Get Out of the House and Celebrate! Here Are 35 of the Best Kids' Birthday Party Places
Planning your child's birthday party? Here are some of the best venue ideas.
Does your child have an upcoming birthday this spring or summer? Or, maybe they're a fall or winter baby and you're an eager-beaver who's simply planning ahead. Whatever the scenario, it can be a nice change of pace to get out of the house and celebrate at a kids' birthday party place.
Just because you're throwing a birthday party outside of the house doesn't mean it has to break the bank! There are plenty of budget-friendly places to have a birthday party that will accommodate exactly what you're looking for. On the other hand, if you want to splurge a little this year, there's room for that too!
We've gathered 35 of the best birthday party places for kids to help you out with brainstorming locations this year. Is your child a sports-aholic who loves to run around? Are they a nature lover with a curious mind? Perhaps they have foodie-tendencies from a young age or have a knack for creating things from scratch. Don't worry, parents and guardians: there's an appropriate venue for every budget and personality type below.
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35 Best Kids' Birthday Party Places
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1. Park/Playground
Heading to a public park or playground is one of the most budget-friendly kids' birthday party ideas. Typically, there are pavilion coverings you can rent that are full of tables for food, birthday cake and presents.
2. Arcade
Whether it's Chuck-E-Cheese, Dave & Buster's or another game-filled wonderland, there's no doubt that arcades are a great place to throw a kid's birthday party. With opportunities to gain tokens for prizes and just have friendly competition, everyone will have a fun time.
3. Kid-Friendly Restaurant
Speaking of Chuck-E-Cheese, why not head down to a kid-friendly restaurant? There are lots of chains and locally-owned restaurants that are more than willing to host a birthday party full of delicious eats!
4. Ice Skating Rink
It doesn't have to be a winter birthday to enjoy an afternoon of ice skating. Check out your local sports complexes to see what's available.
5. Roller Skating Rink
Not one for ice skating? Roller skating is another fun birthday venue for kids! They often have a DJ playing fun music and themed dress-up days.
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6. Swimming Pool
Even if you have a swimming pool at home, heading to a public community pool is the perfect alternative for getting out of the house if you're looking for a great kids' birthday place. All you need is some pool toys, snacks and shade!
7. Build-a-Bear Workshop
Build-a-Bear Workshop was founded in 1997 and has been a go-to for kids' birthday places ever since. Typically, they can be found in shopping malls or plazas where you can pair up the bear-stuffing activities with a bite to eat after.
8. Toddler/Kid Gym
Many children-friendly gyms also offer birthday party-hosting options. With tons of games and activities, it will be a birthday to remember. They'll also be tuckered out by the time they get home!
9. Arts & Crafts Facilities
Between painting and pottery making, creative children can have a blast letting their imaginations run wild at an arts and crafts facility. Not only is it fun, but the whole group will be able to learn and leave with something they're proud of!
10. Bowling Alley
Have your child and their friends experience a little friendly competition at the bowling alley. Bowling alleys are another kids' birthday venue that is well-known for accommodating events and large groups. The question is: will they be using the bumpers?
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11. Farm
If you've got an animal lover on your hands, what better place to celebrate their birthday than on a farm? A lot of farms feature petting zoos where you're able to interact with and feed the animals, which is always a hit.
12. Aquarium
A visit to an aquarium is another educational and intriguing opportunity for a kids' birthday place. Aquatic lovers have tons of learning opportunities and will surely be awestruck at the abundant sea life at every turn.
13. Sports Facilities
Did you know that lots of sports facilities offer rental options? That means you can rent out a basketball court, volleyball net or indoor soccer field for your kid's birthday party. They can scrimmage against each other and play other games. It's easy to set up food and drinks afterward!
14. Go-Kart
Buckle up! Go-karting is another kids' birthday place that will be a huge hit for everybody. Make sure you've got a group of adrenaline junkies that aren't afraid to go fast!
15. Ice Cream Parlor
One thing is certain: kids love ice cream. The good news is, there are always lots of ice cream shops around! Whether it's a local mom-and-pop shop or a chained franchise, you'll be sure to find a place willing to serve up banana splits for the kiddos.
16. Zoo
Lions, elephants and zebras, oh my! What animal can't you find at the zoo? If your child prefers to experience animals at a distance and with a fence or glass to separate them, head to your local zoo! Make sure to check online to see if they offer group ticket deals.
17. Putt-Putt
No one has to be highly skilled at golf to go putt-putting. Many putt-putt and mini golf courses include kid-friendly themes and obstacles, which makes it all the more fun!
18. Science Center
Looking for a fun and educational place for your child's birthday? Consider your local science center! They're ideal for children of any age and make for a great birthday party setting. Kids can not only expand their knowledge on different science topics, but they can also play games and let their imaginations run wild.
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19. Movie Theater
These days, children tend to have shorter attention spans and may not be as inclined to sit through a long movie. However, there are quick, kid-friendly movies always being released in theaters. Rent out the theater, dress it up with popcorn and snacks...you're bound to throw a birthday party to remember!
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20. Rock Climbing Gym
Rock climbing can seem intimidating at first, and that's because there's a lot involved. Not only do you have to learn to belay and carry someone, but you have to have the strength to get yourself up challenging pathways. Either way, this is an awesome option for a physical activity-focused birthday party.
21. Indoor Trampoline Park
Too many kids for the rock climbing gym? An indoor trampoline park may be a better fit for your group, plus, you can still get in just as much physical activity! There's tons of space to manage a large group, plus you can rent out birthday party space.
22. Beach
Who wouldn't want to celebrate their birthday with their best friends while splashing under the sun? Of course, fall and winter birthdays are out of luck with this one. But for our summer babies, a beach party is the perfect way to combine the sunny season with lifelong memories.
23. Bakery/Candy Shop
A bakery or a candy shop provides a great location for a kid's birthday party. With so many options of items to decorate (and eat!), this will be a sure hit for anyone with a ravenous sweet tooth.
24. State Park
State parks are a popular place for family vacations, so why not take advantage of them when planning kids' birthday parties? Head out on a nature hike and see if you can spot some animals! Take some rest under a picnic pavilion while feasting on snacks and drinks.
25. Indoor Skydiving
Adrenaline junkies, unite! Indoor skydiving facilities may not always be the easiest to come across. However, if you can find one, your kids will have a blast! Age limits apply.
26. Amusement Park
For a more intimate birthday party, treat your child and a close friend or two to an amusement park trip. This can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for children, as so many times amusement park trips are made with family members. They'll love screaming their faces off on all of the rollercoasters!
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27. Kids' Museum
If there's not a science center nearby, try looking for a kids' museum. These establishments are much more digestible and engaging for kids. These museums are also much more welcoming to the inevitable chaos!
28. Indoor Water Park
No matter what time of year it is, an indoor water park is always a good idea. Snow, wind, rain or shine—it's no matter. An indoor water park is reliable, and often budget-friendly with large-group ticket offers. Nothing will rain on your child's parade here!
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29. Paintballing
Paintballing can be more of an aggressive activity, so we suggest waiting until your children are of appropriate age to delve into throwing a birthday party here. However, what could be more fun than splattering each other with paint?
30. Ropes Course
Ropes courses are notorious for team-bonding events, but why not turn it into a kid's birthday party place? The children will get to burn off some energy through physical activity while building trust and embracing teamwork with each other.
31. Sports Game
In many states, there are multiple sports teams (both professional and amateur leagues) that you can see play. If your child plays on a sports team, this can be a fun opportunity to invite their teammates and parents to join in celebrating their birthday under stadium lights!
32. Nail Salon
Treat your child and their friends to a luxurious and relaxing nail salon spa day! They can have fun picking out their prospective nail colors together and laugh as the pedicurists unintentionally tickle their feet in the process.
33. Camping
The best part about a camping birthday party is that it can be done at a campground or state park, or in the comfort of your backyard. Pitch a tent, start a fire to roast some s'mores and make sure there are plenty of campfire stories to be told.
34. Horse Ranch
How many kids can say they rode horses for their birthday? Probably just the equestrians out there. Head down to a horse ranch for a proper feeding and horse ride.
35. Public Garden
Nature lovers will adore a birthday party thrown at a public garden! Have a relaxing walk around the garden with a tour guide or enjoy a picnic. Either way, if the weather outside permits, this is an awesome party location.