Can you believe it? Your baby’s first birthday is here! Congratulations are surviving the sleepless nights and helping your little one makes it to this milestone in one piece. This milestone calls for an extra-special party! But, it doesn’t have to be a party you stress over. Everything is still new and exciting to a one-year-old, so no matter what you end up doing to celebrate, the birthday star will have a blast.
Here in New Jersey, there are many excellent options for baby birthday parties. To help you out, I’m sharing my ten favorite first birthday party ideas in New Jersey that cover multiple areas and different budgets.
1. Party at Home
Sometimes the best first birthday parties are the ones at home. Not only will you feel more comfortable and relaxed in your own home, but your child will also be in a familiar space. You can decorate however you choose and invite as many or as few guests as you want. And, the great thing about parties at home is the ability to have birthday entertainment come to your home.
For example, Rockness Music has an awesome baby birthday party program that is specially designed for first birthdays. Your little one will get to dance, play instruments, and giggle in your home as the instructor gets the birthday star and the guests jamming out while you capture it all on camera.
2. Rent an Inflatable
All parents know that the sight of an inflatable is enough to make a kid squeal in delight. If your baby is mobile, renting a backyard inflatable may be all you need to make the first birthday an event to remember. Even if your little one is barely walking, he or she will still have a ball climbing and bouncing in the inflatable. With multiple rental companies, you have your pick. Just make sure it is safely secured before the fun begins.
3. Swim at Goldfish Swim School
For water babies, Goldfish Swim School has multiple New Jersey locations and offers two-hour party packages. Not only will they be there to assist with the party and have lifeguards on duty, their party package includes all the set-up (including table décor), cupcakes, and clean-up. Just be prepared to get splashed!
4. Get Physical at My Gym
If you are looking for some fitness fun, consider one of the many My Gym locations in the state. My Gym caters to children as young as 6 weeks, so you are guaranteed to have a birthday party that is appropriate for your one-year-old. In addition to free play in their fun facilities, their birthday party packages include activities, games, and puppets. Plus, they do all the set-up and clean-up.
5. Visit the Farm
Does your baby get excited whenever he sees a cow? If so, you are not alone! Babies love farm animals, so heading to a farm for the first birthday is a fitting choice. Alstede Farms in Chester, NJ offers kids birthday party package that includes a hayride to the barn to see the baby animals, as well as a covered party space.
6. Picnic at the Park
One-year-olds don’t require much, so you may simply want to have a birthday party at a nearby park. You can take advantage of the free picnic areas, baby swings and play areas. However, since parks are public spaces, you should anticipate sharing the park with others. Some parks have covered areas that may be reserved for your party. You will need to contact your local Parks and Recreation Department to find out the details.
7. Personalized Party Play
If you are looking for a safe, fun, indoor party venue, check out Hudson’s House of Play in West New York. This venue is specifically for children up to five years old, so it is designed with safety in mind. The play area has soft mats and is enclosed. Little ones get to use their imaginations and play to their heart’s content (or 90 minutes). Plus, they personalize the décor to fit your baby’s interests and personality.
8. Romp Around
Another soft play place is Romparoo in Hoboken. When you choose to have a first birthday party at Romparoo, your child will get to participate in fun, coordinated activities that are age-appropriate. Bubbles, music, and toys make their parties a great choice for one-year-old birthday parties. And, they are perfect for parents because they do all the work.
9. Pretend with Puppets
A unique option is to rent Symposia Bookstore in Hoboken for a Puppetonia birthday party. Babies love their energetic music and entertaining puppet shows. When you rent the bookstore along with Puppetonia, all the party guests get a book as a party favor.
10. Play with the Animals
If your baby is crazy for zoo animals, then a first birthday party at Turtle Back Zoo is a fantastic choice. Turtle Back Zoo has several options for indoor and outdoor facility rentals, as well as options for catering. Your baby will get to spend the day exploring the zoo and then celebrating with friends and family.
So, get the presents, the guest list, the invitations ready – this first birthday party is going to a huge success. Just don’t forget the smash cake!