Presents, cake and doting… first birthdays are fun for the guest of honor, but attendees over the age of one are going to need more than a smash cake to keep them entertained. Make sure this memorable milestone is a success by hosting your celebration in an activity-filled play land for crawlers. Scroll down to check out seven fabulous venues where everyone can eat their cake and have fun too.
Munchkin Playland
Munchkin Playland caters to kidlets under 48 inches tall, so your baby, their crawling friends, and their toddler buddies will all be welcome to play together. The space is designed for little ones to play while parents relax, so you and your grown-up guests can keep an eye on the party action while you get a moment's break to mingle with the other 48 inch plus partygoers. After the rental cost, you can save money by bringing your own food and drink. Prices start at $195 for up to 50 guests for two hours.
18335 NW West Union Rd.
503-533-5438
Online: munchkinplayland.com
Playdate PDX
This is a great spot for mixed age levels. Not only will you get a private room for your guest of honor, but partygoers are all welcome to stay and play as long as they like. Crawlers even have a sectioned off area at this three-story play palace, with bead mazes and ball play. Bring your own cake and ice cream, or just add them on to your package for a no-fuss first birthday fete. Packages start at $150 for ten children.
1434 NW 17th Ave.
503-227-7529
Online: playdatepdx.com
Jenni and Tommy’s Kids Unplugged
This is a favorite west side destination for their committment to kids’ fun, games, and development. There’s plenty to do here for crawlers and walkers alike, but kids especially love digging around in the dig pit and unearthing buried treasures from the dried beans. Party packages start at $150 for a private party with up to ten children. Outside food and drink is a-okay, and use of a kitchenette is included.
11300 SW Bull Mountain Rd.
Tigard
503-504-7747
Online: jenniandtommyskidsunplugged.com
The Little Gym Portland
Looking to take one more to-do item off your list? A shindig here includes the staff sending out your invitations. The day of, they'll take care of clean-up and set-up, drinks, paper goods, and exclusive use of the facility for your party. Not only that, but you'll have a party assistant, and a an instructor for age-appropriate activities. Packages start at $240 for 15 children.
17890 SW McEwan Rd.
Lake Oswego
503-595-9702
Online: thelittlegym.com
Pied Piper Cafe
You'll get Sellwood's hopping spot for kid fun all to yourselves when you book a private party here. Their play area is designed for kiddos under five, including pre-walkers, with a train table, a small structure with a slide, toy bins, and a school bus with sensory play. Prices start $165 for a private party and includes rental, help with set-up and clean-up and an assistant for your party. Food, drink, and other ala carte items can be added.
8609 SE 17th Ave.
503-498-6550
Online: piedpiperplaycafe.com
Imagine: Play
A train table, puppet theater and play house, give kids plenty of opportunities for mixed ages to exercise their imaginations, and the baby room, featuring an eight-foot sensory wall, has good sightlines to the other play areas. If your one-year-old is too much of an explorer to stay in one place for very long, save a little cash by trying a host-your-own party. $15, plus admission fees, gets you cake time at a reserved table. Other party package choices include a private party room, theme parties, or a costume party with a visit from a favorite character.
2731 NE Bunn Rd.
McMinnville
503-435-0600
Online: imagine-play.com
PLAY Boutique
This stellar spot offers 3,000 sq. ft. of play space and a bouncy house, so it’s great for a variety of friends and family members ages 1-10. There’s even a special climbing area just for babies and toddlers. For the party itself, parents purchasing the basic package will get a dedicated PLAY specialist to help with the party, exclusive use of the celebration area with supplies laid out in the theme of your choice, snacks, water, cupcake decorating and clean-up. PLAY Boutique has supplies for a wide variety of party themes, including Dora and Diego, Barnyard Bash and Lemonade Stand. The Basic Party package is good for up to 15 kids and is $275. If you have your party Monday through Thursday, it’s $200. More good news - PLAY Boutique has two locations.
464 First St.
Lake Oswego
503-675-PLAY
12345 SW Horizon Blvd.
Beaverton
503-352-5202
Online: playboutique.com
What’s your favorite place to throw a shindig for a first birthday? Let us know in the comments!
—Kelley Gardiner
RELATED STORIES:
Amazing Birthday Venues That Take the Party Outside
Party Time! Great PDX Winter Birthday Party Venues
Put the Art Back in Party: 8 Spots for Creative Birthdays
