While most children's birthday parties are held at home, you may want to consider an offsite location.

For starters, you won't have to be concerned about the current state of order and tidiness of your house. Plus using the cultural and recreational resources of the community will broaden your child's horizons and introduce him or her to some wonderful experiences.

Ask your child what she would like. Usually the party theme will reflect her interests, hobbies or sports.

Here are some ideas to jumpstart your creativity.

If your child loves sharks, what better place to be than the local aquarium where he can see sharks up close and personal.

Then, there's the zoo, if he or she loves elephants and wants a jungle theme. Or maybe the local museum of natural history.

Local history museums can make history real.

The local art museum is a great place for the budding artist, a concert for the budding musician, the planetarium for the budding astronomer... you get the idea.

The best part is that many such institutions have activities designed especially for children. Ask.

There are entire institutions, like the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia, designed for children.

Other cool ideas:

Have a Pottery party:
Facilities have opened up that allow you to paint on pottery. When you are finished, the staff will put it into a kiln for you. Most will host parties and many have special children's birthday party packages.

A Day of Beauty:
Recently, our local newspaper had an article about the popularity of makeovers as a party idea for preteens. Mom arranges with a local beauty school or beauty salon to have the group come in for an afternoon, where they have the run of the place.

Roller skating rinks have packages where you can rent the use of a private room for an hour to enjoy light refreshments and cake. Then they are free to enjoy the facility. Keep in mind that rinks are very strict about scheduling.

Ice skaters might enjoy a trip to the ice rink.

Facilities like Chuck E. Cheese cater to birthday parties for young children.

A group of girls may enjoy a luncheon in a neighborhood Chinese restaurant.

Little Ladies' Tea Party:
Many hotels will host teas. And they are happy to accommodate children. The kids can dress up and be princesses for the day. Many invite their favorite stuffed animals to the festivities and they can get important lessons in etiquette.

In the summer, you may want to use your back yard for your children's birthday party. But if you don't have a large yard or you don't wish the event to be held there, check out neighborhood parks and playgrounds. Many will allow you to reserve a pavilion.

Where else can you go for ideas?

Try your city or town's local visitor or welcome center. Another source is the local library ? especially the children's department. These days, the internet is an invaluable resource. Local newspapers and magazines often have sections that feature local events and activities. Last, but not least, there is always word of mouth.

Enjoy.

About the Author:

Ellen M. Zucker owns http://www.faces-and-fortunes-partytips.com a site where you can find advice on party and event planning from Party Pros. It includes tips, interviews, and advice on putting your event together from professionals who make parties and special events happen.

For more information about planning your kid's party, go to http://www.faces-and-fortunes-partytips.com/childrensbirthdayparties.html