I took two grandkids, two adults and one grandbaby to Chuck E Cheese to celebrate a birthday. Sunday night was the best I could come up with for a time slot, and it seemed to be a very popular time for family groups! I had a coupon for 2o tokens, but forgot about the other ways to get tokens, like the potty chart and toothbrushing charts. But it was actually enough for an 8 and 3 yr. old. Especially when there are ways to find more tokens, like checking under machines and in return slots. Its kind of embarrassing when the one checking is 38 yrs. old, but maybe he had the most fun of all. We did end up with 179 tickets which was good for stickers and candy and some little toys, and that kept the birthday girl happy.

Of course, we had to eat, so we ordered the medium pizza, and water. The trick is to take your water cups, add lemons and sugar, stir, and you've got a reasonably good lemonade! Or just add the lemon to have some nice tart water.

The kids were content with ice water, cause they were all about the games anyway. The 3 yr. old had fun climbing over and onto the various rides, til he figured out that a token would make it move! His favorite was the phone booth, where somebody talks to you. I guess because the phone was old style receiver that you actually can hold up to your ear.

We did a couple of the sketch artist photo booth, with six people in one. It was a little like Rembrandt's Night Watch. A nose from one person, one eye from another, half of the baby's face, a forehead from Dad, and a nice view of the birthday girl, with part of her brother's face.

The second one had a good view of myself looking serious, because it went off too early, and we just had the top of three heads at the bottom.

The third one was better, but I have lines in my forehead. Looking quizzical I think. Photo booths are always fun, and they are conveniently dated for your posterity too.

From experience, I suggest going to Chuck E on a weekday, when those other kids are in school. When I took the two grandsons on a Friday, they had a great time. They have their own technique for having fun. One goes for the tickets, the other is all about playing the games, including defeating that X man villian guy. It depends on your motivation, do you want tickets to trade in for cheap stuff made in China? Or do you want to play games and do the rides? Remember, you can always find cheap toys at your local Dollar store.