Better birthday parties
If you can identify what your child likes best - sports, beauty, movies, theater, crafts, video games - you may be just a phone call away from finding the perfect birthday party. You can go high end (theme parks and country clubs) or budget (chances are you're not far from a great park or public pool). But don't be afraid to think outside the box.
Throughout the day, we're offering a sampling of different approaches to making your child's birthday party one to remember.
Here's the first idea:
Build a party around your child's hobby. You can rent an ice rink for broomball or skating, bowling lanes, batting cages, pools or a jump-house party place. Chain craft stores, such as Michael's, and specialty shops, such as Paint 'n' Party in Plano, and local arts academies cater to young artists. Older kids may prefer spots that offer lots of games, such as arcades.
Pictured: Ethan Creuzot celebrated his 6th birthday with a broomball party at America's Ice Garden in the Plaza of the Americas in downtown Dallas.
Nancy Churnin