[quote=UCGal]On a semi-hijack… when did it become requisite to have elaborate parties at places like Pump it Up, that Laser tag place, etc? What happened to back yard parties?[/quote]

I’m sort-of with FLU on this one, too. In the last three years, we have done all 3:
1) Big party at home.
2) Skip the party and go to Legoland w/ 1 friend.
3) Pump It Up.

The big party at home cost about $150 less than Pump It up after decorations, games, prizes, food for adults and kids. And we had to plan activities, decorate, set-up, and clean. For $150 more, Pump It Up is a no-brainer. It just makes for an easier day for everyone. I’m all for easy days.

We all liked legoland, but I think the kids and I all feel that birthdays should have parties.

Our kids choose their friends well, it seems. Having good kids there makes parties fun.

When I was a kid, we used to go to a place like Bulwinkles, and Ferrel’s Ice cream. That can’t be cheap. Parents would spend about $20/kid (5-10 kids) for games and another who-knows how much for food. Not too much different.

Oh, we also did one at the Woodward Animal Shelter when they were 3 or 4. That was money well spent, too. You felt good about spending it and everyone attending enjoyed it.