A Birthday Party Planned at a Park

Parks are a great option when it comes to picking a location for your next celebration. Main reason is definitely because of easy clean up. Plus, it allows for you to have a more loosely structured party. You can get by with planning for one game, or a piñata, maybe a filler activity (clown, bounce house, train,  etc.) and of course the cake & ice cream time. The rest of the time is filled in with the park/playground/play area. As far as present time…well I opt to take those home and let my child open them later after the party. It gives them a chance to really read each card and focus in on the thoughtfulness of each persons’ gift. It also gives me a chance to sit and jot down who gave what and even snap a few photos, Which I can use to add into “Thank You” notes in later days.

When it comes to figuring out the details of planning a party at a park, keep in mind that you might not have all the amenities at a park as you would at home or somewhere indoors.  I recommend making a list and checking it twice ;o)

What you would plan for an indoor party modified for a party
planned outdoors:

• Indoors you may plan for Cake, modify this for outdoors to Cupcakes – They are easy to distribute, no messy knife, and easy cleanup.
• Indoors you may plan for Ice Cream with the cake, modify this for outdoors by serving the Single serve ice cream cups. I like to buy these from the wholesale stores like BJ’s, Costco or SAM’s club…you get more for your money.
• Indoors you may plan for a Drink variety including cups and ice, modify this for outdoors by purchasing a case of bottled water and a variety of powdered flavor packets (i.e. Crystal light, Hawaiian punch, etc.).
• Indoors you may plan for Kids’ drinks, modify this for outdoors by filling a big bucket with ice and add in juice boxes, juice pouches or mini water bottles.
• Indoors you may plan for a variety of food, modify this for outdoors with the all time favorite of Pizza. It is always an easy food that both kids and adults enjoy. When I order, I like to order the pies sliced twice. So instead of 8 pieces I get 16. This is a cost efficient way to increase the number of slices and it helps decrease wasting of half eaten pieces.

I also would recommend stopping by a week in advance at the park where the party will take place to scope out the area. Even if it’s a park that you have taken your kids to many times before. You might need to re-see the area through “Party Mode” eyes. This means you are looking for things like where the best place for the food table, the present table, where is a safe place to set up the piñata, how much seating is available, is there running water, power outlets, etc. If you are the party host, you need to already have an idea of where you want things to go. So when someone offers to help, or the filler activity needs direction where to set up, you can direct them with definitive answers.

Do you have an indoor/outdoor modification when it comes to party planning? Do tell, do tell. We would like to hear.