While it happens at the same time every year (Leap Year babies being the exception), somehow, it always feels like your kid’s birthday party sneaks up on you. Between busy schedules and kids changing their birthday party ideas at the very last minute, it’s easy to find yourself scrambling for some on-theme paper plates, their favorite cake, and a venue that will keep a crowd of 10-year-old party animals and their parents thoroughly entertained.
In this article, we’ll share some birthday party planning tips to help you create a handy birthday party checklist. Fret no more about birthday party planning, because Wintrust Sports Complex’s facility of fun in Bedford Park has you covered with plenty of easy birthday party ideas.
Six Weeks Before B-Day: Kids Birthday Party Places in Chicago
Before your kiddo starts inviting everyone they know, you’ll want to narrow down your options for kids’ birthday party places around Chicago. When shopping for the right venue, start by checking whether it can accommodate your estimated guest count. You’ll want enough space for your guests to comfortably move around, mingle, and play without being on top of each other. Some venues offer birthday party packages for a truly stress-free birthday party, and often include all the food, drinks, and party supplies you’ll need for the day. Make sure to inquire about what is included, what the deposit and cancellation policies are, and what games and activities are available. Popular venues often book up in advance, so secure your ideal day and time as soon as you can.
Four Weeks Before B-Day: Invitations & Theme
Now is the time to officially cut your kid off from changing their mind about the theme. If they say Wonder Woman four weeks out, they’re getting a Wonder Woman party, because you’ve got stuff to buy and people to invite. Your to-do list one month out should include making and sending the invitations. One easy birthday party idea is the Evite. Evites are popular, highly customizable to fit almost any theme, and handy for other parents to receive directly in their inboxes rather than having to dig through their kid’s backpacks. Once you’ve gotten all the RSVPs, let your venue know your final headcount.
Gather all the decorations and props that go with your theme, and pick up any craft or activity materials the kids will use on the big day. Goody bags take longer to assemble than you think, so it’s a good idea to start gathering the little trinkets and treats.
Three Weeks Before B-Day: The Menu
While kids seem to sustain themselves on air and excitement alone, it’s a good idea to plan a menu they’ll want to dig into. Take any dietary restrictions or allergies into consideration and count on some of the guests being a little picky. Offer a variety of snacks and mains for kids to choose from, and if adults will be attending, provide more sophisticated options. If your venue offers on-site catering, see what their offerings include and if they can accommodate special dietary needs.
You should also place your cake order if you’re not making one yourself. Make sure you confirm pick-up times with the bakery, as well as any customized details.
Two Weeks Before B-Day: Get the Kids Involved
Use this time to add personal touches and create an itinerary for the day to keep your kid’s birthday party running smoothly. Handmade decorations create a more original, intimate celebration and add the little details your child will remember and guests will admire.
Some easy birthday party ideas include making a custom birthday banner, a scrapbook of photos and memories from their life so far, or a guest book for their friends to leave well wishes. This time is a great opportunity to get your child involved in birthday party planning. You can have them put together a playlist of their favorite songs, pick out a special outfit for the big day, and put together the goodie bags for their friends to take home.
One Week Before B-Day: Final Preparation
With just one week until the party, you’ll want to go over your birthday party checklist. This week’s to-do list may include:
- Contacting the venue to make sure everything is prepared on their end
- Reaching out to your guest list with a friendly reminder to RSVP if they haven’t already
- Touching base with the bakery to ensure the cake will be done on time
- Organizing any games, crafts, or activities you’ll be using and labeling them in separate containers
- Making sure there is enough storage on your phone or camera for pictures and video
- Sharing the day’s itinerary with guests so they know when the important things are going to occur, like cake cutting and present opening
- Buying thank-you notes for your child to write after the party
Looping in an extra person or two to act as helpers on the big day can contribute greatly to a stress-free birthday party. Delegate some tasks like passing out cake, taking pictures, or cleaning up to specific people you can rely on so you can be fully present and enjoy the day with your child.
The Day of B-Day: Get Ready To Party
You’re officially in the final stretch of birthday party planning! The morning of, you or a designated helper will want to pick up the cake and deliver it to the venue. If you’re decorating, get there early enough to finish before the guests arrive. Lay out your various stations for goodie bags, gifts, snacks, games, and party props. If the venue is large or tricky to find, set out a sign to point your guests in the right direction. Double-check your party playlist and make sure you pack extra phone chargers to keep the music flowing.
Finally, don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate all your hard work and bask in your kid’s excitement as they enjoy their special day. Not only have you planned a stress-free birthday party, but you’ve also successfully raised a wonderful little person. Now go have some fun.
Plan Your Kid’s Birthday Party With Wintrust Sports Complex
When it comes to kids’ birthday party places around Chicago, Wintrust’s Sports Complex truly has something for everyone. With birthday party packages, private rooms, a full-sized arcade, gym space, and on-site menu options, our team can help create your ideal party experience. Let us mark off your birthday party checklist so you can focus on letting the birthday kid beat you in a game of laser tag. Contact us today to get your next party on the books.