Birthday party ideas under $100

• Throw an “American Idol” slumber party. Borrow a karaoke machine and watch as the children sing the night away. “American Idol” party favors, such as microphone piñatas and customized banners, can be purchased from www. celebrateexpress.com
• Celebrate with a firehouse party. The Charlotte Fire Department surprised partygoers at Daniel Lewyn’s third birthday party at CameronWood in southwest Charlotte. The excited kids toured the fire truck and posed for pictures, as Gail and David Lewyn furiously snapped photographs. As long as they aren’t on a call, many of the local fire stations will happily swing by to hand out sticker badges. To learn how to book a visit, call Fire Information: 704-336-2441.
• Ruh-roh! Lisa Pool of Fort Mill. S.C., threw a Scooby-Doo party for son Jonathan. Each member of “The Gang” was served graham cracker “Scooby snacks” in a personalized dog bowl. The hostess created monogrammed dog collars from ribbon and foam tags. They capped off the festivities with a find-the-bone game.
• Dan Nicholas Park, 6800 Bringle Ferry Road, Salisbury, is a short 35-minute drive from uptown. Activities include: Hayden’s Carousel, Hurley Train Station, mini-golf, paddle boats, Hurley Water Plaza, The Petting Barn, The Nature Center, The Cheerwine Aquarium and a handicap-equipped playground. Lots of picnic shelters. Details: www.dannicholas.net.

NOTE: Information provided by Janet Cooper Haas in July 2007. To update or send additional ideas, e-mail michelle@momscharlotte.com and put “birthday party ideas under $100″ in the subject line.