Parties

Who doesn't love a Blizzard?

Because the majority of Dairy Queen restaurants are individually owned and operated franchises, quality, hours, and offerings vary greatly - you probably know what you like (or don't) about your local store. Visit the website for the nearest location.

What we like is DQ's take on the ubiquitous children's meal concept. In most stores, not only can parents substitute applesauce for French fries (if they're lucky), but the meals come with a coupon for a free treat (small Dilly bar, ice cream sandwich, or $.49 off a Blizzard) so the dessert part of the meal can stay cool, and out of reach, until the "healthy" part of the meal has been consumed.

Of course, the chain's ice cream cakes are practically required equipment for some kids' parties, and some stores offer discounts on birthday parties held on site.

Most Dairy Queen restaurants nationwide participate in annual (and more frequent) fundraisers for Children's Miracle Network. Eat up.

Bounce Across Texas is a party rental company that can provide inflatable bouncers, water slides, concession equipment (ie sno cone machines), and more.

Hoppin' Spot rents inflatable moonwalks, obstacle courses, and slides at affordable prices. The service includes "guaranteed on time" delivery and set up - and units are thoroughly cleaned, sanitized, and inspected before and after each use.

Mr Twistee entertains young partiers with clowns, balloon sculptures, a portable petting zoo, pony rides, and more.

Mad Science is on a mission to get kids excited about science through hands-on fun and activities.

Mad Science offers birthday parties for groups of any size, ideal for children ages five to 12. A Mad Scientist comes to your house and presents a 45-minute show, complete with science experiments that appeal to kids' penchant for goo, pop, and fizz. A variety of 15-minute "finales" are available for an extra charge, featuring dry ice, a laser show, a sound machine, or a rocket launch.

Other options, for an additional charge, include a cotton candy machine, goody bags, party favors, t-shirts, invitations, and decorations.

Mad Science also offers summer camps.

Mr Johnny is a party entertainer who provides a rollicking 30 minute sing-a-long, combining interactive songs with rhythm sticks, scarf play, and lots of bubbles.

A giant jungle drum activity and a mini-treasure hunt with take-home prizes for are also included in the package, and balloon twisting can be added for an extra fee.

Jungle Java is a cute cafe and kids' play gym, all in one. Relax with a chicken ceasar roll-up and cappuccino while your little monkeys go wild. The menu includes sandwiches, soups, salads, numerous coffee drinks, and a good variety of fruit smoothies. A kids' menu includes hot dogs, mac and cheese, and chicken strips.

Infants and toddlers up to age three can romp around the Toddler Safari, while older kids go bananas in the Jungle's mazes, tunnels, and spiraling slides.

Jungle Java also offers several two-hour party packages, including free end-of-season sports parties, as well as a fundraising program for schools focusing on healthy food and play.

Inflatable Wonderland is a 9200-square-foot indoor inflatable play land where children can climb, bounce, and slide down huge, air-filled play structures.

Birthday party packages start at $149 and include two hours of reserved party area and playtime (with supervision, party guests may stay and play all day). Food packages (more expensive) include a choice of hot dogs or nachos, fountain drinks, and ice cream.

Inflatables can also be delivered to your party location. Call or email for details.

Gymboree offers developmental classes and hosts birthday parties for babies and toddlers, accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Choose music, play, or arts.

Call for class times, registration, and party times.

Little Lounge Lizards is an afternoon dance party for kids up to age 10 and their parents. Families can get down and boogie as a DJ spins hits from the '70s, '80s, and '90s at Momo's dance club.

Birthday and group packages are available; email for reservations and further details.

Step back in time and live the life of a pioneer farmer. At the Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms, visitors can experience what life was like in the rural Texas Hill Country in the late 19th century.

The fully operational facility is a genuine working farm that uses historically correct farm animals, crops, clothing, furnishings, buildings, implements, and food. Costumed interpreters present a picture of the past through the daily managing of the late 19th century farm.

The farm also hosts music festivals and other special events. Birthday party options include Wild West dress-up, pioneer dress-up, Victorian tea parties, and meeting the barnyard animals. Party packages start at $300 for up to 20 kids.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the best place for family bonding in Austin, the Austin Zoo is relatively new - less than 30 years old - and the family of animals has grown from domestic stock to a wide variety of exotic species. The construction of the North American Black Bear Habitat in 1996 was followed by more complex exhibits, including Cougar, Tiger, and Lion enclosures. The Discovery Center, opened in 1997, houses smaller mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.

If you'd like to hold a birthday party at the zoo, simply call and request reserved picnic tables for the day and time you'd like. This service is offered free. On the day of the party, bring a guest list of everyone you are expecting, children and adults. Turn this in when you first check in. You bring refreshments and party supplies. At the end of the day, simply pay for your guests.

Annual Membership for a family of four is $80. Admission prices are subject to change.