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Need opinions on first birthday party locale

summerbridesarasummerbridesara member
in Pennsylvania Babies

I'm thinking of having Sophia's first birthday party at a local park in a rented pavilion.  The pavilon has a play area with swings, sliding board, etc. right beside it.  A few family members have voiced concern that it may be too hot for an outside party at the end of July.  I wanted to have it not at our home because we just got new carpet, our dogs can be annoying AND we have no play stuff for the older kids that will be there.  I am a bit concerned also about it being too hot.  We have central air in our house.

WWYD?  I'm so indecisive right now.

BTW, the pavilion rental is $65 for the day and I would have the party start at 1 pm.  However, it was suggested to start the party around 11 am, so that it would be cooler then.  I was thinking maybe 11 am - 2 pm for the party time?

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Re: Need opinions on first birthday party locale

  • FuturemrssollFuturemrssoll member
    First, great idea to have a play area right near the pavilion! ?We went to one like that and it was great becuase Eli needs to go play and he participated better at the 1 year old party by being able to play alot. ?Don't worry about the heat! ?If you are in the shade it will at least be a little better, but you could have like a few baby pools or water tables or something, and advertise the kids should wear ?something to get wet in!
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  • mrspablondiemrspablondie

    I think the pavillion is a great idea.  I wish Connors birthday was when the weather was nicer so we could do soemthing like that.

    As far as the start time, do what works best for Sophia.  I know its hard to tell when her naps will be, but the last thing you want is for her to not have had a nap and be miserable and cranky all day.  If its going to be that hot, the two hours wont make a differece.  

    I also think if you can have the pools there, that would be a big help on a really hot day, just be sure to tell the parents ahead of time so they know to bring swinsuits, etc.

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  • rlthomas7rlthomas7

    I'll repeat my suggestions from below. Seibert Park in Camp Hill and the Lower Allen Park both have indoor facilities that have kitchens and air conditioning. And both have play areas nearby, although Lower Allen's are closer. So if you're truly concerned about heat, these could work for you.

    But really, if you just have water activities for the kids, like a water table, or even a few dishpans with water and bath toys, they'll be fine.

    And ditto Tamara on the timing. We ended up putting Adam down for a nap right as his party began. So the adults ate while he slept upstairs. When he woke up, he was ready to party. This wasn't by design, his naps just shifted since his grandparents were visiting, so he didn't sleep on his usual schedule.

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  • summerbridesarasummerbridesara member
    I think I've decided to have it here at our house.  When Sophia gets a little older then we'll think about parks, etc for birthday party locations.  The cons outweigh the pros in this situation. 
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  • GBL77GBL77
    I think the idea of a park is perfect.  We had over 80 people at hour house for DS's first b-day and it was a little stressful having to clean and get everything ready...but I would probably do it at my house again :) Also, If you are in the mood for another suggestion.  If you have a lot of toddlers/small children coming, you may want to rethink the time of the party...most kids I know take naps between 12 and 1 so most of the parties DS has been invited to are usually from 10-12 or start after 3...just a suggestion.
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  • summerbridesarasummerbridesara member
    Unfortunately, the time is kinda non-negiotable due to the fact that our families live 2.5-3 hours away.  10 would be too early to start a party and 3 would be too late to start it.
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  • merr818merr818 member
    Not sure where you are in Central Pa but DH's family has all their partys in the summer at little buffalo state park. They have a playground, picnic area, and a pool so if it's hot then go jump in the pool. 11-2 is going to be the worst for sun burn. I would do an evening party maybe 5-8
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