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PioneerPermalink Reply by Bri on August 18, 2010 at 8:31pm

We've had parties at the Brown Cow Ice Cream shop (www.browncowicecream.com) in Forest Park as well as the River Forest Community Center (www.rfcc.info).

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PioneerPermalink Reply by Theresa Browning on August 18, 2010 at 8:31pm

I saw once that Wonder Works Children's museum does parties, but I've never been. The local park districts (Berwyn, Oak Park, Forest Park or River Forest) probably have party rooms next to playgrounds and/or pools. Also, the Lake Theatre may have party packages.

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Permalink Reply by Erin on August 18, 2010 at 9:48pm

We've done Pump It Up in Elmhurst, which isn't too far and its fun and contained to your own group, but can get pricey. I believe Monkey Island shut down, but not positive on that. That was a chaotic place for a birthday party anyway. We've also done the park district thing, rented the facility at Anderson. They charge $50/hr to use and you can do what you want. MyGym is always fun though, especially for 3 y/o.

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Permalink Reply by Heidi Ruehle-May on August 20, 2010 at 8:57am

My Gym was my first thought, but if Elk Grove Village isn't too far away for you, definitely consider their park district. There is a great place called Jumps n' Jiggles which is like a super-cool McDonald's playplace - bigger, better and CLEAN! Perfect for 18 months - 6 years. Right next store is my favorite indoor place, a full-size carousel!

Don't know what their private party fees are, but it is only $3.50 per child for EVERYTHING and you can even find a coupon online for 2 for 1. No charge for adults and free parking (love the 'burbs). If you don't do this for the party, definitely visit another time!

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Permalink Reply by Sharon on August 23, 2010 at 2:46pm

Last year we did Magical Minds Studio, on Harrison for my daughter's 3rd. They did a great job and my daughter loved it. This year, I think we're going to try OPAL (Oak Park Art League on Chicago) for her 4th. My son attended a party there for a little girl when she turned 4 and the boys and girls loved it. Another great option to keep in mind when your daughter is older is the bead store on Harrison. I think you have to be 5 for that but my son had a wonderful time there for a birthday party as well. Really well organized. And all of these are local businesses - always good!

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Permalink Reply by John Metzger on August 24, 2010 at 2:35pm

I'll second the recommendations for My Gym, Brown Cow, River Forest Community Center, and Magical Minds. They all do a great job.

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PioneerPermalink Reply by J Chyna on August 25, 2010 at 7:47am

We've been to quite a few parties at RFCC and the kids always have a great time. Plus, it's good for a wide range of ages, so if you have any kids there who are a little older, they'll have fun too.

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Permalink Reply by susan on August 25, 2010 at 9:14pm

we just had a b-day party at over the rainbow ice cream shop in berwyn- great deal at $70 for 10 kids and that includes so much, check this place out, significantly cheaper than the brown cow. they are very flexible and allow you to bring your own food etc- we did pasta from salernos for the adults. it was a great party for my 3 year old boy

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Permalink Reply by Bob Walicki on August 26, 2010 at 11:34am

The River Forest Community Center is definitely a hot-spot for the 3-5 set. They do a good job. Our child has been to Wonder Works for a party and seemed to have a very good time.

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PioneerPermalink Reply by J Chyna on August 29, 2010 at 8:02pm

Monkey Island seems to be up and running (http://www.playmonkeyisland.net/) but we've been to a couple of parties there and I think it's chaos. You're mixed in with many other birthday parties all in the same place, so there can be a ridiculous number of kids there. It's very hard to watch your own, especially if they're on the young side. I only recommend MI if you can go there on a day when most kids are at school.

Erin said:

We've done Pump It Up in Elmhurst, which isn't too far and its fun and contained to your own group, but can get pricey. I believe Monkey Island shut down, but not positive on that. That was a chaotic place for a birthday party anyway. We've also done the park district thing, rented the facility at Anderson. They charge $50/hr to use and you can do what you want. MyGym is always fun though, especially for 3 y/o.

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Permalink Reply by Jessica Taylor on August 30, 2010 at 12:50pm

Wonder Works, A Children's Museum in Oak Park offers children's Birthday Party Packages. You can check them out at http://www.wonder-works.org/parties/index.html for more information on the packages. If you have any specific questions I can answer them for you. (I work there so I'm a bit bias when it comes to places to choose from)

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Permalink Reply by Joyce Porter on October 16, 2010 at 2:21pm

Today I drove past a place called Safariland that looks interesting. It's on North Ave, a little west of Addison Rd. on the south side of the street. It says bowling, restaurant and on the marquee mentions rides. It might be worth checking out.

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