(Metro News Service) Graduation season has arrived, and with it, plenty of families will be celebrating that special someone who has spent years working toward a diploma or a degree. Graduation parties commemorate students' hard work, and there are plenty of places where graduation parties can be held to set these special occasions apart.

· Hotel with a private event space: Hotels are great venues for larger parties because they often have all the elements needed (i.e., catering, staff, overnight stays, and audio-visual hookups) in one package. Check out hotels in the area and see if their event or meeting space can be a good option for a graduation bash.

· Activity spaces: Many graduates prefer something less formal than a party with too much pomp and circumstance. An activity-based venue like a boutique bowling alley or an arcade and entertainment complex can enable guests to move around, mingle, and play while they celebrate the newly minted grad.

· Outdoor park or community area: Towns may have outdoor spaces that can be rented out or even reserved for free. Covered pavilions or picnic areas at a park are budget-friendly spaces to toast the graduate outdoors.

· Community centers or halls: Venues like party rooms at firehouses or VFW centers offer rental spaces for reasonable fees and the convenience of not having a mess at home. Planners bring their own food, entertainment, and decorations, allowing greater control over the theme.

· Home or backyard location: Graduation parties can be held right at home, enabling a looser time frame and drop-in flexibility. If you have the space, you can rent a tent with flooring and turn the space into a top-notch venue without the constraints of a hall or party room. Home parties can be as simple or as lavish as you desire.

· Family-style restaurant: Restaurants that are comfortable accommodating crowds ensure guests will feel full and happy while honoring the grad. Some restaurants will require a prix fixe menu so the kitchen will not be overwhelmed and to speed up service. Still, the multi-course menu can be a value and an easy way to enjoy a stress-free meal.

Graduation parties abound come mid-spring, and there are plenty of hot spots to host friends and family.