Birthday parties that channel kids' bouncing energy into healthy physical activities leave fun-packed memories with children and score high with parents. Akron, Ohio, offers indoor and outdoor adventure settings that get the hearts going and elevate the birthday child to the "cool kid" status.
Bouncing
Pump it Up is all about bouncing. This giant inflatable indoor park represents a maze of slides, jumpers and obstacle courses. This center manages all aspects of the party, including the cleaning. You can indicate over the phone your preferences for the food and beverages, the cake, balloons and party bags. Packages typically welcome up to 25 children at a cost ranging between $200 and $300 for the event. For a unique twist, organize the event in the evening and invite kids to come in their pajamas for a "Pumpjama Birthday Party."
Rock Climbing
With 35-foot rock walls and a rock bouldering cave, Kendall Cliffs transports children in pretend mountain expeditions. Under the guidance of experts holding safety ropes clipped onto harnesses worn by the children, kids learn to move their hands and feet to find positions from which to push themselves along the walls. This 7,000-square-foot indoor facility organizes birthday parties for children 5 and up. For $18 per climber and a minimum of seven children, the center organizes private birthday parties in one of the balconies that overlook the rocky park.
Laser Tagging
Rain forest expeditions await birthday party guests at the Rockin' Robin's Amazone Family Entertainment Center, which boasts an indoor laser tag arena with city vestiges, temple gods and hunting missions for young explorers. Adrenaline pumps through the veins as kids hide from others while hunting for their targets. Private party rooms decorated with rain forest themes house the birthday parties.
Dinosaur Fossil Digging
The Akron Fossils & Science Center represents a paradise for young dinosaur lovers. With actual fossils from a T. rex in hand, the kids meet different types of prehistoric animals in the outdoor Truassic Park, which features rides and outdoor activities among large dinosaur sculptures. Birthday parties, called Dino-mite parties, engage participants in a private Dinosaur Fossil Dig Pit and take them on a guided tour of the park. The host can choose the science projects or crafts that the party facilitators will offer. The center charges $75 for 10 children accompanied by two adults, with an additional $6 for each additional guest.
Acting in a Wild Animal Show
The Wild World Birthday Party at the Akron Zoo invites the birthday boy or girl to join actors and wild animals on stage for the Wild World Animal Show. With pricing ranging between $135 and $300 for 10 children and additional charges for larger groups, the zoo can arrange a private covered picnic area, party favors, a cake, animal encounters and staff assistance.
