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• Have your child's first birthday party in the comfort of your own home for an inexpensive and easy party option. The birthday baby will be comfortable at home, and you can customize your home to a party theme fairly easily with decorations, menu and gifts.
  
  While you will have to set up and clean up the party, it is likely to be easier for you to arrange because the party will take place within your own house. Choose a fun theme to make the party extra special, such as a bunny rabbit or ABC theme.
  
  

Community Center

• Host a larger first birthday party gathering at a community center or rental hall in your neighborhood. Community centers and halls will be able to accommodate more guests than your home likely would, and they can be rented for reasonable fees, sometimes even just deposits that are refunded to you after the party. If you are planning a party with more attractions, such as a petting zoo or sandbox party, a community center is a fitting venue because of the large, open space.
  
  

Kids' Museum

• Throw a first birthday party at a children's museum for a smaller gathering with interactive fun. Children's museums often have special packages for birthday parties that include room rental and interactive games, crafts or activities. This type of party can be a learning experience for kids as well as a way to minimize the effort you put in to planning, decorating or cleaning up after a party. See Resources for more information.
  
  

Zoo

• Take your one-year-old and a group of family and friends to the zoo for a first birthday party. Plan the trip for a day that is forecasted to have nice weather; avoid rainy days or days that will be too hot. Contact the zoo about birthday activities if you'd like to rent a party space, or simply take a trip to the zoo and walk around visiting all the animals on exhibit. Spend some time at interactive exhibits such as barnyard petting zoo attractions for the kids' enjoyment.