When to choose to do a birthday party at home versus at a venue

Making the Right Party Venue Decision

Planning your child’s birthday party can be a bit overwhelming with numerous factors to consider.

One of the primary decisions parents face is whether to host the party at home or choose a party venue.

This choice can be challenging, but we’re here to help you explore the pros and cons of both options.

Home Parties vs. Venue Parties

Hosting a birthday party at home is a popular choice for many parents, especially for younger children.

However, it’s essential to understand that it’s not always the easiest or most economical option.

Let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages of both home and venue parties.

Pros of Home Parties:

  • Personal Space and Comfort: Your child can retreat to their room or a quiet area if the party becomes overwhelming for them.
  • No Travel Involved: You won’t need to transport guests to a different location.
  • Flexible Timing: You can host guests for as long as you like, with no restrictions on the duration of the party.
  • Custom Decorations: You can set up theme decorations according to your preference, even days in advance.
  • Food and Beverage Choices: You have the freedom to prepare and serve food, including alcohol, without specific rules.

Cons of Home Parties:

  • Cleaning Responsibilities: Preparing your home before and cleaning up after the party can be time-consuming and potentially costly if you hire help.
  • Entertainment Planning: You’ll need to organize activities to keep the kids engaged.
  • Decorating from Scratch: Creating a festive atmosphere may require significant effort, and it may be challenging to surprise your child with the chosen theme.
  • Risks of Damage: With numerous kids in your home, there’s a risk of accidental breakages or damages.
  • Guest Management: Ensuring guests behave appropriately may be your responsibility unless you hire event staff.
  • Unlimited Stay: Guests can stay as long as they like, which might lead to exhaustion for the hosts.
  • Accumulating Costs: Expenses can add up when you consider all aspects, especially if guests expect alcohol to be served.

If these cons seem overwhelming, it might be time to consider a birthday party venue.

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Venue

There are various factors to consider when you’re choosing a venue for your kids’ birthday party.

  • Venue Size
    Ensure the venue has enough space to accommodate your group comfortably. Private room options are ideal to ensure your party’s privacy.
  • Decorations and Themes
    Look for a venue that offers appealing themes, reducing your need to decorate from scratch. Check if they allow you to bring your own decorations.
  • Party Package and Privacy
    Be aware of guest limitations in the party package and inquire about the costs of inviting additional guests. Aim for a venue that can offer complete party privacy.
  • Food Options
    Confirm whether the venue provides food or if you need to supply it. Some venues offer the convenience of not having to prepare, clean, or transport food.
  • Staff Assistance
    Inquire if the venue provides dedicated staff to assist during the party.

Making the Decision

Ultimately, the choice between hosting a party at home or at a venue depends on your child’s age, preferences, and your comfort. Ensure your child is excited about the decision as a birthday party is a significant occasion in their life.

If you’re considering a venue, visiting it in advance can help you get a feel for the space and see if it aligns with your party plans. Not all venues offer complete privacy, so it’s essential to explore options and not limit yourself to home-only celebrations.

Choose the option that best suits your child’s desires and your comfort level. Remember, the most important thing is to create memorable moments for your child’s special day. Explore venues like Scooter’s Jungle that offer private, kid-friendly, and alcohol-free birthday parties.

Spooktacular Happenings In The Jungle | Halloween 2019 Events

Join us for a Spooktacular Halloween party where costumes are encouraged!

Scooter’s Jungle has created the spookiest night at the jungle where costumes meet bounce house! Our locations in Valencia, Placentia and South Bay will be hosting a family fun Halloween event and appropriate for all ages. See below for location specific details.

Bring your socks and family friendly costumes. These Halloween Events may sell out, so get your tickets Today!

Valencia
Monday, October 28 | 5:00 pm to 8:00pm
Call today to purchase tickets | 661-877-4400

Valencia’s 3 Hour Halloween Trick or Treat Open Play will have vendors and candy trick or treating. Face Painters, Cupcake Vendors, Balloon Artists and more. This is one of the biggest events at Scooter’s Jungle- you don’t want to miss it. These Halloween Events may sell out, so get your tickets Today! Take Advantage of The Early Bird Presale Price of $15 each child or $20 at the door, includes 1 adult, extra adults=$3/each. Additional siblings under the age of 1 are FREE when accompanied with a paid child entry. Limited space available. No outside food, gifts, or party items – please.

Pizza is available at $3/slice or 2 for $5.

Placentia
Wednesday, October 30 | 5:30 pm to 8:00pm
Call today to purchase tickets | 714-223-5730

Placentia’s Spooktacular Party will have Tricks, Treats, and TONS of Family Fun! Halloween Costume Prizes! This is one of the biggest events at Scooter’s Jungle- you don’t want to miss it. These Halloween Events may sell out, so get your tickets Today! Take Advantage of The Early Bird Presale Price of $8 each child (deadline 10/29) or $10 at the door, includes 1 adult, extra adults=$5/each. Additional siblings under the age of 1 are FREE when accompanied with a paid child entry. Limited space available. THIS EVENT WILL SELL OUT. AT THE DOOR TICKETS WILL BE LIMITED. PRE-SALE TICKETS ARE THE ONLY WAY TO GUARANTEE ENTRY.

Pizza is available at $2/slice, $16.55/Whole

***Memberships not included in special events however will include discount at the door.***

South Bay
Wednesday, October 30 | 5:00 pm to 8:00pm
Call today to purchase tickets | 310-848-1380

El Segundo’s 2nd Annual Halloween Party will have Tricks, Treats, and TONS of Family Fun! Halloween Costume Prizes! This is one of the biggest events at Scooter’s Jungle- you don’t want to miss it. These Halloween Events may sell out, so get your tickets Today! Take Advantage of The Early Bird Presale Price of $20 each child (deadline 10/29) or $25 at the door, includes 1 adult, extra adults=$5/each. Additional siblings under the age of 1 are FREE when accompanied with a paid child entry. Limited space available. THIS EVENT WILL SELL OUT. AT THE DOOR TICKETS WILL BE LIMITED. PRE-SALE TICKETS ARE THE ONLY WAY TO GUARANTEE ENTRY.

Pizza is available at $2.50/slice, $15.99/Whole

Indoor Playground or at Home, Which is Better for Kids Birthday Bash?

The question of where to hold a kids birthday bash can make the difference between a dull and an awesome party. The venue of a bash will place restrictions on what activities you can do and how many guests you can invite.

Birthday bash at home

The pros of holding the bash at home are;

  • There are no costs for venue
  • No Transportation of party goods and decor needed
  • Ideal if the guest list is not long

The biggest cons for holding a birthday bash at home are;

  • There is restriction of space. The average home will likely not have the space for seating all the guests and playful kids,
  • House Clean-up before AND after the party is needed,
  • Need to do LOTS of decorating if want a FUN themed atmosphere,
  • Limited activities. The games that can be played at home are limited as the equipment and playing items are not many,
  • Adults usually expect alcohol at a home party, increasing expense and changing the quality of the kid’s birthday party experience,
  • There is the danger of antagonizing the neighbors as the kids play around.

Jr Arena Aliso Viejo

Birthday at an Indoor playground

Indoor playgrounds like Scooter Jungle are a better alternative for birthday bashes as they offer more space and a wider range of activities for both adult and children guests. The advantages of a birthday bash at an indoor playground are;

  • There is ample space for comfortable seating during food and drinks for all invited guests
  • More fun and games indoor playgrounds have a wide variety of game equipment like inflatables, balls, swings etc,
  • More fun for the parent as the birthday venue handles everything leaving the parent to enjoy along with the other guests,
  • The indoor playground has qualified staff to supervise the kids during play time making it safer and interactive,
  • There are no worries for cleaning up after. You get in, enjoy and leave others to clean up which is a big relief,
  • Alcohol free zone…get’s rid of the hassle of deciding if you offer liquor at your child’s party,
  • There are no worries about the neighbors calling the authorities in protest to noisy on goings. The bash can get as fun and noisy as the kids want it.

Holding a kid’s birthday bash at an indoor playground takes most of the work from the parent’s hands and is handled by people who do it as a profession ensuring a better experience. Some will get worried that holding a bash at an indoor playground is expensive.

Look for money saving packages and deals when booking to save funds on your party. Cutting out unnecessary extras and handling some of the work is a way to get a good discount. Some venues will allow you to bring some food and drinks further cutting the costs and giving a nice variety to your food offering. At the end of the day, with a good arrangement , you are sure of loads of fun for kids and adults.