We all want our kid’s birthday parties to be fun and memorable. And if you’re like me and have three kids, you can find that you’re limited on time, ideas and budget! When I am looking for suggestions, the first thing I do is ask my friends what they have done and what has worked well for them.Word of mouth and a good recommendation goes a long way. But, if you are starting from scratch, here are a few suggestions that have rave reviews on line for the Austin Area.
Baldo Face Painting – “Painting Austin Happy – One Face at a Time.” “Face painting is a great way to add an exclamation point to the celebrations of life’s events. Kids and adults of all ages love the experience of face painting. Whether being transformed into a super hero, animal, or simply having a beautiful flower or glittery butterfly painted, it is sure to bring a smile to your face. We can create one of a kind designs to suit your event’s needs.”
Face Painting By Arvis – “Face painting and body art for kids & the young at heart!” Arvis had over 10 years of experience as a professional face painter. She makes your party fuss free by providing all supplies, tables and chairs, and menus. I love that part of her description includes that she is “always professional, reliable, and personable; many corporate references available.”
Caricatures By Kevin – Kevin Middleton has more than 10 years experience as a party caricature artist, in addition to his freelance artist career. His extensive list of clients include, Austin Convention Center, Barton Creek Country Club, Onion Creek Country Club and several other Corporate Events.
Tiny Tails to You – This company specializes in petting zoos, but provides additional services, such as face painting and bubble machines, for children’s birthday parties. “We love making each child’s birthday a day they’ll never forget…Our zoo is very unique in that the kids get a lot of one-on-one time with our animals and the zoo is very organized. We also give educational information about our little friends throughout the zoo!”
The Cupcake Bar – “Providing an exciting treat for all ages, The Cupcake Bar introduces an innovative twist on a classic favorite, the cupcake.”
They, along with Uptown Valet and The Allan House, just recently raised over $6,00 for the local nonprofit, SafePlace, to help its mission of ending domestic violence in the Austin area. “The Bash was a perfect way to spend our 5th birthday. We love giving back to the community who has given so much to us,” said Lori Schneider, owner of The Cupcake Bar. “None of this would have been possible without the amazing support from the participating vendors and our guests. We are so fortunate to be in a city that supports small, locally owned businesses!”
Who wouldn’t want to support a local business like this?
Bonzo Crunch – “A veteran of the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, as well as a graduate of Ringling Brothers’ Clown College and the Dell ‘Arte School of Mime and Comedy, Bonzo Crunch has been making a fool of himself since 1978. His slapstick juggling and magic show is presented in a warm and gregarious manner that puts his audience at ease, and makes strangers feel like friends. In addition to a top-notch vaudeville style comedy show, Bonzo offers roving entertainment, face painting, and balloon sculpting. Perfect for picnics, holiday parties, corporate retreats, and catered events. Bonzo Crunch currently resides in Austin, TX, where he has been a local favorite for over a decade, and has been voted “Favorite Kids Entertainer” by the readers of Austin Family Magazine.”
Cowgirl Sue – “From deep in the heart of Texas, Austin’s Cowgirl Sue knows how to put on a rootin’-tootin’ musical variety show for children of all ages.
Using everything from puppets and stuffed animals, to sing-alongs and (a tad) of magic, Sue is able to connect with every young ‘un in the audience.
Equally adept at entertaining tots from age one all the way to young teenagers-not to mention parents, too!”
Game Plan Entertainment – What party wouldn’t enjoy a wide range of video games that fit all ages, skills and interests? They customize the party according to your tastes and bring everything to you!
“Our collection includes 30+ classic arcade games, foosball, skeeball, air hockey, basketball, LED TVs paired with all of the latest video games on the PS3, XBOX 360, andWii U, and more. So no matter what type of audience will be at your special event, they’re sure to find a game they love.”
“Our collection includes 30+ classic arcade games, foosball, skeeball, air hockey, basketball, LED TVs paired with all of the latest video games on the PS3, XBOX 360, andWii U, and more. So no matter what type of audience will be at your special event, they’re sure to find a game they love.”
Bounce Around Austin – Their event and party planners will help you pick every thing you need from bounce houses, obstacle courses, concessions, to even a mechanical bull! It’s a one stop shop for all of your party needs.
If simple is more your thing, do not underestimate the power of your imagination…and your own backyard! Some of the most fun and fabulous kid birthday parties that we have been to or even had, were just good old fashion fun. It took a little more effort in the planning and setting up stages, but easy on the pocketbook!
Paint Party – My 10 year old daughter recently went to a backyard birthday bash with a paint theme. They had a face painter that did works of art in minutes, a craft of painting birdhouses and they let the kids paint their backyard play scape. It turned out so cute, with each piece of wood painted a different color or covered in little hand prints. All of the kids had so much fun…and were covered in paint!
Halloween Party – We had an old fashioned Halloween Party for our oldest when she was turning 8 years old. The kids came in their costumes and we played old fashioned games like bobbing for apples (surprisingly, the biggest hit of the party!),a scavenger hunt, and decorated cookies and mini pumpkins.
Swim Party – We just had a swim party for my 6 year old’s birthday. Super easy and super fun!! The kids all swam and played Marco Polo and Sharks and Minnows. We had light snacks and when it got darker, we went to the park to play Capture the Flag.
Pop Star Party – Both of my girls have been to Pop Star birthday parties. They get to dress up in their finest and shiniest and even wear a little makeup. There has been a “Photo Booth” with props from home and a mom taking pictures of the girls. “Just Dance” and karaoke are always a big hit…who doesn’t get tired of Taylor Swift’s “Love Story?”
Craft Party – Setting up different stations of crafts, like making jewelry, frames, bows etc. And they already have their take homes ready to go!
“Camping” Party – What kid doesn’t like a tent and making S’mores by a fire pit in the backyard?
Tea Party – We did this for my daughter’s 5th birthday. I got a bunch of tea cups and saucers from Goodwill. I made little heart sandwiches and they got to dress up in their fanciest dress.
Fashion Show Party – Set up a red carpet, homemade “Photo Booth,” and let them put on a Fashion Show! If you have older girls, you can do it “Project Runway” style and have each girl bring an item of clothing that they will “re-design” and model on the runway!
Pinterest – When all else fails…
How do you party? Big, small, creative…or not at all?
The Austin Aquarium is a fun place for kids birthdays. They can feed fish, stingrays, and sharks and an entire aquarium themed birthday. Pretty cool, unique experience.