child on water slide
Every year, parents ask their children the kind of birthday party they would like to have and, often, the response is “I don’t know” or “We already did that”. Who hasn’t felt that they have jumped, bowled, and hit the beach enough for a lifetime and wondered what could possibly be done differently this time around? Generally, birthday parties fall into two categories: those we do at home and those we hire others to do for us. It is possible to find interesting and affordable options and even combine an at-home party with an outing, cutting the cost of party room rental while still providing a great experience. Whether you decide to go full-service or self-service, there are some interesting and affordable options out there.
Olde Naples Chocolate
945 5th Ave N, Naples
(239) 262-3975
There is no sweeter way to celebrate a birthday than with chocolate. Olde Naples Chocolate lets kids (and adults) be a chocolatier with a fun, hands-on lesson in chocolate making. Participants learn to make hand-dipped chocolates, create their own cups filled with caramel, peanut butter, nuts, candies and other yummy fillings, and decorate a chocolate bar. Even better, everyone gets to decorate their own box to pack up their creations. Kids and adults alike love to imagine (and create) their own business name and logo! After taking an adult class chocolate making class here, I contacted the owner about doing a birthday party for my sons and their friends. All of the kids loved their experience and were proud to take home a box full of handmade treats to show off to their families. It’s sweet, delicious fun that girls and boys love! Program duration and prices generally range from 30 -75 minutes for $20-$45 per participant. The staff is very friendly and will help you create a party to fit within your budget.
Earth and Fire Pottery
749 12th Ave S, Naples
(239) 261-6658
At Earth and Fire, kids get to create their own artistic masterpieces while having fun with their friends. For $16-$18 per person, participants choose a favorite ceramic object to paint and then the fun begins! Soon, everyone is full of excitement and chatter as they paint anything and everything from princesses, pirates, sharks, and alligators to piggy banks, plates, cups, and more! At Earth and Fire, everyone gets a present! In addition to his or her masterpiece, the birthday boy or girl receives a frame painted by the party guests with a special picture of the group. Anticipation builds for everyone as they wait 2-3 days for their work to be fired in the kiln and presented to them with bright, vibrant colors. My own kids recently attended a party here and loved it. Their shark and alligator currently adorn our living room. Boys and girls love exploring their creativity and the staff will work with you to create a one-of-a-kind experience!
Sun-N-Fun Lagoon
15000 Livingston Road, Naples
(239) 252-4021
Sun-N-Fun Lagoon is open for summer, school breaks, and weekends from President’s Day to October. This gem of a water park offers affordable birthday parties for kids of all ages. Sun-N-Fun boasts water attractions for all ages. Depending upon the ages of the kids in your group, you can choose the area of the park for your party or let older kids run around and have fun with their friends while parents soak up the sun or relax in the shade. Whether for preschoolers or middle schoolers, Sun-N-Fun is guaranteed affordable fun for all. Admission rates vary based on age and height of the guests and discounted group rates apply for groups of 20 or more, so prices may range from $4.50-$12 per person. There is an option to purchase a package to include lunch. Contact Sun-N-Fun’s friendly staff to plan your party.
Glow Golf
Gulf Coast Town Center, Estero
(239) 437-0352
The name says it all! Kids love things that glow in the dark, so why not combine the love of all things neon with golfing in the dark? Kids can run around, golf, and explore a cool laser maze to popular music. It’s an interesting and different twist on typical mini golf and will certainly keep partygoers talking long after it’s over! Party prices start at just $8 per guest.
At-Home and Hybrid Parties
Want to have all of the fun of an expensive party without having to look for a money tree in your backyard? Consider hosting cake and one of these activities at home or combining the at-home component with an outing. We recently hosted a party at home with an outing to the Imaginarium Science Center in Fort Myers. We had all of the excitement for half of the price without guest quotas or time limits on the fun.
• Building – Home Depot sells a variety building kits for kids and small Lego sets can be purchased at Target and Walmart for $6-$15 per set.
• Fishing – Grab a rod and some bait and take the kids fishing at the Naples Pier or another favorite location.
• Movie – Host a movie party at home or invite friends to a matinee at a local theatre.
• Educational – visit the Imaginarium, Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, Naples Botanical Garden, or Naples Zoo before or after cake at home, simply paying admission without the added cost of room rental.
• Crafts – Visit Michaels, Target, Walmart or OrientalTrading.com for inexpensive craft kits.
Nicole Flesvig Bruland is a mother of two, writer, and education professional. She is bringing her passion for world languages and cultures to local kids and adults through Global Kids Learning Adventures and Fleur de Lys Language Academy. In her free time, Nicole loves to travel with her husband and two sons.