Best Places for a Kid’s Birthday Party in Fort Collins – Shawn’s Top Five
We are all aware that kids are an investment, from pregnancy to college and everything in between experts guess that on average it costs around $200,000 over 18 years to raise a child. One major investment throughout parenthood is the once a year big bash, otherwise known as the birthday party. Now, I have a 2 year old and a 6 month old, and although the parties aren’t a big to do yet, they soon will be, so I am preparing now! Here is my top five list of best places for a kids birthday party in Fort Collins. By best I mean fun, affordable, headache proof, and I like cleanliness too!
5. Discovery Science Center
Learning can be fun, and the Discovery Science Center proves that. Although, it wont fit all kids tastes, but if you have a child who is interested in learning and building etc. this just may be a hit. The Discovery Science Center houses more than 120 interactive exhibits designed to engage learners of all ages, offers an array of planetarium shows, overnight camp-ins, and classes. The center is also a joint effort with the Fort Collins Museum, and The Museum is available for birthday parties! Parties include the use of the historic Birthday Party Games and Toys box so your group can have fun with the games and toys played throughout the last century (including Barrel of Monkeys, Pick Up Sticks, and burlap sack races), as well as admission to the Museum, and a room you can decorate and use to serve cake and refreshments. This may be the most cost effective party as well. Adults (ages 13-59) $4.00, Kids (ages 3-12) $3.00, and Children 2 & under are FREE.
4. Pump It Up
Pump It Up is an active kids dream. From custom bounce houses, slides, and obstacles courses to all the other party necessities like pizza and banquet rooms, Pump It Up has you covered. They now have glow parties, which the kids will love, and even last minute specials. Pump It Up is perfect for a big group of kids, because most of the work is done by the employees, and by the time the party is over the kids are ready for a nap! Parties range between $250 for 25 kids, to as low as $6 per kid, depending on what options you select. Pump It Up is a great choice for parents with kids between 5 and 12.
3. Rollerland
Great for all ages, and a good way to get parents and adults involved in the festivities as well. Rollerland is a fun, safe and alcohol free environment for children and adults. They recently underwent some remodeling in addition to new skates and an upgraded sound system. They now offer an indoor playground and "redemption game" arcade for the little ones and private birthday party rooms. Parties can be done privately, where the whole place is yours for two hours or during their public skates. Private parties range from $195-$275, and public parties are more economical at $95-$150. Great for all ages, and another good way to ware out the kids before they have the chance to come back to the house and go into destruction mode.
2. Fort Fun
A Fort Collins staple, Fort Fun is great for the older kids (7-18). Sitting on 14 acres of beautifully decorated land, Fort Fun houses a plethora of great entertainment. From a full blown video arcade to go carts, mini golf, mini bowling, batting cages, and a ton more. This is the sort of party that is going to cost you more than the others. The type where if its me, I tell the kids they only get to bring a couple friends rather than the whole class. $10 per kid will get you the cheapest package, but that wont last long, and then you’ll end up dropping a bunch more. You may as well plan on spending between $25 and $35 per kid to keep them busy for a few hours. They will walk away thanking you for this party though, with Fort Fun, you have what I would call the most fun birthday party in Fort Collins!
1. Edora Pool & Ice Center
Another great place for older kids only, but based on my criteria for the best place for a kid’s birthday party in Fort Collins, Edora Pool & Ice Center couldn’t be beat. A multi-purpose recreational center offering a 50-meter indoor pool, a wading pool, two ice skating rinks and an exercise room, Edora Pool & Ice Center seems to have it all. Staff is very friendly, and seems to be very well cleaned and taken care of. Although they don’t offer a “birthday package,” groups of ten or more save you a little cash. Look at spending about $10 per kid for unlimited skating and swimming. The only downfall that I can see is that it’s a must to keep an eye on all the kids a place like this, so smaller parties are probably your best bet.
Based on price, cleanliness, fun, and ease of the party, these are my top five best places in Fort Collins for a kid's birthday party. Other places that just missed the list include Alpine Family Fun Club, Chuck E Cheese, Fit For Fun, Chippers Lanes, and GK Gymnastics. Plus if your up for it, and a much better host and way more brave than I, the backyard BBQ with a clown or balloon artist is always an option. What do you think? Do you have any experience or testimonials about parties you’ve had in the past?
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