by Kym Byrnes
Many kids missed having a birthday party last year due to COVID restrictions, so the expectations are high for a great party this year. But don’t worry parents – there are plenty of local places that will help you host a party to remember. Here are a few venues, but there are plenty more so if your youngster has a specific hobby or activity he or she wants to do, a little searching will turn up lots of local options to make their party dream come true. This is just the tip of the iceberg!
Go Bowling!
You cannot go wrong with giving kids a ball and telling them to try to knock things down with it. Add in some pizza and maybe even some glow sticks and Bam! — that’s a party. Carroll County is home to several great bowling alleys that know how to throw a great birthday party for any age (including adults). Check out Thunderhead Bowling in Taneytown (thunderheadbowling.com), Greenmount Bowl in Hampstead (greenmountbowl.com) and Mt. Airy Lanes (mtairylanes.com).
Players Fun Zone
Players Fun Zone in Westminster is probably already on the radar for those with kids. This is a great place to bring the kids together and then let them run loose, expending all their energy (fingers crossed) in activities that include laser tag, glo-golf, batting cages, inflatables, bumper cars and an arcade. Check it out at playersfunzone.com.
The Fun & Fit Factory
The Fun & Fit Factory, located at TownMall in Westminster, is the place to go to literally let kids bounce off the walls. With inflatables galore and all types of activities that encourage kids to climb and build and bounce, this is the place for youngsters with energy to burn. Check it out at facebook.com/TheFunFitFactory.
Sykesville’s Stratosphere
Sykesville’s Stratosphere underwent some changes right before the pandemic hit to include more offerings like a food/bar area, bowling, an arcade and more. It’s a great place to have a party, and this venue might also lend itself well to parties for tweens and teens. Now known as Stratosphere Social, their party packages are built around bowling or trampoline dodgeball and offer add-ons that include arcade games, virtual reality and XD theater. Check it out at stratospheresocial.com.
Coppermine 4 Seasons
Coppermine 4 Seasons in Hampstead offers birthday party packages that include inflatables, sports like dodgeball, soccer and flag football and, during the summer, a pool with a new water slide. Check it out at coppermine4seasons.com.
Take over a movie theater!
RC Theater at TownMall in Westminster rents out theaters, offering a selection of movies from years past as well as films that are currently playing. So gather up the kids, stop at concessions for popcorn and candy, and let the birthday girl or boy talk all they want during the movie! Check it out at rctheatres.com.
