Hosting a Children's Birthday Party Without Breaking the Bank

While we are all watching our family budgets these days, there are certain things you just don't want to skimp on. While everyone has taken to shopping with coupons and grabbing as many two-for-one deals as possible, you might think that when it comes to hosting a bash to end all bashes, you have to break your bank.

Well, we're here to tell you that it just ain't so. This column is dedicated to giving you five great local deals each week that will help save you time and money. So we did the legwork and found five great and affordable places to celebrate your child's birthday or special event.

If there is one thing every parent wants, it's to give their kids a birthday party to remember. Well here in the great state of New Jersey, the possibilities are endless to celebrate your favorite small person's special day! Most places have plenty of packages to choose from, for groups from 10 and up, and many include food, treats, beverages and goody bags too. All you have to do is show up. Now that's a party and one heck of a great deal for busy parents.

1. 3-2 Count Athletic Training Facility (Freehold)

For a non-stressful party that is a hit with kids of all ages, head to 3-2 Count Athletic Training Facility in Freehold. Their parties are a special way to treat your child like a star and give him or her a day that will provide special memories for a lifetime. Their party package is $225 and for 12 children, including the party boy or girl ($10 each additional child). The deal offers two hours in decorated birthday room and activity play area. Party specialists oversee the party and supervise your children at baseball, softball, kickball, football, dodge ball, soccer, wiffle ball or an obstacle course – any combination you decide. The package also includes personalized invitations, three large pizzas, three two-liter sodas and all paper products, and a 3-2 Count T-shirt for the birthday boy or girl.

323A Fairfield Road, Freehold, 732-409-1132

2. A Time To Kiln (Red Bank)

Party packages include all supplies needed and a staff member to help. A $50 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required when booking. Parties include painting parties, where you can paint your own pottery; Critter Parties, where you can stuff and take home your own furry friend the very same day; and Mosaic Parties, where you take the art of creating a masterpiece from broken glass to a whole new level. Prices contingent on the types of art you create, per person.

50 Broad Street, Red Bank NJ 32-450-9525

3. Be Bop Parties (Tinton Falls)

Your child can be a star at Be Bop Parties, where the fun never stops. Be Bop Parties gives kids the chance to act out their deepest, most fun fantasies, like being a rock star, diva or princess and pirate. Their all-inclusive party packages include a one and a half-hour party lead by Be Bop Emcee, invitations and thank yous, pizza, unlimited beverages, a disco light show, paper goods, dancing and games with giveaways, an LED lighted limbo stick, a confetti filled piñata, balloons, stickers, and tattoos. Prices start at $350 for up to 15 kids.

980 Shrewsbury Ave, Tinton Falls 732-544-2174

4. Combat Sports (Manalapan)

One of the coolest places to have a birthday party, Combat Sports gives kids the chance to be the stars of their own video game. Their outdoor lazer tag area is safe, fun and exciting--a great place to give your tween or teen the party of a lifetime. They have several packages and prices, but the most economical is their Veteran Package, which includes 90 minutes of exciting outdoor laser tag missions, use of laser tag gear for each player, beverages (bottled water or soda), and pizza for each player. It also includes free party invitations, a free Combat Sports T-shirt for the guest of honor and the birthday person plays for FREE! A minimum of 10 paid players is required.

58 La Valley Drive, Manalapan, 866-9COMBAT

5. Aeriels Gymnastics (Eatontown)

Your kids will love Aerials' fabulous, colorful obstacle courses, jump for joy on their in-ground trampolines, and zip line into their foam pit. As if your child will not be high enough, he or she will have the opportunity to fly half-way to the ceiling in their safety flying rig. Parties are offered year round on Saturdays and Sundays and on Fridays in the summer. Up to 15 children (four years and up, $235; two and three years, $250).

151 Industrial Way East, Eatontown 732-389-0404