Party planner
The backyard is out; destination parties are in. Here's what you can expect to spend around Chicago.
Venue: Fantasy Kingdom, 1422 N. Kingsbury, Chicago
Description: Kids aged 6 months to 6 years can play dress-up, put out a fire, grocery shop, and dodge dragons in this elaborate, indoor playground.
Price range: Party packages start at $195, and can go up to $795 for a two-hour party for 20 children and 30 adults.
Advantage: With higher-end packages, Fantasy Kingdom is closed to the public.
Venue: Pump It Up, with locations in Glenview, Orland Park, Crystal Lake, Vernon Hills and Lisle (www.pump itupparty.com).
Description: Kids bounce around in three rooms of giant inflatables.
Price range: At Orland Park, packages range from $185 to $245.
Advantage: Every detail is taken care of; parents even receive a "gift log" to keep track of who gave which present.
Venue: The #1 Blue Engine store, with locations at Water Tower Place, Navy Pier, Yorktown Mall and Highland Park (www.lossano.com/blueengine)
Description: A 90-minute party includes train tables, a video, hats, sheet cake, and more.
Price range: $29 per child.
Advantage: Unlimited rides on the Kiddie Train; guests receive a 10 percent off coupon for the store with the invitation
Venue: American Girl Place, 111 E. Chicago (www.americangirlplace.com)
Description: The birthday party package at the American Girl Café includes invitations with matching thank-you notes, a "fancy" two-course meal, cake, peppermint ice cream, and gifts. Dolls welcome.
Price range: $30 a person, plus tax
Advantage: Guests can take advantage of the American Girl gift registry when shopping for a birthday present.
Venue: Gymboree Play & Music (various locations; www.playandmusic.com)
Description: A teacher leads kids in games and songs geared to their age. Kids can also eat and go wild in the colorful playroom.
Price range: At the Arlington Heights location, it costs $349 to have a party for up to 24 children, with almost everything included (decorations, goody bags, etc.) Food is extra.
Advantage: Kids have structured fun time, with plenty of activity to wear them out for naptime.
Venue: Kohl Children's Museum (www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org)
Description: The party package includes 90 minutes in a private room, plus admission for a full day of exploring the museum. Food, balloons, invitations, goody bags all cost extra.
Price range: $215 for 30 people (non-members), up to $600 for 80 people (non-members).
Advantage: Museum members get a break on prices. And boredom is never an option.
Venue: Rainforest Café, with locations in Schaumburg, Gurnee and downtown (www.rainforestcafe.com)
Description: The "Wild Bunch" birthday celebration includes dessert, a treasure map and Crayons, a souvenir cup, invitations, and a souvenir photo for the birthday child.
Price range: At the Chicago location, $12.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity, with a minimum of 15 kids.
Advantage: There's no more popular, perennial theme for a kid's birthday party than wild animals.
The backyard is out; destination parties are in. Here's what you can expect to spend around Chicago.