Bloomington’s Guide to Birthday Parties

Here at Bloomington Moms Blog we love planning parties, especially when it involves bringing family and friends together to celebrate a life milestone such as a birthday! Whether you enjoy planning a Pinterest perfect fiesta, or a simple pizza party at home, we’ve got you covered. 

If you are looking for the perfect venue space, someone else to handle the entertainment, or party food that will please a crowd, look no further! We have teamed up with several local businesses who offer a variety of entertainment and venue options to fit all of your party needs. 

Special thanks to our title sponsor, the Monroe County YMCA, as well as our other featured sponsors to make this guide possible! Happy party planning! 

YMCA Birthday Parties

Surprise your kids with a birthday party at the Monroe County YMCA! Let them run in the gym, swim in the pool, or tumble at the Gymnastics Center. They have something for everyone’s perfect birthday experience! Birthday parties are held at the Northwest YMCA and the Gymnastics Center. Party options are below:

• Basic Swim Party – Includes one hour swim time with noodles, hula hoops, diving rings, and basketballs.
• Grand Swim Party – You get everything included in the basic package along with pool inflatables in the entire lap lanes.
• Sports Party – Use the gym for one hour of organized games and activities.
• Gymnastics Party – Activities include the use of the air track, age-appropriate games, and music at the Gymnastics Center.

All parties include trained staff supervision, party room, t-shirt for the birthday child, and organized activities in the gym or swim time for the pool parties. Plus, the YMCA provides tablecloths, napkins, plates, cups, and silverware. Parents can arrive 30 minutes early to decorate the room, and a party specialist will clean up after the fun. The minimum age for all parties is three years old. Costs range from $150-$225. We make it fun and easy to throw a birthday party at the Y, and parents can play, too!

For more information about swim or sports parties, contact Kat Edmonds at (812) 961-2380 or [email protected]. For more information about gymnastics parties, contact Michelle Stroud at (812) 961-2187 or [email protected]. 

Bake Me A Cake Etc.  

Type of Party Business: Bakery 

Ages: All Ages 

Bake Me A Cake Etc. is an in-home, health board certified bakery based in Ellettsville, Indiana run by pastry chef Erinn Conard. Erinn has a pastry arts degree from Sullivan University in Louisville, Kentucky and loves making delicious cakes and pastries for her customers. Bake Me A Cake Etc. specializes in custom wedding, birthday and specialty cakes and other baked goods. 

Cookies and Canvas 

Type of Party Business: Venue & Entertainment 

Ages: 5+

Cookies and Canvas is a great event for ages five and up. Many schools across the country are having a hard time keeping art classes in the annual budget but we know how important creativity is for a growing mind. Cookies and Canvas not only instructs but also instills confidence in budding artists! Painting and socializing over cookies while your artwork has a little time to dry is just perfect! Parents are welcome to join painting a memory with their child or observe their young artist in the creative process.

LaserLite Laser Tag 

Type of Party Business: Venue & Entertainment 

Ages: 6+

Welcome to Bloomington, Indiana’s premiere source of excitement, live action, and entertainment. We can cater to any desire you have, whether that is to have an awesome birthday party, a fast-paced group outing, or a uniquely exciting corporate event! 

The WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology 

Type of Party Business: Venue & Entertainment 

Ages: All Ages 

WonderLab’s science birthday parties are fabulously fun for children and adults with several options available to fit your budget! Rent out a private room for a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) party with access to the exhibit galleries or have a hosted Super Science Party with all the frills including an interactive science activity! No worries for parents of young children who attend the party. Adult chaperones are free for all birthday parties!

Want to pump up the excitement even more? Rent the entire museum for your birthday!

Mention Bloomington Moms Blog when you call to schedule and receive $10 off a super science birthday party package when you schedule your party to occur during June, July and August 2018.