Ten places to have a birthday party for kids in Ann Arbor, MI
Kids of a certain age means birthday parties! Here's ten places to go. Each venue is noted with seasonal information, approximate cost to rent, and any other details that seem relevant. Most of these are for kids ages 3-7, the range of my recent experience.
1. Allmendinger Park (summer and fall). A few picnic tables near the playground with lots of things to do for kids (slides, swings, a merry-go-round, climbing equipment). Shady for those hot days. Avoid it on football Saturdays. Free.
2. Jump City (indoors). Inflated play equipment on a grand scale with slides, bouncing gear, and other things guaranteed to get some of the energy out of first graders. After you're done bouncing go to their party room for refreshments. $250 for 25 kids ($225 off peak). You must wear socks to bounce.
3. Fantasy Forest (indoors). Large play structure with slides, tunnels, and climbing opportunities for kids 4 or 5 and up, and a few places to play for the little ones. There's a party area for your cake, though it's not a separate room. The kids will be exhausted when you're done. A nut free zone. $11/child peak, $9/child off peak.
4. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum (indoors, weekends only, members only, 3 parties/week). Sounds like a fun spot, reviews welcome. $150 for up to 15 kids and 20 adults, membership $75/yr.
5. Burns Park (summer and fall). Set up by the playground or by the shelter. Lots and lots of grass to run on, and a big sandbox at the playground. Not much shade at the playground. Free. Shelter rental if you need it $125 for all day.
6. Chelsea Teddy Bear Factory (indoors). "Birthday parties right on the factory floor", says the Ann Arbor Convention and Visitors Bureau; I've never been. $14-$20 per guest.
7. Scrap Box. "Birthday parties or field trips by appointment". Tons and tons of industrial surplus and remnants waiting for your next craft project. $10/child, all children kindergarten and older.
8. U-M Exhibit Museum of Natural History. Dinosaurs! Space! Planetarium! Ages 4-10, 15 kids max, $215 ($195 for members).
9. Leslie Science Center. Five programs for kids 4-7 or 7-13 with indoor and outdoor science themes for all weather. $125 ($150 non-resident) for up to 13-15 kids.
10. Maryfield Wildwood Park. (summer and fall) West side neighborhood park with play equipment and picnic tables and shade, which did a great job for a 3 yr old's party. Free.
This is not a complete list, prices subject to change (accurate 1/07), reservations may be required in advance, city parks have use fees for reservations for shelters and large groups.
We are looking to open a birthday party franchise in Michigan. Anyone ever heard if http://www.ooglesngoogles.com is any good? Nice list.
Rob
Posted by: Rob | March 25, 2007 at 08:56 PM