Finding a spot for your child’s birthday party is an important part of planning his or her special day. Here are a few places that may be just right for you.
Harborena: Get Your Skate On
The Harborena in Hoquiam is a fun-filled, indoor roller skating rink. Harborena offers two birthday party packages including private and public parties. If you would like to reserve the entire Harborena for just your child and his or her friends, the cost is $150 for two hours. Included in that price is use of the facility’s best skates. One or two staff members will provide entertainment for the party, coordinating skating games, music and other activities to suit the needs and skill levels of the children attending.
Although the facility recommends you bring your own food and party supplies, they do have a snack bar available upon request. Private parties can be scheduled on Saturday, between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., or on Sunday, from 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Sunday mornings are also an option. Private parties book quickly so schedule your event in advance.
Public parties are also welcome at the facility. Cost is $5 for skates per child, with an additional $10 charge for 45 minutes in the party room. Public parties are held during regular skating sessions with several time slots to choose from. Day sessions are 30 minute slots between 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Night sessions are held between 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on Saturdays and between 7:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on Fridays. Call 360-532-4483 for more info or scheduling.
YMCA of Grays Harbor: Swim and Play the Time Away
The YMCA of Grays Harbor offers several birthday party packages guaranteed to make your child’s party a memorable event. Pool parties include use of the facility’s top-notch, indoor swimming pool, water slide, and lazy river. You can rent the pool area for one hour on Saturday or Sunday between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. You will also have the option to rent the community room for 45 minutes for decorations, cake, games and gifts. Tables and chairs are provided. The community room is available from 12:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
You can also select a “Busy Town” birthday party. The Y’s Busy Town room is a fun-filled, interactive space for children between the ages of 2 and 8 years old. Packed with toys, activities, and a world-class climbing structure, your child is sure to have the time of his or her life. Busy Town parties can be scheduled on Saturdays between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. or on Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. You may also reserve the community room for 45 minutes for cake and gifts. Cost for a YMCA of Grays Harbor birthday party is $80 for Y members or $140 for non-members.
Outdoor Park: Lots of Room to Play
Parks can be an ideal party spot as they offer plenty of space, play equipment and picnic tables. You can bring your own balls, Frisbees, scooters and bicycles for some fun activities. There are several parks in Montesano including Lake Sylvia and Friends Landing. Vance Creek is a peaceful spot in Elma, with a fun, rustic playground.
With more than 240 acres committed to community use, Aberdeen offers the largest selection of parks in Grays Harbor. The James Stewart Memorial Park presents a private, peaceful setting, covered picnic area, play equipment and a hiking trail. The Riverside Memorial Park boasts a large, updated playground, numerous picnic tables, and a paved trail, ideal for bikes and scooters. For a complete listing of parks in Aberdeen, visit the City of Aberdeen Parks and Recreation website.
Extreme Fun Center: Taking Fun to a Whole New Level
There’s been some local buzz over the fact that the South Shore Mall is bringing an Extreme Fun Center to Grays Harbor. This center will have indoor go-cart racing, laser tag, games and wholesome fun for the entire family. A mini-portion of the center opened earlier in 2015 in the mall’s arcade. The Extreme Fun Center’s director of sales and marketing says birthday party packages will be available and coming soon. So if you have a winter or spring birthday party to plan, keep this location in mind. For updates, “like” the Extreme Fun Center on Facebook.
Getting Creative
The Montesano Library has a generously-sized community room that can be utilized free of charge. The Grays Harbor Country Club in Central Park rents its facility and banquet hall for birthday parties and other events. If your child is enrolled in a special learning program, consider asking to use the facility. Some co-op preschools, such as Raindrop Preschool, will rent their classrooms or playroom for student’s birthday parties. Grays Harbor Dance has also allowed students to utilize its facility and dress-up clothes for parties.
South Shore Mall Community Room
When you’re in a pinch for space, the Community Room at South Shore Mall can accommodate larger groups with plenty of tables, chairs and extra space to set up toys and activities. This space can be rented for $25 per hour, with a maximum rental fee of $100. The Community Room is right next to the food court, allowing you to take advantage of the vendors in that area for meals, snacks or dessert.
