Play: Birthday Party Review050

Play equals party-planning bliss in our book.

A six-year-old birthday party we held at Play was one of the most fun-filled, original bashes we've attended, and we loved it even more because we barely lifted a finger.

Our requested theme of High School Musical was incorporated into every element of the party - color-coordinated balloons greeted guests, the party room was decorated in HSM colors, and we were able to bring our soundtracks for added ambience at cake-eating time! We even brainstormed with owner Colleen McDonald about an HSM-themed game, and the party hostesses brought it to life during gymnasium playtime.

From beginning to end, the party flowed seamlessly. Hosts greeted our guests, had them sign in, drop off their gifts and shoes, and then head to the gym (which was all ours for the party) for playtime. They played parachute games, ran an obstacle course, dove into a foam pit, played "pop tart" on the trampoline, and even posed for an all-guest photo. Afterward, they put on shoes, used anti-bacterial soap, and followed the birthday girl into our private party room, where we ate cake and opened presents. The hosts did an excellent job of tracking gifts and keeping things moving, and then creatively displayed all the open presents so the birthday child could pose in front of them for thank you note photos.

Finally, our birthday girl painted her hand in her color of choice and added her palm print to the wall of partiers who had come before - a treasured spot she'll revisit next time we go to Play.

A note about details: Play is equipped to host any kind of birthday treat, with refrigeration, sinks, microwave, and plenty of space. Invitations are provided, and each guest gets a temporary tattoo and friendship bracelet. We didn't have to bring a cake cutter, matches, or any decorations. Literally every single detail was taken care of for us. What better gift could we parents get?