Has anyone ever thrown a birthday party at the MN zoo? My son is turning three in March, and I know that sounds a little young for this type of party, but he loves going to the zoo. I thought it might be a fun idea to throw a 'Diego' themed birthday and have a safari at the zoo. The price is a little steep though, $175- because we are members, but I still don't know if that would be worth it. Any thoughts?
Like Shellie said it does set a standard that you might not be able to keep going. But I had a friend with an interesting solution to that. One year she gives her kids big birthday parties with all their friends (within their budget) the next year they get to pick 1 friend and they go do something with them. Like MOA or Zoo, that kind of thing.
It works well for them. Good Luck.
You could do the Como Zoo for alot cheaper!
I had both of my sons birthday party there last year and they did have a blast but i felt as though we did not have very much time for gifts and cake because they had a group right after us so they kicked us out pretty quick. I also felt there was not enough space for kids and parent to sit during this time. the tables are in an open hall way so we had many people "watching". I personally wouldnt do it again.
My kids and I love the zoo. Would your party be by the baboon exihibit. My kids are older and have the patience to appreciate the area. One time when we were at the zoo we witnessed a frantic parent whose toddler wandered off from a party,it was on a weekend and very busy. My heart went out to her. The child was found close by but it was so emotional. I think I would wait for him to be a little older. Keep us posted. M.
I suggest taking the kids to the zoo when they are not hungry and eating at home. The zoo is a wonderful adventure for children that age and they will enjoy it-even if they eat at home.
I haven't personally done it and problably wouldn't. I was one of those people walking by the tables and thought they were too squished in there. Not enough room and I just thought that if people were not paying attention someone could snatch your kid up without anybody knowing about it. I'd personally save your money and do it at the Dodge like mentioned before. Sounds fun. You might want to check out your local community center to see what they have to offer.
S.,
We had some friends that got all excited about their daughter's fourth birthday party. They went all out with inflatable rental, pinata, BBQ for 40, the works. It was a lot of fun for everybody.
But there were two things that came of it that our friends didn't bargain for. #1 It set a precidence. It was the expectation that every birthday for both their children should be that big, if not bigger. How could they go back to small and simple?
#2 It set an expectation. Their daughter didn't even appreciate all they did and spent on her behalf. She just expected bigger and better every year.
What you do for your child is your choice. Is it too much money? That depends entirely on how much money you have. I would ask myself "Do I want to go bigger and better than this every year for both my boys?" If you are up to the challenge and money isn't an issue for your family, go for it. If it looks like this could wear on you after several years, go simpler. Just have a family date to the zoo or take one friend or one other family. Or have a Diego party at your house with a handful of friends.
Good luck,
S.
How about having a party at the zoo without signing up for a formal party? You could have a picnic at one of the picnic tables outside of the zoo grounds and then go in and do a "safari" on your own. Depending on how many people you have, it would probably just be cheaper to pay the admission for your guests, especially with your member discount. We did that for my son's 4th birthday and they even let us use one of the remote picnic areas that is used for corporate parties, groups, etc. Have fun! Oops--I just saw that your son's birthday is in March so the weather may not be the best (my son's birthday was in July), but you could still have an indoor picnic. I think they let people bring their own lunches into the food court area. You could also ask about that area outside of the MN trail where school groups eat their lunches.
Do yourself a favor and have the party during the week. It is a madhouse on weekends.
If a person has the money then it's worth it. Perfect place for a 3 YO. Maybe narrow the kids down to 2 or 3 friends and just pay regular membership prices and have the cake at home?
I don't know about the zoo but I know the nature center near us (Eden Prairie)hosts Diego parties at a very reasonable rate. Check out your local parks and recreation booklet.
