Destination Birthday Parties

Sometimes an at-home birthday party is not an option due to house size or lack of insurance coverage for houses terrorized by sugar-happy children. The Lower Mainland is full of great destination party spots that take care of the oh-so-important task of entertaining kids at a party, while making the birthday boy or girl feel special. Here are some of our favorite party ideas that range from low-key to extreme energy.

Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company

Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company creates one of the most family-friendly restaurant environments in Vancouver with its spacious seating and kids’ play area. Their pizza is famous for using natural and local ingredients and the company is proud to boast that the “carbon footprint” of every meal is zero.

Fortunately for parents, the restaurant offers fabulous birthday party packages. Kids can create their own pizzas from the rolling of the dough to choosing all their own toppings. The Kitsilano location offers a birthday craft corner.

Cost: $13.00 per child plus taxes and 18% gratuity.

Check out their website for all birthday party details.

Hillcrest Aquatic Centre

Parents flock to Hillcrest Aquatic Centre for its warm waters, huge kiddie pool and large, family change rooms.

The pool offers a party room for two hours where a microwave and fridge are available and a party planner coordinates games and assists with decorations. The centre allows 15 admissions at a discounted rate, including children and adults. After that, guests pay the drop-in rate with a capacity for 20 people. All children under the age of eight are required to have adult supervision in the pool.

Parties can be booked for Saturday or Sunday at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m.
Cost: $195.00 for 15 admissions

For more info. Call Hillcrest Pool at 604-257-8680 or book online at vancouverparks.ca

4 Cats Arts Studio

4 Cats Art Studio offers kids a chance to get messy and creative at a themed birthday party. Kids can explore their artistic side through painting or clay creations, depending on the theme chosen. 4 Cats Arts studios are located throughout the Lower Mainland.

Cost: Prices range according to theme.

Check out their website for the location closest to you and for the range of prices.

Crash Crawly’s

Afraid to host an at-home birthday party for a bunch of wild kids? Crash Crawly’s is a great destination party for kids needing to let off some steam. The play centre offers various party packages including only the indoor playground or, if you’re feeling crazy brave, an all-inclusive sleepover party.

Other packages include activities such as laser tag and tokens for the ATV and train ride.

Cost: Party packages start at $13.50 per child.

Checkout their website for party-package information.

Michelle Gadd is a wife, mom and the creator of Elasticpantcity.com, a blog dedicated to examining how motherhood has shaped, stretched and influenced Michelle’s lifestyle.