ML Interest Tag: fire-truck

Beyond Bounce Houses: The Coolest Birthday Party Rentals

by Shahrzad Warkentin

If you have kids, chances are you’ve been to a birthday party with a bounce house…or a million. While they offer non-stop, sweat-filled, bouncy excitement, it’s time skip the been-there, done-that and hire a party rental unlike any other. Your birthday hosting skills will be the talk of the playground with these unique LA party rentals.

photo: Shawn H. via Yelp

Smokey’s Fire Truck Events
Fulfill your junior fire-fighter’s dreams and hire a real life fire truck to keep the pint-sized party-goers entertained at your next celebration. A real fire truck will arrive at your house that excited tots can climb on and explore. The truck is even outfitted with special seat-belted bench seats so up to 12 kids (and fire truck loving grown-ups) can go for a ride. You can also try on the jackets and hats and practice putting out a fire, squirting water from a fire hydrant they bring along.  (For older kids who still love fire trucks, check out Company 77, which is a fire truck/food truck that makes and serves up pizzas!)

The Details: The fire truck activities, including water games and rides, last for about one hour. Rates start at $325 and go up based on travel distance (the company is located in Irvine).

949-361-1913
Online: firetruckbirthdayparty.com

photo: Pump and Splash

Pump and Splash
You don’t have to throw a pool party to have some fun with water at your next big bash. Pump and Splash is a truly unique party rental that might actually teach your tiny party animals something while they play. The gear consists of giant tubs topped with different types of pumps and water play devices. Starting with the simple Pumper, a basic hand powered water pump, to the Racer, which gets kids pumping as fast as they can to see who can tip a bucket full of water first, these one-of-a-kind party rentals will get kids moving and thinking, and most importantly entertained, for hours. And not to worry, all the water in the pumpers is recirculated so you don’t have to feel bad about wasting in the drought.

The Details: Rates start at $250 for their standard package of four pumps and go up to $360, which includes six different pumps. Party rentals are up to four hours, though you can add more time for an additional $25 per hour. You can also hire supervision in case you need another pair of eyes for $100.

818-352-7031
Online: pumpandsplash.com

photo: Kenneth A. via Yelp

Thrills On Wheels
Bring the excitement of a party at an arcade to your house. No tokens needed! Thrills On Wheels brings a party bus brimming with old school arcade games, as well as, all latest gaming systems right to your driveway. Your little gamers (and big ones too!) will have a blast checking out the classic relics, like Pac-Man, and challenging each other to over 400 different games on every video game console imaginable. Of course, no arcade would be complete without the dreaded Claw. This one is a million times better since it requires no coins and actually hands out prizes so your guests will leave with smiles instead of meltdowns.

The Details: The 40 foot bus contains 7 arcade games, and four video game consoles with flat-screens which can accommodate up to 25 gamers at once. Rates start at $375 for a two and a half hour rental and $125 for each additional hour.

818-844-7564
Online: thrillsonwheelsla.com

Silly Photo Booth
There’s a reason your camera roll is always full of kid selfies after your phone-obsessed tot has been playing with it: because silly photos are fun! You might think of a photo booth as more of a grown-up party activity, but the truth is even at adult shindigs it’s usually the kids hogging the snapshots. There are a zillion photo booth companies around these days so narrow it down to the ones that give you prints immediately, because kids need instant gratification, and make sure they offer plenty of fun dress up props. Silly Photo Booth Rental is a great example of a photo booth company perfect for kids parties. They come with a bin jam-packed with all kinds of fun props from feather boas to inflatable saxophones and they give you a scrapbook so you can actually look at those wonderful photo strips after the party instead of leaving them in a dust-collecting stack.

The Details: Packages start at — for a two hour rental with two attendants, unlimited photo prints, and a high-res DVD of the images.

818-517-8833
Online: sillyphotoboothrental.com

photo: David S. via Yelp

Magic Jump
From water slides to sumo suits, there’s so much more that can be inflated than a simple castle shaped bounce house.  Think outside the air filled box with Magic Jump Rentals—they have it all, and then some. Besides their fleet of basic bouncers, this party rental all-in-one will help you knock the little socks off your party-goers with inflatables of all kinds, like Velcro walls, sumo suits and wrestling rings, human Foosball, obstacle courses, water slides, basketball hoops, giant outdoor movie screens and even bull riding rings. Of its inflatable, they’ve got it and your cake-fueled kids are going to love it.  You’ll love it too, because these activities burn off all that sugar, so the birthday kid sleeps well.

The Details:  Rentals are typically for an 8-hour period. Prices vary depending on the rental you choose.

800-873-8989
Online: magicjumprentals.com

Did you have an amazing birthday party with a unique rental? Please share any fun finds we missed!

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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On The Move: Atlanta Trucks & Trackless Trains for Hire

by Phebe Wahl

Maybe it is because they never stop moving themselves, but for whatever the reason, your little engine that could just loves things that go. If trucks and trains send your transportation-loving tot into a five-alarm fit, consider booking one for their next birthday. Whether it is a firetruck with sirens flashing or a trackless Thomas, here are some Atlanta trains and trucks for hire to get your party on track. All aboard!

Red Hot Fire Truck Events 
Trust us when we tell you that your kiddo is going to lose his mind with excitement when the fire truck shows up with sirens blaring and lights flashing for his party! The folks at Red Hot Fire Trucks put on a fun filled party. After the kiddos take a ride, they can dress up in firefighter gear and shoot water from the fire hose. The can even sound the sirens and blow the horn, yes your neighbors are going to love you!

Good to know: If you’re looking to treat the kids even more, there are plenty of add on’s available including, fire hats and fire gear for sale, a piñata and fire safety themed goodie bags for the guests.

J & S Funtastic Entertainment
This cute and colorful trackless train will keep the fun and festivities on track. The kiddos will love its very Thomas the Train like face and at $175.00 for the first hour and $100.00 each additional hour, you will appreciate its very reasonably priced package.

Good to know: This train can hold up to 18 passengers at once, cutting down on wait time. Your price includes delivery and a train operator.

Action Packed Parties
An Atlanta source for everything you could possible need for parties, from tables and chairs to rock climbing walls (yes, you can rent those), Action Packed Parties also has one of our favorite trackless trains. This train is unique because it is electric, and therefore quiet—well, except for the music and giggling kiddos. Because it’s electric, there are no icky fumes to inhale and it can even be taken inside a large church or school.

Good to know: They will often discount rentals when you are renting more than one product. Consider adding a cotton candy machine or a snow cone maker to the mix.

Idea! Event + Style
Still want to provide the little one with some truck and train thrills, but looking to keep it chic? If you want to create the Pinterest party of your dreams, but you just don’t know where to begin, dial up Atlanta event and style guru Jasmine Shah. She can work with you to create a party full of the sweet details moms love, plus the fun and adventure the kiddos love. The icing on the birthday cake? She handles it all so all you have to do on the big day is actually enjoy spending time with the little ones!

Good to know: Her Vintage Fire Truck package might be just what you are looking for, but note that everything is completely customizable so you can be sure it is suited to your little fire chief.

Have you hired a trackless train or truck for your event? Share your story with us in the comments section below.

—Candice Rose

Photos courtesy of Red Hot Fire Truck Events via Facebook and Action Packed Parties

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Mamas with Moxie: Broxies’ co-founder Angie Bryan

by Phebe Wahl

Here at Red Tricycle we have a soft spot for mamas with moxie, and when we came across Atlantan and Broxies co-founder Angie Bryan, she certainly fit the bill. After sharpening her shapewear skills at Spanx, she partnered with Sandy Nearman on a start-up company that makes an all in-one underwear and shorts combo so little girls can twirl, jump and tumble in their dresses without needing an extra layer of coverage. We can’t thank her enough for protecting our princess’s patootie and wanted to poll her for her local loves. Read on to hear what this multitasking mom (of son Lennon, age 3 and a baby girl due in October) has to say…

Where do you like to take the kids to eat? We love Taqueria del sol in Decatur and Yeah Burger in Virginia Highlands. I could probably name 20 more but those two are at the top of my list. The food is good and fast, a key component when dining with a toddler.

Which playgrounds and parks are on your regular playlist? The Piedmont park playground (the one with the fire truck) is awesome because you get the entire park along with it. Lennon is obsessed with the fire truck and typically there is a required conversation about sharing. When it’s hot, the sprayground and playground at O4W are fantastic. We bounce back and forth between the spraying water and the swings. (Read more about these playgrounds by clicking here.)

You are expecting. What’s your pregnancy must-have? Lately I have loved my leopard leggings because I can dress them up or down depending on what my day looks like and they are not your standard maternity item. My Bump Nest pregnancy pillow; my Mama Spanx, of course (especially as things start expanding—smoothing and support have become vital!), and a salt bagel with Jalapeno cream cheese from Bagel Palace in Tocco Hills.

What do you like most about being an Atlanta parent? I love all of the local food options as well as the more off-the-beaten-path options on Buford highway. My son loves the 4 dollar bahn mi at Lee’s Bakery as much as he does the pretzel bread from H & F Bread. I also love all of the neighborhoods within Atlanta. Each one has its own niche of types of food, people and entertainment.

What do you like least about being an ATL parent? The worst thing about Atlanta is the traffic, I live in town and it never ceases to surprise me how crazy the traffic can be. And, the waiting lists for everything! Daycare, swim, soccer…breakfast, everything! 

Other favorite tot spots to enjoy in town? Grant Park Farmer’s Market, Catch Air, High Museum, Brickstore, Antico Pizza, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Atlanta Children’s Mueseum, True Food Kitchen, Cooks Warehouse‘s cooking classes with kids, All Fired Up in Emory Village.

What fall fam-friendly event are you most looking forward to this year? Hands down the Chomp and Stomp Chili Cookoff (Nov. 1st in Cabbagetown). Yum!

Broxies are available online at www.broxies.com.

Who is your favorite Atlanta mama with moxie? Who would you like to read about on Red Tricycle. Tell us in the comments section below!

—Phebe Wahl

Photos courtesy of Angie Bryan and Broxies

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Buses, Trucks and Trains That Bring the Party to You

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Of course we lovelovelove celebrating our kids’ birthdays; we just don’t always like the messes that come post-party. Enter: the party bus (and truck and limo). The DMV is full of parties-on-wheels that bring the festivities to you, and cart it all away when it’s over. Here are some of our favorite four-wheelers.

Xtreme Game Experience
Gaming extraordinaires might get heart palpitations when they see this birthday truck roll up. For starters, it’s more limo than truck, offers 50+ games (rated E to M) and has stadium seating for 26 people!! Twenty kids can play simultaneously while outdoor game stations handle another eight gamers. Mom and Dad can pick which games they want the partygoers (and parents) to indulge in. Who’s up for a round of Dance Dance Revolution?! Bonus: They even send out invitations for you!

Cost: $200 and up
866-941-4263
Online: xtremegameexperience.com

Squeals on Wheels
You will win Mom (or Dad) of the Year when Squeals on Wheels delivers a barnyard to your backdoor. Whether your mini-farmer loves goats, chickens, pigs, rabbits, llamas or anything in between, Squeals has just the right friends for your event. Junior might have to share the miniature piglet, but we bet he’ll be pretty happy when Sergio the hedgehog snuggles up for a bit. Pony lovers can even have a pony decorating party where feathers, beads, stickers and glitter are used to doll up “Captain Jack Sparrow,” “Tinkerbell,” or “Prince.”

Cost: $175 and up
301-765-0270
Online: squealsonwheels.us

Bubbaville Fire Unit
Fire truck fans will sound the alarm when they see the Bubbaville Fire Unit outside their house. After calling out the birthday boy or girl and setting up a “safety zone,” recruits line up to try on bunker gear, sit in the captains seat and help work the lights and siren. Depending on the party, the Bubbaville Fire Truck also takes little ones for a ride around the block, complete with “firemen” on board. If it’s really hot out, the fire hoses come out and all the revelers can help “flow” the water and hose down the fire (i.e., the party!).

Cost: $250 and up
443-829-2575
Online: bubbasfiretruckparties.com

Safari Ice
Non-bakers rejoice. The Safari Ice truck brings shaved ice and snow cones (year-round) to Little Miss’ birthday so there’s no need to fuss over baking a cake (errr, picking one up!). Safari guides come ready to help little ones at the “watering hole” choose from over 12 flavors to make the most delicious birthday snowcones! The watering hole comes complete with jungle music like Hakuna Matata, The Circle of Life and The Lion Sleeps Tonight. Roooarrr!

Cost: Call for options
240-765-7627
Online: safariice.com

Fun Bus
Fans of jumping, bouncing, sliding, swinging, climbing and more will be so tuckered out after a run through the fun bus that they’ll have to slide down the chute at the back of the bus to hurry home for naptime (just kidding…sort of). This real life school bus has been filled with padded and safe equipment (no seats!) to help kids of all ages have a funtastic time. Goodie bags, T-shirts and surprises are all part of the party—including a Fun Bus T-shirt for the birthday boy or girl. This is one bus stop they’ll be wide awake at.

Cost: $300 and up
703-652-2511
Online: funbuses.com

Bear Bus
Ladies and gentlemen, kids of all ages…get ready to board the Bear Bus! This all inclusive bearriffic bus pulls out all the stops to build cuddly, lovey, super sweet bears for each partygoer. Each kid can make his or her own bear starting from the “bear skin” to the stuffing to the “bear wear and accessories.” This is sure to get all of the little ones ohhing and ahhing over which bear is their favorite while you sit back and enjoy the ride.

Cost: Call for options
703-277-7033
Online: bearbus.com/nova

Have you booked a kids party with any of these vehicles? Tell us about it in the comments section below.  

—Hilary Riedemann

Photos courtesy of Bubbaville Fire Unit via Facebook, Xtreme Game Experience via Facebook, Fun Bus via Facebook

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Take the Tots on a Fire Station Tour

by BriGeeski

If your kiddo goes into a trance any time a red fire truck and its loud sirens pass by your house, then a trip to the local fire station is in your future. With a giant truck to check out, rooms to explore and fun hats, little firefighters will jump for joy. Many of the local San Diego fire stations are more than happy to show you their digs and give you a room-to-room tour of their station. We’ve got the inside scoop on everything you need to know to book your own fire station tour. But be ready to step out of the way if they get a call!

Setting Up the Station Tour
It’s actually pretty easy to set up a visit to your local station. All you have to do is fill out this form and submit it to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department three weeks prior to your proposed visit date. Each station is open from 9 – 11 a.m. and 2 – 5 p.m. for tours and visits. Tours are typically limited to 25 guests or less. The fire stations run and operate as they typically do, so there is a chance that the crew will be out on a call when you arrive. Have no fear though; you can always reschedule or hang out till they get back.


What to Check Out
A visit to the fire station can really be just as fun for adults as it is for the kiddos. Getting an up-close and personal view of how fire fighters live while they wait on a call is sure to intrigue. Sleeping with constant alarms could even be compared to living like a parent with a newborn. You’ll learn about their call systems, the paperwork that needs to get filed and their meal arrangements. A fire house is run almost like any other house as far as day-to-day activities go. There is a full size kitchen with an extra large grill, bedrooms with closet space and workout equipment in the garage.

Most kiddos will agree the highlight of the visit is checking out the fire truck. The fire fighters lead the tour and show you the main parts of the truck. They may even let the little ones sit inside. The super cool part is seeing a fire fighter in his full gear. This part alone is awesome for a kiddo to see and understand that firefighters are there to help (and they aren’t scary). Some of the stations even have fun take-aways for the little ones. Coloring books, fire hats and fire fighter sticker badges are a fun way to remember a trip to the fire station.

A Step Beyond the Tour: Supporting Local Fire Fighters
Most people aren’t aware that fire stations don’t receive a lot of funding. They purchase all of their own food for the station and do not have any luxuries. There isn’t really any decor or comfort items around unless people donate these items to the station. The San Diego Fire Rescue Foundation does an awesome job at supporting our fire fighters that need the extra equipment and necessities.

We often hear about people dropping off cookies and baked goods to their local stations to support, but they would love fresh fruits and veggies too! There is nothing better than a poster from the friends around town to show support to those who help us everyday.


Have you visited a local fire station with your kids? Tell us about it in the comments section.

Story and photos by Brianne Grajkowski

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Ready, Set, Go! 7 Must-See Spots for Car, Truck & Vehicle Loving Kids

by Ashly Grzyb

Even in our pedestrian city, kids love getting their hands on big chunky vehicles of all shapes and sizes. If your tot was hailing taxis before his second birthday, you may want to add these seven places to your to-do list. You’ll discover the city’s collection of fire trucks, submarines, helicopters, excavators and other mind-blowing vehicles.

Marvel Over a Big Red Fire Engine

Do the kiddos freak over the lights and sirens of a fire truck zooming down the street? If so, check out the New York City Fire Museum. This is your chance to get up close and personal with a life-size antique fire truck (although no climbing is allowed). The kids can Ooh and Aah over a collection of antique firefighting tools, a horse-drawn ladder wagon, and modern equipment like the jaws of life. Younger enthusiasts may like playing dress-up with real firefighting clothes and helmets. Plus, our city’s friendliest retired firefighters are happy to answer questions from your curious minds.

Insider’s Tip: The museum is stroller-friendly with elevator access to the second and third floors. If you’re hungry, walk north on Hudson Street to Westville, Pret A Manger, Hale and Hearty Soups, Dig Inn Seasonal Market, Starbucks or Jacques Torres Chocolate.

Go: New York City Fire Museum, 278 Spring St., SoHo

Hours: Open 7 days a week: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: $8 for adults; $5 for students, seniors and children over 2 years old.

Photo courtesy of Julia Neff

Where does your little mechanic like to explore vehicles?

–Ashly Grzyb

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Common Folk Kids Store & Hair Salon

by Jacqui Boland

As They Grow

Time flies. All of a sudden, the baby’s feet don’t fit in her jammies, your three-year-old needs a haircut, even “your girls” could really use a new nursing bra. You could run all over town looking for everything you need, or, you could just head over to CF Kids in Crossroads Mall; a one-stop shop for clothing, gear, toys, and yes…even hair-cuts.

New mamas will love the selection of nursing supplies (including Bravado bras), slings, feeding supplies, diaper bags, little potties, and even car seats. Clothing typically runs from infant to 6x, although we saw a few items in 7/8 including cute rain gear from Pluie Pluie. We also found a great selection of Zutano, Petit Bateau, e and fabulous Luxe baby robes by Lil Rags. CF Kids also has plenty of Robeez, Trumpettes, Crocs.

The toy section encompasses all ages with a huge supply of Corolle dolls, RokenBok systems, eco-friendly Plan Toys, and for older kids, games, workbooks, science and art kits.

The CF Kids Hair Salon is attached to the store. Junior can pick out his seat (like a race-car or fire truck), a toy to play with, and even the flavor of shampoo.

PS: Because you are all grown-up, don’t miss their home interiors store just outside the mall called Common Folk Co.

CF Kids and Hair Salon
Crossroads Mall ,15600 NE 8th St Bellevue
www.cfkidsonline.com
425-643-KIDS (5437)

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