Birthday Parties

When it comes to birthday party planning, let’s admit it.  Birthday parties are usually a lot of work.  From brainstorming cool ideas (whether for a first birthday or a tween or sweet 16th) to sending invitations to planning the food menu and goodie bags, there’s plenty for parents to think about!  If you’re short on time, looking to keep things simple, or hoping to blow the socks off your child at his or her next birthday party, there are plenty of places in and around Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom (NEK) that are perfect birthday destinations and offer special birthday party packages.  There are also free venues.  This list is for all of the busy moms and dads in the NEK!

BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUES

• Comfort Inn Pool Party.  St. Johnsbury.  Offers breakfast room rental for use as a party room, which includes 4 Rumontos pizzas and soda and covers 2 adults + 10 children swimming, all for $149.
• Crystal Lake (Barton).  Looking to celebrate a summer birthday?  If you’re looking for grills, beach, swimming and play area, this is for you!  Entrance/admission fee.
• East Burke Playground.  Modern playground equipment, grills, covered picnic shelter.
• IROC.  (Indoor Recreation Orleans County).  Derby, VT.  Offers two birthday party options:  (1) for $10, you can rent a table on the walking track, or (2) for $125 and up to 15 people, IROC members can rent the community room and use the facility (additional fee for non-members).  Offers a splash party or roller skating party theme.
• Kingdom Gymnastics. St. Johnsbury.  Offers birthday parties.  They supply the fun, you supply the cake.  Cost $125, up to 10 children.
• Lake Willoughby.  If you’re looking for a beach party, this is the place.  Free parking/free admission.
• Crystal Lake (Barton).  This State park offers BBQ grills, picnic tables, park pavillions, grassy area & a nice sandy beach. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day.  Park admission fee.  3 yrs. and under free. Info call: 525-6205
• Lyndonville – Bandstand Park.  Picnic birthday party anyone?
• Agape Hill Farm.  Featuring farm parties, trail hikes with llamas, craft projects, picnic and play area with antique tractors.
• N. Danville Brainerd Memorial Library/ Old Danville School & Community Center. 4215 Bruce Badger Memorial Hwy, Danville.  This community space can be rented for birthday parties and events.  Has a full kitchen.  Project/dining space.  Gymnasium for play.  Contact the Librarian, Elizabeth, about room rental. 684-2055.

Around the NEK

• Kahuna Laguna.  North Conway, NH.  Did someone say indoor water fun?  This indoor waterpark resort might just be a dream pick for children, tweens, teens and adults alike!  Offers Splash & Stay packages as well as Birthday parties.  Birthday parties cost $35 per person, but include 2 hours of water park time, an hour in a private event room, pizza, and arcade tokens.
• Regal Gymnastics.  Essex, VT.  For young and older children, your child and guests will feel like royalty at Regal Gymnastics Academy!  Definitely worth the trip to the Burlington area, for fun, fun, fun memories!  Your kids will beg to stay when it’s time to leave.  Everything is done for you in this terrific, brand new facility!  Birthday party castle & two dedicated birthday party rooms.
• Santa’s Village.  Jefferson, NH.  A great pick for young children.  Santa’s Village hosts the party in a special building, complete with activities and surprises that will make your child and guests feel really special.  No need to worry about fun, food or the cake.  Santa’s Village does it for you!  Kid favorite activities include decorate your own cupcake and pizza party.