Birthday Parties: Take Your Party Outside

The best thing about summer birthday parties is the option to take them outside.
No cleaning your house before the party. No cleaning the house AFTER the party. No tracks on your carpet. No juice boxes stuffed in the couch cushions.

If you’ve got a big enough backyard, a summer birthday party is easy, just turn on the sprinkler and heat up the grill. But if you are squeezed on outdoor space, try taking the party to the park, the farm or the swimming pool.

Lexington’s city parks are great resources for summer birthday parties. At Jacobson, Masterson Station, Shillito, Southland and Veterans Parks, you can reserve a covered picnic area for as little as $50 per day.

If your kids are nature lovers, have your party at McConnell Springs. This 26-acre nature sanctuary (and birthplace of Lexington) is tucked away on Old Frankfort Pike just inside New Circle Road. (www.lexingtonky.gov)

When it gets really hot out, cool off your party at one of the local swimming pools. Many of today’s pools feature zero depth entries, giant slides, pirate ships, wet playgrounds and picnic areas.

Have you tried out the Suffoletta Family Aquatic Center in Scott County? In addition to The Splash Pad for younger kids and the family pool, this facility offers a 0.13 mile long Lazy River. (www.thepavillionky.com)

How about a party that includes great food with playgrounds in a beautiful setting? Head out to Evans Orchard in Scott County or Boyd Orchards in Woodford County where kids can enjoy a picnic, giant slides and unique playgrounds, amazing fresh food in the cafes, and a chance to pick their own apples in late summer and fall.