Hellobee Boards

I think kids love them! As a parent I think it is great too. Kids can run around and have fun and be exhausted by bedtime!

@mauxie: Party started at 10:30 and the appetizers were out right away. Pizza arrived at 10:50 and the helpers gathered people for cake at 11:40.

We didn't open any gifts there because the party was so short and it was strongly discouraged by the My Gym staff!

Kids have a blast at those places, but as a guest and little helper for friends I find them super stressful. At age 2, a day at the park would be entertaining.

@mauxie: the kids are all right, it's more so the set up at some of these places. The staff runs them like party mills, there isn't any flexibility in the party time because right before you arrive and right when your scheduled party ends another bday girl or boy will arrive. Depending on the space you may be right next to another group, which can be loud and over stimulating.

I hear you on the bounce house and what not. Every Saturday the pavilion at the park across our development is loaded up with streamers or bunting or balloons and sometimes all three! The grass is covered with the most fantastic bounce houses.

@mauxie: We had a home party for LO 2's first and food was our biggest expense. The bounce house, table and chair rental wasn't that bad.

It was $200 for this in our area and I plan to go this route every year! We just brought the cake, a few dry snacks, and LO! No set up, no clean up, no worries! We loved it and so did the kids! Our adult guests seemed to have fun interacting with the kids too

we had one for charlie's first birthday and it was so easy. they provided everything including the food. we just showed up! we've also been to a ton of gym parties and the kids always have fun.

if you want no stress, it's great. guests always know what to expect too because they're usually all pretty much the same.