Stress-Free Birthday Parties with the Duluth YMCA

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With six children between two families, Sarah and Stephanie have been through the planning process for their fair share of kids birthday parties. They’ve hosted parties in their homes and at various kid-friendly locations, but they both agree: there is nothing quite like working with the Duluth YMCA. Everything a mom needs for a party is provided by the YMCA, so all they needed to do was show up! 

With over twelve themed parties to chose from, you are sure to find one that your little one will love! Sarah and Stephanie chose two different themed parties for their little girls. Read about their experiences below.

Rock Climbing Party + Bouncy House

Stephanie's Experience

Photo by JaneCane Photography / www.janecanephotography.com

We chose the Rock Climbing Party with the bouncy house add on for our party package. The rock climbing portion is geared toward kids ages 5 and up and the YMCA provides all the equipment and trained staff needed for the group to experience this fun activity.

Upon arrival, we were greeted with friendly and knowledgeable staff who met with us to insure that our needs would be met that day. The room was already decorated with adorable birthday banners, and the table was set and ready for the guests to eat. The YMCA provided an Erbert and Gerbert’s party platter, juice, and cupcakes in the party room and we were provided with a friendly and knowledgeable party expert for the two hours of our time. 

After we ate, our friendly birthday assistant led us down to the rock climbing room where we were met with more enthusiastic staff who helped the girls get harnesses and helmets on. The staff made sure all the girls felt at ease, explaining everything in detail before they started climbing. None of the nine girls had climbed before, but they all successfully made it to the top of the wall!  

Adding the bouncy house was not necessary, but just a bonus add on we decided to do last minute. What kid doesn’t love bouncing in a giant, inflatable house? The YMCA staff made our little girl’s party unforgettable and stress-free. All the mess was left behind and we left with full tummies, worn out kids, and happy hearts.  

 

 

Stress-Free Birthday Parties with the Duluth YMCA | Duluth Moms Blog
Stress-Free Birthday Parties with the Duluth YMCA | Duluth Moms Blog
Stress-Free Birthday Parties with the Duluth YMCA | Duluth Moms Blog
Stress-Free Birthday Parties with the Duluth YMCA | Duluth Moms Blog

Sarah's Experience: Princess + Pool Party

Sarah''s Experience

Photo by JaneCane Photography / www.janecanephotography.com

For our birthday party experience, we chose a mix of swimming in the family pool and a princess-themed party in a reserved room. As a mother of two (one with a birthday right before the holiday season), it was unbelievably easy to book the party which was a huge relief. With the oldest child at just over 5 years of age, it was amazing having a room that was enclosed, yet open for getting wiggles out. The kids were able to swim in half of the pool independently, and had floats available if they decided to venture on the deeper end. Seating for parents was provided to watch from the sidelines, as well as a party room decorated full of princess magic. The staff was friendly, flexible, and were so pleasant with the parents/toddlers. 

At arrival, the energetic staff guided us to the party room. The room was large enough to accommodate our 12 kids and parents comfortably along with the infant siblings who tagged along. The room was decorated prior with princess decorations that, as a bonus, they include within their party packages. We had originally decided to do 1 hour of swim time, although after a few of our guests arrived late (understandable: mom life) the staff was flexible in letting the happy kids swim longer as they begged to stay in the water when the time to move into the party room came. 

After we got our little fish out of the family pool, successfully wearing them out to send home to parents (bonus!) we changed in the clean and spacious locker room and headed to the princess-themed room. We had asked our guests to bring a princess or superhero outfit prior, and the YMCA also had princess/knight gear for who forgot or didn’t own any. 

We were also able to include healthy food that I didn’t have to feel guilty providing the kids. Cupcakes were provided for each party guest with beautiful decorations reflecting our theme. The kids absolutely loved the princess photo booth as the evening progressed. Each little one was able to get their chose of a temporary glitter tattoo design. Seeing their faces light up after the simple application was priceless. They were also able to decorate a crown, or bring it home to decorate.

When it came time to end the magic, the staff was pleasant in encouraging me that they cover the clean up process. The kids were also sent home with full goodie bags provided for us that included a complimentary day pass to return for more adventure. We returned a few weeks later and made a mini play date out of it. Next year we will add more pool time, and less party room time. The experience of our princess-themed party was effortless and pleasant, and we will definitely be making it an annual tradition!

Stress-Free Birthday Parties with the Duluth YMCA | Duluth Moms Blog
Stress-Free Birthday Parties with the Duluth YMCA | Duluth Moms Blog
Stress-Free Birthday Parties with the Duluth YMCA | Duluth Moms Blog
Stress-Free Birthday Parties with the Duluth YMCA | Duluth Moms Blog