4Yr Old Birthday Entertainment

Bowling party : We did this for my son's 4th birthday. We took him out bowling a couple times prior to booking to see if he would even enjoy it and he really did, so we set it up for him. Even the youngest child at his party (2 1/2) had a great time. The alley put bumpers in the gutters so all the kids balls would make it down the alley. I ordered pizza there and brought my own cake. Couldn't have been simplier. The adults got to bowl for free if they were assiting their little one, but most ended up finishing the games for their kids and had SUCH a blast. Also, I made up flyers with instructions for WACKY BOWLING.....i.e. frame one bowl through your legs..frame two sit on the floor and push the ball...etc. You can find the instructions and some suggested ideas for this by googling "wacky bowling rules" on line. That made it REALLY interesting.....the video of the kids and adults doing this was HILARIOUS!

Roller Skating party : My son attended one of these type parties at age four and had a blast. Again, we took him a few times before the party so it would't be a brand new experience for him, but in your condition, let hubby or someone else skate with him. Being able to do this will depend some on the age of your youngest kiddo attending. But at the party my son was at, there was a 3 yr old there who was doing great and was absolutely fearless!!! Roller rinks will have child skates that can be used (think Fisher price kind worn with shoes) and the smaller kids can basically walk/skate along the edge. At this party, all of us adults had a great time getting in touch with our inner child. They also had a thing where the birthday boy and the kids attending the party got center stage at the rink while the birthday song was playing.

I was in the same situation for my daughters 5th party this past January, but my daughter wanted a supergirl themed party (not easy to find stuff for). I looked at http://www.birthdaypartyideas.com/ and came up with some great ideas. I just did a quick search of their site on "race car" and at least a dozen different party ideas came up (or you can search under the Kids Party tab, then click Racing Parties). The people who post to the site generally provide all the details of the party from the invitations, decorations and cake to the games played, favors issued, and thank you sent. It's a great site for birthday party inspiration! Good luck...

Maybe you could get a bunch of boxes. Have the kids draw or glue on race car parts. You could pre make tires, flames, yadda yadda yadda. Get some fabric to make suspenders and they can wear them and even have a race.
Your treat bags could be little trophies that you fill with candy or whatever.
Perhaps also you could get some pinewood derby cars. Pre cut them and have the boys paint them into race cars.

My advice is to invite only 1-2 of his very best buddies, and go to the race track. Pack cupcakes, birthday hats, and candles, and new hot wheels to put on top of the cupcakes. Make pennants out of paper and dowels that you can buy at Orchard Supply.
I used to do the big parties, and I have found that small intimate functions with only your favorite people are the nicest time. Everyone will have fun and you can avoid meltdowns and fights. It opens up the world to possible places to go. Much more pleasant. My kids are 7,9,and 13, and we still do this.
Then take the extra hundred you save and put it away, because the economy ain't getting any better any time soon.

We took one to the skating rink and had a 2 hour party. The moms and dads stayed and helped their little ones on the rink.

We have had a 2-3 hour party at the local gymnastics studio that included the kids doing about an hour of gymnastics/tumbling and then going back into the break room and having presents and cake, we supplied all the refreshments, he supplied all the plates, cups, flatware, etc...according to the theme of the party, which was the movie "Cars". He was very nice about trying to find the correct supplies and I think it was going beyond what was expected.

I hope you get lots and lots of ideas.

Funtastic fun in Englewood is good, i think its about $10 per kid, but its unlimited rides/time and they have a birthday area as well. You can bring your own decorations and cake.

Check out your local Recreation center. We've have had several swim parties with snow flying outside. The one is Castle Rock is great, there is a play area in the water that is shallow enough for all ages. They also may have some other programs. Good luck.