Riley’s “Winter Onederland”
Before Sunshine Indoor Play was ever open to the public, before the final touches were finished and before anyone knew what this little dream would become, we celebrated something incredibly special inside these walls: our daughter Riley’s first birthday.
The space was still unfinished, bare in many ways, and very much a work in progress. But even then, it already held so much joy.
Riley’s party was the very first birthday celebration ever hosted at Sunshine, and looking back now, it feels like the sweetest beginning to everything that came after.
A Winter Onederland First Birthday Party
We chose a Winter Onederland theme with a soft Scandinavian-inspired hygge feel. Think cozy winter textures, natural wood tones, snowy touches, and playful magic for little ones.
We decorated with oversized paper snowflakes, pine garland, winter greenery, and even a vintage-inspired set of skis that made the whole space feel like a charming snowy lodge.
Even before Sunshine officially opened, this party gave us a glimpse of what the space could become: a place where families gather, children play, and milestone moments are celebrated beautifully.
Playful Details the Kids Loved
Because birthdays at Sunshine have always been about more than decorations, we wanted the little guests to have unforgettable ways to play.
We brought in:
a giant igloo bounce house
a pretend ice skating rink for sock skating
a fun photo booth that printed photo strips
ride-on stuffed reindeer
an interactive build a snowman toy
It was whimsical, interactive, and full of wonder! Our little friends had the very best time.
Beautiful Party Styling by Local Vendors
We were so grateful for the help of talented local businesses who helped elevate the celebration.
Posh Planning Event Co helped create an elevated event feel with upgraded place settings, children’s clear chairs, barrels for accent tables, cocktail tables, an upgraded Photo Booth, and beautiful finishing details. An entryway balloon garland was done by Goldie Pop Balloon Co.
The result felt polished, cozy, and welcoming for both children and adults.
Sweet Touches and Meaningful Details
Some of my favorite parts of the party were the personal details that helped tell Riley’s first-year story.
We had the cutest milestone poster highlighting everything about Riley at age one, along with a wooden display board featuring photos from each month of her first year. It was such a special way to celebrate how much she had grown.
Guests also enjoyed:
a pretzel bar
fondue station
custom cookies from Dose of Sugar
Riley’s smash cake from Food City
Thoughtful First Birthday Party Favors
One of my favorite details was the handmade favors. I wanted to make sure that kids went home with something fun but functional. I didn’t want to give them something they would immediately trash so I went with a fun sensory item, they could use again and again.
Each child went home with a homemade scented playdough sensory kit filled with fake ice, snowflakes, and arctic animals. It was a playful take-home gift that tied perfectly into the Winter Onederland theme. I’m re-reading this in 2026 and my kids are still playing with it 2 years later.
The Beginning of Sunshine
Riley’s party took place two months after her actual first birthday. Our opening date had already been pushed back three different times, and at that point the space was still very much under construction. The playhouses were empty, the finishing touches weren’t done, and there was still so much left to build.
To be honest, it had been a long and emotional season. We had poured so much of ourselves into this dream and still didn’t know exactly when the doors would officially open.
But for one beautiful day, the stress paused.
The unfinished space filled with laughter, children playing, family gathered around tables, and people we loved finally getting to see what we had been working so hard for. For a few hours, I got a glimpse into the future.
I could suddenly picture birthdays being celebrated here, toddlers running from room to room, moms drinking coffee while their little ones played, and families making memories inside these walls. It was surreal, emotional, and incredibly special.
Riley’s Winter Onederland was more than her first birthday party. It was the first spark of what Sunshine Indoor Play would become. And it was only the beginning.
