Places to (Birthday) Party in the Arlington area!

Every year I do this to myself... Three times. I stress out, panic and pull my hair out wondering where to have one of my daughters' birthday parties!
Someday I'll have a large house with an even bigger backyard that can accommodate loads of kids, a bounce house (or three), water activities, the works. But until then, I'll be outsourcing my party to the lowest bidder.
If you are like me and can't seem to think of somewhere to go except Chuck E, Cheese, read on!

1. For the Little Ones
Try: First Baptist Mansfield (1800 E. Broad St.), Pantego Bible Church (8001 Anderson Ave., Fort Worth), The Church on Rush Creek (2350 SW Green Oaks Blvd.)
You don't have to be members of these churches to host a fabulous party. We've been to more than a few parties at popular churches in the area, and they are fantastic for the younger sets. I love doing church parties because they are immune to the weather. You can also bring in whatever food you want... No having to buy their pizza or order from the location's preferred vendor. The play areas at the three listed churches are fun for young kids, but if you want to add another activity for party-goers, you can always hire a balloon artist or face painter to give kiddos something else to do!

Photo of play area at First Baptist Mansfield

2. For the Little Princess

Try: Chelsea's Tea Room (4772 Little Rd.), Part Time Princess Parties (212 W. Main St.)

For the little diva in your life, why not try a princess party? Invite several of her sassiest friends and let them dress up and act like princesses for the day! At Chelsea's, girls get to walk the runway in their fancy fashions and enjoy a story at "tea time." At part time princess parties, girls get to meet their favorite princess and enjoy a sing-along and dance lesson with her! Alternately, you can also hire one of these princesses to come to your house if you'd rather play hostess!

photo from Part Time Princess Parties' Facebook page

3. For the Kid with Endless Energy

Try: Flight Deck Arlington (1600 Interstate 20 W), Urban Air Mansfield (989 N. Walnut Creek Dr.), Pump It Up (1120 Eden Rd.)

Got a kid who loves to bounce around and (literally) climb the walls? Both Flight Deck and Urban Air offer party packages for the birthday child and his friends to spend several hours expelling all that energy somewhere that isn't on your furniture! You can bring your own cake and purchase food (usually pizza) directly from the venue. This is great for the older kids, 6 and up, as parties are generally done during open jump. 

Pump It Up offers a similar package. They have two rooms filled with inflatables, and your party will spend 45 minutes enjoying each room. Then your partygoers relax in the party room enjoying a cake of your choosing, plus light snacks (you provide those) or pizza you've purchased directly from the venue. We had my oldest's 5th birthday here and she still talks about how fun it was!

photo of bounce room at Pump It Up

4. For the Boys (and Girls) of Summer

Try: Howard Moore Play Pool (1999 Bever Blvd.,), Helen Wessler Play Pool (2200 Greenway St.), Splash Factory (601 E. Grand Prairie Rd., GP)

My May baby loves her birthday because we are able to do water park parties! (My October girls are crazy jealous...) This year we did my 4 year old's party at Howard Moore- it was fabulous! For a flat fee (Howard Moore was $250), you get a private party for 2 hours. We brought hot dogs (precooked, as you can't have open flame at the pool), chips, waters and cupcakes. We had two hours with just my daughter and her friends and the staff at Howard Moore. It was wonderful! Helen Wessler is a great option for younger kids, as is Splash Factory. These play pools are great for about 7 and under... And the best part is- your swim suit is optional!

photo of Howard Moore play pool

5. For the Budding Olympian

Try: ASI Gymnastics (5531 S. Cooper St.), Texas Tumble Tots (12615 FM-917, Alvarado), Little Gym (1724 E. Broad St.), Cheer Texas (1120 Eden Rd.)

Let your little gymnast try her hand at the bars, beam and trampoline with her friends! Cheer Texas lets kiddos play at their own pace, while Texas Tumble Tots offers a mix of games and activities as well as free play. You can bring in your own food refreshments for the birthday kid. Little Gym and ASI offer slightly more guided options, with gymnastics instructors helping the birthday bunch enjoy the venue. Both places let you cater in your own food and cake.

photo from Texas Tumble Tots, from their FB page

6. For the Crafty Kid

Try: Michael's (any area location), Build A Bear (inside Parks Mall), JoAnn Fabrics (any area location)

Take your party to the craft store and let kids create a one-of-a-kind party favor! Themed crafts can be customized to the birthday child's desired theme. Bring in your own food and the craft store will do the rest. Tons of add-ons available (such as face-painting!). 

If your child wants a new cuddly friend, take the party to Build a Bear and let each child design a new BFF. Then let the kids have a teddy bear parade all the way to the food court and treat partygoers to Chick Fil A and birthday cake!

photo from JoAnn Fabric

Last but not least...

7. For the Water Baby Born in Winter

Try: The Brick (550 NW Summercrest Blvd., Burleson)

If you are willing to make the 25 minute drive to the Burleson Rec Center, your birthday child can enjoy a pool party no matter what time of year it is! The Brick has an AMAZING indoor water area complete with a splash pad, a water slide and a vortex pool. You can rent a party room right off the pool for partygoers to enjoy snacks and cake before (or after) getting wet in the pool. We had my oldest's 6th birthday here, and it was a huge hit with the kiddos! Be sure to pack your suit- you will probably end up wet!

photo of swimming area at the Brick