If you're looking for a party to remember (For good reasons - not because little Billy broke a lamp trying to pin the tail on the donkey.), don't forget these spots! They score high on "fun" and low on "stress" (and broken lamps).


We All Scream for Ice Cream
Looking for a great place to celebrate? For kids from 1 to 100, Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour and Mountasia Fun Center offer the best parties in town. From simple to over the top, they can help you plan a party your child will always remember.

Here are our favorites: You couldn't host a party at home for this price! Weekday Parties start at only $99 for eight guests and include 90 minutes of unlimited play (choice of lazer tag, rock wall or miniature golf), 200 video game points, a slice of cheese pizza and soft drink and use of a party table (30 minutes) for each guest. Plus, the birthday boy or girl gets an ice cream sundae! The Original Ice Cream Party is only $12.99 per person and includes a Farrell's table for an hour, party pal assistant, balloons, two slices of cheese pizza per guest, unlimited soft drinks, ice cream sundaes and 250 bonus video game points. Upgrade to the Extreme Party and get everything in the Original Ice Cream Party plus three hours of unlimited rock wall, go karts, bumper boats and miniature golf for $27.99 per person. Call for details on all offers. 253-4FUN (386) www.mountasiafuncenter.com

The "Coolest" Parties in Town
Ice Station Valencia offers a variety of parties that are just "too cool." The Friday Night Lights party for teens features special lighting on the rink. There's also the Ice Princess, Public and Private Ice Skating, Snow Play, Broomball, and more.

Here are our favorites: All-inclusive public and private Ice Skating party packages start at $225 and include admission and skate rental, pizza, soda, birthday cake, party area with hostess, party goods with balloons, and favors. The Snow Play party is offered on the private rink where kids can play in snow, have snowball fights, ride sleds and more - all while wearing tennis shoes. A Broomball party encourages players to hit a rubber ball around the ice with a wooden stick, called a "broom," into hockey nets. Players wear tennis shoes instead of skates and the ice is prepped to improve traction.

Cute coordinating gift idea: Ice Station Valencia offers "Hockey 101" - an ongoing free four-week session introducing ice hockey to new players of all ages (loaner equipment available). Or treat them to Kidtastic, running June 18 to August 17. This full- or half-day summer camp includes daily ice skating lessons and more for ages 4 to 12. 775-8686 www.icestation.net

Birthday Party Jam
Have a jammin' good time at your Wallers' GymJam Academy party. Your event includes 90 minutes of age-appropriate gym fun and games, obstacle courses, foam-pit fun and more. Then you have 30 minutes of birthday cheer in the party room (tables and chairs included). Besides full use of the gym, Birthday Boy or Girl gets a tee shirt and everyone gets a free trial class certificate and balloon.
251-3390 www.gymjamacademy.com

Still want to "Do it Yourself?"
Manage your at-home (or a park!) party to-do's by outsourcing whenever possible. A-1 Event Rentals (775-8111) offers ridiculously convenient will-call services, allowing for quick and simple procurement of extra seating, serving pieces, tables, linens and more. And you can skip the plates and utensils (and dirty prep kitchen!) when you order cupcakes or cookies from Lady Di's Cookies & Sweets (222-9102).