Back-to-School Birthdays Made Easy (and Actually Fun!)

Back-to-school season is already a three-ring circus. You’ve got new routines, forgotten lunches, field trip forms, and shoes that somehow already don’t fit. And right in the middle of it all…your child’s birthday.

Planning a party in September or October? I salute you. Because while I have a bunch of spring and summer babies, I can only imagine how fast “let’s keep it simple this year” turns into extra stress.

That’s why I went all in on a party at Flying Squirrel. No Pinterest disasters. No weather worries. No post-party cleanup. Just bouncing, laughing, pizza, and happy kids.

Here’s why it works so well—especially during the chaotic back-to-school stretch—and how you can pull it off without adding another spreadsheet to your life.

The Birthday Party Problem in September

Let’s be real: no one wants to throw a party when they’re still trying to find the school library book that went missing on day two. But your kid still deserves a celebration. And you deserve one that doesn’t leave you exhausted.

Enter: Flying Squirrel Chatham, where all you have to do is show up. Really.

They’ve got the space, the energy-burning activities, the pizza, the water bottles, the party host—and even a crown for the birthday kid. They’ve even got two different packages depending on how VIP you want to go.

Birthday Party Package 1: Bounce and Soar Package

If you’re looking for a fun, low-hassle party that still feels special, this package hits the sweet spot. Here’s what’s included:

• 2½ hours of party time (2 hours of jump + 30 mins for cake/gifts)
• Reserved party table
• Private party host
• 2 large pizzas
• 10 bottles of water
• Custom birthday sign
• Plates, utensils, and tablecloths in bright party colours
• Birthday crown + Flying Squirrel water bottle for the guest of honour
• Free 1-hour jump pass for the birthday kid
• Adorable plush squirrel souvenir

You can bring up to 22 party guests (10 are included in the base package), and add more for a small fee. There’s even an option to book during Neon Nights (Friday & Saturday, 9–11pm) at no extra charge—kids LOVE this.

Birthday Party Package 2: Bounce and Soar VIP – Big Party Energy

Got a bigger crowd or want to pull out all the stops? The VIP package gives you access to a private, secluded party room, more food, and extras like pop pitchers. It’s got everything from the standard package, plus:

• 20 included guests (more can be added)
• 4 large pizzas
• 20 bottles of water + 3 pop pitchers
• Upgraded party room with privacy
  Same amazing host and support

And yes, they still handle everything from set-up to cleanup. You don’t even have to slice the cake. I literally left the party with a happy kid and zero dishes. Bliss.

Related: Why Flying Squirrel Chatham Tops the List of Indoor Play Places

No Setup, No Cleanup

One of my favourite things? The process is simple. Your host checks you in, brings you to your table (or room), and keeps the whole thing flowing. Kids jump for an hour, then pause for pizza and a birthday shout-out, then jump again before ending with cake and gifts.

It’s the perfect mix of active and structured—and your host handles the details so you don’t have to.

Need a Theme? Keep It Simple.

You don’t need to bring anything fancy, but if your kid’s into a particular theme, it’s easy to add your own touches. Here are a few ideas:

• Dunk Zone Superstars – Decorate with sports gear and let the Dunk Hoops be the highlight.
• Ninja Jump Squad – Use the Battlebeam and trampoline courts for your own mini “challenge course.”
• Neon Glow Party – Book during Neon Nights and bring glow sticks or light-up favours.
• Stuffie Spectacular – Have each guest bring a favourite plushie to jump with (bonus: guest of honour gets one from Flying Squirrel too!).

Checklist for a Stress-Free Party

Want to stay on top of things without turning into a planning machine? Here’s my go-to checklist:

✅ Book online and pick your package
✅ Send invites early—especially for September birthdays
✅ Share the waiver link with parents (under 18s need a guardian signature)
✅ Bring cake, candles, and lighter
✅ Pack any personal decorations or themed favours
✅ Charge your phone—lots of photos incoming!

Chatham Parent-Approved, Chatham Kid-Approved

“We had my daughter's 5th birthday party yesterday at Flying Squirrel Chatham and I can't rave enough about how smooth everything went. From start to finish everything was well organized and approached with professionalism and care.” — Lisa F.

“Celebrated my son’s 6th birthday at Chatham Flying Squirrel yesterday- have nothing but amazing things to say about our experience!” — Marta D.

Celebrate Without the Stress

September is busy. But birthdays don’t have to be. With Flying Squirrel Chatham, you get all the magic of a kid’s dream party—without the mess, the pressure, or the Pinterest guilt.

So if you’ve got a birthday coming up (back-to-school or otherwise), do yourself a favour: book a party that lets you enjoy it too.

Book your Flying Squirrel Chatham party now and bounce into birthday season the easy way.