Inexpensive Party???

I remember my kids parties at that age. They're really for the adults it seems.

February makes it difficult, because you don't know what the weather will be like.

We did BBQ's and Picnics at parks for our girls (June birthdays) and for my son (February) we did the same thing, but we lived in California.

In retrospect... I'd have skipped the parties till they were 5 if I'd known how big the parties got from age 5 to 12.

But we were lucky to have the cheaper option of being outside anyway.

You could always do an outside event anyway, find a great park and just give a bad weather date if the weather makes it impossible.

Outdoors is good for that age... they can run and play on the swings and slides.

How about Leapin' Lizards? Its on Hwy 26 (across from the old mall) next to Laser Quest. They have all kinds of indoor bouncy houses, games, rock climbing, party room. You can order in your own pizza (so you have a choice of vendors) and bring your own cake (so you can make it if you like). The hosts actually play with your kids and are very energetic and helpful. They may have the soft balls set up by the time you are ready. For girls - they have a great dress-up room (all pink and pretty)
www.leapinlizards.net

McDonald's with a playland. It's like 65.00 for 10 kids and you get everything with it, invites, thank you notes, goody bags, cake, hamburger happy meals, plus a party planner to do it all! I had my Kindergartner's 6th birthday there, we ended up having 20 kids!

There is a place in Grapevine named Chucks Burgers. It is off of 114 and 26 by the Target. They have a room for FREE. You need at least 12 people and they would like for you to order food. We fit about 35 people in the room for my son's 2 year bday party. It was a little stuffed so 20 people would be perfect. We ordered a few appetizers, soft drinks and sundaes for all the kids. You can bring in your own cake and decorations. They have a little arcade for the older kids. It was fun and we didn't have to clean!

Your local Fire Station. Typically it is free. There is a deposit, although it is refunded. Some stations have party rooms. They do a safety course, the kids get the opportunity to tour the fire house, check out a fire truck, etc. We did a firehouse party when my twins were 3. The only regret I have is they don't remember it. Good luck!

i'm not sure where you live but there is a place called WINKIDS in flower mound on 2499. I just went to a birthday party for a little girl turning 2....took my 8 month old and he had tons of fun and so did all the other kids who were there..... :)

I agree with using the park. We always do that with our kids. But if weather is a concern, you could always check with your city's parks department. In Arlington, the Parks and Recreation will do a variety of theme parties for you in one of their facilities. They provide activities and decorations (and of course the space). For about $5 a kiddo. I can't remember if food is included or not. Anyway, I remember it was very reasonable.

Have a home party.
Have pizza and salad, cake/ice cream and a couple activities for the kids.

The recreation centers in arlington offer birthday parties--I have heard from several Moms that Cliff Nelson is a good one to have a birthday paty at!!

my son is 8 and has autism (nonverbal, probably still at a less than 18 month old functional level). when he was 5, my nephew had his first birthday at jump for fun (i believe it is on kellog?) off of 377. it was great. it had 3 inflatables. one for small children, one obstacle course for the older children and adults, and one gigantic slide that everyone loved.

there is a new Chuck E Cheese type place in Highland Village, which is near Flower Mound. It is called Peter Piper Pizza. In my opinion the food is better than Chuck E. They have less games. They do parties. I heard they are cheaper than Chuck E.

You can have a merry-go-round party at the Parks Mall in Arlington. We have not done it, but we have spent countless hours on the merry-go-round, and I have seen their brochure. The kids can ride the merry-go-round over and over. You can call the number below to get the details. The mall also has a soft play space and lots of food options in the food court. And the weather would not be a factor.

Carousel parties are offered during the week or weekend. Reserve today by calling the ICE at The Parks at ###-###-####.