Last year for Emma’s first birthday party, we had a small gathering of family and a few close friends in our home. Since her birthday is close to Christmas, it was too cold to send the kids outside to play and so we all crammed into the house like sardines. The younger kids had an okay time, but the older group was bored out of their minds. I was frantically working the entire time as the party host, and when it was all said and done, my husband and I realized that we really didn’t enjoy the day as much as we thought we would.
This time around, we wanted everyone to have a blast (including us), without the stress of catering to our guests. For her second birthday bash, we booked the fabulously fun Kid Junction located in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey. After Emma and I visited during Open Play last week, I knew it would be the perfect place to celebrate with friends and family.
Up until now, I’d had a hard time choosing an appropriate place that met all of my criteria:
1 – It had to be clean and well-cared for.
The place was clean and tidy. Toys were neatly put away and in excellent condition.
2 – Have a variety of activities.
There is absolutely no way a child will be bored at Kid Junction. There is a huge climb and slide structure, arcade games and rides in the main area as well as a grocery store, pizzeria, animal hospital, post office, exercise room, toddler town and the KJ Theater and costume shop.
3 – Must be fun for all ages.
We knew we would have guests age 3 months to 10 years, so we needed a place that would be enjoyable for all of the kids. Many of the other places either accommodate toddlers up to 5 or children age 8 and above. That wouldn’t do. I know the arcade games and slide structure will be a hit with the older children and for the little crawlers and early walkers, there is a padded area just for them which includes smaller slides and age appropriate toys.
4 – I didn’t want to pay extra for adults attending.
It’s not like the parents will be using the facilities. They’ll be there to watch their children. Kid Junction does not charge for the adults attending.
5 – Food is included.
Yet another thing I didn’t want to have to worry about. Kid Junction feeds the kids attending the party. All I have to do is pay to feed the adults. And I don’t even have to serve them!
Of course Emma is too young to grasp the concept that she’ll have her party at Kid Junction, but her Dad and I are excited enough for all of us! I’ll be reporting back to let you all know how the party goes. Can’t wait!
If you’re a parent, grandparent, babysitter or favorite Aunt located in the Tri-State Area, this place is worth checking out. There are two locations in New Jersey – one in Mt. Laurel and the other in Branchburg. Both have open play daily at reasonable rates. They’re a premier birthday party place, and memberships are also available. You can ‘Like’ Kid Junction on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. They’re just easing into the world of social media and I know they’d appreciate your support.
Kid Junction has sponsored this post. All of the opinions expressed above are my own.
[…] Everyone enjoyed the day and I even got a few thank you notes from guests in the days after. I’d say that’s a successful event, wouldn’t you? You can read all about why I chose Kid Junction for her birthday party here. […]