Has planning a child’s birthday party always been such a big deal? It seems like it’s no longer possible to simply slap on some party hats and serve up a lopsided-but-made-with-love cake. Parties for kids these days need to be special. Aren’t we lucky, then, that there are plenty of places to throw a great birthday party here Tucson? While you can always fall back on local parks and the well-known kids’ pizza party places, you might be surprised to learn about some of the truly unique and creative party venues there are in town!
Color Me Mine- Do you have an artist on your hands? Color Me Mine (Park Place Mall) offers paint-your-own-pottery party packages that include invitations, balloons, a private party room and party hostess, and of course pottery to paint! Color Me Mine parties are great for children ages 5 and older, and start at $150 for 10 painters. Ice cream cake or cupcakes are included in some packages. Color Me Mine will also bring pottery, paints and brushes to a location of your choice with their Party-to-Go package. Call 520-790-1100 for more information.
Create Café-Have a pizza party...with a twist! Our friends at Create Café (4660 E. Camp Lowell Road) offer Make-Your-Own-Pizza AND Decorate-Your-Own-Cupcake parties! Starting at $8.99 per person, children can create culinary masterpieces, enjoy the kids' play areas, and take home a goody bag. For an extra cost, parties can include add-ons such as jumping castles, face painting or video games. Call 520-298-3421 for details.
Old Pueblo Gymnastics- Your birthday kiddo and their guests can get their wiggles (and jumps and tumbles) out with a party at Old Pueblo Gymnastics (7670 E. Wrightstown Road). Parties include private gym time with fun activities such as obstacle courses and trampolines, a party host and coaches for supervision, a jumping castle and set up/clean up. Parents provide paper products and food. Parties start at $155 for 10 children and are most loved by kids ages 3-8 years old. 520-628-4355.
Rockin Star Ranch- For little animal lovers, there may be no better party spot than Rockin Star Ranch (8050 E. Tanque Verde Road). A party at this fun location could include miniature horse cart rides, pony rides, a petting zoo and/or a western themed event. Party-goers have use of a decorated party house and facilities, and parties can include a (loaded!) piñata, bounce house, clowns and cake. Parties start at $225 and are great for kids ages 1-16!
Saguaro Aquatics-Take the pool party to the next level at Saguaro Aquatics (2045 W. Omar Drive). With Saguaro Aquatics you can have a swim party year round, but they don't just offer swimming! Party packages can include everything from jumping castles and water slides to sports activities, to movies or video games on a 15’ screen! Food is provided in some party packages, and lifeguards are available to help facilitate. There is truly something for everyone, and parties are great for kids, teens and even adults. Packages range from $200-$400. Call 520-638-8040 for more information.
Tucson Clay Co-Op-For a truly unique party going experience, throw your child's party at Tucson Clay Co-op (3326 N. Dodge Blvd.). Clay parties for children allow kids to get their hands dirty and have a great time completing a handbuilding project (such as a mask or mug) that will be fired and can taken home as a momento of the occasion. Children can also participate in a wheel demonstration, and parties can include time for cake and ice cream. Parties start at $150 and are great for kids ages 6+. Call 520-792-6263 for more information.
Vantage Bowling-You can’t forget the party potential of bowling! Vantage Bowling (5 locations in Tucson) offers some great party packages for birthdays, ranging from $7.95-$14.95 per person. The basic package includes bowling, soda, invitations and paper products, balloons, candy and a souvenir bowling pin for the birthday child. Other packages can include pizza, cyber bowling, and even a custom fit bowling ball for the guest of honor! Bowling parties are great for kids ages 4-18. Vantage Bowling Locations Include: Cactus Bowl (1630 S. Alvernon, 327-6561); Lucky Strike Bowl (4015 E. Speedway, 327-4926); Tucson Bowl (7020 E. 21st St., 747-1363); Santa Cruz Lanes (3665 S. 16th Ave, 622-2186) and Fiesta Lanes (501 W. River Road, 877-2695).
*Up next week...Great Tucson Birthday Parties for Kids Part 2: Party entertainment that comes to YOU (and party planners that help make it all possible)!
