6 unconventional kids birthday party venues

If you saw my last post on pros and cons of choosing some of the more popular children's birthday party locations, you know that I have planned A LOT of kids birthday parties.  And I sometimes get bored with the same old same old locations.  I often plan my kids' parties at home because then I have the money that I would have spent to reserve some place, to decorate and transform my own space to fit the theme of the party.  But here are a few other suggestions, forgive me, some of them are local for my Longmont Colorado peeps, but you'll get the gist.

1) Tea House-
Does your little girl love to play tea parties?  Why not invite her friends to the real thing?  Make reservations at a tea house or historic hotel for cream tea and finger sandwiches.  Each girl can come in costume: a dress, hat, gloves and pearls.  The inn keeper may be able to give a lesson on proper etiquette and table manners.

Local Recommendations:
Thompson House Inn Longmont, Colorado
The Boulder Dushanbe Tea House Boulder, Colorado
Lavender n' Lace Eaton, Colorado

2) Factory-
Kids love learning how things are made and to watch big machines.  Even better if there are sweets to sample.  Do some research to see what manufacturing plants are in your area and ask them if they offer group tours.  They may even have a private room that you can use for cake and gifts.  Near me we have a candy making factory, yes with samples, a tea factory, my son loved getting to wear one of their hairnets during the tour or you can watch donuts freshly made and coming down a conveyor belt.  Fun!

Local Recommendations:
Hammonds Candies in Denver, Colorado
Celestial Seasonings in Boulder, Colorado
Krispy Kreme, various locations

3) Toy Store-
What do kids love more than toys?  So what better place to have their birthday party?  Hey, and if you haven't had a chance to pick up a gift, no problem, lots of last minute choices.  Many larger toy stores (and some boutiques) offer a connected play or party room and of course, the best kids of party favors for your guests.

Local Recommendations:
Grandrabbits in Boulder, Colorado
Lego Store- ok, I guess they no longer offer parties on site, but you could still take the kids there for some play and pick some goodies for their party bags.
Toys R Us- Again, not a complete party, but if you sign up for Geoffrey's Birthday Club (free) and then stop by the store around their birthday, they will get a birthday crown, balloon and personalized announcement broadcast to the store.

4) Concert Venue-
Is your child an aspiring pop-star diva like mine?  Some kids are just drawn to the stage and want nothing more than a party where they are the star, spotlights on, music loud.    Concert venues and community theatres are sometimes available for private rental and have some great a/v inclusions.  A big dance floor for the littles to get their wiggles out is a must.  You may even want to spring for a kid-friendly disc jockey to put in charge of spinning those age-appropriate tunes.

Local Recommendations:
Dickens Opera House Longmont, Colorado
Jesters Dinner Theatre  Longmont, Colorado
Boulder Theatre  Boulder, Colorado
Nissi's  Lafayette, Colorado

5) Movie Theater-
Wouldn't it be cool, not just to take the group to watch a movie, but to have your own private viewing of Johnny's favorite flick?  Smaller, privately owned theaters are available to rent and may offer catering options (and mommy and daddy drink options,) as well.

Local Recommendations:
The Kress Cinema  Greeley, Colorado
Boedecker Theater  Boulder, Colorado
Liberty Theatre  Pagosa Springs, Colorado


6) Paintball-
You wont find me there, getting all bruised up, but I bet my boys would love to get out their aggressions by chasing each other around with paintball guns, and I'm sure their friends would too. Make sure to get parents to sign release forms first though.

Local Recommendations:
Blitz Paintball  Dacono, Colorado
American Paintball Coliseum  Denver, Colorado
All Star Paintball  Colorado Springs, Colorado


I would love to hear about the unique place that you held your child's birthday party!  Please leave your comments below.