Birthday parties have become a big business these days. It used to be so simple. You invite a bunch of kids over, play pin the tail on the donkey, get the kids to walk on balloons until they pop (I always hated that game), then you serve hotdogs, chips, veggie sticks and dip (to create the semblance of nutrition) and pop. You bring out the cake and ice cream. As the grand finale, the other kids get to watch the birthday boy or girl open presents. Everyone went home with a goodie bag. Easy peasy, right?
Now, people want the convenience and luxury of not having to clean up the mess afterward or think of activities to entertain the kids. You have to pay for this convenience, but there are many places around town that do offer venues for hosting kids birthday parties. I tried to find most of the places I know about in the Greater Sudbury area and posted links to their websites, or some way of contacting them. Many of the businesses are locations, but there are a few businesses who will bring the party activities to your home or venue of your choice.
The businesses are not presented in any order other than what I thought to look up on the Internet. I had posed the question about birthday ideas last year on the Facebook site for Nickel City Parents, and some of these are suggestions of fans. I have also attended birthday parties at some of the venues.
Wacky Wings: used to have a kids party package. Not sure if they still do. Party packages available, and you can add game cards to it. Visit the website for contact information.
https://wackywings.ca/en/menus/party-menu/sudbury/
Boston Pizza: The only information was found on a Facebook page. Check it out, or call the restaurant to find out if it's still an option.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.198959000145759.44575.104825242892469
Other restaurants might have the option for birthday parties as well. Montana's Cookhouse has a free meal for kids under 12 years if you sign up on the website.
Michael's: you can organize a crafting birthday party at the store. The website has information on booking.
http://www.michaels.com/birthday-parties.html
Gym Zone (locations in Sudbury, the Valley, and Espanola): one hour gymnastics time, and use of the party room. The website is currently under renovation, but the price was around $150 for 10 kids. Telephone for Gemmell location: 705-521-1551
Jungle Gym (south end of Sudbury): similar idea to GymZone. The cost is $160 for 10 kids plus 45 minutes in party room. They have a Facebook page.
http://www.junglegymltd.ca/birthdays/
Dinosaur Valley Mini Golf: check out the website for details.
http://www.dinosaursudbury.com/
Sudbury Kartways: located on Notre Dame in Sudbury. Also has mini golf. No website. Telephone: (705) 566-9266
Dodge This Paintball: for kids 12 years and older. Visit the website for more details.
http://www.dodgethispaintball.ca/
Real Canadian Superstore: offered through the PC Cooking School, there are programs for ages 4 and up. Kids bring home a cake they decorate themselves. Food and drink is included in the fee, but you bring your own birthday cake. Visit the website for details, and to select the type of party.
http://www.pccookingschool.ca/LCLOnline/birthdayparties.jsp
Greater City of Sudbury Parks, Community Halls and Arenas: many facilities are available for rental for special events. Go to the website to check out prices and permit information.
http://www.greatersudbury.ca/living/rentals-and-special-event-permits/
Sudbury Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai Academy: includes a one hour class. Visit the website for details and contact information.
http://sudburybjj.com/kidsbirthdayparties/
Sudbury Multicultural Martial Arts: esteem building, anti-bullying, social skills as well as martial arts techniques are emphasized. Visit the website for details and contact information.
http://www.sudburymma.com/birthday-parties.html
Wagon Wheel Ranch: there are two packages available. The one with the wagon rides costs $19.50 per child or $15 per adult and another with horseback rides at $45 per person. Lunch is included but you can bring other food, and cake. See the website for details.
http://wagonwheelranch.net/prices/birthday-parties/
Recreation Centres throughout Greater Sudbury: sometimes you can rent the pool, or they offer Zumba parties depending on the recreation centre. Check out the Leisure Guide for the numbers of the city's rec centres and pools.
Plaza Bowl: bowling alley located just off of Lasalle Blvd. Cost is $16 per person, and includes one game, shoe rental, food and drink. See website for details.
http://www.sudburyplazabowl.com/plaza/bow_par.asp
Keep in mind, there are other bowling alleys in the Greater Sudbury area, and they probably offer similar types of birthday party packages as the three mentioned above.
Art Gallery of Sudbury: When asked about birthday parties, this was the response, "We've been hosting parties for years. Give Nancy a call at 705-675-4871 ext. 224 for available dates, cost, and a list of possible workshops." Visit the Facebook page to find out more. Their website is undergoing renovations and might not be up to date.
http://artgalleryofsudbury.myshopify.com/pages/birthdays-and-workshops
Silver City Movie Theatre: movie and party room for an hour. You supply cake. Birthday child is free, but not adults. Two packages available, $17 and $19 per child. See website for details.
http://www.cineplex.com/Theatres/Birthdays/PopcornParties.aspx?prov=ON
Science North and Dynamic Earth: themes include Animals In Your Backyard | Lights! Camera! ACTION! (Science North) and Ooey Gooey Birthday | Dinosaur Birthday | Spa-tacular Birthday | Rockin' Good Time (Dynamic Earth). For ages 4 to 12 years old except Lights! Which starts at 7 years old. On the expensive side at over $20 per child. See the website for all the details.
http://www.sciencenorth.ca/science-north/facility-rentals/birthday-parties/
Par-T-Perfect: Inflatables and game equipment
http://par-t-perfect.com/locations/canada/ontario/sudbury/
There are other party rental places in the Sudbury area. This just gives you an idea of what you can look for. The following businesses are available to come to your home. This is not an exhaustive list, and if anyone knows of other people catering to kids' birthday parties feel free to leave a comment.
Kindermusik with Dione: Dione comes to your home or venue and hosts an hour long Kindermusik session. She brings music, instruments and props for the kids to use. Her parties are themed, and the kids all get loot bags. Visit her website for more details about themes and pricing.
https://www.facebook.com/kmdione
Glama Gal Sudbury: They have multiple birthday packages or day spas which can be turned into a birthday package. Each birthday package includes a dining choice of Belgian waffles or pizza, cupcakes with a candle of the birthday girl, unlimited drinks, invitations, spa slippers and robe, plus spa service(s) depending on the package chosen. Package prices vary but they all last two hours and include up to 6 friends, but more can attend for an additional cost. Here is the link for birthday packages: http://www.glamagalparty.com/parties-2 . Parties are for children ages 3 to 16.
Kids Ultimate Play and Party Centre Inc. (KUPP): This indoor play centre offers three birthday party packages ranging in price from $130 to $310, depending on the day of the week you choose and whether or not you would like food included. All parties are for a maximum of 8 children and include 2 hours of playtime in the centre. https://www.kidsultimateplaycentre.ca/parties/
If you know of any other local places offering birthday ideas, feel free to comment, or leave a message on the Facebook page for Nickel City Parents.