Plan engaging birthday party fun

Got kids with upcoming birthdays? They’ll need space to play and plenty to do — treat them to a bowling birthday party!

Also look at outdoor pavilions for parties by American Lake.

Bowl Arena Lanes at Lewis Main and Sounders Lanes Family Fun Center at McChord Field offer three packages — each package comes with two games of bowling with rental shoes, unlimited cups of soda, ice cream cup, balloons, plates and cutlery. The birthday child also gets three free games of bowling on his or her next visit.

Sounders Lanes Family Fun Center also offers a birthday party package that includes three game tokens per child, indoor playground equipment and a private table for an hour and a half, plus an ice cream cup and birthday party amenities.

Packages each include different food menus, depending on what your party members prefer. Birthday parties aren’t limited to these packs, however; check for more options with the managers. For more details, call Bowl Arena Lanes at 253-967-4661 or Sounders Lanes Family Fun Center at 253-982-5954.

Rent outdoor pavilions for parties

When planning outdoor summer parties, most want a great spot in a park with covered pavilions, picnic tables, barbecue grill and recreation — it would be even sweeter by a lake.

You happen to be in the best location to rent scenic pavilions at Shoreline Park, Russell Landing Marina and Summer Cove on the shores of American Lake.

Rentals accommodate groups up to 20 and larger groups of up to 150, depending on location. Reservations go fast this time of year, so make yours early! For site details and costs, visit JBLMmwr.com and look under Parks & Pavilions or call 253-967-2510.

You also can rent watercraft from Russell Landing Marina for an all-out lakeside party!

For larger parties, Nelson Rec Center’s a great place for outdoor barbecues

When you’re planning your next unit, squadron or FRG party or picnic, think “Nelson Rec” as your destination. The recreation center offers a large backyard with covered pavilions on a huge lawn, a barbecue area, three fulllength basketball courts (or six half-courts), two sand volleyball courts, table tennis and ping-pong in the adjacent ballroom — and it’s free for your use for parties up to 200!

Even more’s available for your picnic when you coordinate with the sports fields across the street for flag football and soccer.

All you need to do is call 253-967-2539 at least a week out to reserve your spaces.