venue for a first birthday party

[mckenzie]

Can anyone suggest a suitable venue or idea for a first birthday party for 11 one year olds (all celebrating their birthdays) plus 20 mums and dads (one set of twins for those doing the maths!). We thought perhaps if the weather is fine that we could have a picnic in the local park but what if the weather is bad or has been bad. Any ideas? We all live in Enfield, Middlesex but dont mind travelling a bit for the right venue. Unfortunately none of us has a house big enough to fit everybody in.

I'm not trying to put a dampner on the party but from my experience I would not spend too much money on it and I would try to keep it as small as possible.
I had a party at home when my two were one and they both hated their birthdays.
They were overwhelmed by the number of people (close family) and did not like all the fuss and noise.
I would be very surprised if the one year olds enjoyed their first birthdays with the number of people you are intending to invite also they are not at the age to play with other children so would not appreciate a joint party.
Sorry to be a spoil sport but from my experience if you want the birthday boys and girls to enjoy themselves I would rethink the numbers.

I appreciate your thoughts 'Sister' but it's not the guests that are going to be making it crowded - the party is for the children in our 'New Mum's' group that got started by the clinic so all the children are celebrating their first birthday within a 4 week period and this party is for all of them, plus the sets of parents. I know from when we meet eaach week that some of the babies, mine included, don't like the crowdedness too much so I know we're going to have to be careful and I guess if we're honest, it's more a party for us mums and dads than the children. Do you think the picnic micht be okay if we all bring some toys with us?

Is there a toy library in your area? You might be able to join forces and borrow some larger toys to keep them entertained, either at a park or indoors at a hall, or if there is a playgroup centre closeby they might hire out the venue on weekends, in which case it will come with toys plus change facilities and tea/coffee making. Pitch in together for party food and balloons/streamers to set the mood. As you say, it is really more for the grown-ups than for the kids as they really don't know what all the fuss is about. (We had a family get-together for dd's 1st and a bbq for ds's, but dd also had a playgroup "party".) But even if they don't remember it, at least you will! And you will have photos/video to show them later!

My only other tip, which you have probably already thought of, is choose a time period when they are least likely to be tired so they will see the party out without getting cranky or gizzly! Hope it goes well whatever you decide!

We went to a joint one year old's birthday party at standalone farm in Letchworth (this is a bit of a stretch but there may be something similar nearer you). It was great, the parents hired a barn, but provided the food. As a guest, it worked very well as when the children got bored or overwhelmed you could stick them in the pushchair and take them to see the sheep, piggies, etc.

Mckenzie, I am doing something at the Furzefield Centre in Potters Bar. They are putting on a soft play area (my son is just about to turn 2) and then you can hire the function room (of if you purchase their food, it's free) next to the soft play area. There are three members of staff to support the playing. This may be not right for 1 year olds but worth exploring with the Furzefield and see what they say?

What about a trip to the zoo. My other suggestion would be a swimming pool party, at our local pool you can hire the leisure pool for an hour then you have a room for a further hour where they will provide food or you can provide your own - an indoor picnic!! This costs around £40.

How about Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne? They have animals - lions, tigers, monkeys, camels etc. Also there are lots of different children's play areas, a train ride, an indoor soft play area, shows and a restaurant. I have taken my two there many times and there's always something new to do. My niece had her second birthday party there and the children and parents all had a good time.

Mead Open Farm near Leighton Buzzard is fantastic I think. Lots of animals and hands on feeding, big (open air)play centre, and a cafe that does pretty good food.