Okay, I have considered the following:
1. Please Touch Museum: too expensive for a 1st b-day. $600
2. Gymboree and The Little Gym: Too far from home, Not enough time and expensive $300 they only give you 90 minutes, and people may not show up on time.
3. Chuckee Cheese or Family Fun Centers: She's too little...
4. My house: too small, and don't want to have to do a lot of clean up afterwards.
Any Suggestions for the Philadelphia area? I am in Overbrook Park.
Re: Please Help... DD's b-day is next month.
One of my favorite parties I ever had as a kid was at Smith Memorial Playground. They have a huge playground area with BBQ and picnic space, as well as an indoor play part that is only for the little kids. Here's the link for party rentals- hope it helps! https://smithkidsplayplace.org/parties/
Ditto Smith - that is a great place for a party. You can also reserve a pavilion at Franklin Square and bring in your own food.
https://historicphiladelphia.org/day/franklin-square/parties-on-the-square.php
DS 3.12.08
DD 7.11.09
DD 8.01.13
I am not sure if it will help in your area, but in my township (upper merion), you can have birthday parties at the fire hall. They have a meeting/party room, and do tours of the fire trucks, have hats for the kids, and even do some stop/drop/roll activities for the older kids. They do it all for just a donation!
It might be too "boy", but if you are just looking for space and a little bit of a unique atmosphere, it is great and cheap!
We also checked out our Chick-Fil-A and McDonalds, local arboretums and township buildings/playgrounds.