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Posts Tagged ‘Birthdays’

15+ Birthday Ideas that Are Perfect for Babies in Greenville & Spartanburg, SC

Posted on by Andrea Beam | 2 Comments

Planning a birthday party for a baby and searching through the first birthday party venues in Greenville, SC? What are the perfect spots in Greenville for a baby’s birthday party? Babies are a little tricky. They need a lot of supervision and a safe space. Many times, they need an indoor playground or indoor play area. That’s why we came up with this list full of first birthday party venues, parks, and other creative spots that would be perfect for babies and toddlers in Greenville, SC.

For even more ideas of where to throw the perfect party for your kid see our comprehensive guide to birthday parties in Greenville.

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Create a Special Birthday Bear with the Build-A-Bear ‘Count Your Candles’ Offer

Posted on by Kidding Around | No Comments

Have you visited Build-A-Bear Workshop? There’s something special about selecting a furry body and stuffing it just right to create a furry friend that kids enjoy. Kids love their custom furry friends, but it can get a little pricey. One of the great things about Build- A- Bear is their birthday treat bear offer through the Count Your Candles program. Your child can build a birthday bear for a fraction of the cost, which can give you a pretty great deal on a birthday bear for your child. Use the program to make your child’s special day or mark a milestone like giving up that pacifier!

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Best Places for Indoor Birthday Parties in Greenville, SC

Posted on by Kristina Hernandez | 7 Comments

Looking for options for indoor parties in Greenville, SC? Whether you are trying to avoid the chilly winter months, or the scorching hot summer heat, having an indoor birthday party is always a great idea! Of course, it’s a big parent win not having to do any cleanup after the little tornadoes make their way through the party, cake, and decorations. Kidding Around Greenville has compiled a list of some of the best indoor venues for birthday parties! 

These suggestions are taken from both our reader recommendations as well as other recommendations that our staff has added. We would love to add to this list, so feel free to add your own favorite places in the comments. For even more birthday party ideas are sure to consult our Ultimate Birthday Guide to Upstate, SC. It’s packed with the many options that you can find in Greenville. In addition, we also have a list of 10 Inexpensive Birthday Parties, Birthday Parties for Babies, and Outdoor Birthday Parties.

This list includes recommendations from our readers as well as unpaid mentions of some of our sponsors.

Indoor Birthday Party Places in Greenville

The Pavilion

The Pavilion in Taylors gets big props from our readers. The Bounce House or Ice Skating parties are affordable and fun and include pizza, soft drinks, cake, and even ice cream. Packages also include a 2-hour rental of a private party room. The price is currently $20/child with a minimum of 10 guests and you can ice skate and jump for $24/person. 

400 Scottswood Road
Taylors, SC
864.322.7529

Big Air

With locations in Greenville and Spartanburg, Big Air can offer awesome indoor birthday parties and often have some kind of deals going on. Birthday party packages include 10 jumpers, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, or 120 minutes of jumping depending on the package purchased, pizza, and drinks with 40 minutes of reserved seating time. Prices start at $300, with additional jump passes available for an additional fee.

660 Spartan Boulevard #200
Spartanburg, SC
864.580.6462

36 Park Woodruff Drive
Greenville, SC
864.626.5252

DEFY

Good luck getting the kids to leave the giant trampoline and foam pit heaven of DEFY, although you may be able to drag them out because they are worn out! The birthday parties include set-up and take-down, plates, napkins, utensils, and cups, plus an hour of jump time. The Epic and VIP packages include 1 large pizza and 1 large soda for every 5 jumpers. Outside food and beverage are permitted, but the Basic Package must pay a $50 fee to bring in outside food. VIP and Epic packages can bring in food without charge. Parties start at $22/guest (minimum of 10 guests required).

48 Brookfield Oaks Drive
Greenville, SC
864.412.3434

Sky Zone

Sky Zone offers a trampoline birthday party that includes pizza, drinks, 60 minutes in the party room, and more for up to 10 jumpers. They offer three packages to choose from, including:

  • Best Birthday Party ($300+tax; 90 minutes of jump time)
  • Black Light Party ($350 + tax; 120 minutes of jump time)
  • Little Leapers Party ($225 +tax; 60 minutes of jump time)

2465 Laurens Road
Greenville, SC
864.558.2400

MOTIVE School of Movement

Want to party on a real ninja course designed by actual ninjas from the TV show? MOTIVE School of Movement offers parties for ages 5 and up and includes classic obstacles like the jumping spider, warped wall, rings, balance obstacles, and more! They offer parties Friday evening, Saturday, or Sunday. Prices start at $275.

10 Webb Road
Greenville, SC
864.775.4844

The Children’s Museum of the Upstate

The Children’s Museum of the Upstate is one of the largest birthday party venues in Greenville (the Spartanburg location also offers birthday parties). Birthday parties include private rooms, cupcakes, a dedicated party host, all-day admission to the museum included for you and your guests, and more! They also offer add-ons such as party games and LEGO land. Don’t miss our review. Prices start at $200 for TCMU Spartanburg and $250 for TCMU Greenville.

300 College Street
Greenville, SC
864.233.7755

Once Upon a Dream Parties

This beautiful indoor venue specializes in princess parties. Parties at the event venue include 2 hours of rental space, a character of your choice, songs, a dance with the birthday child, and more. You can even choose to purchase a full tea party with a princess character hosting the party from beginning to end.

1099 E. Butler Road
Greenville, SC
864.421.2472

Golden Lanes & Skate

Go old school and have your child’s birthday party at roller-skating rinks Golden Lanes & Skate. They offer Skating Party Packages starting at $175.00 but also have Private Party Packages starting at $250.00 Golden Lanes also has a bowling alley and Bowling Package for up to 12 children starting at $175.00. Packages include pizza and soda in addition to skating.

108 Balcome Blvd
Simpsonville, SC
864.967.8551

Dance Without Limits

This all-inclusive dance studio in Greer will host a dance party for your child at their beautiful indoor facility. Parties are for an hour and a half and can accommodate 20 children. Themes range from ballerina to hip hop to princess ballerina, or you can create your own theme. Parties cost $175 for students of the studio and $185 for those not members of the studio.

115 Pelham Road, Unit 24
Greenville, SC
864.412.7788

The Little Gym of Greenville

While The Little Gym was named Best Gym Party by Parents Magazine, it was also highly recommended by KAG readers. The Little Gym birthday team handles everything from start to finish, including addressing and mailing invitations, all set-up and clean-up, and cake and juice boxes. They offer several themes to choose from. Prices start at $300 for up to 15 children. 

1607 Laurens Road Suite 102
Greenville, SC
864.991.3577

Kangaroo Jax

This indoor venue features bounce houses, a mini-Ferris wheel, and a carousel. Kids will love this place for an indoor birthday party; Kangaroo Jax offers several birthday party packages, starting at $209 for weekday parties, and $289 for parties Friday through Sunday.

2437 Laurens Road
Greenville, SC
864.902.5297

Pump It Up Greenville

This local bounce house venue gives parents peace of mind with a private bounce house arena for parties and pizza included. Pricing starts at $239 for small weekday parties and $319 for weekend parties for 10 children. They offer additional options for larger groups and offer a Classic, Delux, and Ultimate party package

75 Brookfield Oaks Drive, Suite 100
Greenville, SC
864.987.9022

Kroc Center

There are lots of options to have fun at the Kroc Center in Greenville – from a pool party to a climbing wall to basketball or volleyball and tennis. A bounce house birthday party is even an option. Parties include 60 minutes of play in the bounce houses or pools, along with 90 minutes of time in the party room for 12 to 25 children. They also provide catering for birthday parties for an additional cost. You may bring in your dessert or birthday cake. 

424 Westfield Street
Greenville, SC
864.527.5948

Read: Are You Familiar with the Kroc Center

TR Makers Co.

At TR Makers Co, the birthday boy/girl receives a special t-shirt made during the party by all the guests. Parties include art instruction and materials for 9 guests ages 4 and up and cost $250 for two hours. Options are available to add food but parents can also bring in their own food or order delivery. There are plenty of great places in the area of downtown Travelers Rest, like Sidewall Pizza.

3 South Main Street
Travelers Rest, SC
864.610.0996

TReehouse Café & Studio

A birthday party at the TReehouse Café & Studio in Travelers Rest guarantees to be a great experience. Kids can paint, color, and enjoy great food while getting lost in their own worlds and creating art. Review here.

27 South Main Street
Travelers Rest, SC
864.610.0996

Climb @ Blue Ridge

Our readers love Climb @ Blue Ridge for indoor birthday parties – it’s a unique experience for any level of climber and a fairly affordable option for birthday parties with an 8-person minimum at $12/climber and be for 1.5 hours. There is a $5 fee for training and gear, and a $7/belayer fee (and a parent can be the belayer). One belayer is needed per 5 climbers. You can bring your own food.

301 Bulls Road
Taylors, SC
864.895.1416

Make and Believe Artists

Your birthday party can include an art project at Make and Believe Artists in Simpsonville. Parties are 2 hours and cost $299 for up to 10 participants. Extra participants are $15 each. You can pick three art activities to do while at the party to take home. Food, drink, and cake are allowed to be brought in. 

110 Academy Street
Simpsonville, SC
864. 245.3977

Palmetto Proper

Palmetto Proper offers three birthday party packages, including You Bring the Party, Meet In the Middle, or Instant Party! They offer a private play area rental, character appearances, snacks and treats, and other add on’s. The Instant Party package offers many of the add on’s in the package, along with several themes to choose from, party favors, full concessions, birthday cake, and a party host. Prices start at $150 for members / $175 for non-members. 

164 South Main Street
Travelers Rest, SC
864.631.6769

ReCraft Creative Reuse Center

Your birthday child and their friends can create crafts during their special day at ReCraft Creative Reuse Center. Prices start at $100 plus $7 per crafter.
Check out our review of ReCraft Greenville. 

525 Haywood Road
Greenville, SC
864.365.6456

Where was your child’s favorite birthday party held?

RELATED: 

Our Birthday Party Guide to Greenville
Outdoor Birthday Parties
Birthday Parties for Babies

50+ Experience Gifts in Greenville & Spartanburg That Don’t Take Up Space

Posted on by Bethany Winston | 5 Comments

You have found our giant list of experience gifts in Greenville and Spartanburg, SC! Closet, toy boxes and toy shelves a little full? So many toys in your house its too hard to pick one to play with? We get it. With the holidays quickly approaching, the toy problem increases. So, we’ve created a list of experience gifts available in Greenville, Spartanburg, and surrounding areas that families will love. You’ll make memories, learn new things, and they won’t take up any space in the toy box, either! So when Grandma calls and asks what the kids would like for Christmas this year, just send her this list.

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10 Ways to Celebrate Your Child’s Birthday Around the Holidays

Posted on by Erika Morelli | No Comments

Does your child have a birthday near the holidays? Have you found yourself celebrating a birthday sitting around a Christmas tree in the living room? How can you celebrate a Christmas birthday or a birthday near Christmas and still make your child feel special? What’s the secret to making December birthdays special amid all the Christmas presents and Christmas decorations? Should we add birthday decorations to the party, too? What do birthday traditions look like mixed in with Christmas?

If you are looking for ways to celebrate birthdays near holidays, you’ve come to the right place.

Little girls celebrate a birthday

Make Your Child’s Birthday Memorable

The holidays are usually a busy time of the year for everyone. From traveling out of town, having family over, decorating, cooking, and wrapping presents, it seems like your ‘to-do’ list just doesn’t end. Throwing a birthday party for your child into the mix can make things even more overwhelming. Nevertheless, it’s important to make your child’s one special day of the year, just that…special! Here are some ideas to help make the day all about them, and others you may want to avoid…

Planning Something Special Instead Of A Party

Sometimes, all the planning in the world won’t allow you to plan a birthday party that your child’s friends can attend. An actual party isn’t always necessary. Your child will be excited to have a day dedicated just to them with only having their immediate family involved.

Take them out on a day that works for your family, let them pick a fun place they would like to go (or surprise them). Try an entertainment center with games, bowling, or laser tag. Let them choose which restaurant you will go to for lunch or dinner, and take them out to pick out their birthday gift. This is an easy option that requires little planning but still makes your child feel special.

Birthday party at Christmas

Throwing A Holiday Time Birthday Celebration: Close to Christmas Birthday Party Tips

Figure out the best timing

Schedule the party a week before or a week after your child’s actual birthday. This is especially a good idea if your child’s birthday falls on the same date as the holiday. If your child’s birthday falls on Thanksgiving, consider celebrating the weekend before. The weekend after Thanksgiving tends to be a busy time for most people, as they are traveling home, bidding their holiday guests farewell, or starting their holiday shopping. If your child’s birthday falls on Christmas, consider scheduling their party even earlier than one week ahead. Some families travel for the holidays and head out of town as soon as the school winter holiday begins.

Get invites sent out early

If you plan on inviting friends and/or family to your child’s birthday party, give as much notice as possible. At any other time of the year, a one to two weeks’ notice would suffice; however, with people traveling or scheduling family holiday photos, it’s a good idea to give as much notice as possible.  This will also help if a majority of your potential attendees can’t make it to your party date- and gives you the opportunity to change it to a date that works for both you and your guests.

Decorate a ‘birthday only’ room

If you plan on having your child’s birthday party at home, and you have already decorated your house for the holidays, designate a room that is free of holiday decorations. Have your child pick a theme, whether it is a specific charter or color scheme, and decorate with balloons and streamers- away from all the snow globes and Christmas trees. Party City, offers a variety of themed birthday party supplies throughout the entire year.

Celebrate their half birthday

The holiday months tend to have cooler weather, so it may leave limited options for ways to celebrate your child’s birthday. Consider celebrating their ‘half birthday’ in the summer. The warmer weather opens up more outdoor options to celebrate, and schedules may be easier to coordinate since children are on school vacation. Try a local waterpark. You can still have a cake and sing happy birthday with the family on their real birthday, but wouldn’t it be a nice surprise for your child to celebrate their birthday by splashing around in the pool?

birthday gifts

Choosing The Right Gift: Birthday Presents Dos and Don’ts

Don’t use holiday wrapping paper

You may already have a closet full of holiday wrapping paper, and how convenient would it be to just grab part of a leftover roll and wrap your child’s birthday present in it? Although convenient, something as simple as ‘Happy Birthday’ wrapping paper can help separate their birthday from the holiday.

Don’t give holiday-themed gifts

During the holidays, themed or special addition toys often become available. As much as you think giving your child an Elf on the Shelf might be a good idea (since you need to buy one anyway), stick to something that doesn’t need to be put away after the holidays are over.

Get seasonal appropriate gifts

With keeping the last recommendation in mind, it’s important to stick to gifts that your child can use now. If their birthday is in December, don’t get them a blow-up swimming pool and slide for the backyard or diving sticks for the pool. While you want to separate the holiday from their birthday, it’s a good idea to get them something they can enjoy without having to wait to use it.

Skip the joint birthday/holiday gift

It sounds like an easy thing to do- two birds, one stone. It may seem like the opportune time to get your child that expensive gift they have been asking for, and make it a combined birthday/holiday gift. While it may be exciting for them for a moment, it takes out some of the fun and surprises that birthdays and holidays deliver to children.

Embrace The Holiday Birthday

As stressful as they can be, the holidays really are a fun time of the year. A holiday theme may not be a bad idea after all, if your child likes the idea. Have a birthday party where your child and their friends build gingerbread houses or decorate cookies, which they get to take home instead of a goody bag. Play ‘pin the nose on the snowman or make homemade ornaments. Michaels arts and crafts store is a great place to get seasonal crafting kits for children to make it easy to plan holiday crafts for the party. While this might not be something you want to do every year to celebrate their birthday, it’s a fun way to mix it up and embrace the holiday season!

Planning a birthday party? Check out the Kidding Around Guide to Birthdays in Greenville and Spartanburg, SC

Where to Rent Bounce Houses Near Greenville, SC

Posted on by Kristina Hernandez | 2 Comments

Are you looking for the best places to rent a bounce house or slide near Greenville, SC? Parents can’t really go wrong with renting a bounce house for a birthday party or special occasion. Instant entertainment and an epic backyard party await. But where can parents rent inflatable bounce houses and slides in Greenville, SC? We asked that very question to our readers, who answered with their favorite bounce house businesses in town. If you’re looking for inflatable rentals, bounce house rentals, dry slides, inflatable water slides, bounce house obstacle courses, or a combo bounce, this is the list for you!

If you’re planning a birthday party, don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Birthday Parties in Greenville and Spartanburg. You’ll find places to host your party, plus cake makers, cookie decorators, free birthday treats and so much more!

Bounce House Rentals in Greenville

These bounce house rental companies will bring the birthday party fun to you in the Upstate, covering areas near Greenville, SC including Travelers Rest, Taylors, Greer, Simpsonville, and Easley.

SC Party Rentals (formerly Monker Jumpers)

Monker Jumpers, which is now known as SC Party rentals, got lots of love from our readers, who noted the affordability and excellent customer service of the company. Monker Jumpers has several bounce houses, inflatable dry and wet slides, inflatable carnival games, and obstacle courses. 

Rates:

  • The smaller carnival games start around $30 and bounce houses at $150.
  • Set up and delivery are included with most rentals. 

864.982.6796

What our readers say: 

Monker jumpers! Tons of options and super affordable!

Hayley

Monker Jumpers, LLC. $175 for a bounce house/dual slide combo! Wonderful company to work with and awesome customer service

Dawn

Monker Jumpers, LLC. The best hands down!

Ashley

Wright Inflatables & Party Rentals

Kidding Around readers also really love Wright Inflatables for their products and customer service. Both wet and dry slides are offered as well as bounce houses and combos. 

Rates:

  • Bounce houses start at $150 and slides at $285.
  • Setup is included in the price; delivery is free within 15 miles of their warehouse and costs $25/every 15 miles thereafter.

864.365.3182
What our readers say: 

I just used The Wright Inflatables and Party Rentals and omg!! Love love them! Great ppl and great service!!!

Annamarie

HANDS DOWN!! The Wright Inflatables and Party Rentals. The owners are outstanding, always available for your needs and the costs just can’t be beat! We will take our business nowhere else!!

Jillian

Silly Bob’s Inflatables

There are bounce houses, slides, games, combo inflatables, obstacle courses and even an inflatable movie screen offered by Silly Bob’s.

Rates:

  • Bounce houses start at $205 for a full day
  • Rentals include set up and take down

864.346.4201

What our readers say:

Silly Bob’s! We’ve used them for 4 years now.

Erin

Sky Rocket Inflatables

Owner Shane Quinn rents out three inflatables from Sky Rocket.

Rates:

  • Rentals are between $125-$225
  • Set up and delivery are included

What our readers say:

Sky rocket inflatables is awesome!

Beth

Greenville Inflatables

Formerly called ATD Inflatables, Greenville Inflatables rents moonbounce, bounce houses, slides, combos, and obstacle courses. 

Rates:

  • Bounce house rentals start around $135
  • Customers can pick up the rental at no charge or pay $60 for delivery

864.360.3803

What our readers say:

ATD Inflatables is the best!!! I’ve used them several times

Cassey

Up-N-Jumping

Jump into the world of inflated fun from bounce houses to wet/dry slides to carnival games & concessions. Perfect for all events & special occasions! 

Rates:

  • Rentals start at $100 – Includes set up & take down. *Delivery fee may apply 

864.380.8447

10+ Bakers Making Custom Cookies Near Greenville, SC

Posted on by Kidding Around Team | 3 Comments

Are you looking for the perfect treat that will have your family in awe of your superpower ability of finding cool custom cookies for your next party or celebration? The Greenville and Spartanburg custom cookie bakers can be your secret weapon. We’ve hunted down the local talent who can give you these tiny, unique, and edible works of art, no matter the occasion. See who our readers recommend for your custom cookie needs.

Looking for more great ways to celebrate birthdays in Greenville? Don’t miss Kidding Around’s Ultimate Guide to Birthdays near Greenville.

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Where to Throw a Great Outdoor Birthday Party in Greenville, SC

Posted on by Lindy Wilson | No Comments

Thinking about hosting a birthday party outside in Greenville? One of the great things about Greenville is our moderate weather. This means birthday parties outside are often a reasonable option. We recently compiled your ideas about indoor birthday party spots but for those who like fun in the sun (or just being outdoors as long as it’s not pouring and/or freezing!), KAG contributor Lindy Wilson made this list of fabulous outdoor birthday party spots.

Don’t forget Kidding Around Greenville also has a full directory of places all over town that offer birthday parties for kids.  You can see the full Ultimate Birthday Party Guide here.

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Kids Get a Plane Ride at This Birthday Party in Greenville, SC

Posted on by Kristina Hernandez |

Think your child would like an airplane ride for their birthday? The new Takeoff Mini-Golf is offering a unique birthday party package sure to make any kid soar with delight.

Birthday parties give me anxiety. I’m not one of those moms that likes to plan them so when the opportunity comes along for a turnkey birthday party, count me in. Thankfully, a lot of businesses around the Upstate totally understand moms like me and have countless options for awesome birthday parties where parents have to do nothing but show up. Thank you to all of them!

But one birthday party package is extra special and that one is offered at super cool Takeoff Mini-Golf right next to Runway Park in downtown Greenville.

Take off Mini golf plane photo
Photo credit: Walker Weathers
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