Low-Cost Birthday Parties

Now, even though there are tons of fun birthday party options out there, you can also do a less expensive route and your kids will still have the same great time and wonderful memories! Remember you don't have to keep up with the "Joneses"! There are so many playgrounds and parks in Mason, Ohio and greater Cincinnati to host your special day.

Rent an inflatable bounce house

from The Bounce House Guys

for your next home birthday party.

The home party -  have a theme dress up party (the kids can come in their favorite costume, favorite superhero, favorite princess, etc.).  Have the party from 2:00-4:00 so you only have to provide light snacks, cake and drinks.  Keep it on the smaller side (maybe 6 kids) so you can keep it under control (I don't know how teachers can do it).  Have them decorate a brown paper bag with crayons, markers, stickers, etc.  Then play a game or two (musical chairs or pillows is always fun or hot potato), then do a craft - give out small prizes at each activity for them to fill their brown bag (this will be their goody bag to take home). 

Local playground or park - there are usually plenty of picnic tables or even covered shelters that you can use. Bring some decorations & balloons to make it look festive.  Order pizzas (you can even have them delivered there) and have cake.  If there's a playground, you already have automatic fun playtime built into the party.  Get a pinata and fill it with candy/small prizes - give each kid a bag and tell them they can take 5 things when the pinata breaks (so as to avoid a frenzy when it does).  You can even hire a babysitter to bring with you to help facilitate the games.  Maybe she'd even be good at face painting or you can give it a try - kids love all that stuff.  Get some removable tattoos and do that.  Fun, fun, fun!

The "almost sleepover" party or "1/2 over" - this might be more fun for the girls.  If you're not quite ready for sleepovers, this can be fun.  Have the party from 7:00-9:30 and the girls come in their pajamas.  You can make your own sundaes with tons of different topings, then have the girls do a craft and then you can always pop in a movie and have popcorn and drinks.  They can even bring their sleeping bags/pillow so they can all veg out together.  Or put on some dance music and they can boogey on down.

Fast food restaurant with a play place - Limit the number of party guests to under 6 and buy everyone a kids' meal.  You'll have built in fun with the play time and what kid doesn't love going to McDonald's, Burger King or Chick-fil-a? I'd keep the numbers low on this one so you can keep track of the kids and maybe you can enlist another Mom to help you out.

Farm Tour - If your child has a Fall birthday, think about going to a local farm for a hayride.  Some farms have free activities for kids and/or they may have some inexpensive things for you to do.

Firetruck/Safety Party - Check with your local fire and police departments.  I know we've had the local fire department come to our neighborhood before during a neighborhood party and the kids loved seeing the fire truce first hand.  A police office also stopped by and gave the kids sheriff badges.  You can have this party at home and your theme can revolve around fire safety.

 Balloons - Balloon Artists & Company - www.cincyballoonartists.com. (513-481-0495). Email for more info: events@cincyballoonartists.com. They also have jugglers, magicians, face painting and more.

Bounce House Rentals -

The Bounce House Guys - www.thebouncehouseguys.com - The Bounce House Guys is an inflatable moonwalk/bounce house rental company based out of Mason, Ohio.  They offer 13’x13’ and 15’x15’ bounce houses that are perfect for private parties. Get your choice of the Palm House, Boxing Ring or Jungle Jump or a pair of padded Sumo Suits.  You get the rental for the whole day and this includes free delivery, set up & take down to most of the Greater Cincinnati area.  They do not charge a deposit to reserve a bounce house so if your event is rained out or canceled you won’t lose a penny if you rent from The Bounce House Guys! The inflatables are cleaned regularly and licensed and insured according to the State of Ohio’s guidelines. For more information call the owner, Ben Doublett at (513)-403-4763. You can also find The Bounce House Guys on facebook and twitter.  See our discount/deal page for a special on renting two inflatables for the day.

Clowns & Balloons - Clownflower. www.clownflower.com. 513-894-4569. See their website for all that they provide. Email for their rates at info@clownflower.com.

Clowns - Rainbow Entertainment - www.rainbowclowns.biz. 513-867-1213. Professional clowns can entertain your kids with different theme paties - clown, pirate, princess, cowboy/cowgirl. Call for pricing.

Face Painting - Scho-lan Entertainment - www.scho-lan.com. (513-831-1198). Intricate face painting designs in 5 minutes. Also provides balloons, magicians and more.

Magic with a Mission and the Magic of Van Hart - www.magicwithamission.org. 608 Jeffrey Ct., Mason, Ohio. (513-265-6112). They have birthday party packages  which include:

1. A fun interactive 40 minute magic show.
2. Candy appears for all.
3. The appearance of a Rabbit.
4. Balloons for all the children.
5. A special magic gift from Van Hart.

Magician - Charlie Cadabra - 513-702-4400.  I've seen Charlie in action and he really is great.  Your child will be the star of the show and Harvey, the live rabbit, appears.

Mr. Cowpie Party Animals - www.mrcowpie.com. Ages 3 and up. (859-635-7551). Mr. Cowpie is sure to delight any kids (how can't he when he's dressed in that cow costume). You can have a petting zoo, horses come right to your home.

Pottery - Star Glazers - www.starglazers.com. 513-474-6364. Paint pottery at your location.  They bring all the supplies then take them to get glazed/fired and return them to you for distribution.

Abby Girl SweetsCucakery - Located downtown at 41 West Fifth St. - If you walk by this shop, their storefront will tempt your tastebuds and you'll definitely want to stop by and get one of their delicious cupcakes. All cupcakes are made from scratch. Open 11am-6pm, M-F. (513) 335-0898.

BonBonerie - You are missing out if you haven't made it to the BonBonerie. There bakery items are so good.  Their cakes are amazing. They also have a small "tearoom" attached to the bakery where you can sit down and enjoy salads, quiche, sandwiches, tea and more. 2030 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45208. (513) 321-3399. 

My Pizza Cake - A friend emailed me about this great place where she got a really unique birthday cake - it looked just like a pizza.  So if you have any birthdays coming up or just want to have some fun, see all the wonderful cakes and brownie creations Debbie Meyer makes.  She was even featured on the Food Network's "Unwrapped" show.  You can see the video at http://www.mypizzacake.com/media/video1.html. Yum-yum let's have some fun! 877-891-CAKE (2253).