If you are looking for an animal-filled bash for your 2-year-old, there isn't any reason to take your toddler on a tour of some of the planet's hottest wildlife spots. Instead, stay in Ohio and book a party at the Toledo Zoo (toledozoo.org). The zoo offers a standard party package for up to 12 guests and a deluxe one for 16. Both include a party room rental, safari hats, a visit from the zoo's mascot and a craft.

The Toledo YMCA and JCC (ymcatoledo.org) offers plenty of fun-filled options for your toddler's b-day bash. Have a tumbling time with your tot and her friends at the Y's Gymnastic Center or book a pool-themed party (inviting the other moms as water baby helpers of course) that comes with a party room, balloons and a cake. Keep in mind that the YMCA/JCC of Toledo has more than a dozen locations. While many provide party room accommodations, not all offer every type of theme. For example, if you want a tumbling gymnastics party, go with the Gymnastic Center location.

Why do all the work yourself? Busy Toledo moms who want to take some of the stress off of themselves can choose a local party center that has almost everything to offer. Hero's (herostoledo.com) is a party place that provides a variety of packages that may include cupcakes, a meal, play time on the inflatables and a "Party Hero" who runs the whole show for you. Another local option is the Sylvania Playland (sylvaniaplayland.com), with its three party rooms and imaginative bounce houses. If amusements are more your little one's cup of tea, take the tots on a birthday trip to Toledo's Chuck E. Cheese (no website; 5077 Monroe St., Toledo; 419-841-9133) for a day of game play.

As your toddler grows, so does her curiosity about the world around her. Encourage your little learner's love of science and nature at a discovery-themed birthday party. Toledo's Imagination Station (imaginationstationtoledo.org) offers party packages that include party room rental, admission for your child's guests, invitations and thank you notes, a staff member to lead the group and room decorations. If outdoor nature discovery is more to your tot's liking, throw a bash at one of the Toledo Area Metroparks such as Swan Creek Preserve (no website; 4659 Airport Highway, Toledo) with its children's playground, natural green spaces and picnic shelters.