I had my son's 6th birthday party here. Had 16 kids ages ranged from 2 to 11 and they all had a blast. They can accommodate for up to 25 children however the office needs to be notified of how many kids will be officially attending the party a week in advance assuming they want to make sure they have enough people to assist with the games.
Planning a head is key since this place tends to book up quite quickly because they are available Friday, Saturday and Sunday only for 1 hour and 45 minutes. You are able to arrive 10 minutes the earliest prior to the start time for set up since all they provide are tables and the garbage bin in the eating room. I had quite a few friends come in to help out with the set up which is highly recommended since it will be difficult to set up by yourself in 10 minutes. We had set up the water, juice, plate, forks, napkins, cups (a cup filled with black sharpie pens to write your names with on the drinks) and the party favors on 2 fold-able tables that you can easily access and set up yourselves. The main table which are 2 benches placed side by side are already set up which is where we had the balloons attached and table cover set up as well.
On the opposite side of the room which is right across from the windows of where you can see into the gym, has a long sitting bench starting from one end to the other end of the wall. Above that, there are hooks going across as well which made it extremely convenient for guests to hang their bags and coats. There is also a boys and girls bathroom (single use) and they do have a fridge but not available in the same room since I gave the cake to the worker and saw him take it down to the lower lever (gym area) to another room but brought it back out when it was time for cake.
As for food, in my opinion, since it is a short time, it's best to provide food that is quick in easy for kids to eat, such has chicken tenders, french fries, sandwiches, chips, etc. I decided to go real easy and order pizza AND have it delivered at the time the kids would be eating so that it would be warm. I had the kids eat first which took about 20 to 30 minutes and they played for about an hour and returned for cake for the last 15 - 20 minutes we had left.
The sports that the kids played were soccer, hockey and dodgeball. Keep in mind the majority of the kids were 5 to 6 so I wouldn't really consider them playing a sport but more of them having the freedom to run around a large space with balls and sticks. I am assuming if the kids were older, the 2 coaches (teenagers) would be more engaged during the game play but with my kids, they basically provided the equipment, music and made sure when it was time, they moved on to the next sport. At times, I felt that they could at least toss the balls back into the center but they would either just stand and watch or be on their phones. But nothing to really be upset about considering the kids were having fun either way. Few of the adults went to the end of the court and played some basketball.
Overall, it was an experience and yes, I could have easily booked a party at chucky cheese or bouncy house/trampoline house but in my personal opinion, though it was work for me to bring everything in, it was private and the space of the gym was so huge, it didn't feel as hectic as the other party places and it was nice to be able to just sit, eat and watch while the kids played. Cost wise, depending on how you spend, it may come out the same but it definitely shouldn't be more since this place does not charge based on number of kids. The rent space is a flat fee of $300.00 (check only). So if you are someone who has 20 kids for a party, you know that just the kids alone will cost you double that fee plus more since you pay extra for food for adults, favors, etc.
TIPS:
If ordering pizza, order it from Previti & Papazzio located at 2085 Hillside Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY 11040 (516-354-2354) since they offer a small discount on the order if you have it delivered to the center.
I would recommend the kids to eat first so that during the time kids are playing, the adults can watch from above and eat the remaining food (since most parents don't get to eat when the kids are eating) and when the parents are done, you have the opportunity to start cleaning up and even have the guest pack left overs (bring aluminium foil). You can also start bringing things to the car so that later on you have less to carry out.
I had a sheet cake but if I were to do it over again, I would have went with cupcakes because you save time cutting the cake and serving it to everyone where as for cupcakes, guests just take as they please and it's faster to eat as well.
Lastly, be on time since there are other parties before and after you. So you have to be out of the room, all guests, cleaned up and cleared out ON TIME. Delegating is key (let your friends help).
Best Advice: Keep the party as simple as possible! Less is more :) read more