Looking for a Place for 1St Birthday

I would just stay home. At one, he's not going to remember anything about fun places he went. Save your money and have the party at home. I think you'll be dissapointed if you have it anywhere else. One year olds don't seem to cooperate and get as excited as their parents do. I'd wait until he's 2 probably even 3 to have a party somewhere else.

I haven't been there in a while, but the Great Mall of the Great Plains has a great kids play area in the "food court" (there's only like 2 restaurants!) that all ages of kids love! You can take a cake in, maybe some balloons and some tableclothes and it would probably be free to use the area. You might want to check, but the place is pretty dead, so I can't imagine any one would stop you. I've seen other people bring in cake, lunch, etc. Have fun!

What about just staying at home? It's cheap and very personal. Plus, he's only 1, he doesn't need anything big and fancy. Anything too busy will more than likely just overwhelm him. If you don't have the space at your home to host it, what about your parents? Your your in-laws?

Stay at home! There's no reason to make a huge production out of it. He won't care, he won't remember, he won't last, he'll want a nap - and you'll be dealing with tantrums and meltdowns out in public somewhere. (Not just your son - but the other kids who attend as well.) If you want inexpensive and personal, stay home. Save the big parties for when they are older and can enjoy it.

Your best choice for a first birthday would be at home with some family and friends. Be sure to have a separate smaller cake for your son. He can sit in his high chair and have fun with the cake. Don't worry about him getting messy. It's part of the fun and he can have a bath after the party. One fun game is to photo copy baby pictures of others (mom, dad, grandparents or who ever you know), leave them out for all to guess whose who. Take lots of pictures and have fun.
T. H
Raytown, MO

How much time are you looking to spend? Are you doing kids and adults? If you just want to spend an hour or so, you could do the party room at Ari's Greek Resteraunt. If you are having kids, I would highly recommend The Party Barn at First Family Academy. If you are just looking to rent a large room, I would recommend Comfort Inn and Suites on Strang Line.

I vote for the party at home. Too many people & too many presents wear out one year olds very quickly. If you have a bunch of people that want to celebrate, split the party into a couple different days...like the Saturday before his birthday invite over immediate family and the Saturday after his birthday invite over friends. That way he doesn't get overwhelmed with everything and maybe there will be enough space that way. We actually did the two parties for my daughter's second birthday and it worked out very well. Good luck and Happy Birthday to your baby boy!!!

Another "stay home" post! Go to familyfun.com and you can get great ideas for hosting a party for a first birthday at home.

I know you may feel pressured to do something for his birthday, after all, he only turns one once! But for the sake of your son's sanity (and yours), stay home.

You can have some appetizers, make a big pot of white chili (yummy on these cold days, and healthier for you as a bonus!) and tuck in for a nice afternoon with family and close friends. If your guy is tired he can nap in his own bed and you can continue to enjoy time with your family.

Happy birthday to your son and congrats on surviving your first year of being a mom! Isn't it great?!!

Don't know where you live but Ari's Greek Restaurant is where we had my son's first birthday which was still the best place ever in my mind. I gave them my budget and the set up a beautiful set up w/ a buffet style of app's on "The Dock" wish is a big hand painted room w/ lots of beautiful brigh colors of boats and Greek buildings. Just beautiful! The little ones had a great time too and loved the walls of paintings!
They are on 135th & Mur-Len next to Price Chopper!
P.S. It also made for amazing photos!!!!!!!!