July 8, 2019

Inviting parents to birthday parties means extra sets of eyes and perhaps some adult interaction in an otherwise kid-centric void.

A rite of passage for every parent is the first invitation to a classmate’s birthday party. So many questions abound. Do I just drop my kid off and come back later for pick up? Will other parents be there? Our tips for parent-friendly parties and get-togethers will help you along when it’s your turn to host a birthday party.

AT HOME

How to throw a kid’s birthday party in your home that other parents would enjoy, too.

Make it clear. You know the drill; your kid comes home with a birthday party invitation. There’s no hiding it; there’s no pretending it got lost in the mail. You have to go to the party because he’s excited. However, the invitation is vague. It only lists the bare minimum.

Make it easier on other parents and note on the invitation if parents are welcomed to stay and mingle. Mention the adult-friendly goodies that await them if they do stay: alcohol, food, activities, camaraderie among the parenthood.

Over 21 only. Yes, alcohol. Have the usual juice and soft drinks for the kids, but put out an ice chest of beer, some bottles of wine, koozies, and glasses, or even mimosas or Bloody Marys (in a separate location away from the kid beverages). This could help socially awkward situations feel more relaxed. Breaking the ice with a fellow mom or dad won’t be so bad with a little liquid courage. For the non-drinkers, offer coffee, no matter the time of day.

Better-than-bite-size snacks. Kids can eat a lot, especially when they herd together like wild animals. Parents, on the other hand, may pick at the snack-sized spread to be polite. Instead, offer adult-sized helpings of easy to cook and easy to serve food like jambalaya, pasta, sandwiches, and meatballs. Don’t be afraid to encourage the adults to eat till their belts burst. Make them feel welcomed to satisfy their hunger, making them feel at home.

Set the stage. Create a dedicated parent space with an adult-sized seating area — somewhere close to the party action for those helicopter parents, yet enough out of the way that most adults can relax and enjoy the food, drinks, and conversation. Match the number of chairs to the number of kids attending, assuming at least one parent will stay for each kid.

Parties are meant to be fun. Parents should have fun, too, at these birthday parties. Whatever activities are planned for the kids, make sure there’s something for the adults. If its a swim party, encourage parents to wear their suits, too. Or if you’re having inflatable bounce houses, I know a few parents who’ll try with all their inner-child might not to take a few jumps. If its a fairly small party, encourage parents to let loose a little.

Side note: Also note on the invitation if siblings are welcomed. This takes off a lot of stress for parents worried about bringing extra mouths to feed or finding a babysitter.

BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUES
Got older kids? Forget magicians and Build-A-Bear. These party venue ideas are sure to boost parent attendance, especially if they can participate, too. Also check out our Party Listings in this issue for ideas and specific venues’ locations and descriptions. Parents won’t be bored at these party places:

Laser Tag: Adventure Quest Laser Tag in Harahan
Arcade: Dave & Buster’s in Downtown New Orleans
Putt-Putt: City Putt in City Park
Bowling: Colonial Lanes in Harahan or Fulton Alley in Downtown New Orleans
Paintball: Phill’s Paintball in St. Rose
Trampoline Parks: Sector 6 in Harahan
Sports/Racing: Big Easy Sportsplex in Jefferson or Kidsports in Harahan
Animals: Insta Gator Ranch in Covington

GET-TOGETHERS
Rather a more intimate gathering over a big blowout? New Orleans is home to a growing number of establishments that cater to both adults and kids for fun times.

Lower Garden District
Urban South Brewery, 1645 Tchoupitoulas St.
Parents can enjoy house brews in the spacious, kid-friendly taproom. Urban South Brewery gives space for children to play, too. The brewery regularly hosts animal adoption events and food trucks to keep the kids occupied and full while parents try beers blending European and American styles. Stay up-to-date on upcoming events at urbansouthbrewery.com/events.

French Quarter
Ruby Slipper Cafe, 1005 Canal St. & other locations 
The New Orleans classic breakfast cafe caters to the palates of the whole family. Families can share fun, sweet specials such as the NOLA Nectar Snoball-Stuffed French Toast. Ruby Slipper also offers a special kids menu. Parents can peruse the expansive and impressive drink menu or opt for a NOLA roasted coffee to accompany their entrees.

Mid-City
Second Line Brewing, 433 N. Bernadotte St.
Families can spend time together outdoors on Second Line Brewery’s patio. Pets are welcome too! On Mondays, parents who buy a pint of craft beer get a free slice of pizza (for themselves or the kiddos).

Lakeview
The Backyard, 244 Harrison Ave.
A game day spent at the Backyard is fun for the whole family. The outdoor venue displays games on nine flat screens and its own playground to keep the kids and the parents occupied. The Backyard offers several specialty drinks along with classic cold ones.

The Velvet Cactus, 6300 Argonne Blvd.
A Mexican-inspired restaurant that welcomes families in a vibrant atmosphere indoors or out. Share unique appetizers such as crawfish and chorizo beignets or crawfish banditos with the whole family. Children can choose from their kids’ menu, and parents can add some Mexican-flair to their meal with a specialty drink.

Carrollton
Rock ‘N’ Bowl, 3016 S. Carrollton Ave.
The classic family bowling night gets an upgrade at Rock ‘N’ Bowl. Regular live music performances, an upbeat atmosphere, shareable food and desserts, and drinks for the adults keep everyone energized to bowl their next strike. Stay up-to-date on the next exciting live music performance at: rocknbowl.com/new-orleans.

Port Orleans Brewing Company, 4124 Tchoupitoulas St.
If you have ever wanted to tour a brewery, come to Port Orleans and bring the kids. Parents are welcome to try the craft beers on tap, and the whole family can dive into New Orleans seafood and cajun cuisine on the outdoor patio after a tour. Regular events include Bingo Mondays, Trivia Thursdays, and Crawfish & Beer Fridays and Sundays.

Warehouse District
Barcadia, 601 Tchoupitoulas St.
Barcadia balances the family-fun of arcade games with adult-friendly drinks. Parents can teach kids their favorite classic arcade games like Ms. Pac-Man and Mario Bros. When you’re all worn out from the games, sit down and try OMG Shrimp or some fried Oreos. Parents, don’t forget, the first part of the name is BARcadia. The bar is fully stocked with specialty drinks and a wide variety of beers.