Last minute alternative for child's birthday party?

Question

Help!! My son's 9th birthday party is this weekend. He knows he is having a party (and this is his first "kid" party- he's always had family celebrations) but he doesn't know what we are having at the party. We are reserved and confirmed to have one of those "bounce houses" for the day. So obviously the plan is to have the party solely outside. This of course means.........

there is a 30% chance of rain for Saturday (I live in Virginia)

*sigh*

The $$ isn't the issue- the rental place has a good refund policy for rain cancellation- I can wait as late as Friday to cancel....

What can I do as an alternative if it does rain??? The budget is about $350 for 15 kids...Chuck E. Cheeses is not an option (I already checked- it's booked)...and unfortunately a lot of the kid-party-places are booked......

any suggestions would be great- thank you!!

(unfortunately, we can't do it on another date- we have alot going on for the next couple of months after this weekend)

Answer 1

Little Caesers?

Answer 2

Do you have a bowling alley or skating rink in your area?  These are great places to have parties.

Answer 3

I would look into renting 2 or 3 large tents. 1 Could be for food and the other two for games. I would not cancel the bounce house at all. I'm sure that if the rental place brings it on sat and it starts to rain they will probably refund a portion of your money. Not to mention is you cancel on friday just because there is a 30% chance of rain on sat and it doesn't rain you will have nothing to do. I would look into have some games like ring toss or relay races or other fun games that can be played either indoors or out so that you will be all set no matter what the weather.

Answer 4

30% chance is nothing...see what happens.  If it does rain..do it inside.  I've had to do this last minute several times due to a sudden storm.  Google "kids party games" online..there are many games that you don't need to buy anything for either...many items are around the house.

Answer 5

I also am in VA so I know how wacky places are in needing deposits and junk. Bowling alleys will be booked, I'm sure.

Three alternatives I can suggest are:

Movie theater - go during the matinee, get popcorn for everyone and drinks

Swimming - check out your local park and rec center to see if they can do a swimming party for you. If they're booked up, call your local hotels with pools and try and see if they're available. Order a few pizzas for the party to be delivered there. Most of the local hotels are for business travelers, so weekends they can be available.

Bite the bullet and do it at home. 15 kids will drive you mad, for too long, but do a short party with a couple of games and then cake/ice cream. For $350, you can grab a couple trays of food from chick-fil-a or Costco/BJs, make a couple pitchers of lemonade, and hire some help to clean up afterwards. :)

Here's hoping the weather holds up!!

Answer 6

An easy one is take the kids to a movie of their choice, if it is located in the mall - have your cake and presents there.

Bowling alleys are fun for kids too, keeps them active and you can have your cake and presents inside.

Paintball places are fun for kids that age, not sure of the cost for that one though.

Other places like Chuck E Cheese but less structured, in Tx we have places like Gatti's Pizza, Main Event, Dave and Busters etc.

YMCA - swimming party - if they have open swim and an indoor pool.  

Some places have rock climbing walls - you can maybe plan an hour or two for that?

If all else fails take them to the Mall, and send them out on a scavenger hunt in teams of course for safety.  

Good luck and most of all have fun!

Answer 7

Is there any way you can hold it indoors if need be?  Perhaps you can get a tent to put tables under outside.  Also, if it's not raining that hard or much, still get the bouncer.  Kids don't care about getting a little wet.