Broken Arm Boy Needs Birthday Party Ideas

Not sure how many friends you're talking about, but what about a trip to the museum, aquarium, or planetarium? They may even have birthday packages if you inquire. Or go to the zoo and have a fun picnic. Of course you would need additional adults to help keep a eye on everyone too.

You could do something at home and pick a fun theme. Someone posted on here awhile back about a circus theme, and I've since seen companies where you can rent all kinds of cool stuff like popcorn machines, cotton candy machines, projector screens (for movies in the backyard!). I almost can't wait for my little one to grow up so we can do something like that. Have fun!

Check out www.kidwinks.com for their online Birthday Guide: http://www.kidwinks.com/ForKids/6/KidsBirthdayPartyPlaces...

In addition to the featured places listed at the top, you can click on "Places to Party" in the yellow area at the bottom and get a list of hundreds of places in the Chicago area to have a party. If you become a member of kidwinks, which is free, you can then sort that list by distance from your house, to easily see which are closest to you. Nature centers often have animal-themed birthday parties where the kids get to pet a few different animals.

Kidwinks.com is also a great place to find something to do any day. There's an Events Calendar where you can click on a day to find out what's going on; in the Restaurant Section you'll find a Kids Eat Free Calendar so parents can click on a day to find where kids eat free (or cheaply) on that day; the Ongoing Activities Section lets you click through different categories along the left side of the screen to find museums, nature centers, indoor or outdoor activities, etc. There are also great specialty guides, like for Indoor Play Areas or Children's Theater.

How about a movie at a theater? 5 is a great age for Saturday or Sunday matinees! Have a wonderful birthday with him, whatever your final decision!

You can try a local children's museum. I work for Wonder Works, A Children's Museum in Oak Park, and there is lots for him to do there even with a broken arm. You can check it out at www.wonder-works.org. The pictures on the website aren't super great or detailed, but I can send you some of just the exhibits if you'd like.

Good luck!

J.