ML Interest Tag: party-room

Discover a Hidden Gem: Archers Afield

by Suzie Ridgway

If your little Katniss Everdeen or Robinhood has been talking (ok, obsessing) about bows and arrows lately, you’re in luck. Before you shell out dough for your own set, though, check out Archer’s Afield in Tigard, where kids can not only try their hand at archery with real equipment, but they can also learn how to do it right and safely from seasoned pros.

photo: Beginner Lesson by Mark L. via Yelp

Pick a Lane

The first things you’ll notice when you walk in is the wide array of camoflage clothing on rounders for every size and shape. (They even have super pink, baby camo suits!). Past the pro shop, in the back of the establishment, you’ll see a wall of haybales with targets.

Each child has his or her own space to stand, right next to their own knee-high quiver filled with arrows, in front of their own target. The instructors then ask the kids if they’re righties or lefties. They are then instructed to pick out one of the black or white bows hanging on a portable holder that have either right or left imprinted upon them. Kids are given a solid set of safety instructions as they stand in their own lane, including how to wait to go safely remove their arrows from the target haybales, as well as how to pull them out without stabbing someone (or themselves).

photo: Archers Afield lanes by Susan F. via Yelp

Aim for the Bullseye

When the instructor tells them to start, they can take as many shots as they are permitted. If two people are sharing a lane, they usually can take 3 shots. The instructors walk up and down behind them, giving each kid pointers on how to hold, aim and shoot. They finish their turn, then wait until everyone is finished before walking to the hay bales to remove their arrows.

photo: Archers Afield Party Room

Classes and Parties That are on Target

Archers Afield offer a one-hour beginner intro class for kids ages 7 and up for $14, as well as a six-week Big Kids/Little Kids series of one-day-a-week classes for a variety of ages (some as young as 5) for $42/person. All equipment is provided. The range for beginners is set up so that kids under 8 years shoot at targets about five yards away.

Birthday parties are totally fun here. In addition to one of their party rooms, with a smaller range, you’ll get equipment and a mini, as well as a party table for $13/person (8 person minimum). Pizza and paper products are also available from Tigard Pizza Kitchen next door for an extra fee.Insider’s tip: Even though you might think the kids can last a long time, about one hour of shooting seems to be plenty long enough for the interest level (and arm/shoulder strength) of younger kids.

11945 SW Pacific Hwy.
Tigard
503-639-3553
Online: archersafield.com

Is your little one into bows and arrows in a big way? Let us know in the Comments section below!

 

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All Fired Up: Six Spots to Paint Your Own Pottery

by Erin Cranston

So far this summer you’ve splashed in the spray parks, mulled over museums and frolicked at farms, and now the kids need hands-on down time. How about an art project? We’ve rounded up our area’s best places to paint your own pottery (with some glass fusing and crafting thrown in for good measure). Click through the gallery to find out where to get your art on this summer.

Paint the Town

How it works: This ideally located paint your own pottery place in U Village offers up a wide variety (as in 250!) do it yourself painting options, from mugs to bowls, figurines to picture frames, in prices ranging from $6 to $60. One price includes the piece you choose, and all paints, glazing and firing of your piece. Best of all, you can drop in anytime during business hours to create your masterpiece, and when you’re done, they’ll glaze and fire it for you—just return in seven days to pick up the finished product.

Camps and classes: This place is summer camp central. Running almost weekly through August 29, 2014, (Mon.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.), these camps will thrill your little artist, with fun creations like fairy houses and tote bags, dragons and pirate ships. Drop your kiddos ages 6-9 or 9-13 off and spend your mornings perusing the shops in the Village, getting a mani-pedi at nearby mommy-friendly Julep or having an early lunch. Price: $192/week.

Time to celebrate: Paint the Town’s party room is ready for a gaggle of partiers who want to paint. Choose your theme, pick you pieces and prepare to have fun! You can bring any food, drinks and decorations you’d like, and Paint the Town will provide a staff member dedicated to your party, as well as goody bags, pretty ceramic party plates and a signature plate for the party kid. You’ll also receive a coupon for 10% off goodies from Village kid-friendly shops like Menchie’s, Trophy Cupcakes and Elemental Pizza when you book your party. And best of all, they do the clean up! Could it get any easier?

Important party details: You must have a minimum pottery total of $130, goody bags extra. Minimum of 6 people, maximum of 20 (seating for 12). Parties run 1.5-2 hours.

Good to know: Paint the Town offers daily specials, from Muggy Mondays (15% off all mugs) to Tiny Tot Tuesdays (all painters 15 and under get 15% off), January-October. Combined with their nearly monthly Village Playdates (none in July and August because of Summer Camps), this painting place is sure to keep your Littles busy all summer long!

4611 Village Ct. N.E.
Seattle, Wa 98105
206-527-8554
Online: ceramics-painting.com

Where is your little artist’s favorite spot to paint pottery? Let us know in a comment below!

-Erin Cranston

Photos courtesy of: Allison Sutcliffe, Studio2You website, Emerald City Fired Arts, Color Me Mine-Mill Creek Facebook page, Mudhouse Pottery Facebook page & Paint Away Facebook page

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Give Homeless Families a Memorable Celebration

by Amber Guetebier

There is nothing like celebrating your kid’s birthday—and as supermoms we sometimes spend months (and hours on pinterest) planning the special day. This year join Habitot Children’s Museum in making sure that the special birthday moment can happen for Bay Area kids who might otherwise not get to celebrate. Habitot’s birthday party campaign is raising money to give homeless children birthday parties and it’s easy to join the cause.

Did You Know?
One in 45 children experience homelessness and the stress affects kids deeply. They miss out on the best parts of being a kid, losing their sense of wonder and chance to just play. Since Habitot’s mission is to give kids a place to experience creativity and wonder, their commitment to giving kids back that joy is the goal of the birthday campaign.

The Low Down on Habitot’s Birthday Party Campaign
Make a donation today, and the money will go toward funding dozens of birthday parties for homeless children participating in Habitot’s homeless family program in 2014. Each party for the special boy or girl will include 2.5 hours of exclusive time in the Habitot Museum and up to 75 guests; a decorated party room with music, cake, goodie bags, and a special gift for the birthday child; supplies for the art-room; staff to help guide activities; transportation to the museum.

Habitot’s Birthday Party Campaign is setting its sights on raising $7,500. At the time of publication, Habitot had raised close to $5,000.

How to Do It
Simply click on the link here or below and donate any amount. In fact, there’s even a link to donate just $1.There are some bonus perks for donations, too. For example a $50 donation gets you an all day family fun pass; $100 gets you a date night; $1000 gets you an exclusive night at the museum. But hey, those are just perks and the real bonus is knowing that your money is going somewhere good, right?

Habitot’s campaign is running from now through Jan. 31, 2014 so donate now. It’s easy. Make a contribution and a difference in the lives of deserving children.

Click here to donate.

—Amber Guetebier

Photo credit: Habitot 

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Win a City Shop Fun Party at Playseum

by writerredtri

If the idea of hosting a kids birthday party at home gives you a headache but the idea of a kid-sized haven of fun delights your birthday boy or girl, this is the prize for you. Playseum takes the cake when it comes to a kid-centric spot with hands-on fun. And now they can come to your rescue and help make your kiddo’s big day a truly memorable and entertaining occasion. So get ready, because one lucky winner will receive a City Shop Fun Party at Playseum as part of Red Tricycle’s D.C. Giveaway.

What’s the scoop on Playseum?

Playseum is a Children’s Used Book Store design like a kid-size city, with lots of hands-on fun and a great atmosphere for kids and parents alike. Each “Cityshop” within Playseum is an interactive themed room that you can visit. Kids are encouraged to explore, play and use their imaginations; they can also buy Playseum dollars to purchase books, toys or hands-on activities led by the Playseum staff. And if you have older kids (ages 9-14), Playseum Upstairs is a place where tweens and teens matter and creativity rules. From pillow fight room to karaoke, ice cream/smoothie bar to make-up bar with soap station, a full art studio, game room, billards area and bake shop the Upstairs has it all!

And what about Playseum’s City Shop Fun Party?

A City Shop Fun Party includes admission for 6 children + the birthday child and up to 14 adults; there is a $15 charge for each additional child and $7 for each additional adult. Kids participate in a Cupcake Celebration in the Bakery, where each child receives their own cupcake to decorate with favorable toppings. The Playseum baker handles set-up, birthday song, candles, plates, napkins, clean-up and every child gets a glass of milk or water with their cupcake. (Psst! All adults receive a cupcake, soda or coffee as well.) A themed story time with a Playseum staff person is also included–just let Playseum know your child’s desired theme. Each party guest also recieves 3 Playseum dollars for each child to do an activity led by a staff person. Children over 6 years old may be dropped off for with a signed waiver at the door; let Playseum know if this is your desire when booking. For an additional $100, you may add on a party room for the two hour time period. Reserving a party room allows you to bring in your own decorations, food, cake and drinks. If you would like to order Domino’s Pizza, a Playseum sponsor, they will offer you 20% and deliver on time.

How to enter:

Enter now by going to this Red Tricycle D.C. page; if you haven’t already, “Like” us and a really short entry form will magically appear! Simply fill it out and you will be entered to win one (1) City Shop Birthday Party package, valued at $200. Delivery is included in the prizing (continental US only).

Want to double, triple, and even quadruple your chances to win?

1. Invite friends! For each friend that enters and mentions your name, you will get an extra entry.

2. Tweet this post by simply clicking on the tweet button above.

3. “Like” the Playseum Facebook page and leave a comment on this page by using the comment box below.

The Playseum City Shop Fun Party winner will be picked 8/21/13 at 9:00am PT.

Read itty bitty contest rules

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