Patch Picks: Best Birthdays for Kids

Kids’ birthdays used to be so simple. Back in the day, it was enough to head to a McDonald's with an indoor play land and let one of the cashiers lead the kids in a game of 'See Who Can Stack Styrofoam Containers the Highest.' If the adults were sick of that, it was off to Chuck E. Cheese’s, where kids would deep-sea dive to the bottom of the ball pit in search of lost game tokens while the adults gorged on Diet Coke and cheap pizza.

It's hard to argue with the classics, but luckily we have a few more options today. Our area has a number of great places and ways to celebrate a kid’s birthday, so we put together this handy list for Patch readers. And if you end up wanting to grab some friends and hit the ball pit anyway, go right on ahead—your secret is safe with us.

It sounds almost too good to be true: free video games, pizza, prizes and parties for as many as 200 people? Nickel City is the place where all this happens, and at this version of kid heaven, every video game that isn't free costs only a nickel. With a minimum of eight people (and a $2 cover charge for everyone entering) Nickel City is one of Northbrook's premiere kid party destinations. For as little as about $10 per person (which includes admission, snacks, 50 nickels and admission next time) kids can go crazy here, playing video games and collecting ticket after ticket in Skee ball in order to collect that truly gigantic tiger and have their own personal Calvin & Hobbes moment. For a few dollars more, upgrade the party to include pizza, hot dogs and ice cream.

You know what’s really cool? Giant inflatable slides, bounce houses and obstacle courses. You know what’s even cooler? Having a party with your 20 closest friends in your own private room full of bouncy inflatables. The coolest part—if you’re the parent—is that you don’t have to set up or clean up. Pump It Up’s party coordinators will take care of all of that. Not to mention serving pizza, handing out goodie bags and blowing up balloons. Party on, folks!

If Nickel City is a kid heaven, My Pie can just as easily be a kid's dream come true. What kind of kid doesn't love pizza? And what kid, when given the chance, would pass up an opportunity to make their own pizza? For just $5, kids get a chance to design their own 8" pizza. The best part? The birthday boy or girl gets to shape their pizza by hand: a server brings dough, sauce, cheese and pepperoni (if requested) and allows your child to do the decorating. Then, it's back to the kitchen and, a few minutes later, out comes the personalized pie. Parties are available for groups of kids as well as parents for anywhere up to 60 people.

One of the last working dairy farms in Cook County, owned by the Glenview Park District, promises an “udderly” amazing party. Meet the animals, then create your own birdhouse or play farm games like “Pin the Spots on the Cow” and “Fishing for Chicks.”  Kids can also check out the interactive exhibits at the Heritage Center, which cover the history of farming from the early 20th century through today.

Even the littlest athletes need to start somewhere. At Gymboree, kids up to the age of five can get full run of their athletic facility and celebrate with any number of themed parties, like Little Super Heroes, Princess Playhouse, Dinosaur Adventure and Farmyard Fun, or music and art themed parties. The kids’ play facilities build coordination and confidence, while keeping the little ones physically active. Each party includes a dedicated staffer and clean up crew as well as party supplies. Price and availability vary by location, date and even time of year, so call Gymboree for full details.

If you're feeling a need to go all out, one of the park districts party packages might be for you. The arts professionals at Northbrook Park District can lead your child through a number of different party options, some hosted by dancers and actors working with the Northbrook Theatre. A theatrical party includes a live performance and a chance to mingle with the performers. Want to knock down that third wall and become a part of the action? The Royal Birthday party package is led by a Fairy Godmother and the guest of honor and court of friends learn to be royal princes and princesses. The party is topped off as each child receives a royal proclamation. Fees and details are here.

LOCAL ENTERTAINERS

Want to add some flair to your event with some local talent? Any of these performers can be hired to provide entertainment at your party:

Robert 'Magic Miller' Miller can tailor his act according to children's age groups. His photos and testimonials speak to his talent, depicting kids collapsing in laughter as they watch his magic show.

Strictly Fun Entertainment
Worried the kids will get bored? Not with Strictly Fun. Dancers, emcees and DJs will do what it takes to keep the party, well, strictly fun. While they also host weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs and block parties, Strictly Fun promises to custom tailor your event to suit your guests.

This group of emcees, DJs and dancers mostly does events like weddings and bar mitzvahs, but they can be hired out for birthdays as well. Packages range from the simple to the out and out wild, with hosted events and full light and dance shows at their 1400-square-foot facility.