhythm and rhyme, song and dance and the ever-popular parachute play and bubble making.
The park district hosts Playtime Express parties for kids turning 1 and those between 2 and 4 can take advantage of the indoor playplex that features a climbing wall and trampoline.
“We get many repeat customers, and we can create a different party for them each year,” says Schwartz. “We are continually updating and revising party offerings to keep it new and fresh.”
One of the newest offerings is a Lego robotics party.
Hit the mini gym
The Mini-Gym and Playland at the River Forest Community Center is party central for kids between ages 3 to 6. The staff is available to do as much or as little as parents want — they can even get the cake and provide color-coordinated paper goods if needed.
“We are flexible, and parents can pick and choose what they want to do and what they want us to do,” says Jessica Conrad, party coordinator and office manager at River Forest Community Center.
In addition to securing the items for the bash, party leaders organize games and keep little celebrants busy and happy, which makes parents happy.
“Parent feedback about our leaders is overwhelmingly positive,” Conrad says.
Trade in cabin fever for castle fever
Birthday kids rule on their special days, so why not make it official with a trip to Medieval Times for a memorable birthday bash? From preschoolers to teens, kids love getting the royal treatment, particularly on their special day.
During the tournament, the King or Princess announces all the individuals in attendance celebrating birthdays, which elicits cheers from the attendees.
Sandy Martinez, marketing and sales manager, says she loves seeing the faces of the birthday boys and girls light up when they realize that they are the center of attention.
Part of Celebrations, a special advertising birthday party guide.
