This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission when you make a purchase at NO additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our site in this way!
Watch the Talk of the Town video from the show: Affordable Birthday Party Ideas
Are you joining me for the first time after seeing my segment on Affordable Birthday Party Ideas on Talk of the Town today?
Don’t worry if you missed any of the tips. I’ve got all the details for you right here!
I’ve learned that when it comes to birthdays, time = money. Bottom line, you ultimately have to consider how valuable your time is!
When your kids are pre-school age or younger, the party is ultimately about you and your friends and family. No need to do anything big & lavish.
However, once kids get to be school age, you end up having to invite the whole class, or even the siblings and family of those school friends. It can just be too much to host in your own home.
So what to do?
Traditional Kids Parties
*Bounce You: Val-U private party for up to 10 kids, M-F (Fri before 2pm), 90 minutes = $129
*Monkey’s Treehouse: Weekday Semi-private party, up to 20 kids = $159
*Chuck E. Cheese: $12.99 per child (min 4 kids)
—ways to save most with these options: go at off times (avoid mealtimes and weekends), just take a few special friends instead of booking a whole party, sign up for e-clubs for extra savings!
Cultural Centers
*The Frist Center for Visual Arts: (For members only from 10-12 on Sat or 1-3 on Sun) Split time between ArtQuest and private dining room in café. Parents provide cake, all other food purchased from café = $250 (book 3 weeks in advance)
*Nashville Sounds: (for 10 kids) – tickets, food pack (hot dog, soda, birthday cake served in party area), pregame visit from Ozzie, Official Nashville Sounds souvenir baseball PLUS Each birthday child receives recognition over our public address system and scoreboard and has the entire stadium sing “Happy Birthday” to them! = $200
*Adventure Science Center: Up to 15 kids & 16 adults, private room for 1 hr, all day admission for guests and downloadable invites = $200 for members ($275 for non-members)
Community Centers
*YMCA: Kids Gym at Brentwood (ages 2-6) = $125 up to 15 kids for 90 min (2 staff)
Clubhouse Party (6-11) swim party, 2 hours (1 staff) = $150 up to 25 kids
(1/2 price for YMCA members if just want room) – price doubles for parties for non-members
Packages are flexible
*Bellevue Community Center (& all neighborhood centers): During operating hours – FREE! (they even provide tables/chairs!) After operating hours= $50/hr (min 2 hrs). Also right next to Red Caboose Park with a pavilion outside (first come, first serve)
*Warner Park Nature Center– FREE on grounds
Your House
*Make use of online resources & blogs for theme party ideas & print-outs
*Bring the party to you with a theme! (clown for circus party, artist for art/create party, coach for sports party) – doesn’t have to be a professional you pay, can be someone you know!
*Use coupons from Michaels & Toys R Us for the weeks leading up to your event to purchase your supplies & favors (Michaels offers weekly 40% off coupons and Toys R Us sends free “money” before the child’s birthday.
Check out my post on Birthday Freebies to find links to some of the eClubs I mentioned and to make sure your entire family gets fun freebies on their birthday!
Special thanks to Fresh Produce for providing the beautiful dress & lightweight cardigan for my appearance today!
