24 minute read

We are on the MOVE.

MOBILE BALLET is thrilled to announce our Eastern Shore studio will be moving to a new and more convenient space designed to elevate your dance experience to extraordinary heights. At both our Mobile and Eastern Shore locations, we provide ample opportunities for dancers of all ages and skill levels to connect, grow, and thrive in an inspiring and inclusive environment.

Autauga County Schools

St. Ignatius 8th Grade Field Trip

Eighth grade at St. Ignatius comes with many leadership responsibilities but it also comes with some adventure!

Each year the eighth graders look forward to their New Orleans field trip. Students meet at school for the 6:15 AM Mass and then begin their annual pilgrimage to New Orleans. They get to experience a Honey Island Swamp Tour, the shrine of Catholic priest Father Francis Xavier Seelos and French Quarter historic restaurants Mandina’s and Cafe du Monde. This fun filled day is a great way to begin wrapping up their time at St. Ignatius Catholic.

ASMS Student Selected for an Internship at The University of Texas to Analyze NASA Earth Science Data

Ella Brochu, a student from The Alabama School for Math and Science in Mobile, Alabama has been selected for the prestigious Student Enhancement in Earth and Space Science (SEES) summer internship to be held at The University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Space Research. Students will work with scientists and engineers to conduct authentic research from data received from NASA’s earth observing satellites as well as designing Mars habitats, Lunar Exploration, and analysis of images from the International Space Station. This nationally competitive program, funded by NASA, selects students who will increase their knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and math through earth and space education.

Is the Threat of De-Dollarization Real?

Q I’m hearing more and more about “dedollarization” and how several countries are moving away from the U.S. dollar as their basis of international trade. Will this affect the strength of the dollar, and should I be concerned about how I’m saving and investing because of this?

A. First and foremost, I care enough about you to say you may be spending way too much time on the internet, buddy. You’re drifting into the realm of conspiracy theories here, so let’s slow down and take a look at some facts.

China, Brazil and Russia are the three main players in all this. They already don’t use the U.S. dollar as their basis of international trade—all three have their own currency, and there’s a conversion rate between all those currencies and the

U.S. dollar. Those three countries, along with some of the oil-producing countries from the Middle East they’re trying to get on board with the idea, are talking about developing one currency they all use. In international trade, that currency would be converted back and forth to dollars— much like what Europe did with the euro. Which, by the way, really hasn’t worked out so well. Are those countries going to be able to devalue the dollar by doing that? No. Why? Because while those countries take up a lot of land mass, they don’t take up a lot of the gross domestic product (GDP) of the world. The United States still represents the vast majority of the world’s GDP. Sure, China’s big in that regard. But

Russia doesn’t bring much to the table, and Brazil is barely scraping by in a failed economy. Plus, they’re tiny as far as economics are concerned. I mean, Texas probably has a larger GDP than Brazil.

In other words, they just don’t have the muscle to take down the dollar mathematically speaking. Now, if they do manage to put this idea together, it still won’t end in “de-dollarization.”

The dollar will not be done away with. Even if they create their own currency, they’re still going to have to trade with the 800-pound gorilla, which is America. And they’re going to have to trade with us in dollars.

Am I worried about this? Not one bit. And you shouldn’t be either.

In grade school my son loved celebrating his summer birthday with a big party that included family, friends and everyone in his class. But after the last slice of cake was eaten and all the guests had gone home there was still one activity left, opening the pile of gifts. It became overwhelming and reached the point where his birthday seemed bigger than Christmas. It was time for a lesson in giving.

If your child is overloaded with gifts on his or her birthday, or if you feel it is time to teach the gift of giving, consider hosting a charitable birthday party this year. Your child will still enjoy celebrating his or her big day with friends and family. But instead of bringing a gift, ask your guests to bring a donation to a charity of your child’s choice. So your child won’t completely miss out on the new bike they’d been hoping for, limit gift giving to just family members. Or one big present from mom and dad.

Here are some ideas to get the party started

For your sporty child: Consider an activity like swimming, soccer, indoor ice skating, miniature golf, bowling, a bounce house at home or an indoor inflatables destination. Ask your guests to bring new or used shoes and clothing for Soles4Souls (soles4souls.org). This organization distributes donations to the needy in the United States and countries in Central and South America and Africa. Or find a local charity that accepts used

For the animal lover: Contact your local humane society to find out if they host kid’s birthday parties. If not, throw the party at home and have the kids make toys, blankets or anything else your humane society suggests for their homeless pets. Or take a trip to the zoo. Ask your guests to donate to the World Wildlife fund (worldwildlife.org) and they can adopt an animal they’d like to help. Adoptable animals include elephants, penguins, tigers and panda bears. Or, if you’re brave enough, throw a party with the local lizard guy at your house. Encourage guests to make donations to

Heifer International (heifer.org) and let kids pick from a gift of goats, a present of pigs or any of the other animals Heifer International will provide to needy families in third world countries. The National Wildlife Federation (nwf.org) also maintains an adopt an animal program. With a donation you can adopt a gray wolf, harp seal or great horned owl to name a few.

For your little chef: These days cooking is all the rage and it isn’t just for adults anymore. Try hosting a cooking party for your little food lover. Check to see if there is a local venue like a specialty grocery store or cooking school that hosts parties for kids. Or a business that will come to your home and conduct a class. Or even a mobile culinary school. If not, use your own kitchen and host a pizza making party. Provide chef hats and individual pizza crusts for each child and a variety of toppings and let them make their own pie. Or make homemade ice cream and provide a choice of toppings like fruit, chocolate or caramel sauce, candies, or crushed cookies. Ask your guests to bring food to donate to your local food pantry.

Host a Happy Doll party: For a child who loves dolls, Happydoll.org provides dolls and all the materials needed so your guests can decorate a doll for a needy child. Each guest gets a cloth doll and non-toxic pens to design their own unique doll. Each doll has a specific tracking code so you can track where each decorated doll has traveled. Dolls are shipped to needy children throughout the U.S., and throughout the world including Haiti, India and China.

For the generous child: If your child just wants a simple but fun birthday party without a specific theme, host a cake and ice cream, pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey, musical chairs, and piñata kind of party that you may have enjoyed as a child. Consider donating to the children’s ward of a local hospital or to Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities. Or collect books and school supplies to donate to a church or other organization that helps local kids in need.

And if you want to send a little something home with your generous guests, say goodbye to the junk of the goody bag and try one of these simple ideas instead: make a craft like a friendship bracelet or a rubber band bracelet, ice cream cone gift certificate, local kid’s restaurant small gift certificate, sidewalk chalk, small book, homemade snacks like granola, trail mix or muffins (be sure to check for allergies.)

When I received the invite to my nephew’s, pirate party I was worried. The event was being held during the winter time at his house so all the five-year-old kids would be cooped up. How would over twenty kids be entertained in a small area indoors? Would I hear so many chaotic screams of “Arrr’s” and “Ahoy’s” that I would want to walk the plank?

My fears subsided when I beheld the enormous cardboard-created pirate ship in their living room. If the boat hadn’t been so crowded with kids, then I would have jumped inside of it myself. When I noticed organized activity stations set up throughout the house, I knew all the kids would have a blast. The party was a huge success that my kids still talk about four years later.

The pirate party isn’t the only impressive at-home one my sister and brotherin-law, Tara and Mike, have hosted. They had other events for my nephew and two nieces. The themes of their parties include knights and princesses, western cowboys and cowgirls, fairies and gnomes, Star Wars, and pirates. For all their parties they created a life-size cardboard centerpiece such as a castle or western town for the kids to play in and games centered around the theme along with a favor to take home. Homemade treats and a cake are abundant at every gathering.

So, what is the secret to throwing an epic birthday party on a dime?

Planning In Advance

The Stull Family is already planning the next unicorn theme party for June. They get ideas from Pinterest and other craft- ing websites. Sometimes they brainstorm ideas on their own. This planning helps them to have enough time to create all the activities and cardboard centerpiece.

Potential Savings: $25-$50. Advanced planning allows them to buy sale items and use coupons.

Homemade

Almost everything at parties are homemade from the cardboard centerpieces to the games, food and favors. This significantly cuts down the cost of the parties which were all under $200.

Potential Savings: $50-$75 by not buying a store-bought cake, games or favors.

Team Work

Tara and Mike Stull work together creating the life-size centerpiece, games, favors and homemade baking. They also include their kids in the process of coming up with ideas and creating the items. By working together, they don’t become too overwhelmed with the planning and creating that is involved. It also makes the process more fun for the entire family.

Potential Savings: $25-$50 by working together, the less they need to purchase store bought items.

Old School Games With A Theme

At the parties, they offer simple games that everyone loves, and they incorporate the theme into the game. Instead of a typical water gun fight, they created a water gun shooting range in the western theme party. Or instead of pin the tail on the donkey it was pin the lightsaber on Yoda for the Star Wars theme party. Some other games they played are a pirate scavenger hunt for gold coins, relay cowboy horse races and beware of the shark cardboard toss bean bag game.

Potential Savings: $100-$200 by not hosting the party at an outside venue such as a play gym, bowling alley or laser tag place.

Finding Free or Discounted Items

Tara and Mike asked local appliance stores for free cardboard boxes to create the centerpiece, games, and favors. They also got deeply discounted “mistake paint” for a quarter of the price (around $9 instead of $40) that people returned because they didn’t like the color from Home Depot and Lowe’s.

Potential Savings: $25-$50 by not purchasing cardboard boxes, games and favors also savings from purchasing mistake paint which can be used for crafts, games or painting the cardboard centerpieces.

Using Coupons and Purchasing Sale Items

They purchase some of the items at Michael’s and other craft stores using coupons. They also use coupons at the grocery store to buy the food for the party. Coupons can be found at the store’s website or app or by signing up for the store’s emails. Also coupons can be found at online coupon website like Coupons.com.

Potential Savings: $50-$100 by using coupons and purchasing sale items.

Selling on Craigslist or Marketplace

After the last party, they sold some games they made for $30. They plan to do this for future parties.

Potential Savings: $50-$100 depending on the items created and sold. You could also sell your household items prior to the event to help fund it.

Who’s Ready to Party?

These parties are a lot of work, but the whole family loves creating a memorable event. I know that we are anxiously awaiting the next unicorn party. Who knows maybe we will even spy a real one?

Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, National Geographic, The Washington Post, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications. She is a professional member of ASJA. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05

Grading Family Movies: Streaming, Digital Rentals, and Theatrical Releases

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Miles Morales is struggling to adjust to life as Spider-Man – and then Gwen reappears and takes him into the multiverse where they meet a team of SpiderPeople who protect every universe. As Miles learns more about the multiverse, he starts to question what it means to be a hero. The original Spider-Verse film was a groundbreaking work of animation, and this movie is even better. The animation is dazzling and the plot, although darker than the first film, remains satisfying. Spidey fans of all ages will find lots to enjoy here

Transformers:

The Maximals (giant transforming metal creatures) are on a mission to prevent Unicron (a planet-consuming entity) from finding a transwarp key. This device allows the user to transport instantaneously across the galaxy and it has been hidden on Earth. There’s little doubt how this story will play out or how it will end. Fans will appreciate the detailed action sequences and parents can be assured that the violence remains within PG-13 limits. By no definition does this qualify as great cinema, but it ’s one of the better films in the franchise. Photo ©Paramount Pictures

Rally Road

Young mermaid Ariel is fascinated by the human world and handsome Prince Eric, who she saved from drowning. When Ursula the Sea Witch gives her a chance to live on land, Ariel takes it – but she doesn’t fully realize the price she’ll have to pay. Halle Bailey gives a star turn as Ariel and the movie provides Eric with a deeper backstory, but the film sti ll feels soulless. This isn’t a vibrant, magical tale: it feels like a bland, bloated cash grab on the part of Disney That won’t stop kids from enjoying it but it may frustrate parents. Photo ©Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

The Boogeyman

A slow loris (a small mammal related to monkeys) named Zhi is thrilled when his car-racing idol, Archi Vainglorious, comes to his hometown and is then outraged to learn that Vainglorious wants to buy and bulldoze Zhi’s grand ma’s home. The two make a deal: if Zhi wins the Silk Road Rally, Grannie’s home is his. Packed with crazy driving and stuffed full of positive messages, this is an innocuous cartoon that will be enjoyed by kids and, mi raculously, not loathed by parents Photo ©Viva Kids

Psychiatrist Will Harper has a new patient with a story about the deaths of his three kids, caused by a monstrous creature preying on children in the dark. When the patient dies, Will’s daughters start seeing something in the night Based on a Stephen King story, this is a creepy tale with good acting, solid dialogue, and a monster that relies more on imagination than gory effects . Parents should be aware of a scene of teen marijuana use but the movie is otherwise suitable for adolescents. Photo ©20th Century Studios

Detailed reviews available at www.parentpreviews.com

Cakes, Cupcakes and Treats

Sally’s Piece-A-Cake

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5638 Three Notch Road, Mobile

We offer custom cakes for all occasions. Please follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

(251) 219-6379 facebook.com/SallysPieceACake

Bake My Day

156-A McGregor Avenue North, Mobile

2407 Old Shell Road, Mobile

We bake everything from scratch just like our mothers have for over 70 years. Our menu offers a variety of classic favorites and new twists on old fashioned recipes. Wonderful Cakes!

(251) 219-7261 www.bakemydaymobile.com ellenJAY Stylish Events + Sweets

2158 Airport Boulevard, Mobile ellenJAY offers custom sweets, chic decor and dessert tables for any event where style is a must!

(251) 219-7406 www.ellenjayevents.com

Flour Girls Bakery

809 Hillcrest Road, Mobile

Hometown bakery specializing in handmade cakes, cupcakes, cookies and pastries.

(251) 634-2285 Find us on Facebook

Great American Cookie

4439 Rangeline Road Unit C, Mobile

(251) 219-6385

1201 Industrial Parkway, Saraland

(251) 345-1928

3490 Bel Air Mall, Mobile

(251) 476-2447

740 Schillinger Road South, Mobile

(251) 633-0636 www.greatamericancookies.com

We do all kinds of cookie cakes for all occasions. We bake fresh every day. Say it with a cookie cake!

Lighthouse Bakery

919 Chaumont Avenue, Dauphin Island

We have all your bakery needs on Dauphin Island. (251) 861-2253 facebook.com/LighthouseBakery/

Marble Slab Creamery

4439 Rangeline Road Unit C, Mobile

(251) 219-6385

1201 Industrial Parkway, Saraland

(251) 345-1928

740 Schillinger Road South, Mobile

(251) 633-0636 www.marbleslab.com

Marble Slab Creamery offers truly unique gourmet ice cream cakes that give a chef-driven flair to any occasion.

Pastry Shop, The 2560 Dauphin Street, Mobile

Wonderful service; delicious, beautiful and original cakes and pastries!

(251) 479-2629

Pollman’s Bake Shop, Inc

750 South Broad Street, Mobile

Classic Bake Shop serving Mobile since 1918! Cakes for all occasions, pastries, cookies and sandwiches. Wonderful Birthday Cakes!

(251) 438-1511 facebook.com/PollmansBake/

Simply Sweet Shoppe

6207 Cottage Hill Road Suite B, Mobile

Simply Sweet Cupcake Boutique is a locally, family, owned cupcake bakery. Our frostings and cupcakes are made fresh, in small batches, daily to ensure quality. Simply Sweet also specializes in creating Birthday, and other Special Occasion Cakes that will make your event one of a kind! (251) 665-3003 www.simplysweetmobile.com

Entertainment To You

Animal Tales, LLC

Make your next event one to remember by inviting live educational animal ambassadors. We aim to educate, entertain, and inspire!

(570) 428-4259 www.animaledzoocation.com

Dr. Gee’s Magic & Balloons

Magic and Balloons for Parties, Promotions and Events. Well-Scripted Entertaining and Educational Magic Shows. Creative and Colorful Balloons for Everyone who Loves Balloons.

(251) 662-7415 www.facebook.com/DrGeesMagicandBalloons/

Make Believe Parties

Your requested character will arrive at your party location 30 minutes after your party begins. Some activities may include: songs, story time, royal portraits and general birthday fun!

(251) 508-3145 www.makebelieveparties mobileal.weebly.com

Mobile Kayak Rental Company

Why not celebrate the birthday party of your elementary, middle, highschooler or college aged son or daughter. Invite 10-20 of her friends and we have a party, Book Now online, call or email us for Birthday Parties, Groups/Events.

(251) 786-2902 www.mobilekayakrental company.com/

Once Upon a Time Parties

Bring the magic home. Book a fairy-tale character to attend Birthday parties, charity events and more in the Southern Alabama and Gulf Coast areas. www.onceuponatimepartiesal.com

STEM for Kids

Have a STEMtastic party experience! Let us provide the fun and excitement and eliminate the stress. We take care of the planning, setup, and clean-up. Then, you show up with your party guests!

(251) 210-8781 www.SFKMoBay.com

Uncle Joe’s Rolling Zoo

Petting zoo that comes to you! Friendly animals are brought to your location for a petting zoo experience. Find us on Facebook.

(251) 866-7713

Weavo the Clown

Balloon artist and clown for special events.

(251) 463-4939 weavo55@yahoo.com

Invitations - DécorParty Supplies

Gwin’s Stationery

957 Springhill Avenue, Mobile

Fine custom printing and engraving.

(251) 438-2226 gwinsstationery.egbreeze.com

It’s Inviting

4513 Old Shell Road, Suite B, Mobile

Custom Printed Invitations, Calling Cards, Party Supplies, Gifts and more.

(251) 460-0738 www.itsinvitingmobile.com

Macy Made - Event Planning

Macy Made - Event Planning specializes in custom balloon garlands, custom invitations + stationary, and complete event decor! Please check out our page for more info and to check out our work! www.macymadeeventplanning.com

Party City

300 East Azalea Road, Mobile

Paper goods, balloons, favors, invitations, piñatas, music, catering supplies and much more. Party City is the #1 source for all your party supplies with the biggest selection and the best prices.

(251) 342-0003 www.partycity.com

Soiree Signatures Invitation Studio & Calligraphy

24 North Florida Street, Mobile

Using your invitation as the stylistic starting point, we completely brand your event with your unique look. Custom napkins, cups and more, we create it to give you and your guests the ultimate experience.

(251) 209-3265 www.soireesignatures.com

Tiny Tent Party

Mobile’s own slumber party tent rental service is here! Check out our themes and packages and let’s create the perfect celebration for your little guest of honor.

(251) 895.6414 www.tinytentparty.com

Toomey’s Mardi Gras

755-A McRae Avenue, Mobile

Toomey’s Mardi Gras is one of the largest suppliers of Mardi Gras and Seasonal Merchandise. Come check out all our Special Occasion supplies which includes birthday party hats, paper supplies, favors & more.

(251) 450-5012 www.toomeysmardigras.com

Place to Party Azalea City for the Arts

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63 Midtown Park East, Mobile

We have great options for your Birthday Party! Some of our options are Drama and Photo Shoot Party, Frozen Themed Drama and Photo Shoot Party, Glow Rave Dance Party or you can rent our largest room and have any party you want! Please contact us for any information.

(251) 510-1808 www.azaleacityarts.com

Clash eSports & VR Experience

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101-G North OWA Boulevard, Foley

Offering Virtual Reality, PC, Xbox, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch gaming plus a private game room for groups! Play your favorite games and the newest games, on the market’s fastest equipment.

(251) 257-1400 info@ClashOWA.com www.clashesportsowa.com

Original Oyster House

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3733 Battleship Parkway, Mobile

The Original Oyster House provides a FREE small cake for birthday celebrations. You may also bring in your own cake. Be sure to check out our private rooms for special occasions.

(251) 626-2188 www.originaloysterhouse.com/ group-events.php

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205 N OWA Blvd, Foley

One Venue. Countless entertainment options. Or, rent the entire venue for your own event! This 430+ seat theater is perfect for any occasion. (251) 369-6100 www.VisitOWA.com

Pump-it Up

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741 Hillcrest Road # A, Mobile

Pump It Up is the ONLY party facility in Mobile offering PRIVATE parties with the option to personalize your party depending on your child’s personality. Personalize by choosing one of our awesome add ons including: GLOW par - ties, Balloon Drop, Bubbles Extravaganza and GLOW Balloon Drop!

(251) 342-3940 www.PumpItUpParty.com/ mobile-al

Tropic Falls OWA

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1501 South OWA Boulevard, Foley Tropic Falls at OWA includes a ride-focused theme park, all-new indoor water park with a convertible roof, and outdoor wave pool and surf simulator—all just minutes from Alabama beaches on the Foley Beach Express. See the OWA website for seasonal hours, special offers and events!

(251) 923-2111 www.visitowa.com

USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park

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2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile

Now hear this! What better way to celebrate your child’s birthday than with a party aboard a real battleship? Book your birthday party aboard the USS ALABAMA in the officer’s dinning hall. Admirals Package: $250. Includes two hour rental, admission for 20 children and their parents, and free parking. Call 251-287-3636.

(251) 433-2703 www.ussalabama.com

Alligator Alley

19950 Highway 71, Summerdale

Give your child a birthday party they’ll never forget! After your adventure along the boardwalk, have your two hour party in the air conditioned sunroom, where everyone can hold a baby alligator.

(251) 946-2483 www.gatoralleyfarm.com

Altitude Trampoline Park

3658 Airport Boulevard Suite C, Mobile

Altitude is the perfect venue for any birthday party. Choose from an array of party and event packages, which can be customized to fit your budget and accommodate groups of any size, large or small.

(251) 725-0171 www.altitudetrampolinepark. com/locations/mobile

AMC Mobile 16

785 Schillinger Road South, Mobile

Let us help you celebrate the birthday of a child, friend, or yourself! We can’t wait to host your special day!

(251) 639-7373 www.amctheatres.com

Back Country Trail

3801 Orange Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach

Bike or Hike to your next family picnic or birthday party! Enjoy bouldering, the butterfly garden and scenic trails through Gulf State Park. Visit the Campground Store to purchase trail gear and snacks. (251) 981-1063 trail@cityoforangebeach.com www.backcountrytrail.com

Beginner’s Luck

5392 Dawes Lane Ext, Theodore

Allow us the opportunity to give your child the birthday of a lifetime at our red barn with a variety of farm animals.

(251) 605-3499 Find us on Facebook

Bloom Play Studio

2561 Old Shell Road, Mobile

We know how important it is to make your child’s birthday a special experience they will never forget! Let us take the stress out of party planning with a BLOOM party package that suits your needs. Visit our website for more information. (251) 298-6389 www.bloomplaystudio.com/

Bright Spot

2501 East I-65 Service Road North, Mobile Fabulous Day Package includes a private party room and personal Party Assistant. Each pack- age comes with pizza, and beverages for the number of children in your package. Children enjoy 30 minutes in the indoor play ground, 30 minutes in the arcade room, 30 minutes in the gym playing basketball and jumping in the bounce house and the last hour and a half is spent in the private party room.

(251) 338-8600 www.brightspotevent.com

Build-A-Bear Workshop

30500 Highway 181, Spanish Fort Build-A-Bear Workshop makes your party special! Each guest makes & takes home a furry friend to love! Build your Party online!

(251) 625-4183 www.buildabear.com

Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe

2511 Old Shell Road, Mobile

Celebrate your birthday at Mobile’s favorite Ice Cream Parlor! Enjoy Ice Cream, Sundaes, Sodas, Old Fashion Banana Splits, Milk Shakes, and more!

(251) 471-1710 www.cammiesolddutch.com

Chuck E. Cheese’s 710 Downtowner Loop West, Mobile

We have birthday party packages to fit all ages, party sizes, and budgets.

(251) 342-8142 www.chuckecheese.com

Coastal Farms & Exotics

Our Zoo2U parties are completely immersive and interactive. We bring our collection of unique and miniature farm animals along with ferrets, hedgehogs, lemurs, kangaroo, camels, coatimundis, patagonian cavys, emu or ostrich, giant tortoises and other reptiles.

(251) 581-1896 coastalfarmsandexotics.com

Coastal Makers Art Studio

70 N. Joachim Street, Ste. F, Mobile

Making art and making memories is what we do best! So let us help you plan the perfect party.

(251) 455-2909 www.coastalmakers.com

Cold Snap Frozen Yogurt

3980F Airport Blvd, Mobile

A unique (and FUN) self serve yogurt experience. Catering - Birthday Parties - And MORE!

(251) 348-7270 Find us on Facebook

Dreamland Skate Center

5672 Three Notch Road, Mobile

Groove to the beats on roller skates at this birthday party! Many party packages to choose from and all include lots of skating time and a party room. Bring in all your own food and drinks. Glow parties and private parties are also available!

(251) 661-6997 www.dreamlandskatecenter.com

Engage Gaming

5701-N Moffett Road, Mobile

XBox, PS5, VR, PC, and more! We’ve got it all! We have numerous party packages.

(251) 378-8260 www.engagegamingmobile.com

Exploreum Science Center

65 Government Street, Mobile

At the Exploreum Science Center, we’ve got children’s birthday parties down to a science. We provide unique birthday party experiences in one of the coolest venues in town. We have multiple packages to make your birthday party experience easy and as fun as possible. We even handle the clean up!

(251) 208-6893 www.exploreum.com

Flight Works Alabama

2000 Aerospace Drive, Mobile

Flight Works Alabama offers birthday parties. If your child (adults too) has an interest in aviation, it’s a great place to book! We can accommodate parties of up to 30.

(251) 512-2320 www.flightworksalabama.com

Gather Kids Place

4358 Midmost Drive Suite A, Mobile www.facebook.com/gatherkidsplace

Gather, a place for families. We’re excited for creative hands on play, classes, storytimes and birthday parties in our new location! Now offering a parent lounge, separate baby zone, large play room and more.

Get Air Mobile

842 Schillinger Road South, Mobile

We do parties! Numerous party packages available.

(251) 241-3101 www.getairmobile.com

Hallmark Party Rentals

18955 S 3rd Street, Citronelle

Bounce houses, water slides and more for rent. We also have a facility for parties and many different party options for indoor and outdoor events. We have arcade, bounce houses, games and more. www.facebook.com/Hallmark.party.rentals1

KJB Studio

2602 Old Shell Road, Mobile

Beads and jewelry making birthday parties are so much fun! Ages 8 and older.

(251) 473-8650 www.facebook.com/kjbstudio

Kraze Frozen Treats

6167 Airport Boulevard, Mobile

Have a birthday coming up? What better way to celebrate than at Kraze Frozen Treats, where it’s always fun and always delicious! We can accommodate party reservations, and even have the Kraze Bear make an appearance.

(251) 316-0045 www.krazefrozentreats.com

Lazer Zone Mobile

790 Schillinger Rd N, Mobile

Lazer Zone offers Laser Tag, Bumper Cars, Mini Golf, and Arcade! Host your birthday party at Lazer Zone.

(251) 330-9025 www.facebook.com/lazerzone ofmobile/

Linda’s Learning Farm

2380 Havens Road, Semmes

Birthday Celebrations on the farm include animal viewing and petting in the barn, playground and picnic area, wagon ride and horseback riding.

(251) 649-1802 www.facebook.com/learningfarmandplaypark/

Moon Struck Pottery

1260 Dauphin Street, Mobile

We do “Experience the Pottery Wheel” one time classes for groups up to 10 people and “Pick and Paint” Pottery classes for groups as big as 20 people. All ages welcome. These parties are great for birthday parties.

Nasser Gymnastics

3055 Old Shell Road, Mobile

Birthday Parties at Nasser Gymnastics are FUN and stress free for parents! Your birthday Superstar will love playing in our extra large foam Pit, jumping on the many Trampolines, and doing Gymnastics.

(251) 479-9311 www.nassergym.net

Pete’s Party Castle

2040 Schillinger Road South, Mobile

Come see why we’re the BEST kids’ party place in town! Enjoy great food, arcades and a dragon playground.

(251) 281-1990 www.petespartycastle.com

Planet Gymnastics

900 Schillinger Road South, Mobile

Birthday parties - 2 packages that include gym time, party room, paper products, clean up, bungee trampoline for the birthday child, staff and a great time!

(251) 650-0699 www.planetgym.org/

Rambo’s Skateland

531 Highway 43 South, Saraland

Come by and book your party! 4 Party Packages available.

(251) 675-6601 www.facebook.com/Rambos. Skateland.Saraland

Seward Farms

10836 Tanner Williams Road, Lucedale

Celebrate birthdays with a fun-filled day on the farm! We offer several birthday party packages to choose from with optional add-on activities.

(228) 641-3933 www.sewardfarms.com

Silver Lining Farm @ Mimi C. Peters

Riding School

10727 El Nina Drive, Mobile

Horsey birthday parties are the easiest and fun for all ages. The guests ride horses and ponies for one hour. Our experienced students help give the children a mini lesson. Riding is followed by a hay ride around the beautiful property with lots of singing!

(251) 634-1229 www.silverliningfarm.net

Southern Alabama Paintball

4901 Montee Rd, Theodore

We are the largest Paintball facility in the Gulf

Coast area. We offer a great playing experience for both new and experienced players alike that is safe, friendly, and fun.

(251) 301-6004 www.southernalabamapaint ball.com/

Spa-Tea-Da

3938 Government Boulevard, Mobile

We are a unique, whimsical party venue offering themed spa and tea parties, individual spa services and fun events. Girls ages 3-13. Reservation required.

(251) 447-4846 www.spa-tea-da.com

Starlight Stables

11635 Dick Turner Road, Grand Bay

We are the home of Toni’s ponies and party services! We offer pony rentals for parties! We come to you, or you can have your party here.

(251) 391-4268 www.starlightstables. weebly.com

Sunshine Skate Center

950 Hillcrest Road, Mobile

Come celebrate your birthday at Sunshine Skate Center! Skate and Go-Kart party options – The only indoor Go-Kart party in town with safe indoor go-karts with 2 great packages that include go-kart racing, arcade time in our new arcade, invitations, and tokens. We also have many great skate packages that include invitations, free game tokens, admission and skate rentals!

(251) 639-1704 www.sunshineskate.com

Surge Entertainment

Coming Soon to Mobile - At Surge we throw the best kids’ birthday parties because we have something for everyone. We have party packages for young children, teens, and even that hard-toplease preteen in your house who thinks they’re cooler than everyone.

(318) 737-7841 www.surgefun.com/locations/ mobile-al

TK Escape

450 Dauphin St, Mobile

Each Escape Room provides an experience unique to its theme. Complete the objectives at hand by utilizing logic puzzles, games, and exploration to aid in your successful escape! Call for all the details.

(504) 323-4518 www.tkescapegames.com/

Trackside The Putting Place

5103 Girby Road, Mobile

We offer 2, 18-hole miniature golf courses for everyone to enjoy! We also host parties and events!

(251) 509-9265 theputtingplace.business.site

Wales West

13670 Smiley Street, Silverhill

Celebrate any size party at Wales West! You can include authentic Train ride, mini train, lake with waterslide and large shady deck, indoor Heated Pool, or Community party room.

(251) 232-2322 www.waleswest.com

Waterville USA - Water Park & Amusement Park

Highway 59 South, Gulf Shores

Waterville USA is the perfect place to celebrate your special day! We offer several party packages to make it a celebration to remember. For more information or to make your birthday party reservations, please call (251) 948-7026.

(251) 948-2106 www.watervilleusa.com

WildNative Tours

Various locations, Narrated Boat Tours. Please call for party options and booking.

(251) 272-4088 www.wildnativetours.com

Rentals

Exotic Inflatables

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Mobile

Water slides, obstacle fun center, equipment, concessions and more.

(251) 533-6728 www.exoticinflatables.com

JB’s Fun Jumps & Slides

JB’s Fun Jumps & Slides is your one stop shop for all things bouncy and fun!! We have space jumps, slides, combos, and more.

(251) 599-9301 www.jbsfunjump.com

Kona Ice

Have Kona Ice Truck come to your next Birthday Party. We call it the Kona Entertainment Vehicle, because well...that’s what it is - a party on wheels!

(251) 583-0889 www.kona-ice.com

Magic Memories Photography LLC –Photo Booth Rental

Magic Memories Photo Booth is the premier supplier of photo booth rentals along the Gulf Coast regions of Alabama, Mississippi and Florida.

(251) 490-5693 www.magicmemoriesphoto.com

Spartan Inflatables

Inflatable rentals are a must for any event and we have them all. We are a local, family owned business located in Saraland AL. We are currently serving all of Mobile County(Theodore, Semmes, Grand Bay) and nearby cities (Atmore, Bay Minette, McIntosh, Calvert, Spanish Fort). All of our inflatable rental prices include dropoff, setup, and pickup.

(251) 333-6400 www.spartaninflatables.com

Starlight Stables

11635 Dick Turner Road, Grand Bay

We are the home of Toni’s ponies and party services! We offer pony rentals for parties! We come to you, or you can have your party here.

(251) 391-4268 www.starlightstables.weebly.com

The Cheese Wagon

Mobile’s Original Party Bus! Your ultimate mobile party solution for any occasion or event.

(251) 510-8500 www.facebook.com/the CheeseWagon

Wee Bounce 4 U Party Rentals

We take pride in helping create a lifetime of memories for all of our customers. We always provide clean/high quality inflatables at a reasonable price.

(251) 586-8594 www.facebook.com/wee bounce4u/

Yard Love Mobile

Personalized yard greeting delivered. Birthdays, anniversary, graduations, or any special occasion. We set it up after dark, the night before your special occasion (or during the day – your choice!).

(251) 232-9068 mobileyardlove@gmail.com www.yardlovegreetings.com/

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