Perfect Party Plan

Winter birthday parties are tough. It’s too cold to play outside, but you have no intention of letting 10 unruly tikes loose in your home with chocolate cake fingers. Here are three local companies that will keep the mess in check. Nothing tickles the taste buds like chocolate. Invite Chocolate Tales to your next birthday bash for some sweet educational fun. Kids ages 4 to 12 will learn all about the history and art of chocolate making while creating their own chocolate fingerpaint masterpiece, animal-shaped lollipops and personal chocolate lava cake (using 100% nut-free Belgian-imported chocolate). Don’t worry about the clean-up—these professional chocolatiers not only arrive with their own equipment, but they adhere to a strict mess-free guarantee (leaving not one chocolate handprint behind). Now that’s sweet peace of mind. Live in the west end? We suggest checking out North Etobicoke’s Timbuktu Indoor Playland. With loads of free parking and a massive 2500 square feet of private indoor space (as in no sharing with other parties), the kids can get their sillies out in this safe, enclosed indoor playground for two hours while you sip on a complimentary tea or coffee. Be sure to inquire about Timbuktu’s weekend beading parties too. For an additional fee, kids ages 4 and up will love making their own bracelets and necklaces to bring home and show their friends (giving you the perfect loot bag too). Good to know: Timbuktu supplies a variety of extras including nut-free food and cake, balloons and loot bags. You can bring in your own food but be sure to inquire about restrictions. Beginning with a top secret initiation to make the guest of honour King or Queen for the day with special powers over their friends, Mystic Drumz whisks their audience away on a magical musical safari adventure around the world in less than an hour. Kids aged 3 to 12 will be enchanted as they learn about the ‘Legend of Marshmallow Island’ and listen to the unique sounds of the Chinese gong, Latin bongos, African talking drums, cow bells and more. The adventure wraps up with an animal movement dance party and the option to make shaker instruments to take home. Good to know: Shaker instruments and individually packaged wooden frog instruments are offered for an extra fee as loot bag giveaways. A free, downloadable invitation is available on the Mystic Drumz website. This winter, bring the party inside and don’t be afraid to call in the professionals.  Tested by Caroline P., Toronto