by Tali Toland

When money is no object and you simply want to spoil your little ones on their birthdays, where do you turn? Obviously, you can hire an event planner and turn your house or backyard into a fairyland or sports arena, but having these events at your house is not always as easy as you might think. For a destination party option, here are a half-dozen places around town where you can spoil your child rotten without lifting a finger.

For Your Pony Lover

Trot N’ Tots offers the ultimate pony party. Their Fantasy Pony Party package includes a real pony for the birthday child to keep! The farm is located north of Atlanta in Cumming, but it’s worth the drive for any little princess.

This party takes a little planning and preparation because you have to choose your child’s pony ahead of time. The farm owner will take your child’s riding ability, age and your price point into consideration when you’re shopping for a pony.

Once at the party, the riding trails, enclosed ring, playground and picnic tables are available. The party can be fully catered to your specifications, and you can handpick the order of the party’s activities as well.

Call 678-977-8553 or visit trotntot.com for more information. Fantasy Pony parties must be booked at least one month in advance.

For Your Pretty Pretty Princess

Your little girl will be the belle of the ball at The Cranky Princess’s Princess Fairytale Tea Party. The two-hour soiree includes a costumed party host, as well as ball gowns, jewelry and tiaras for the guests and birthday girl. The little princesses will take part in a charm lesson, enjoy story time and make a take-home craft. Girls will enjoy tea sandwiches, cookies and a two-tiered birthday cake at their decorated tables with real china and linens.

The birthday girl will be crowned with her very own rhinestone tiara and receive a fresh bouquet of flowers; everyone will enjoy having their faces painted. The party ends in true fairytale style with a dove release and horse-drawn carriage ride.

For more information, call 770-879-3553 or visit www.thecrankyprincess.com.

For Your Jacques Cousteau

The wonders of the ocean come alive at the Georgia Aquarium. The beluga whales, giant grouper, whale sharks and tropical fish will awe little oceanographers, as well as the adults in tow. Before or after you enjoy the aquarium’s exhibits, your child’s Pirate, Island or Deepo theme party will take place in the private Kid’s Cove. Your party coordinator will answer the kids’ animal questions, lead games and even introduce them to an animal at their private animal encounter. Parties last 90 minutes and include birthday cake and Dippin’ Dots, a themed tattoo, party bags for children to take home, and more.

Plus, children 7 and older get a behind-the-scenes look at the Tropical Diver gallery, and parties for kids 6 and under include a visit from the damselfish mascot, Deepo. Your child’s birthday will be announced throughout the aquarium, making them feel extra special.

For more information or to make reservations, call 404-581-4000.

For Your Baby Doll

If your girly girl wishes she were a life-size American Girl doll, head to North Point Mall’s newest kid-friendly addition. The American Girl Boutique & Bistro is the perfect location for any doll lover’s over-the-top birthday celebration. Birthday parties at this doll paradise are two-hour themed extravaganzas. There are four themes to choose from, including a spa party. Each party comes with party hosts who will lead the games and take-home crafts projects. Each girl will also enjoy a meal from the Bistro, plus birthday cake, themed favor bags and more.

If you choose the Doll Spa Party, guests will learn how to take the best care of their dolls and themselves. They’ll be instructed on the basics of doll hair care, as well as learn how to give their doll a “facial,” apply decorative stickers to their doll’s toenails, learn a hairstyle for their doll, and decorate doll-sized flip-flop sandals. There are themes available for the fashionistas and little Martha Stewarts as well.

For more information or to make reservations, call 888-777-0010 or visit www.americangirl.com. Reservations are now being accepted for parties that will take place through October 29.

For Your NASCAR Fan

Andretti Karting & Speed Lab is the Nextel Cup winner for your little racecar driver. You’ll speed through the day with ease as lunch, birthday cake and decorations are all provided in the private party room.
The three-hour Champions Party includes a junior driving experience – an exhilarating race only open to children 48 inches and taller. Up to 10 guests will gather at the starting line and then speed around the oval indoor track in a super cart. The birthday boy will have to beat his buddies to the finish line to be named winner.

After they tear up the track, kids will climb the 25-foot rock wall. Arcade credits are also included in the party package; guests can choose from sports games, as well as various racing video games and competition simulators.

For more information or to book your child’s race day event, call 770-992-5688 or visit www.andrettikarting.com.

For Your Wild One

Let the kids run wild with the animals at Zoo Atlanta’s birthday bash. Enjoy a catered lunch (choose from a pizza party or sandwich safari) and open presents at the private Party Pavilion that will be set up when you arrive. During your 90-minute hosted party, add on an animal encounter ($175), face painter ($175) or stilt walker ($500) to wow the kids. Other add-ons include a craft area, caricaturist, magician and jugglers.

Your child and his guests can play in the Wild Like Me indoor play space, visit the pandas, Komodo dragon, zebras and other animals at the zoo. Plus they can climb the rock wall, ride the train and carousel, and much more.

Be sure to request the space at least one month in advance because kids go ape over having their birthday parties at the zoo. Call 404-624-5650 for more information.