They say the best things in life are free, but that can be an easy one to forget here in New York City. When you need a reminder though, there are few better options than a stroll in one of our city’s beautiful parks. Want an even better reminder? How about planning your child’s next celebration in a city park?
What You Need to Know Beforehand
So it might not be completely free, but by New York City birthday party venue standards, it’s probably as close as you’ll find. So long as there are fewer than 20 people attending there’s no cost to host birthday parties in the park. But if you’d like to host a larger party, it’s a good idea to get a permit. The application costs $25, and there will be no additional cost so long as the event you’re planning is pretty standard kids’ birthday party (additional fees would kick in for circumstances such as extremely large gatherings or ones that require special amenities or circumstances such as amplified sound). The advantage of getting a permit is that you’ll be able to reserve an area for the event. Also, remember that 20 people includes both children and adults! Finally plan ahead, the permit takes 21-30 days to process, so you’ll need to get it in a month beforehand. To find out more about permits, go to the city’s page here where you can fill out the application online directly from that page. If you’re planning on barbecuing in the park, check out the rules for that right here.
How to Make Your Park Party Easy
If you’d like to keep everything low-cost and hassle-free, the key is to delegate. Make food potluck and since everyone and everything that is part of the party must follow the carry-in and carry-out principle (often involving carrying over several blocks) is great to ask other parents to help supply things such as picnic blankets. If you’re looking for a great idea for party favors, that’s both eco-friendly and fits the theme, consider seed packets, or if you’re up for carting in a big bag of potting soil and some small pots, have kids decorate plants and plant their own seeds. You’ll get a fun activity and a party favor in one!