Web Posted: 01/11/2005 12:00 AM CST

L.A. Lorek
San Antonio Express-News

At birthday parties these days, kids can have their cake and exercise too — or paint, or bake or do gymnastics.

(Photos by William Luther/Express-News) Cate Conway (right) and her friend Ellie McGrath get their picture taken during Cate's birthday party last week at Artworks. The invitation urged guests, 'Dress to get messy,' and the craft work included making a picture frame. More Coverage - Some places to party - Inexpensive parties possible, but ... Analissa Tomlin tackles the climbing wall at Home Court America during her birthday party last Saturday. A cargo net provides Analissa Tomlin — who is 'very active,' her mother, Rosalinda, says — another place to climb during her party.

The birthday girl and guests played basketball for an hour, then had cake, and then they ran through an obstacle course, climbed a rock wall, scaled a rope ladder and competed in scooter races.

"She's very active and we wanted something different," said Rosalinda Tomlin, the party girl's mother.

Finding a new twist to the old cake, balloons and piñata at a child's birthday party has become a big business in San Antonio and nationwide. And parents seem to have an insatiable desire to provide a unique and interesting experience for their child's birthday.

Birthday parties have grown progressively from home-based events to parties at the local roller rink or pizza parlor to attending a theme park with a private room and a visit from Shrek or Mickey Mouse.

"It's an event that parents can (use to) pull their kids out of the busy everyday life and highlight them," said Frank Price, founder of Holly Springs, N.C.-based Birthday University, which teaches businesses how to throw great birthday bashes.

Many families don't have the time or energy to throw a great birthday party for their kids, so they have increasingly turned to all-in-one venues to create special experiences.

Having a birthday party outside of the home is easier and involves less anxiety and pressure. And just about any business today can put together a birthday party, including car dealerships, grocery stores, hotels and hair salons, Price said.

Toys "R" Us last year began offering birthday parties at its stores, complete with a visit from Geoffrey, its mascot. Chuck E. Cheese pizza parlors and kid-game centers host millions of parties every year.

Yet many parents want to create a unique experience for their children, and many places in San Antonio — from art studios to bakeries to gymnastic centers — will tailor a birthday party for a particular child.

Madhatters Tea House & Café in King William has a private room that rents for $150, and it offers tea parties with sandwiches and tea priced at $90 for 10 children.

Gymnastics of San Antonio offers 90-minute parties complete with two professional gym coaches who either conduct a traditional gymnastics class or supervise open playtime.

Museums are another great option, but they require at least a month advance reservation. The Texas Transportation Museum, Witte Museum and San Antonio Children's Museum all offer birthday party packages and private rooms.

For Debi Pfitzenmaier, a public relations freelancer who works out of her home, birthday parties are important events for her 6-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter.

"When you are a working mom, you don't have as much time to plan a party because you are pulled in so many different directions," Pfitzenmaier said. "So you look more for the inclusive parties."

For her daughter's birthday party later this month, Pfitzenmaier chose Purple Bear Cooking Class Co. for an all-girls tea party. The children get to make their own sandwiches and desserts and decorate their own piece of birthday cake. She's also bringing dress-up clothes and, of course, a porcelain tea set to serve tea to the ladies. She also asked the guests to bring a stuffed animal companion.

"I want birthdays to be really special for my kids," Pfitzenmaier said. "I'm not convinced that bigger and fancier is what makes for a good party. I think it can be unique and not expensive."

The Purple Bear parties generally last 90 minutes or two hours and cost around $16 per child. Other parties involve kids making pizza and cookies.

Five years ago, Home Court America began offering birthday parties because the parents wanted them, said Rebecca Ballard, its marketing and events coordinator. The gym can tailor a party for any family from a minimum of eight youngsters to 50, Ballard said. The parties last from 90 minutes to two hours and cost from $169 to $275 for 15 kids.

"I really think the demand exists because you do have your other birthday parties that involve the kids sitting down," Ballard said.

The fitness center also supplies "party coaches" who take the pressure off the parents and coordinate the activities for the kids.

"It can be crazy having 20 to 30 kids in your house," Ballard said. "We take care of all of that."

On average, Home Court America hosts three to four birthday parties each weekend and requires reservations at least a month in advance.

Artworks, an art studio for children, has become a popular venue for creative kids. It hosts only one birthday party at a time and provides 12 art stations to offer a variety of art activities from painting to creating objects out of earth clay, said Amy Voshalike, the studio's manager.

"It's a chance for kids to do something different," Voshalike said. "The kids get to use their imagination and be creative."

Deborah Conway held the last two birthday parties for her daughter Cate, now 4, at Artworks because it's a fun and creative way to celebrate.

"She loves it," Conway said. "It was her only choice."

Artworks provided Conway with invitations that encouraged the guests to "dress to get messy." At the party, the kids painted, played with play clay and decorated picture frames, complete with a Polaroid picture taken at the party, to take home as favors.

For parents looking for a home-based party without all the trouble, birthday party coordinator Cecilia Ibarra fills that role.

Three years ago, Ibarra launched Amazing-Parties after throwing several successful parties for her children. Her home-based business offers more than a dozen themes and games, ranging from Rubber Ducky parties aimed at toddlers to Cinderella parties for school-age kids.

Ibarra consults with the parents before the event. Then on the day of the party, she shows up at the house a few hours early, does all the decorating (including helium balloons) and provides two people to organize games and supervise the children. She also has an actress who plays Cinderella and a magician who will provide entertainment.

"It's really important that parents provide enough activities that are age-appropriate for the kids to enjoy," Ibarra said.

Whatever the venue, birthday parties that focus on human interaction and feelings of love and happiness are the most successful, said Price with Birthday University.

"No matter how many games or attractions, no matter how good the food is, it comes down to the intangible interaction between people," Price said.