Birthday Parties!

Click below for NW Kids' favorite party ideas

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Party Venue Ideas

Venues:
The Little Gym
Your birthday guy/gal gets to invite up to 19 friends to the Little Gym for a full hour of private, organized gym time + time in the party room for cake and fun. Parents get to bring their own food and goody bags. TLG will provide invitations, juice, cups, paper plates, etc. $200 for first 15 kids.
www.tlglakeoswegoor.com

The Gym-Nest
1414 SE 18th Ave. #100
Hillsboro, OR 97123
503.640.NEST (6378)

Gymboree

Berry Sweet Tea Parties
Read a full review in the November 2008 issue of NW Kids
4795 SW Watson (corner of third, near
Beaverton High School) downtown Beaverton
503.989.7572
www.berrysweetparties.com

Frills to Fairytales Dress Up Tea Parties
503.522.8449
www.frillstofairytales.com

Pigtails and Crewcuts
The Streets of Tanasbourne
2219 NW Allie Ave. #1430
Hillsboro, OR
503.336.4778
www.pigtailsandcrewcuts.com

Sit Still Salon
5656 Hood St., Ste. 115
West Linn, OR 97068
503.857.3975
www.sitstillkids.com

Pump It Up
503.644.6488

Pump It Up Jr.
503.644.6488
http://www.pumpitupparty.com/or/beaverton/junior/party-packages-p2q182.h...

Children's Healing Art Project (CHAP)
Read the full review from the September 2008 issue of NW Kids
at http://www.nwkids.com/CHAP
At a CHAP Art Birthday Party, kids can paint old t-shirts and pants to make their own “art outfits;” make a Super-Hero costume from scratch; bead bracelets, necklaces & keychains; and Jump on the Bed (kids dip their feet in paint then jump on the CHAP painted mattress)!
503-243-5294
www.chap.name

Play Boutique
http://www.playboutique.com

Out of this World
6255 NW Century Blvd
Hillsboro, OR 97124
503-629-8700
http://www.outofthisworld.net/index_files/Page345.htm

All Star Dance Academy
503.439.6605

Children's Museum
503.223.6500

Gymboree
800.520.PLAY

KilnMan JarO Pottery Painting
503.636.9940

Mad Science
503.230.8040

Kruger's Berry Farm
www.krugersfarm.com; www.krugersfarmmarket.com/birthdayparties.html
503.621.2484

JJ Jump
www.jjjump.com
503.723.3600 Clackamas
360.213.2524 Vancouver

Indoor Pools - Mt. Scott, Southwest Community Centers

Tyson Recreation Center in Hillsboro www.ci.hillsboro.or.us/ParksRec/ParksFacilities/Tyson_Rec_Facility.aspx

Academy Theater - movie party

Rainbow Trout farm
www.rainbowtroutfarm.com/

Children's Museum
www.cm2.org

Oregon Zoo

It's a Beautiful Pizza

Mississippi Pizza Pub

Milagros Family Room
www.milagrosboutique.com

Historic Kenton Firehouse
www.historickenton.com

Children's Gym
www.childrensgym.com

Oregon Gymnastics Academy
www.oga.com

Mimosa Studios
www.mimosa-studios.com

Rainbow Playground Depot
http://playgrounddepot.com/2005/birthday_parties.htm

Birthday Party Focus: The Little Gym Birthday Party Lets Little Ones Let Loose

The Little Gym Birthday Party Lets Little Ones Let Loose

The Deal

If you’re looking for an active party for your wee celebrant and guests, you might consider hosting it at a gymnastics facility. The Little Gym’s two locations (Lake Oswego and Beaverton) offer private use of their gyms—complete with Airtrak, bar, beam, tumbling mat, parachutes—for weekend parties. These outings are completely instructor-led, down to the food serving and gift opening (if you choose to do so) and tailored to your specific age group. A pirate-themed fete, for example, frames the Little Gym’s movement challenges so the little ones “swab the decks,” “man the pumps,” “pull up anchor,” and so on to increasingly faster and faster music.

The parties are 90 minutes, which includes gym time and 30 minutes in the (fully decorated) party room.

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What You Get


  • The Little Gym Invitations (addressed, stamped and mailed for you!)
  • A qualified birthday leader, plus an assistant; they’ll lead the party, serve the food, write down the gifts, and so on. They are also instructed to sing “Happy Birthday” at least five times!
  • Set-up and clean-up
  • Paper goods (plates, forks, cups, napkins), juice, and water
  • A “The Little Gym” T-shirt for the birthday boy or girl
  • Parental Fun Factor
    This is a hassle-free party for the hosts. All you need to do is bring cake and/or food. Witnesses say the instructors are what make the party fun – they interact with children to help them participate in the equipment and will gently encourage shy or nervous kids to participate at their comfort level. All parents can watch from the sidelines, hang out in the party room or lobby, take photos, whatever; however, children under 3 do need an adult present with them in the gym. Parties for this age group are parent-participatory, so remember to wear your socks!

    The Fine Print


  • You should reserve early - six weeks out is recommended, especially in the rainy months. Parties are held only on the weekends.
  • Cost is $225 at the Lake Oswego gym and $250 at the Beaverton location, with member discounts offered at each site. Fee covers up to 15 children. Additional children may be invited (for $12 per child).
  • You can bring outside food – a fridge, microwave, and full kitchen are available for use.
  • Thirty minutes in the party room can be tight – if you want to serve a meal, and cake, and open gifts, think about cutting your time in the gym so you have enough time.
  • The first and last timeslots of the day can be extended so children have more time to play in the gym.
  • The Little Gym
    Lake Oswego
    503-595-9702
    www.tlglakeoswegoor.com
    Beaverton
    503-579-0859
    www.tlgbeaverton.com

    Berry Sweet Tea Parties Charm Children

    The Deal
    At Berry Sweet Tea Parties, your child can play dress up, drink tea, eat treats and even learn the importance of proper etiquette through fun and games. The signature “Berry Tea” party, for guests ages five and up, includes a 1.5 hour tea party and age-appropriate games. The tea includes a formal presentation on the history of tea and an overview of table manners and proper etiquette (why to hold up the pinkies, how to respond to duplicate gifts). Julie Berry, the host, is a total ham - she engages with the guests by acting a fool (chewing with her mouth open, being gross and funny) and having them correct her. “Pip, pip!” and all that!

    What You Get

    • Guests are served lovely tea food, such as gourmet sandwiches, scones, fruit, lemonade, and fancy cupcakes, from Beaverton Bakery.
    • Guests have access to dress up clothes and accessories, including vintage gloves and boas. The parties also accommodate the fellas with boy-friendly costumes.
    • Victorian-themed décor.

    Parental Fun Factor
    Parents rate this very low on the hassle scale. As the parent of the birthday boy or girl, all you need to do is send out invitations and bring the goody bags for the guests (optional, of course). The kids will be thoroughly amused by Julie’s wackiness - and as a bonus, they’ll come home with some manners!

    Guest parents drop off and pick up.

    The venue also offers another room that hosts can rent for the adult guests to enjoy tasty treats and hang out.

    The Fine Print

    • The Berry Sweet Tea Party has a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 kids.
    • Cost is $20 per child.
    • A parent of the honoree must be present.
    • Balloons, invitations, vintage tea cup-filled goody bags, crafts, and professional photo packages available at additional charge.

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    Berry Sweet Tea Parties
    4795 SW Watson (corner of third, right near Beaverton High School)
    downtown Beaverton
    503.989.7572
    www.berrysweetpartiescom

    Animals

    Reptiles, petting zoos, and spiders, Oh My!

    The Reptile Man!

    The Reptileman has been working with reptiles for 27 years. In 1991 developed an educational and entertaining presentation for children to learn from and enjoy. In 1988 the Reptileman also developed a surgical procedure relating to venomous snakes called an Adenectomy. The removal of the venom glands has enabled Richard to utilize this group of reptiles in a safe professional manner.

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    www.oregonreptileman.com
    503-824-6423
    reptlmn@yahoo.com




    Hart's Reptile World
    www.hartsreptileworld.com

    For program information or booking
    please contact us at: 503-759-3513
    or email at crocodile@hartsreptileworld.com

    Bouncy Houses

    Bouncy Houses:

    ABC Seasonal Specialty Supply
    www.tonsofinflatablefun.com
    503.866.4140

    All About Fun
    www.allaboutfunamerica.com
    503.516.3878

    All Events Entertainment
    503.222.4509

    Clowns Unlimited
    www.clownsunlimited.com
    503.381.4462

    Portland Party Works
    www.portlandpartyworks.com
    503.723.8300

    JJ Jump
    www.jjjump.com
    503.723.3600 Clackamas
    360.213.2524 Vancouver

    Top Hat Productions
    www.tophatproductions.com
    503.223.5765

    Entertainers

    Penny's Puppet Productions
    www.pennypuppets.com
    503.282.9207

    The Reptile Man!

    The Reptileman has been working with reptiles for 27 years. In 1991 developed an educational and entertaining presentation for children to learn from and enjoy. In 1988 the Reptileman also developed a surgical procedure relating to venomous snakes called an Adenectomy. The removal of the venom glands has enabled Richard to utilize this group of reptiles in a safe professional manner.

    www.oregonreptileman.com
    503-824-6423
    reptlmn@yahoo.com

    Hart's Reptile World
    www.hartsreptileworld.com

    For program information or booking
    please contact us at: 503-759-3513; 503.522.2695
    or email at crocodile@hartsreptileworld.com

    BJ the Clown
    http://www.bjtheclown.com/

    Bizzy the Clown
    http://home.comcast.net/~bizzyclown/

    Joe the Balloon Guy
    www.joemishkin.com/

    TUMBLE BUS
    http://tumblebuspdx.com/

    Fairies - storytelling, costumes
    Holly Stirnkorb and Meegan Fruits
    Devyn's Drawers
    Portland, Oregon 97215
    (503) 235-2083

    All About Fun:
    503-516-3878
    www.allaboutfunamerica.com

    Clowns Unlimted
    503-381-4462
    www.clownsunlimited.com

    Horseback Riding

    Horseback Riding:
    Chehalem Mountain Ranch
    www.chehalemmountainranch.com
    503.314.3176

    Rice's Horses & More
    503.648.2838

    Magicians

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    All About Fun: 503-516-3878
    www.allaboutfunamerica.com
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    Clowns Unlimted
    503-381-4462
    www.clownsunlimited.com

    Puppet Shows

    Penny's Puppet Productions
    503-282-9207
    www.pennypuppets.com

    Making the World a better Place One Puppet Show
    At a time.

    A One Woman Puppet company specializing in Puppet Shows,
    Storytelling and Consulting.
    Penny Walter has her Masters in Early childhood Education. Her
    Master Thesis was on "Teaching with Puppets". She taught primary
    grades in the Portland, Oregon area schools for three years before following
    her dream of becoming a full time puppeteer and storyteller.

    From September 2002- June 2006 she was the Resident Puppeteer at the Portland Children's Museum and performd there Eight times a week. She has a ongoing relationship with the Portland Public School district and head start programs as well as other area schools and libraires and is an Artist in Healthcare performer at Emanual Childrens Hopital. In Addition she performs at: Birthday parties, Festivals and private events, Coporate gatherings and fundraisers.
    Penny teaches Puppetry classes and workshops for teachers, children, families and other professional groups .
    Penny's Puppet shows, utilize audience participation, and instill the love of music, language and stimulate the imagination. They naturally support emotional development, improve listening skills, and develop awareness and appreciation of the similiarities of all people (and puppets).

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    (503) 312-5979
    www.dragontheaterpuppets.com/

    Great for birthday parties, school assemblies,
    reading programs, company picnics, fairs,
    festivals and more!
    All our shows are appropriate for all ages.

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    503-223-5765; 360-694-5985