If you want to use your park’s event facilities, such as a pavilion (in case of rainy weather), reserved picnic tables, or bbq equipment, you may have to pay a rental fee. This flat-rate fee is likely to be much less costly than the per-person price an indoor venue might charge. Sometimes, the park can even provide the perfect party space in the winter. If there is snow on the ground, invite friends for a sledding party. If the park has a lake that allows ice skating, bundle up and have an ice-skating party. A few ways to slash the budget on some typical party items include:
Bake your own sheet cake.Provide a cold buffet for dinner so you don’t have to purchase food-warming equipment, or calculate the cost of pizza delivery (a local pizzeria might provide a discounted price for a large order).Decorate the facility with simple balloons and streamers.Provide your own music: hook a smartphone up to portable Bluetooth speakers, and use music streaming apps to set the perfect atmosphere.
Tweens and teens especially will appreciate the “cool” factor of partying in a hotel room. And if they pack their sleeping bags, you can turn it into a slumber party. Some of these community spaces use the fees to support their services, and some may not rent, but only donate their rooms for non-profits or fundraisers. You may be able to acquire one of these spaces by setting up a donation bin at your party and asking guests to bring an item for charity in lieu of a birthday gift. Many museums offer free admission on school holidays. Schedule your party on one of those holidays and invite kids for a self-guided tour of the museum. Follow up with a budget-friendly lunch at a nearby pizzeria. Bring a few table games to keep kids entertained and ask the proprietor ahead of time if you can bring your own cake. Other places to consider:
Ice cream parlors: ask guests to meet after dinnertime for a dessert party.Fast food restaurants: value menu options cut the cost of feeding a group.Pancake houses: host a breakfast party with inexpensive pancakes from the children’s menu.Chain restaurants (go for dessert only or ask about a discounted menu for a group).
