Advertisement
Birthday parties

Kids Birthday Party Places: Fun Party Venues

We know the perfect places to party! Save this for when you're planning your kid's next birthday.

Kids Birthday Party Places: Fun Party Venues

iStock

Planning your child's birthday party can be both exciting and overwhelming. While juggling ideas for snacks and decorations, you're also trying to find party games that kids will find interesting. Amidst all this planning, however, one crucial element demands careful consideration: the venue. After all, the right location can elevate any birthday celebration into an extraordinary one, whether you choose the comfort of your home or opt for an exciting offsite destination.

To help you make the best choice, we've consulted two seasoned event planners who have shared a treasure trove of creative party planning ideas. Whether you're looking to turn your living room into a festive space or explore an exciting new location, these expert tips will help you create the perfect birthday celebration in no time.

Why book a venue for a kid's party?

Party planning can be stressful, no matter the occasion. That's why many parents are turning to venues for hosting kids' birthday parties — and for good reason. Numerous venues now offer comprehensive birthday packages that handle everything from food and decorations to clean up, significantly lightening the planning load for busy parents.

What's more, most venues have safety measures in place, allowing parents to relax and enjoy the celebration alongside their children without worrying about potential injuries or hazards. Beyond the practical benefits, hosting your child's party at a venue provides built-in entertainment for all guests, creating unforgettable memories for years to come.

Factors to consider when choosing a birthday party venue

Lisa Lafferty, CEO of Lisa Lafferty Events, recommends considering several factors before booking a venue. Among these are the number of guests, budget, amenities and activities. Here's why each is important:

Location/Accessibility

Two crucial factors to consider when choosing a birthday party venue are accessibility and location. While choosing a fancy or unique setting might be tempting, Lafferty says convenience should be your top priority.

Advertisement
A group of kids wearing star and diamond-shaped glasses at a birthday party-themed picnic using party blowers. iStock

"Choosing a location that's easy for guests to reach can make a big difference and help create a fun and memorable celebration for everyone involved," she explains. "By prioritizing an easily accessible location, you'll ensure that more guests can attend and fully enjoy the festivities, ultimately contributing to the success of your child's special day."

In addition to location, accessibility within the venue itself is equally important. Lafferty suggests, "Parents should make sure that venues are easy to  navigate with strollers and that older kids have access to safety features."

Age appropriateness

Age appropriateness is another key factor to consider," explains Lafferty. "Different age groups have distinct needs and preferences. Younger children tend to thrive in safe, engaging environments such as play centers, where they can explore and interact freely. Older children, on the other hand, might find more excitement in venues like arcades or sports facilities, which cater to their developing interests and skills."

Number of attendees

Considering the number of guests is equally important when choosing a party venue. "This greatly influences the space needed, seating configurations, and the party's overall ambiance," Lafferty states. "Selecting a venue that comfortably accommodates all attendees ensures a hospitable setting where everyone can fully participate in the festivities without feeling confined or neglected."

Budget

Lafferty suggests creating a spreadsheet or guide to track your spending when planning a party on a budget. "As you plan, also compare venue rental fees and check whether they include catering, decorations, or entertainment," she advises. "Be aware of hidden costs such as cleaning fees or security deposits that may not be immediately apparent in contracts. Additionally, ensure that the venue can accommodate your guest list to avoid extra expenses."

Amenities and activities

Lafferty suggests choosing venues with multiple stations for games, crafts, or even a movie area. "This allows children to enjoy themselves while parents can relax without worrying about their little ones," she explains.

Advertisement

Confirming that the venue offers kid-friendly food options is another good move. As Lafferty emphasizes, "Nobody wants a child throwing a tantrum over the food, and parents should not feel pressured to bring their own snacks."

Interests and hobbies

Parents should also consider their child's current hobbies or interests before booking a venue. Lafferty suggests, "For example, if the child is in a soccer league, they might opt for a location with a soccer field or a sporty theme. On the other hand, if the birthday child loves pizza, parents might consider looking for a kid-friendly pizza-making class."

Safety measures

Above all else, safety should be a top priority as you plan your party. Lafferty emphasizes the importance of well-trained staff, stating, "Ensuring staff members are well-trained in first aid and emergency response procedures" is crucial.

Lifeguard kneeling down to talk to a young boy wearing a lifejacket in a pool iStock

She also highlights the need to address food-related concerns: "It's essential to implement steps to accommodate food allergies and sensitivities. By focusing on these safety measures, you can create an inclusive and secure environment for all your guests."

Popular kids birthday party venues

Are you searching for special places for birthday parties? Check out these unique venues for an unforgettable party experience:

Indoor play centers

Whether you opt for trampoline parks, laser tag arenas, or arcade gaming centers, numerous indoor play centers are perfect for children's birthday parties. These locations provide year-round entertainment with engaging activities tailored for kids of all ages, and you don't have to worry about the weather spoiling the fun.

Advertisement

Another advantage of indoor play centers is that they offer fun in a safe and controlled environment. This gives parents peace of mind about safety concerns while their children enjoy themselves. Many venues also feature special birthday packages that include everything from decorations to food options, simplifying the entire process for busy parents.

Outdoor adventures

If the weather allows, taking your child's birthday celebration outdoors can be a fun idea. Great spots for outdoor birthday adventures include municipal parks, mini-golf courses, go-kart tracks, and zip-lining facilities. These venues offer active and engaging experiences that encourage kids to move around and have fun together.

Educational and creative spaces

Educational and creative spaces like science centers, art studios, and cooking schools also make for excellent venues for kids' birthday parties. These venues offer hands-on, interactive experiences that keep children actively involved and entertained throughout the party. As an added benefit, children often get a chance to learn valuable, real-life skills at these unique party environments.

A young boy and girl receiving painting lessons from a woman - who is helping girl guide her brush. iStock

Sports and fitness centers

Sports and fitness centers offer exciting venues for kids' birthday parties, including bowling alleys, ice skating rinks, and rock climbing gyms.  These venues offer engaging activities and provide a safe, controlled environment with proper equipment and trained staff to supervise the fun.

Unique and themed party venues

If you are looking for a unique or themed celebration, consider any of these great places to have birthday parties:

Animal encounters

Petting zoos and farms offer unique and memorable alternatives to conventional birthday party venues. These locations provide an exceptional blend of entertainment and education, creating unforgettable experiences for children who love animals.

Advertisement

Water parks and aquatic centers

Aquatic centers and water parks offer an exciting and refreshing alternative for children's birthday parties. These venues allow kids to enjoy a variety of water attractions, including water slides, refreshing pools, and other interactive play zones.

Little girl on a floating tube going down a waterslide. iStock

Character-themed restaurants or cafes

Themed restaurants or cafes can also serve as unique and memorable birthday party venues. In addition to matching the party theme, these venues reduce the planning burden by taking care of food, decor, and entertainment.

Historical sites or museums with interactive exhibits

For the young history buff or curious learner in your life, consider hosting your child's birthday party at a historical site or interactive exhibit. These unique venues offer an exciting blend of education and entertainment, making the celebration both fun and enriching.

Creative DIY at-home party ideas

Hosting a birthday party at home can be just as fun as it would be at a venue. Consider any of these creative DIY party ideas from Cameron Forbes, event planner and founder of Forbes Functions.

Host a backyard carnival

Forbes recommends a backyard carnival or fair-themed party as a popular choice for children's celebrations. These parties offer numerous opportunities for DIY entertainment. When planning such an event, the key is transforming your outdoor space into a vibrant fairground with diverse games, activities, and food stations.

"Think about setting up simple game booths with classics like ring toss, balloon darts, and a photo booth, all of which can be made with items you likely have at home, such as picnic tables, folding chairs, and colourful banners," Forbes suggests. "To create an authentic carnival atmosphere, offer traditional treats like cotton candy, popcorn, and lemonade. For an extra special touch, consider setting up a DIY candy apple station or snow cone bar."

Advertisement

Make it a movie night birthday

Hosting an outdoor movie night is a simple yet creative party idea you can easily set up at home. The key equipment needed is a projector, which Forbes suggests can be purchased used online or in-store, with rental options also available. "Pair it with a simple white sheet or outdoor screen, and you're ready to go," she advises.

A group of children sitting in a row at a movie theatre holding a box of popcorn each. iStock

Forbes recommends making seating arrangements comfortable with pillows, blankets, or inflatable chairs to create a cozy atmosphere. To enhance the ambiance, string up fairy lights or lanterns for a magical nighttime feel. Complete the experience with a snack bar featuring classic movie treats. "You can try making a snack bar featuring classic movie treats like popcorn, candy, and soda," Forbes suggests.

Try a scavenger hunt-themed birthday party

Forbes emphasizes the beauty of simplicity in themed scavenger hunt parties. You can align the theme with the birthday party, such as a pirate treasure hunt, space adventure, or mystical forest search.

If you need help starting planning, Forbes offers several suggestions. Begin by writing fun, age-appropriate clues and hiding small treasures like toys, candies, or themed items around your yard. Consider dividing children into small teams for larger groups and assigning an adult or older sibling to guide each team.

Create a craft or cooking party

Craft and cooking parties offer exciting options for memorable birthday celebrations.  However, Forbes says that the key to making these parties successful is choosing simple, creative, and enjoyable activities for the age group.

"For craft parties, set up stations with materials for kids to make party hats, decorate friendship bracelets, or paint flower pots," she says. "Cooking parties can be a big hit too—think make-your-own pizzas where kids can choose their toppings or a cupcake decorating contest where they get to unleash their creativity with icing and sprinkles."

Advertisement

Tips for a successful birthday party

Hosting a birthday party at home can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming, but according to Forbes, with a little prep and creativity, it can be a memorable event for everyone. Here are some expert tips for throwing an unforgettable birthday celebration:

Plan ahead

"The key to any successful party is planning ahead," says Forbes. "Set a date and decide on a theme early so you have plenty of time to prepare. This will help avoid last-minute stress and allow you to enjoy the process."

Make RSVPs and digital invites manageable 

Preparation is essential to effectively managing guest lists and RSVPs. Forbes recommends starting early and creating a checklist that outlines weekly tasks to avoid last-minute stress. She also emphasizes keeping the guest list manageable based on available space and the children's age group. Additionally, digital invitations can simplify RSVP management, and following up with guests about a week prior can help finalize numbers.

Keep food simple 

Forbes recommends simple options for children's birthday party snacks and beverages. "Offer kid-friendly, easy-to-eat snacks, and don't forget about food allergies or dietary preferences," she says. A self-serve drink station is also a great idea, as it streamlines service and keeps guests refreshed. Whether homemade or ordered, a birthday cake serves as a centrepiece for the celebration.

A table of birthday party foods, with a birthday cake as the centrepiece. iStock

Schedule a mix of activities

Forbes suggests planning a mix of activities for birthday parties. "Some fun games, crafts, or scavenger hunts can keep kids engaged," she explains. You don't need to overschedule—leave some time for the kids to play freely, too."

Involve your child in the party planning

Getting your child involved in planning their birthday can boost their excitement and make the celebration feel even more special. Forbes explains, "When you let them take part in the planning, it helps them feel included without putting too much pressure on them. Depending on how old they are, they might help select the theme, choose decorations, assist with preparations, or decide on fun games and activities."

Advertisement

Budget-friendly party ideas

Planning on a birthday budget? Here are some tips from Forbes that will set you up for success:

Be creative

Hosting a birthday party on a budget can be both fun and affordable with some creative ideas. According to Forbes, "Consider a picnic-style celebration at a local park or transform your living room or backyard into a mini theatre for a movie night. A DIY craft party allows kids to create take-home favours, while a backyard camping party offers a unique twist on sleepovers."

Look for package deals and group rates 

When it comes to finding deals, Forbes states that many venues offer all-inclusive birthday party packages that provide activities, food, and sometimes even cake, helping to keep costs down.

"Some places also offer group discounts, especially at zoos, museums, or aquariums, and booking during special promotions can lead to even more savings," she adds. "Additionally, sites like Groupon often feature deals on local activities and party services, which can be another way to save."

Make DIY decorations and favours

Birthday decorations can add up quickly, but there are ways to save money. According to Forbes, parents can easily make their own banners or garlands using construction paper and string that fits the theme of the party.

A table of lootbag gift bags. iStock

Instead of traditional goodie bags, parents can create simple party favours. Forbes recommends filling mason jars with homemade treats like cookies or popcorn, then adding ribbons and personalized labels for a thoughtful touch.

Advertisement

Potluck

Another way to stay within your budget is to make your child's birthday a potluck affair. Potluck-style refreshments make it easier and more affordable to provide food," says Forbes. Parents can contribute simple items like finger sandwiches, charcuterie boards, fruit and veggie platters, or pasta salad.

Safety considerations for kids birthday parties

Celebrating your child's birthday should be fun, but prioritizing safety is key. Here are some vital safety considerations to think about while you plan the big day:

Venue safety protocols

Whether you're hosting your child's birthday celebration at a trampoline park or an ice skating rink, check out the safety protocols the venue has in place. Should you have any questions regarding their safety measures, it's a good idea to reach out to the venue ahead of time for clarification; they can give you comprehensive details about what to expect. Afterward, pass this info on to the parents of those invited to make sure everyone is informed and prepared.

Food allergies and dietary restrictions

Food safety is crucial when planning a children's birthday party, as some kids may have severe allergies to items like peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, or wheat. To ensure the safety of all guests, contact the parents of the invited children beforehand to identify any specific allergies and dietary requirements.

Supervision and adult-to-child ratios

If you're organizing your child's birthday party at a large venue, it's important to have enough adults supervising the children. This allows for better monitoring of all the kids, which, in return, helps minimize the chances of accidents or injuries during activities.

Emergency preparedness

Parents should always take extra steps to ensure birthday parties are safe. Simple measures, like ensuring enough adults supervise the children and checking that the party location has proper safety measures in place, are a great place to start. It's also a good idea to have one adult present who knows CPR, and everyone should know how to reach emergency services if needed.

Advertisement
A smiling woman supervising a picnic table of children iStock

Consider hosting a birthday party at a venue for a truly memorable party your child will never forget. Not only are there a variety of places (zoos, bowling alleys, or art classes) to choose from, but many venues also offer special packages that make party planning less stressful for parents. However, as you plan, make sure to consider an array of factors, including budget, location, safety, and amenities.

If you prefer to host a party at home, there are many ways to do so without spending a lot of money. Consider creating DIY decorations and party favours, organizing fun games, and preparing food yourself. Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, always prioritize safety.

Experts

  • Lisa Lafferty is the chief executive officer of Lisa Lafferty Events.
  • Cameron Forbes is an event planner and founder of Forbes Functions.

Weekly Newsletter

Keep up with your baby's development, get the latest parenting content and receive special offers from our partners

I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Courtney Leiva has over 11 years of experience producing content for numerous digital mediums, including features, breaking news stories, e-commerce buying guides, trends, and evergreen pieces. Her articles have been featured in HuffPost, Buzzfeed, PEOPLE, and more.

Advertisement
Advertisement