Busy, well-intentioned parents may think that throwing their kid’s birthday party at home is a good idea (and more affordable) — but think again. A party in your house means you still need to buy all the decorations, munchies and entertainment, not to mention spend countless hours getting your home party-ready — and then, of course, post-fete cleanup once the tornado of frosting-clad fingers rips through.
With weather teetering between winter and spring to top it off, your partygoers may be stuck indoors without the respite of a backyard bash — that means when little Stacy gets sick from one too many hot dogs and slices of cake and re-enacts a scene from “The Exorcist,” it will happen directly over the new rug in your living room.
And let’s not forget that parties these days are getting larger, thanks to all-or-nothing invitation rules at schools. So, if the idea of your child’s entire classroom turning your home into a makeshift bouncy castle is starting to make you sweat, you may want to consider throwing your little one’s next birthday party somewhere else. Here are some unique ideas for locations across the metro area to get you started.
Olivia’s Dollhouse Tearoom
5075 Abbotts Bridge Road., Suite 500, Johns Creek. 404-908-9073, www.oliviasdollhouseatl.com.
Parties start at $250.
Girly-girls obsessed with princesses and tea parties will be in heaven at Olivia's Dollhouse Tearoom in Johns Creek. With several party packages to choose from — Olivia's Birthday Party, Princess Birthday Party, Tea for 4 Tea Party or Dress-up Party for 14 — girls can live out their fairy-tale fantasy for two hours at the Dollhouse. Parties include fun activities, such as dress-up, story time, singalong/games, fashion show, beauty parlor, tea party, etc. (varies depending on the package). Custom party themes, like "Frozen," Sophia the First, mermaid and fairy, are also available. Parties are typically scheduled between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. For more info, visit the website.
Farmhouse in the City
1094 Green St., Roswell. 770-587-3001, www.farmhouseinthecity.com.
Parties start at $199.
Combine two of kids' favorite things — art and animals — at Farmhouse in the City, located in historic Roswell. Choose from their Art and Animal Party (for ages 3-6) or a Canvas Kids Party (recommended for ages 7-11), as well as a host of various themes — think dinosaur, ballerina, pirate, princess and many more. Depending on the party package, options include exclusive use of the farmhouse (90 minutes or two hours); play and dress-up time in boys' and girls' playrooms; photo booth with silly props; the chance to hold or pet, feed and visit with their chickens, rabbits and turtles; face painting; an art project (beading, pottery, painting, etc.); a candy hunt; themed table with decor and all paper products and utensils for cake; and two party coordinators to lead all activities, serve cake and clean up. Weekday and weekend party times are available. For more info, visit the website.
Champion Kids
1465 Canton Road, Suite 100, Marietta. 770-874-5200, http://championkids.net.
Parties start at $275.
Treat a rowdy bunch of birthday partygoers to a party at Champion Kids in Marietta. Boasting two in-ground trampolines, two in-ground tumble tracks, slides, an extra-large foam pit, rope swing and zip line, the 25,000-square-foot facility has plenty of space for running, tumbling, jumping and playing, plus private rooms for parties. Bonus: Champion Kids is open on weekends only for birthdays, so you don't have to worry about it getting too crowded. Fully staffed Standard Parties for kids ages 1-10 feature one hour of fun in the gym and 30 minutes in the party room, which includes paper products, utensils and one juice box per child (just bring the cake). A Nerf Party package is available for kids ages 7 and older. For party pricing and additional info, visit the website.
Circus Camp
862 Columbia Drive, Decatur; 8105 Roberts Drive, Atlanta. 404-370-0001, www.circuscamp.org.
Parties start at $450.
Is your kid always the one playing around (or dangling like a daredevil) on the monkey bars? Acrobats in the making might enjoy a birthday party at Circus Camp, where trained professionals will give your child and guests one-on-one instruction learning to fly on the trapeze and spin on the Spanish Web. Not to mention the expert face painting. For kids ages 5 and older, Circus Camp's two-hour birthday party package includes 90 minutes in the Aerial room and 30 minutes in a party room supplied with tables and chairs (you supply the refreshments, cake and any decorations). Parties are held at either the Decatur or Dunwoody location, available any time of the year. Other skills classes, like magic shows, balloon sculpting or juggling, are available upon request. For more info, visit the website.
Magnolia Farm
14325 Birmingham Highway, Alpharetta. 770-337-4785, http://campmagnolia.com.
Parties start at $295.
Throw a country- or barnyard-themed party for horse and animal lovers at Magnolia Farm in Alpharetta. Two-hour parties include sheep, donkeys, goats, pigs, hand painting a real horse and making an arts and craft creation to take home as a party favor. You can treat guests to hand-led horse rides for an additional fee. The package also includes use of their picnic tables; just bring your cake, beverages and any other treats. You'll also need to bring plates, cups, silverware, etc., so this package does require a little bit of extra work from parents (but we still think it's way easier than throwing a farm party at home and cleaning up after the mobile petting zoo has a go of your backyard). Parties are offered late spring through fall. For more info, visit the website.
Young Chefs Academy
2903 N. Druid Hills Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-633-2633.
2769 Chastain Meadows Parkway, Suite 95, Marietta. 770-427-2665.
230 Hammond Drive N.E., Suite 368, Sandy Springs. 404-255-9263.
Parties start at $275.
If you have a mini-foodie on your hands, throw an unforgettable birthday party at Young Chefs Academy, with locations in Marietta, North Druid Hills and Sandy Springs. A host of different party packages are available (varies depending on location), all featuring interactive hands-on cooking for aspiring chefs. We particularly like their all-inclusive parties that include invitations, balloon decorations and personalized birthday signage, aprons for participants to wear during the party, paper ware for kids during the party, food and drinks for participants, recipe cards to take home and a cool gift for the birthday boy or girl, as well as optional party favors and more. For more info on party packages and locations, visit the website.
