What’s it going to be this year? A pool party? An inflated jumper in the yard? Or taking a group to Fin’s Glow Zone, Mountasia, Olivia’s Dollhouse or the movies?

One of parenting’s dilemmas (several times a year if you have a lot of kids) is how – and where – to hold a birthday party. Since the economy slowed down, one would expect more stay-at-home celebrations, but they don’t necessarily cost less money. When you total the cost of paper goods, cake and amusement, you can spend the same or much more money than bringing the whole bunch of kids off-site.

“I’ve done both (parties at home and at party venues) and there is the convenience of having it somewhere else, where they take care of all the cleanup,” said Hilary Rappe, a Canyon Country mom who recently opted instead to host her daughter’s birthday party in the backyard. “I knew it was going to be a nice day and we have the space here.”

Having a spacious yard and swimming pool improve the odds for keeping it at home, but Rappe was also able to use the money she saved for some special entertainment.

“I rented a princess. She was fantastic,” said Rappe. “Cinderella came over. I’d seen her at another party. She was Snow White at that party. She actually did all the entertaining of the children while I was getting drinks and food for the party. She was completely engaging, and had answers for everything.”

The age of the guest of honor also plays a part in the decision.

“When they were younger I liked doing it at home, it was just easier,” said Erin Johnson, a Saugus mother of two girls, ages eight and 10. “Now, as they get older and they have more friends and they make more messes, I like to go elsewhere, because then they can clean up. It’s a stress-free alternative, especially when you have light tan carpet. A lot of places have birthday packages, like cake, food, plates, forks — and some even do party bags.”

Rappe seemed to agree. “I would think that the older they get the less likely I’d be to have a big party and more likely that I will say, ‘Pick a couple of friends and go to Disneyland,’” said Rappe. “I think I’d be more inclined to have it somewhere else.”

For parents who do choose an at-home party, Internet sites abound which offer money-saving hints. An article on e-how.com advises hosts to tone down the oft-accepted practice of overdoing

it, even with paper goods. It suggests that instead of buying themed pieces, all emblazoned with princesses or cowboys, for instance, just buy a few items with the printed theme and solid colors for the rest. And, while kids generally get sent home with a goody bag, replace it with a craft the kids made at the party. The site further suggests that parents forego large rented amusements and instead incorporate active games (like the old days). You can bring back memories with red rover, musical chairs and freeze tag.

Party with the City

Bringing the party to you is the goal behind the City of Santa Clarita’s Parkmobile program. There are four party packages to choose from for everything from a family reunion to a child’s birthday – it’s designed for kids ages 5-12. Two-hour parties can include arts and crafts, sports and games. Reservations are for Saturdays and Sundays, and requests must be submitted at least two weeks in advance. For more information call (661) 284-1465.

The Skate Park is the latest venue offered by the City of Santa Clarita for birthday bashes. It can be used for private parties from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturdays from now through mid-October. Reservations are on a fist-come, first-served basis.

For one price, Skate Park parties include supervision, private use of the Skate Park, a commemorative Skate Park T-shirt for the birthday guest of honor, and a private canopy, tables and chairs.

Skate Park party-goers can also enjoy birthday food and festivities in the adjacent open-play grass area. Hosts may bring along party favors for their private birthday bash, including cake, balloons, food, and more. Visit www.scskatepark.com for more information.

The City of Santa Clarita Aquatic Center is also available to rent for parties. From now through September 5 party planners can reserve it on the following: Fridays or Saturdays from 9-11 a.m. and 5:30-7:30 p.m.; and on Sundays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. A party reservation packet can be downloaded at Santa-Clarita.com/seasons, under “downloadable forms.”

The City’s Skate Park and the Aquatic Center are located at the Santa Clarita Sports Complex at 20840 Centre Pointe Parkway. For more information call (661) 250-3700.