I loved having a summer birthday, growing up as a kid. Several of my most memorable parties were spent at the lake swimming, boating and water skiing. But, there can be a downside to having a summer birthday. Your friends may be on vacation or away at camp and you don’t get to be “the center of attention” at school by wearing that fun paper crown and handing out treats. Parents of summer babies have a tougher job than it seems when it comes to party planning! So, I thought I’d help you out and come up with a few ideas.
We’ve shared ideas for outdoor options and have the Birthdays and Party Guide, but we discovered a few more venues—some indoors, some out—that would make a great location for summery kids’ parties. Here are five of our favorite warm-weather birthday bash spots around Des Moines.
Here’s 5 summer birthday venue ideas for Des Moines kids:
1. Des Moines Parks and Recreation Wading Pools, Splash Pools and Spraygrounds
Multiple Locations • Des Moines, IA • (515) 237-1386
Kids love water and Des Moines abounds with wading pools, splash pools and spraygrounds where you can host a birthday celebration. The City of Des Moines lists 23 parks that are home to some kind of water feature. Find one with a playground and a shelter for snacks and you have an instant party for younger kids!
Wading Pools can be reserved between the hours of 11:00 am and 6:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays during the regular wading pool season. Fees are $25 per hour with a 3-hour minimum. To host a party at a splash pool or sprayground, you’ll need to reserve a shelter near one, as the facilities themselves are not available for private rental. Open-air shelters rent daily from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm during the regular park season for $40.
2. Over the Top Ice Cream Shop
955 NE 56th Street • Pleasant Hill, IA 50327 • (515) 266-3313
This quaint ice cream shop in Pleasant Hill is the perfect setting for a summer birthday party when it’s just too hot to go outside. They have a party room available for rent, in addition to, several services that they can provide; like a sundae bar, ice cream tour and even and interactive experience making ice cream.
Rental of the party room is available daily from 12:00 noon to 9:00 pm and seats up to 26 people in comfort. Party hosts can bring balloons, decorations, games and crafts. Hourly rental fee is $35, with a one-hour minimum required. $35 deposit is due at booking, which is applied toward the balance due on the day of your event. There is an additional charge to add one of the Party Room Services.
3. Outdoor Summer Concerts
Multiple Locations
This would make a great option for a music loving tween or teen celebrating a summer birthday. Take the birthday boy or girl and a small group of his/her friends to an outdoor summer concert to check out some local bands. The great part about this birthday party idea is that several of Des Moines’ outdoor summer concert series are FREE to attend. And, if it’s not, the birthday party can double as a gift;)
If you’ll be attending one of the free outdoor concerts, be sure to get there early to stake out some seats and bring along your birthday kiddo’s favorite snacks.
4. Des Moines Area Public Libraries
Multiple Locations
Throwing a summer birthday party on a budget but want a “cool” location? How about hosting it at your local library? From puppet shows, to magicians, to kid friendly concerts, public libraries are overflowing with all kinds of fun events and activities during the summer months. Keep the party small and invite just a few friends and this would make a great option for the entertainment portion of your next summer birthday celebration.
Take the kids out after for cupcakes or ice cream and presto… you have a fun summer birthday outing!
5. Ridgetop Horse Ranch
14616 Shaw Place • Milo, IA 50166 • (515) 249-5359
Many of us have one — they gallop around the house, they sleep in their favorite cowboy boots, and they dream about one thing…HORSES! If you’ve got a little cowgirl or cowboy on your hands, their summer birthday party is the perfect time to get them up close and personal with the animals they love. Located just 45 minutes south of Des Moines, Ridge Top Horse Ranch can make that happen.
They offer Pony Birthday Parties year-round. Parties cost $225 and include: horse rides, decorations, party favors and root beer floats. The parties last for three hours for up to 10 kids. You’re also allowed to bring your own food and beverages and paper products.
Do you have a summer baby? Where do you plan on hosting their warm-weather birthday bash?
