Macaroni KID Winston-Salem aims to be your one-stop resource for crafting the most unforgettable and joy-filled celebration for your child's special day! Birthdays are those cherished moments when we celebrate the journey of our little ones, and what better way to do so than by throwing them the ultimate birthday bash?
Planning your child's birthday party can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it does require some careful preparation to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here are the key steps to take when planning your child's birthday party:
- Set a Budget: Determine how much you're willing to spend on the party. Having a clear budget in mind will help you make decisions on various aspects of the event, such as the venue, entertainment, decorations, and food. It also helps you to take where you are with your spending. I tend to go a little overboard, so this is extremely helpful and necessary for me.
- Choose a Date and Time: Select a date and time that work for your child and guests. Consider weekends or after-school hours for convenience. Be sure to check with close family and friends to ensure they can attend.
- Select a Theme: Choosing a theme for the party can add a creative and cohesive element to the event. Your child's interests, such as favorite characters, hobbies, or activities, can inspire the theme. Hello Kitty would win in our household every year!
- Pick a Venue: Decide whether the party will be held at home or a rented venue. Some popular options include local parks, community centers, or entertainment venues. Make reservations well in advance to secure your desired location. See our readers' picks at the end of this article!
- Create a Guest List: Decide who to invite and make a list of guests. The size of the guest list may impact your choice of venue and budget, so keep that in mind.
- Send Invitations: Design and send out invitations to your child's friends and family. You can choose traditional paper invitations, e-invites, or even create personalized invitations that match the party theme.
- Plan Activities and Entertainment: Consider age-appropriate activities and entertainment for the children. This might include games, crafts, a magician, a clown, a bounce house, or a themed scavenger hunt. Be sure to keep the children engaged and entertained throughout the event.
- Decorations and Party Supplies: Purchase or create decorations, tableware, and party favors that match the chosen theme. Don't forget essentials like balloons, banners, and a birthday cake with candles.
- Food and Refreshments: Plan a menu that suits the preferences of your child and guests. It can range from a simple snack and cake to a full meal. If you're ordering food, arrange for catering or delivery in advance.
- Cake and Dessert: Order or bake a birthday cake, cupcakes, or another dessert that aligns with the party theme. Don't forget to have a candle for your child to make a wish and blow out.
- Party Timeline: Create a detailed schedule for the party, including the start time, activity plan, mealtime, and when to serve the cake and open presents.
- Party Favors: Prepare goody bags or party favors for the guests to take home. These can include small toys, stickers, or treats that match the theme.
- Capture Memories: Make sure to have a camera or smartphone ready to capture memorable moments throughout the party. You may also consider hiring a professional photographer.
- Have a Plan B: Be prepared for unexpected changes in weather (if you're hosting an outdoor party) or any other unforeseen circumstances. Have a backup plan to keep the celebration on track.
- Thank-You Cards: After the party, have your child send thank-you cards to express their gratitude to the guests for attending and for any gifts received.
By following these key steps, you can create a memorable and enjoyable birthday celebration for your child that they'll cherish for years to come. Remember that flexibility and creativity are your best allies in making the day extra special. Below, you will find a list of local businesses that were suggested by our readers for holding your next birthday bash!
Readers' Choice for Best Local Places to Hold a Birthday Party for Kids
Adventure Landing
1600 South Stratford Road, Winston-Salem
(336) 768-4730 Call for pricing. Fun for all ages
Miniature Golf, Bumper Boats, Arcade AND private party room!
Alice’s Place
3120 Robinhood Road, Winston-Salem, 27106
(336) 724-9667 Call for Pricing. Ages 4+
Complete dress-up for girls and ladies. Our parties are really elegant with china, crystal, lacy table clothes and quiet music playing in the background. We can seat up to 22 guests in our private setting.
Miss Alice has been offering her very special tea parties for 25 years
Bowlero
811 Jonestown Rd, Winston-Salem
(336) 765-8009 Call for pricing. Ages 4 and up
Our kid's birthday parties are custom-built and made to amaze, featuring classic bowling fun, unique party favors, and a ton of kid-friendly food and drinks! Save your living room, spare your backyard, and let your little party guests loose on the lanes with a birthday that’s memorable, interactive, and totally kid-proof.
Chuck E. Cheese’s
620 Hanes Mall Blvd, Winston-Salem 27103
(336) 774-0690 Call for pricing. Fun for All
See their website for party package details and to make a reservation. Receive free tokens for booking online.
City of Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks
Various Locations:
Picnic Shelters available at Blum, Easton, Forest Park, Gateway Commons, Greenway, Happy Hill, Miller, Brushy Fork, Reynolds, Rupert Bell, Washington, Crawford, Winston Lake, Piney Grove, Bolton, Helen Nichols, Granville, Hathaway, Hobby, Leinbach, Little Creek, Oak Summit, Old Town, Salem Lake, Sedge Garden, South Fork, Winston Lake, Hanestown, Belview, Bonair, Kimberley, Lockland, Skyland, and Weston Park. Recreation centers available at Corpening Plaza, Grace Court, and Winston Square Park. You cannot rent the splash pads, but you can reserve adjacent shelters.
(336) 727-8000 Call for prices as they vary by location. Fun for all ages
The Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks Department has a variety of facilities for rent to the general public. Visit their website to find your perfect spot! You can make reservations up to a year in advance.
Cognition Davie
119 N Salisbury Street Mocksville, NC 27028
(336) 753-1045 Call for prices as they offer different packages. Fun for all ages
Take the stress off celebrating at home and bring the party to us! Cognition is the perfect place to party between our exhibit area, kitchen area, and private birthday party room. Celebrate during regular business hours or have the whole place to yourself with our different package options.
Creekside Lanes
1450 Trade Mart Blvd, Winston Salem, NC
(336) 771-9800 Call for pricing. Ages 1 and up
Birthday parties include 1 hour of bowling and rental shoes for all participants. Choose the package that includes your desired food and drink. Contact us for more information.
Juxtaposition Studios
1151 Canal Drive, #104, Winston-Salem
(704) 661-7458 Call for pricing. Ages 3-16
From princesses to superheroes to tutus to a pajama party, your child will be the star! Contact us for more details on our many party themes! Up to 15 attendees.
Kaleideum
120 West Third Street Downtown Winston-Salem
Call for Pricing. New location opens in February Fun for all ages
Our fun, engaging, interactive birthday parties at Kaleideum help make your child’s birthday an unforgettable experience that is very easy on you!
Rockin’ Jump-Winston-Salem
7840 North Point Blvd., #130, Winston-Salem, 27106
(336) 896-9100 Call for pricing. Fun for all ages (if you can walk, you can jump!)
Voted the Triad’s #1 Birthday Party Place. Rockin’ Jump hosts unforgettable birthday parties. We take the headache out of your event by taking care of all the details from Rockin’ Jump E-invitations, a dedicated party host, set up to clean up, and of course, plenty of fun! Our staff has you covered from start to finish!
Safari Nation Winston-Salem
3191 Peters Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem
(336) 523-3355 Call for pricing. For ages 3 and up
A party at Safari Nation is the perfect place for your little one and their friends to celebrate a birthday party! All of our party packages include 1 hour of play time followed by 1 hour of party room time, unlimited play time once your party comes out of the party room. You will also receive a party hostess on the day of the party who will be there to assist the party in any way necessary.
The Purple Bench
3784 Bethania Station Rd., Winston-Salem, NC
(336) 701-3593 $28/person, ages 5+
The Purple Bench pre-sketches your canvas, making your next private paint party a breeze. Book an on-site Paint Party celebration in your home, the office, or the park virtually anywhere you choose. All ages and experience levels are welcome to join in the fun. There is no experience required! $28 per person provides all the painting supplies and the artist for a three-hour block of fun. We have a 5-person minimum for paint parties. Call today to schedule a free, save-the-date consultation.
Tiger Kim’s Tae Kwon Do Center
2830 Reynold Road, Winston-Salem (336) 722-5115
1425 River Ridge Drive, Clemmons (336) 766-6116
Call for pricing. Ages 4 and up
Treat your child to a birthday party they’ll never forget! Unique, fun-filled, and action-packed! No prior martial arts experience is required to participate. so everyone 4 and up will be able to join. You SUPPLY the kids; we supply the fun!
Triad ECO Adventures / Triad TROLLEYS / PEDEGO Piedmont Triad
176 YWCA Way, Winston-Salem (or wherever U want to Go!)
(336) 722-7777 Call for pricing Ages 10+ Groups from 2-150
Electric Bike Rentals, Segway Tours, Stand-Up Paddle Boarding, Trolley Excursions/Events (comedians, musicians, mascots, zip-line or maze destinations, etc.). Also, access to a local private beach for volleyball, paddle boarding, kayaks, ping-pong, horseshoes, corn-hole, music, catering, grilling, food truck, etc. If you think it, we can help create it!
Winston-Salem Dash
951 Ballpark Way, Winston-Salem, 27101
(336) 331-3733 Fun for all ages
Looking for the perfect way to celebrate your little one’s special day? Our birthday package allows you to plan your entire party at one time. Birthday groups of 10 or more receive reserved seating to watch the game from the best seats with your party; party food for partygoers includes a hot dog, drink, and birthday dessert; Free Dash caps to remember the evening with a limited-edition Dash baseball cap with each ticket purchased; and in-game recognition where you can see a special birthday message on our left field LED board. Book your party with all of the amenities listed for as low as $16 per person.
YMCA of Northwest North Carolina: Jerry Long Family YMCA
1150 S. Peace Haven Road, Clemmons, NC 27012
(336) 712-2000 Call for pricing. Ages 1 to 17
Year-round indoor birthday pool parties (youth pool parties only)! Pool party times available are Saturdays and Sundays, 1:00–3:00 p.m. (set up starting at 12:30 and clean up as late as 3:30 pm). Includes use of a multi-purpose room adjacent to the pool deck and a YMCA lifeguard for participants. Party supplies, drinks, and food will not be provided. Please allow two weeks for reservations.
YMCA of Northwest North Carolina: Robinhood Road Family YMCA
3474 Robinhood Road, Winston-Salem
(336) 251-1090 Call for pricing. Y members receive a discount. 1 to 17.
Visit the website or call for more information.
YMCA of Northwest North Carolina: Stokes
105 Moore Rd, King, NC
(336) 985-9622 Call for pricing. Any age
Room rentals are available for up to two hours at $35/hour. If you wish to include swimming, the pool is available to rent for one hour for $50.
