OT: NJ Disers I need help to plan my DD's bday

[snoopy5386]

I need to plan a bday party for my DD and of course the situation is a little complicated and I need some help from my fellow Disers
We live in Maryland but all of our family is in NJ, we moved here a little over a year ago. We want to have our DD's 3rd bday party back home in NJ and we are having a hard time finding a space to have it in. The easiest place - a relative's house is out, either their houses are too small, too dirty/messy or too cluttered. Also, all 4 parents are divorced and while some get along better than others, they are not willing to come to the other's house for a party, even to celebrate their darling grandchild's birthday
So I am looking for somewhere to have a party. With the exception of an infant, DD is the only kid in the family so I am not looking to have it at a kid's place, but at the same time I need it to be a family friendly place. Somewhere central would be ideal, we'll have relatives coming from Toms River, Mt Laurel, Union and Belleville, so basically all over the whole state. And of course somewhere reasonable in price would be great too.
Any ideas?

 

[Lstar311]

What about at a Gymboree. There are many locations throughout NJ and you do not need to be a member. There are also a lot of parks with picnic areas, I guess it just depends on the time of year when you want to have the party. You might want to make reservations with a park ahead of time. Another idea would be to rent a banquet hall or a firehouse. When I was planning my DS's first birthday I just did a google search of banquet halls in central nj. Good luck!

 

[mjkacmom]

Since everyone is all over NJ, just have the party at a restaurant where you live. BTW, the last party I hosted, a couple of weeks ago, was in Belleville.

 

[d1sneyf4n]

How about Adventure Aquarium in Camden NJ. I know they have birthday parties but I think you might need 15 children.........with that being said you can also have a picnic there that they help you with or you can just rent one of there small rooms on Sat or Sun for breakfast or lunch. I am not sure the prices because you have to call.

 

[lovinpoohbear]

Rainforest Cafe? Is there one in the area? I just went to my SIL's sons birthday there and it was really nice. She said the party packages were about $15 per adult and about $8 per child. There was a choice of three entrees and it came with cheesecake and a dessert.

 

[donac]

Rainforest Cafe? Is there one in the area? I just went to my SIL's sons birthday there and it was really nice. She said the party packages were about $15 per adult and about $8 per child. There was a choice of three entrees and it came with cheesecake and a dessert.

I think there is one in the Wood Bridge Mall. That's not a bad idea. They are kind of loud but that is great for a 3rd birthday.

 

[mjkacmom]

Rainforest Cafe? Is there one in the area? I just went to my SIL's sons birthday there and it was really nice. She said the party packages were about $15 per adult and about $8 per child. There was a choice of three entrees and it came with cheesecake and a dessert.

I think the OP said that her child would be the ONLY child - the rest are adults.

 

[disney fan 1994]

Hi I would go with out to eat somewhere. Most places will celebrate b-day, just about anything. They can sind and make your DD the star of the place you pick. Happy b-day dd

 

[snoopy5386]

Since everyone is all over NJ, just have the party at a restaurant where you live. BTW, the last party I hosted, a couple of weeks ago, was in Belleville.

We live in Maryland, for everyone to come here they would have to get hotel rooms, etc. and several of the folks involved are either in poor health and can't make the trip or have pets that they can't/won't leave overnight. It is just easier for us to go up there for now. When my DD gets old enough to have "friend parties" we'll start celebrating her birthday here.

 

[snoopy5386]

Thanks everyone who has replied so far, yes my DD is the only child, everyone else is adults about 10-12 folks. We have thought of just going to a restaurant but I'd really like somewhere with a private room so my DD can open the tons of presents she is bound to get. Did I mention she's the ONLY child in the family?

 

[snoopy5386]

Rainforest Cafe? Is there one in the area? I just went to my SIL's sons birthday there and it was really nice. She said the party packages were about $15 per adult and about $8 per child. There was a choice of three entrees and it came with cheesecake and a dessert.

We actually at at the one in Woodbridge a few weeks ago and my DD was scared silly of all the animals, so that is a no go.

 

[dawnn12]

coco key water resort its in mt laurel at one of the hotels you can book it for b-day parties

 

[BigMike10]

How about a bowling party. Bowling is fun for kids(they can use bumpers or roll it down one of those kid ramps) and it is fun for adults too. Most bowling lanes have party rooms too! Heck, my kids are better than I am. Bowling is so much nicer now that all of the bowling lanes are smoke free. I live in central jersey just a little north if Toms River and there are lots of nice clean lanes nearby. Just a suggestion.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

How about asking your relatives in NJ where they recommend? We have had DD's parties at a local bar that has a back room for rent. We also had her communion party in a restaurant that had a separate room for rent. We're in Jersey and I know there must be plenty of places like this available.