Ideas for Baby's first birthday party (Durham, Welcome: apartment, to rent, house)

[chemteacher]

I want to throw a 1st birthday party for my son on a Sunday afternoon this summer. I was going to rent my apartment's clubhouse in case of rain but I was primarily thinking we would grill out. Well the cost to rent the room is $200 and I was thinking for $200 plus what we would spend on food I could probably do something better. Any ideas? We live in Durham and most people we would invite live in Durham as well.

[lovebrentwood]

Go to Jordan Lake: N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation: - Welcome to Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

Picnicking: Ebenezer Church, Parker's Creek, Seaforth, Vista Point and White Oak Recreation Areas offer picturesque spots for picnicking. Picnic tables, grills and trash containers are provided, and drinking water is located nearby. Picnic shelters are available in each of these areas. The shelters can be reserved for a fee. Otherwise, they are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

You may also be able to picnic near water for swimming.

[Starglow]

Your son probably won't remember much about his first birthday except seeing pictures or video of the party when he gets older.

At this stage, it's really about gathering friends and family together to celebrate the occasion and I'm sure your son will be happy no matter what you do for his birthday celebration as long as there's cake to eat.

[skaternum]

Why wouldn't you just have something at your apartment? How big a birthday party do you need for a 1-year old?

[emanresu2]

Skip it, he's 1. All he will want is a platefull of cake and all the cardboard boxes the gifts came in.

But when he's older and wants a huge, expensive party, tell him no because you already took him to disneyworld when he turned 1!

[Francois]

Yeah, I was gonna say, you could have Oprah throw the party, but your child isn't going to remember it (nor care). Invite some close friends to your house and save the $200 toward a party he will actually remember

[CYB]

Make sure to get good video and pictures of the cake mashed in his hands, face ,hair and generally all over . All with a huge toothless grin-his not yours

[eloyfan]

I got beat to the punch by the quicker posters. We have thrown 2 first birthdays for our boys. Low-key, in the living room, guests had cake and ice cream and we took lots of pictures and video. A cluster of helium balloons. Keep it simple, the $200 would be better in a savings bond for the birthday boy.

Have fun!

[lovebrentwood]

Of COURSE it's for the adults. One-year-olds don't remember anything.

It's a good reason for a get-together. Nothing wrong with that.

[Babytarheelz]

I knew there'd be a ton of people hating on a first birthday party! Seriously, the OP asked for suggestions about where to have a party. They didn't ask opinions on whether or not it's appropriate or feasible to have a huge party for a 1 year old.

I love birthday parties. It's the one day a year that's just for that child and I think it should be celebrated. To what degree obviously depends on the family's desire and finances, but if you want a large party, go for it! For my youngest son's first birthday party last year, we had a huge backyard bbq, had 10 game stations set up for the kids and hired a local children's singer. We had about 75 guests and it was fantastic. Will he remember it? No, but he had fun at the time, the guests had fun and we have great memories and photos to share. His 2nd birthday is approaching and we're have picnic and play party at Harris Lake Park, probably about 50 people.

Here are some of the places I've explored for my kids parties...
Little Gym
Science Museum
Marbles
Kidzu
Jammin Baby
Parks
Planet Child
Pump it Up/Monkey Joe's

Carolina Parent's website has a great birthday guide too. Good luck and have fun!