Your Birthday Party Checklist

4 to 6 Weeks Before: Lock In the Big Decisions

Every good birthday party checklist starts with the things you cannot do at the last minute. For a weekend party in Aurora, weekend slots fill 4 to 6 weeks out, so this first block is all about claiming your date and making the choices that shape everything else.

Pick your date and reserve it

Decide on two or three possible dates before you call, because weekends go fastest. A $50 deposit holds your slot and is applied to your final party total, so it is money toward the celebration, not an extra fee. If you ever need to move things, rescheduling 21 or more days before the event turns your deposit into in-store credit.

Choose your package

This is the single biggest line on your checklist. The Private Party Room works beautifully for smaller groups, while the Full Venue Experience hands you the whole place. We break both down in the next section so you can match the package to your guest list and budget.

Build your guest list and send invitations

Count both kids and adults early, because the children count drives your package and any per-child add-ons. Once you have a head count, send invitations about three to four weeks out. We offer custom digital invitations as a $10 add-on with three ready-to-send designs, so there is nothing to print or mail.

Which Birthday Package Should I Choose?

Short answer: it comes down to your guest count and whether you want the venue to yourself. Both packages run two hours, include construction-themed banners, plates, forks, and napkins, and give every child a construction hat plus a toy truck to take home. Here is how they differ.

Private Party Room - $299

The Private Party Room is our $299 package built for cozier celebrations. It seats up to 24 guests total with up to 10 kids included, and you can add more children at $25 each up to a maximum of 12 kids. Your group gets an exclusive private sandbox plus access to the giant main sandbox, a countertop prep area, and a mini fridge. Bring your own food, cake, and refreshments, and we take care of the rest. (You may see this called a "Sandbox Party" elsewhere, but the correct name is the Private Party Room.)

Full Venue Experience - $399 to $599

This is our most popular package, and for good reason. For a two-hour exclusive event you get the entire venue, room for up to 65 guests with 25 children included, and you even pick the music. Need more kids? Add them at $25 each up to a total of 30. If your guest list is large or you simply want zero crossover with the public, this is the one.

Want to compare every detail side by side? Our pricing page lays out both packages, and the full lineup lives on the birthdays page.

The Week Of: Final Details

With the big decisions behind you, the week-of portion of your birthday party checklist is short and satisfying. This is where you confirm numbers and decide on the fun extras.

Confirm your final guest count

We request your final head count the week before the party, so do a last round of RSVP follow-ups now. Final payment is due at the end of the party, so an accurate count keeps everything tidy.

Choose your add-ons

Add-ons are optional and priced to stay friendly to your budget. Popular picks include goody bags at $6 per child, a staff-guided treasure hunt at $8 per child, construction vests at $3.50 each, and die-cast metal trucks at $8.50 each. Want a wow moment for photos? Balloon bunches start at $15, with garlands and name-spelling deluxe options available. Browse the full list on the birthday party upgrades page.

Send out waiver reminders

Waivers are required for every guest and can be signed online ahead of time or on paper at the door. A quick reminder text to parents the day before means a smoother check-in and more minutes in the sandbox.

Day Of: What to Bring (and What to Leave at Home)

The morning of the party should feel light, and a tight day-of list makes sure it does. Because our staff handles setup and cleanup, your job is mostly to show up with the food and the birthday kid.

What to bring

• Your food, cake, and any refreshments. Our countertop prep area and mini fridge are ready for you.
• Candles, a lighter, and a cake server or knife.
• Any signed paper waivers for guests who did not sign online.
• A camera or charged phone for sandbox photos.
• A change of clothes for the birthday child if you like, though our silica-free, dust-free Baha Play Sand brushes off easily.

What to leave at home

• Tables, chairs, banners, plates, forks, and napkins. The themed tableware is included.
• Glitter of any kind. It is not allowed in the sand.
• Cleanup supplies. Our team resets the space so you can simply enjoy the day.

Plan to arrive a few minutes early so you can drop off the cake and settle in before the first guests roll up. Kids play barefoot here, so a quick reminder to families about socks-off helps the morning move.

What Does The Sand Place Handle for Me?

The best part of this birthday party checklist is how much of it our team simply takes off your plate. Here is what you do not have to think about.

We prep and theme the room before you arrive, set out the banner and tableware, and hand every child a construction hat and toy truck. During the party, trained staff keep the sandbox running while you visit with the grown-ups. Afterward, we handle the full cleanup, so there is no folding, hauling, or vacuuming on your way out. For families who want even more guidance, our FAQ page answers the small logistical questions that come up the week before.

For broader inspiration on keeping the planning calm, organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics HealthyChildren.org offer family-friendly tips, but for the party itself, this checklist plus our team is really all you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Check Off Your List?

A great birthday party checklist is really just a way to enjoy the celebration instead of stressing over it. Pick your date, choose your package, bring the cake, and let our team handle the sand and the cleanup. We would love to host your little builder at 16677 E. Smoky Hill Rd., Aurora, CO 80015.