His birthday is Thursday, 10/6 and I'm considering throwing it at The Little Gym. The only time slot they have is Saturday, 10/8 at 6:30 - 8 pm. I've always been taught never to throw a birthday party AFTER the actual birth date. Is this true? Also, do you think 6:30 to 8 pm is too late for 5 & 6 year olds? I trust all of your opinions so much, it would be very helpful in deciding what to do.

By Vicki on Monday, September 19, 2005 - 06:42 pm:

I wouldn't let the fact that it is a couple days after his birthday keep you from doing it. I do dd's either the weekend before or after her birthday. As far as the time, that is a little late, but it sounds like lots of fun! Do others in your area have evening parties? Around here, they seem to be in the early afternoon.

By Mommmie on Monday, September 19, 2005 - 10:12 pm:

I don't think there's anything unusual about having the party after the official day. I don't know if I'd do a Saturday evening party though. Sunday evening same time I would, but not Saturday.

By Dawnk777 on Tuesday, September 20, 2005 - 12:14 am:

I don't think it matters if you do the party after the actual birthday! The kids wouldn't really know exactly when his birthday was anyway, would they?

By Coopaveryben on Tuesday, September 20, 2005 - 12:21 am:

I usually throw my sons party after his birthday because we do the family thing on his birthday. For the last few years I have been doing my older sons party from 6-8, he's 7. They really seem to enjoy it and parents seem more apt to bring the kids at that time (it doesn't cut into their Saturday). I don't particularly care for parties in the middle of the day. I wouldn't do Sunday evening because of school the next day and personally I reserve Sunday for family only.

By Jann on Tuesday, September 20, 2005 - 05:20 am:

If that was the case, my chldren would rarely have birthday parties! LOL

By Luvn29 on Tuesday, September 20, 2005 - 08:01 am:

We always have a combined birthday party for my dks whose birthdays are July 18 and July 30. So we usually do it sometime in between there, and it has never been a big deal. The kids choose to do it this way.

I think the time is great. I hate parties that are in the middle of the day because you can't do anything before it, and you don't hardly have time to do anything afterwards, either. Also, I prefer Saturdays to any other day because you don't have to worry about the rush of getting ready for school.

Also, Sunday could be a problem for some people if they go to church in the evening.

By Kernkate on Tuesday, September 20, 2005 - 08:36 am:

My DS's b'day was on Sept. 9th and DD's is Sept. 27th. I am having a combined party this Saturday at 2. This was the only way I could arrange it with my DS's soccer. Most of the kids did respond that they are coming so I think its going to work out ok. I hope!

By Debbie on Tuesday, September 20, 2005 - 08:47 am:

I have a 5 yr. old ds. I think the party is at a good time, especially since it is not a school night. As far as not having it on his birthday, I always have my ds's party either the weekend before or after their birthday, depending on what works best.

By Tklinreston on Tuesday, September 20, 2005 - 10:29 am:

Thanks for all of your input. I'm so glad to hear that throwing the party after the actual birthday is acceptable. It must be a Korean thing. My MIL totally FLIPS out (literally) if we even suggest throwing a party after the date. Not even an option but luckily she won't be around this birthday. As far as the time, 6:30 - 8 pm is the only time slot available and I think many of you made a good point about it not cutting into their day. Plus, the location is at a new outdoor shopping and restaurant town center, so the parents can have a nice romantic dinner right next door if they choose while their kids run wild. Have any of you had a birthday party at The Little Gym? If yes, did you like it?

By Tklinreston on Tuesday, September 20, 2005 - 10:51 am:

Boogers! I just called to book the slot and someone beat me to the punch this morning. The next available slot will be 9 days after his actual birthday. Wouldn't that be too far behind? Oh, now I don't know what to do.

By Tayjar on Tuesday, September 20, 2005 - 11:11 am:

I wouldn't worry about how many days after his birthday it is. My son turned 7 on June 2 and we didn't have his birthday party with his friends until June 26. It was the only free weekend we had. Go ahead and book it. Have fun and let your child create some wonderful memories. I hope he has a blast.

By Melanie on Tuesday, September 20, 2005 - 11:34 am:

I agree with Tayjar. It's perfectly okay doing it nine days after.

By Hlgmom on Tuesday, September 20, 2005 - 01:46 pm:

Go for it! I have not had a party at Little Gym but we do gymnastics there and she LOVES it!

By Tunnia on Tuesday, September 20, 2005 - 04:42 pm:

I don't think there anyone would care if your ds's party was nine days after his actual birthday. My dk's birthdays are April 5th and April 7th. They are four years apart in age and different sex so they do not like having a combined party. Also, their birthdays fall during spring break when a lot of their friends are out of town and Easter usually falls either the weekend before or the weekend after their birthdays. Because of all that "extra" stuff going on we usually have one dk's birthday party 1 to 2 weeks before the actual birthday and the other 1 to 2 weeks after.

By Tklinreston on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 - 11:01 am:

I did book his party! He's so excited about it. Thanks ladies.