Help me choose a place for Ava's 3rd Birthday!!

Hi Moms, Ava is turning 3 in July, and being the planner that I am, I am starting to look into a few things.

My 2 top ideas are:

1) Atlantis Marine world in Riverhead-
2 hour party with food, drinks, cake,invitation, goody bags. Free admission to the parents that come with the party guests. They give you a hostess. You and your guests have full access to the aquarium and the shows.

The good points: it would be a really cool party...Ava loves it there.

Bad points: $$$$$$ At least $500-$600
My DH thinks it is kind of far to have people drive.

2) Backyard kiddie party with a performance by Folk Singer- Mike Soloway. I would have pizza and cupcakes.

The good points: Way less expensive- I think the singer was about $150 for a 1 hour show. Then I would rent kid tables and chairs and pay for food.

The bad: What if it rains??????We have a small house.........

Any feed back or ideas????

Re: Help me choose a place for Ava's 3rd Birthday!!

I'm planning on having DD's 1st b-day this August in the backyard. I plan on renting a tent just in case it rains.

Re: Help me choose a place for Ava's 3rd Birthday!!

We've done backyard parties with a tent. It's a lot more work and the way my DH tends to serve food it's usually more expensive at home. However I like the "homey" feeling.

My dad takes a piece of plywood and makes a kid table. You can get away with not renting them -- or just borrow the little mini picnic tables from friends (you can include mine in your count if you're looking to borrow one)