If you’ve ever planned a birthday party for your child, you know how hectic it is. Weeks, if not months, of planning for your child’s special day leave you feeling overwhelmed and frazzled before the big day even arrives. Then you have to survive the actual party…decorating, planning the food, corralling active children and making sure no one gets left out, all the while making sure your child is enjoying the party and actually feeling like the guest of honor, and then when it is all over, dealing with a mess that only children jacked up on sugar and good times can produce. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if someone would take care of all the little details for you so you can watch as your child enjoys their party? Below is a list of alternative options available in the Indianapolis area that will allow you to enjoy the day almost as much as your child.
Chuck E Cheese – There are several locations in Indianapolis of this popular restaurant that will cater to your child’s big day. Packages range in price from $10.99 to $15.99 a child. The basic package is available for 90 minutes of party time and includes 2 slices of single topping pizza, soft drinks with free refills, game tokens, your own host or hostess and a Chuck E performance. The guest of honor will also receive a collectible cup, crown, balloon and cotton candy. You can upgrade and receive one party favor for each guest, 100 prize tickets for each guest and the birthday child will receive 500 prize tickets. When the party is over you, the children can play in the game room where they can enjoy fun games like Skee-ball or crawling through a labyrinth of tubes until its time to go home. You can visit their website for more information on birthday parties and contact information at www.chuckecheese.com.
Indianapolis Zoo – Is your child an animal lover? Then he or she will love having their birthday party at the Indianapolis Zoo. This popular zoo has a package available in season (April – October 14th) for a price of $165 for members and $195 for non-members for up to 14 guests. This includes a goody bag for each guest, three ride tickets, one tattoo ticket, a scavenger hunt page, a free photo for the birthday guest, zoo admission and free parking for all guests and the use of a shelter for 90 minutes. Upgrades are available, just look on their website at www.indianapoliszoo.com under “general information” for more details or call 317-630-2035.
Build-A-Bear – What better party favor can your child and guests bring home than a cuddly stuffed animal that they stuffed themselves? This popular chain of stores has a location in Castleton Square in Indianapolis. Prices for a birthday party start at $10 per guest for a party of 6 or more, you pay only for the animals and clothing selected by each guest. For this price you and your child receive a party leader who will take the children through each station helping them build their selected animal and help them select animals and clothing that is in the price range you have chosen, the birthday child will also receive a special autograph bear as a keepsake, party favors for all the guests and printable invitations and thank you cards that are available on line. Each guest will also get to choose their own animal, stuff it, give it a wish filled heart, personalize a birth certificate for their new furry friend and receive a special carrying case to take their new animal home. For more information visit their website at www.buildabear.com or call 317-596-8888.
Indianapolis Children’s Museum – This amazing museum is an incredible location for a birthday party where your guests can not only enjoy the party but also have a hands on learning experience that they will never forget. Prices for a birthday party are $250 for members or $275 for nonmembers and allow up to twenty guests admission to the museum and private use of the birthday party room for an hour and a half. In addition you will receive twenty carousel tickets, a themed gift for the guest of honor, gift registry in their award winning museum store and themed plates, napkins and cups. Themes available are dinosaur, tea party, trains, under the sea and race cars. They also have food available for an additional fee and you can bring your own birthday cake. See their website at www.childrensmuseum.org/rentals/birthday.htm or call 317-704-3518 to reserve your party. You can’t help but be impressed with the Children’s Museum.
Coopers Stardust Bowl – If bowling is your thing, consider Coopers Stardust Bowl at 845 Westfield Rd in Noblesville, just a short distance from Indianapolis. Birthday packages range from $92 to $156 for 8 guests. The smallest package includes a party host or hostess, one hour of bowling or miniature golf, arcade tokens, prizes for the guests and soft drinks. Opt for one of the higher packages and you’ll receive even more. Your guests will also receive a free game pass they can use at a future visit. In addition you will have a festive table available for your party’s use decorated with a tablecloth, plates, napkins, a balloon bouquet and a special gift for the guest of honor. Lightweight balls and bumpers are available to maximize your child’s bowling experience. Visit their website at www.coopersstardustbowl.com or call 317-773-3381.
Greatimes Family Fun Park – If you’re looking for entertainment that can be enjoyed by guests of all ages, look into this fun filled park located at 465 and Emerson in Indianapolis for your birthday celebration. Birthday packages range from $10.95 to $22.95 per guest and include food, decorations, cake, prizes and so much more. You can even upgrade any package to a themed version for $3 extra per guest. Some attractions that are available at the park are an indoor playland, batting cages, bumper boats, miniature golf and an arcade. Visit their website at www.greatimesfunpark.com or call 317-780-0300 for additional information on what each package includes.
Oogles n Googles – Situated in Carmel about fifteen miles from the heart of downtown Indianapolis is a charming location called Oogles n Googles. Oogles offers two hour themed parties targeted towards children aged three to ten years old. These birthday bashes are led by two professionals well trained in the art of parties for children. Priced at $345 for up to twelve children (and $15 for each addition guest), Oogles and Googles handles the party from set up to clean up, all you provide is the guest of honor. Included in the package are invitations and thank you cards, a special gift for the birthday child, memorable keepsake photographs of the special day for the guest of honor to keep, theme based favors, birthday cupcakes, juice and tableware. On their website, www.ooglesngoogles.com, they have the offered themes broken down into suggested age groups. If you have any questions, visit their website and find the Carmel location or call 317-228-9177.
Sugar Buzz Parties – Voted “Best Birthday Blowout” by Indianapolis Monthly Magazine, Sugar Buzz Parties is a sure way to please your child, creating a world of fantasy for each child to enjoy. Located at two locations, 1430 Broad Ripple Avenue in Indianapolis and 254 First Avenue SW in Carmel, Sugar Buzz Parties offers all-inclusive parties priced at $265 for up to ten kids. This price includes an hour and a half of themed games , activities and a whole lot of fun with full fantasy face painting by trained professionals (like the ones you find at Disney World), helium balloons, party decorations and props following your child’s chosen theme. Cupcakes, juice boxes, candles, sparklers, make-your-own sundaes and “the best goodie bags in Indy” are also included. In addition they will give a special gift for the birthday child. Sugar Buzz is a truly “out of the box” birthday party experience complete with custom planning just for you. Call 317-250-3452 or visit www.sugarbuzzparties.com for more details.
These are just some of the many birthday party alternatives located in Indiana’s capital region. Visit their websites and find a plan that offers what both you and your child are looking for to make their special day even more special. With all of these wonderful choices, a good time is sure to be had by all your guests.
www.chuckecheese.com
www.indianapoliszoo.com
www.buildabear.com
www.childrensmuseum.org
www.coopersstardustbowl.com
www.greatimesfamilyfunpark.com
www.sugarbuzzparties.com
www.ooglesngoogles.com
