Roll Out The Fun
Terry Bernardo knew that birthday celebrations would be keeping her on her toes when she and her husband, Len, built Skate Time 209, a 30,000-square-foot roller-skating rink and indoor skateboard park in Accord. Armed with a degree from Birthday University (a national workshop that teaches businesses how to run children’s parties), Bernardo and her highly trained staff know how to keep each event rolling.
The birthday child and guests begin the party in the private VIP Lounge. Here, the kids gather while being kept busy by the “Party Hero,” who plays games, does magic tricks, and has the group sign a tote bag or T-shirt for the birthday girl or boy. Then it’s off to the roller rink or skateboard park for 50 minutes of some “wheelie” good fun. The roll theme continues even after the wheels are at rest. A signature après-skate option is the Cool Dog — vanilla ice cream shaped like a hot dog on (you guessed it) a roll that’s really a cake. The Cool Dogs or a sheet cake follow pizza and drinks in the party room. Later, the children troop into the arcade for some gaming fun. A gift shop located inside the rink runs a gift registry. Registering for an expensive item, such as a customized skateboard, can be broken down into affordable parts; one guest can purchase the wheels, another the grip tape, several can contribute towards the deck, and so on. The Ultimate Skate Package (two pizzas, two pitchers of drink, paper goods, invitations, roller skates, arcade tokens, Cool Dogs and goodie bags) is $219 for 10 kids. Accord. 845-626-7971; www.skatetime209.com
Batter Up!
Looking for a party concept that’s sure to score a home run with your little slugger? Consider loading the bases with a celebration at a Hudson Valley Renegades game at Dutchess Stadium in Wappingers Falls. The festivities begin when the gates open. The birthday “team” is ushered in by a hostess to a tented space near Playland — a separate area with an inflatable slide, bounce castle, and obstacle course. Everyone gets a food voucher for a hot dog, hamburger, or chicken sandwich plus chips and a soda. Guests receive a Renegades gift and two Playland coupons.
Before the game, the hostess guides the group to their reserved grandstand seats. The birthday child — the day’s most valuable player — waves from atop the dugout with the team’s raccoon mascots, Rookie, Rene and Rascal, while “Happy Birthday” is sung over the loudspeaker. There’s also recognition of the birthday child on the scoreboard. The Traditional party option costs $255 for 15 children and adults. Wappingers Falls. 845-838-0094; http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com
Challenge Yourself!
Challenger Centers nationwide honor the pioneering spirit of the Challenger astronauts. A simulated space ride, in conjunction with math, science, technology, social studies and language skills, combine to help children solve real-life situations and problems.
Guests of honor age nine and up can choose one of three missions: Return to the Moon, Voyage to Mars, or Rendezvous with a Comet (there is also a junior party option for kids six to eight). On the big day, the group is briefed upon arrival and all the revelers are assigned a job. Half take their place in the Mission Control simulator; the others don blue vests and enter the Spacecraft simulator. There’s no motion or antigravity sensation in the simulators; rather, high-tech tools such as computers, cameras, robotic arms and monitors — along with soaring imaginations — send partygoers to new heights. All parties cost $300 and require a minimum of six people. Airmont. 845-357-3416; www.lhvcc.com
And more…
The Inner Wall’s 3,500 feet of climbing wall will keep your little cragsmen entertained for hours — book a slumber party for climbers who need to rest after their hard day’s work. New Paltz. 845-255-ROCK; www.theinnerwall.com
Time at the petting zoo, hayrides, cow-milking, and a picnic area are all included at Kelder’s Farm. Kerhonkson. 845-626-7137; www.kelderfarm.com
At Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, book a private party room, and choose a nature theme (like Nature Sleuths) for a fun but educational birthday bash. Cornwall. 845-534-5506; www.hhnaturemuseum.org
At Musical Munchkins, your little guests will have a ball singing, dancing, and playing instruments and games. In Orange, Ulster and Dutchess counties. 845-895-1387; www.musicalmunchkins.net
Hudson Valley Pottery offers parties with instruction and practice at the pottery wheel. A hand-built personalized masterpiece will be kiln-fired and available for pickup in three weeks. Rhinebeck. 845-876-3190; www.hudsonvalleypottery.com
» Return to the Hudson Valley Parents Guide 2012
