When I was a kid, if you were lucky enough to have a birthday party somewhere other than at home, there was only one option - McDonalds. Today, things have definitely changed. A whole world of fun is out there, even in just north Edmonton and St. Albert alone. These party-perfect places are ready to host a memorable experience for your kids on their special occasions, while making you look like a veteran party planner.
The building is broken into three self-contained mini-warehouses, called “jump zones,” where you pick the bouncy castle of your choice (there are 24 options, including a Frozen-themed slide castle, a Turbo Rush bouncer, an all-in-one Sports arena and a massive castle called “The Tiki Island”). There’s enough space in each zone to accommodate up to 20 kids and 20 adults. You have access to your own kitchen, fridge, freezer and washroom, plus you can bring your own food and drinks to enjoy in an area with tables and chairs. Pro tip: Bring along a music player for even more fun.
Imagine a warehouse that is filled with wall-to-wall trampolines. Wait … you don’t have to just imagine it, you can actually experience it, and, better yet, book an epic birthday party there for your kids aged two and up. The younger aged trampoliners will be able to safely play in a section reserved just for them, while the older age groups can jump like crazy or get their game on playing dodge-ball, cage-ball or slam-ball. If you book a party, outside food and drink is welcome, which you can eat at one of their party tables reserved for your group.
St. Albert’s paint-your-own-pottery shop is perfect for your creative kid (aged 12 and under). At Glazing Pots, you can do things such as make a clay creation, decorate a piece of pottery, or create fused glass art. There is a party room at the studio where you can bring in your own food and drinks to enjoy after the kids have completed their projects. If you love the idea of a painting project, but would rather do so at home, check with Glazing Pots for their ‘parties to go’ option.
A birthday party at Cineplex Odeon, what they call a “Popcorn Party,” can be a real blockbuster. Kids parties (aged 13 and under) includes admission to a movie with reserved seating, a kid’s combo snack tray (which gives them popcorn, a treat and a drink), a ‘popcorn party host’ and a gift card for the birthday kid, treating them to a free movie for next time. If you’re so inclined, you can even opt for a premium package, which will get you an hour in one of their private party rooms and includes the cost of some food.
Located in St. Albert’s Riel Park area, they have party rooms for rent (for a minimum of one hour). If you purchase wrist bands for your guests, kids can have fun swimming (think water slides, a “lazy river,” warm pools for younger kids, a hot tub, etc.), using the indoor playground (meant for ages 8 and under), ice skating, or at one of the gym courts. The option also exists to have a private gym rental where you can book a dodgeball or floor hockey package. Private rentals are also available for the field house and their ice skating area.
If you have a little art-lover in the family, a trip to 4 Cats will make for a memorable party. With more than 10 options for different party packages, kids can take part in making splatter art, polymer clay figurines, creating a masterpiece painting, or learning about (and imitating) the art of world famous artists. Kids are encouraged to wear mess-friendly clothes, which in the eyes of most youngsters, is the mark of a truly successful party, if you ask me.
This list is all about cool places you could go to book your kid’s next party. With some help from Party City, your house could be that cool place! A wonderland for party planners, Party City has any theme your kid might be into at the moment - Ninja Turtles, My Little Pony, Dora the Explorer, Transformers, Star Wars, Mickey Mouse - you name it, they got it. Also available at Party City to help you create an unforgettable at-home party is their massive selection of helium filled balloons (in all different shapes and characters), costumes and loot bag treats.
Horse Sense Training and Petting Zoo is not in the city but it is located just north of St. Albert. With many different packages to chose from, your party could include one-of-a-kind experiences like: A great goat race, Cinderella’s ball, pedal tractors, or a gorgeous winter-time sleigh ride (some of their party packages are seasonal in nature). Parties can be booked year-round and they all include interactions with nature and animals, which kids are bound to love. The average party at Horse Sense lasts for about three hours and you need to bring your own food and drinks.
The Edmonton Humane Society may not be the first place you think of when trying to figure out where to plan your next party; however, your pet-loving child will adore an event booked here. Parties last for two-hours and are ideal for kids between the ages of five and 12. A Humane Society party package includes instructor-lead activities, decorations, the use of a private party room, and even includes the plates, forks, napkins and kids’ loot bags, too. As an extra bonus, you can even print off birthday party invites from their website.
If you want to get your kids moving, a party at the awesome gymnastics spot in St. Albert, Dynamyx, will not disappoint. When you book a party here, a certified gymnastics coach will teach the kids for an hour, leading them to play fun games and activities. Afterwards, you get the use of a party room for an hour’s time, where you bring all you own food and drinks. You can also upgrade your birthday package to include a surprise visit from your child’s favourite princess or superhero, as well.