Planning the Perfect Birthday Party

Summer is the season for outdoor birthday celebrations. Make your little one (or big one's!) next birthday party fantastic with these following tips:

Choose a Locale

Backyard parties are terrific if you have the space and enough room in your house – or a tent – if rain starts coming down.

If that is not an option, visit Party Palooza where you can select from a basic party package, including Ooh La La Spa party, Glamour Party, Stuff A Pet, Stuff A Doll Party, Tye-Dye Party, Olympic Game Party, Fancy Nancy Party, Secret Agent Spy Kids Party or Shop and Bop Party.

For kids who love athletics and gymnastics, book a party at the Little Gym, which, according to the website, was voted #1 by Parents magazine as the best place to host children's birthday parties.

Pick a Theme

Ties all of the elements of the party together by choosing a theme. Plan a party based around your child's favorite singer, character, television show, holiday and so forth.

Look to Colortime Crafts & Markers for some inspiration. Colortime sells a number of t-shirts, pillowcases, backpacks, bandanas and other fabric items for the party-goers to decorate with markers. Host a camp themed party, Girl Scout extravaganza or a holiday themed celebration to match with the themes of the craft items.

Head to Merrick Cinemas, where youngsters have a private viewing of the birthday child's choice. Finish the day up with movie trivia, popcorn and soda in your backyard.

Favors and Flair

Jazz up the party with favors that match the theme or the person's interests. For a music themed birthday party, purchase some chocolate CD's from Anya Tyler Favors & Gifts. This shop has other great favor items as well, including a line of Las Vegas party favors, mini gumball machine favors for the candy lover and personalized birthday cookies.

Having an affair a few towns away? Avoid the dangers of drinking and driving and arrive in style in a limo. There's a few local limousine companies to choose from, including S & G Limousine, Inc., Long Island Party Limos and Limousines by Michael.