8 Reasons to Host Your Toddler’s Party at an OC Park

For my daughter’s first birthday, we had planned a birthday party at home. It was just going to be close family and friends…plus the neighbors across about five houses…and then all the babies from my mom’s group…and of course that mom I met at the lactation appointment that one time? She should be invited too.

We realized our numbers were getting pretty high, and I was soon looking for tables and chairs to hire for our backyard on Yelp, and then I doubled the cake order. This was in March 2020, and three days before the world went into lockdown due to COVID 19, we ended up having to cancel the whole party.

We were then left with a 2 tier cake that was too late to cancel and a pricey bill, as we decided to use our wedding baker for the special occasion.

 

Once the world opened up again, it was time for her third birthday. For the last two years, we’ve opted to hold our kid’s birthday parties at one of the many OC parks instead.

 

Here’s 8 reasons to hold your child’s birthday at an OC Park:

 

#1 – It’s a park.

Hello, free entertainment right there, especially for the little ones. I do realize I’m reaching the cap now, and a play structure won’t really cut it for my five-year-old diva next year, but for a toddler – it really is everything you could ask for, and generally a low-stress environment for parents.

 

#2 – It’s outdoors.

In addition to being a beautiful environment, the outdoors are suitable for those who have become increasingly more aware of what’s around us, in particular, in small spaces housing 20 kids who are most likely carrying daycare/school germs. We’re lucky to be living in sunny California, so the picnic shelters are great for shade, but also for coverage if it does end up raining.

(Caveat: if you want your party spot guaranteed, there is usually a small rental fee for the park shelters, but it’s totally worth it for peace of mind).

 

#3 – Parking is easy for you and your guests.

This is true especially if you find a park with a decent sized parking lot. No thank you, parallel street parking.

 

#4 – Restrooms are right there!

Though there are definitely some, I have yet to be at an OC park where there are no restrooms in close proximity. Whether I’m in the thick of potty training or not, I do often factor my toddler outing decisions around restroom accessibility, and parks have never failed me so far.

 

#5 – It’s affordable!

While some of the more popular OC park playgrounds require a rental fee, even those fees pale in comparison to renting out a party space elsewhere. That frees up money in the budget so that if you want to add more pizazz to your party, you can easily hire extra things.

The City’s Park & Recreation will also provide an approved vendor list – one less thing to Google, hooray! Last year, I hired a bounce house, and this year, a face painter. Both went down as a treat with my kids and our guests.

 

#6 – If you’re not bringing your own, food can be easily delivered – bring on UberEats, Dominos, etc.

Tables and benches are also already set up for food. It’s then just up to you to decide how flashy you want to go – Cocomelon tablecloths, Mickey Mouse plates and cups, a 3 foot Unicorn helium balloon – add in whatever the birthday girl, or boy, desires.

 

#7 – Clean up at an OC park is minimal.

There’s no vacuuming or mopping the floor. Trash cans are right there and people are usually pretty self sufficient in these situations – and you can recycle too! Just be kind to the environment and try to avoid a pinata stuffed with glitter or plastic confetti.

Top Tip – bring extra trash bags just in case!

 

#8 – There’s no set time limit.

So long as you adhere to local noise ordinances and park hours, you can party until the sun comes down (or in reality, until the kids come down from their sugar high and start to meltdown…).

So next time you’re wondering where to host your kid’s birthday party, I highly recommend you consider an OC park (or beach!) – they’re one of the main reasons I love living here and raising a family in this incredible place!

For those wondering, I chose Cedar Grove Park and Pioneer Road Park (both in Tustin) for my two parties. If you’re interested in a fuller comparison of local Tustin parks, comment below, and I’d be happy to share!