January Birthday Party for 4 Year Old

Gattiland here does kids parties. There are about 3 levels of parties (number of kids) and what comes with them. When I did it for my little one (she also has a January b-day!), I paid for the children invited to the party - each of which got the pizza buffet and a preloaded game card - and told everybody that others could come, but they would have to pay for themselves - and being with the party group got them in at a discounted price (about half). Here the extra folks got in for $4.25 - where else can you get a buffet for that price??

and I don't care for Chuckie either!! ugh on their pizza! (and last time we made a visit, half the stuff didn't work!)

How about checking if any local ice rinks, bowling alleys, or gymnastics or martial arts studios do birthday party packages? Or any local children's museums? Even one of the local animal rescue shelters in our area has birthday party packages.

No matter what, at that age, and at any public venue... the parents will probably have to be there. So then, you'd have to pay for them too or their lunches, too. Unless you specify, that the 'meal' or tickets, is only for their child. Or, Unless, you specify it is a drop-off party... but then you'd HAVE TO have your own adequate number of adults or family members, there, to supervise and watch, EACH kid... and when they go to the bathroom, or need help, etc.

But at this age, not many parents will want to just drop off their kid.
Unless they know you, VERY well. But as the Host.... you will be busy with your own child and handling the party. You can't possibly mind each kid.

I agree with several others (I have a 2, 4 & 6 year old):

Good for this age and fits all personality types:
Edinborough in Edina - (I did my son's 3 year party there last year)
Maple Maze in Maple Grove - my kids play there and love it.

OK for this age:
Pump It Up - Couple locations - my kids have been to several parties there.
*But younger kids and kids who are more reserved, less athletic or are less daring might not enjoy it. My 4 year old is a monkey but when he went as a sibling last year as a 3 year old, he was not comfortable climbing on his own to the top of the slides. He would be great this year but last year not so much.

My middle turned 4 in October but my other two have January birthdays. My oldest boy turns 7 (he wants to go to Skyzone) and my youngest daughter turns 3 (we may do a gymnastics or Edinborough/Maple Maze party).

Good luck.

D.

Idk if you have Johns Incredible Pizza where you are, but its like a Dave and Busters with buffet, kid friendly food, and more L. kids games :-)

Just a thought for maybe less expensive - do you have a YMCA local to where you live? We have one about 12 miles away ( next bigger town) and they will rent out their pool or their gymnastics center for parties at ours, might be something to check into. I am not sure, but I think it is a set amount, period, no matter how many guests.

A really fun place for kids that age is Edinborough indoor play area in Edina. It doesn't cost to have other adults there to help keep an eye on the kids. There are 2 different areas the kids can play. One is a huge climbing and sliding area, and another is more of an open gym usually with a bouncy house too. My kids love that place. Here's their website: http://www.ci.edina.mn.us/content/facilities/edinborough_... Hope you have a fun party whatever you decide!

Just Jump - Fun and wears them out!

Here is what their website says:
Club Just Jump! is Minnesota's largest, most fun, indoor inflatable party center. We offer 14 giant inflatable play structures and games at one time! No switching inflatable rooms!

Club Just Jump! - Voted Woodbury's Best Kids Party Place for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011!

http://clubjustjump.com/

I, too, am looking at a January party for a 4 year old (4 at the end of december). But my problem isn't ideas, it's ones that i can afford with our guest list! I will invite 20 kids his age and many of them now have siblings that "count" in the total for some activities (and often if the younger sibling can't come with the parent(s), no one can). I've crossed a lot off of my list due to cost and general hassle but you might be able to use them!

Zoo - ours does indoor parties in the winter with special animals on feature.

Bowling - my son would love this but we can't afford to pay for that many kids.

Ice Skating - with one, maybe two parents needing to be on the ice to hold up the kiddos, this is out for us until they are taller to hold on to the wall or just more coordinated. can be indoor or outdoor rink.

Gymboree - just heard they do parties for kids up to age 5 with themes you can pick, including a train one that i want to know more about.

Indoor Play Gym - places that have bouncy houses and climbing areas for kids. parents are usually free and you don't have to book an official party at a some of them.

Children's Book Store - one of our local shops does story parties.

Nature Center or Museum

i know i have more ideas but i'm drawing a blank. hope i remember them soon so i can plan my party, too!

I say Dave & Busters or
what Elaine said: gymnastics, bowling alley (no ice skating brrr :); they also have a game room w/video games etc.
Check into the local museum.