For many of us, our most memorable childhood birthday parties involved our closest friends and family members, plenty of pizza and birthday cake, and a fun activity like bowling, a sleepover or laser tag.
Nowadays, children’s birthday parties — and the venues that host them — have evolved to be more celebratory than ever. Kids can play at amazing indoor playgrounds, go bowling or mini golfing, soar at trampoline parks and so much more on their birthdays.
On your child’s next birthday, throw them a bash they’ll always remember at one of these cool kid’s birthday party locations in Chicagoland.
This article was recently updated on Sept. 13, 2024 by Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Manager, Katina Beniaris. The update included her fact checking if information for birthday packages and locations were accurate. Questions? Please reach out to katina@chicagoparent.com.
Best kid’s birthday party places in Chicago
Bubbles Academy
- Address: 2211 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, and 900 N. Michigan Ave. Level 6, Chicago
- Cost: $600
Bubbles Academy offers two hours of private playtime in the play space and party room for up to 18 kids and 32 adults. Parents provide snacks, desserts, drinks, ice and decor. Add a music or imagination activity for $100. There’s also a Highland Park location.
Freestyle Ceramics & Tufting
- Address: 2927 S. Archer Ave., Chicago and 5127 N. Clark St., Chicago
- Cost: $27/child
Host a birthday party for creative kiddos and crafty tweens and teens at Freestyle Ceramics & Tufting. After 45 minutes of festive snacks and birthday desserts — which parents must provide — parties will have just under two hours to paint ceramic pottery. Private tufting sessions are also available.
The Little Gym
- Address: 3216 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Packages start at $500
The Little Gym offers 90 minutes of gym fun for 15 guests, with options to add more guests and playtime. Kids enjoy planned activities, games, and free time. Party themes like The Very Hungry Caterpillar or Royal Prince/Princess are available. Packages include invitations, water, tableware and a special gift for the birthday child. A pizza package can be added for an extra cost.
Lucky Strike
- Address: 1027 W. Addison St., Chicago, and 322 E. Illinois St., Chicago
- Cost: Starting at $35 per guest
Ages 4-19 can host a birthday party at Lucky Strike. This bowling alley birthday bash includes food, cookie cake, unlimited soda pop, bowling time, shoe rentals, arcade credits and more. Several birthday packages are available so you can customize your kiddo’s special day. Note: Party package pricing may vary by location.
WhirlyBall
- Address: 1825 W. Webster Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Starting at $25 per guest
Older kids, tweens and even teens will always remember an action-packed birthday at WhirlyBall. Enjoy one hour of WhirlyBall — a wacky game that combines bumper cars, lacrosse and basketball — then feast on pizza, cupcakes and unlimited soda pop. Bowling and laser tag packages are available, too. They also have another location in Vernon Hills.
Best kid’s birthday party places in North/Northwest Suburbs
Bowlero
- Address: 824 E. Rand Road, Mt. Prospect; 7333 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles; 3111 River Road, River Grove and 316 Center Drive, Vernon Hills
- Cost: Starting at $26 per guest
Host a fun-filled birthday party at Bowlero, perfect for kids ages 4 and up. Packages include food, cookie cake, unlimited soda, bowling, shoe rentals, arcade credits and more. Multiple package options are available to customize the celebration. Prices may vary by location.
BumbleBee Play Café
- Address: 1015 N. Randall Road, Elgin
- Cost: Packages start at $325
Ideal for children celebrating their 4th through 10th birthdays, BumbleBee Play Cafe has two great play rooms and a party room to celebrate your child’s special day. Play pretend at the cafe’s mini town, or get your play on with a jumping pad, climbing wall, air hockey tables and more. The party packages include food, drinks, two hours of play time and tableware. Parents may bring their own decor. No outside food or beverages allowed.
Color Me Mine
- Address: 5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg
- Cost: Packages start at $100
Color Me Mine is a fun birthday venue for kids who love arts and crafts. Guests can choose their own pottery piece from hundreds of items, including plates, mugs, banks, boxes and figurines. All pieces are glazed, fired and individually wrapped by staff and picked up by the birthday party host a week later. Parents can add on a pizza party package.
The Exploritorium
- Address: 4701 Oakton St., Skokie
- Cost: Packages start at $278
The Exploritorium is perfect for toddler birthdays, offering playtime with costumes, water play, climbing walls, trains and tunnels. Parties are available on weekends and include two hours of play, a private room and a party attendant. Parents can bring decor and food. Book at least 12 weeks in advance.
Get Air Trampoline Park
- Address: 723 W. Golf Road, Des Plaines
- Cost: Packages start at $200
Trampolines, pizza and pop — what more could a birthday party need? The basic package at Get Air includes two hours of jump and party time for 10 jumpers; a pair of jump socks for every guest; two large pizzas, soda and tableware; and a return jump pass for the birthday child so they can keep the fun going once their birthday is over.
Legoland Discovery Center
- Address: 601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg
- Cost: Starting $29 per guest
An epic birthday party destination, children (and grown-ups alike) will enjoy exploring this two-story Lego-lover’s haven. Guests can build their own Lego creations, scope out iconic Chicago buildings made of Legos, snap a selfie with their favorite Lego characters, see 4-D movies, go on rides and more. All birthday party packages include a juice box and a cookie; parents can add on pizza.
Find even more birthday party places in the North/Northwest Suburbs!
Best kid’s birthday party places in South Suburbs
FunFlatables
- Address: 100 Chicago Ridge Mall, Suite D17, Chicago Ridge
- Cost: Packages start at $150
FunFlatables is an affordable venue for throwing a fun-tastic children’s birthday party. The package includes 2.5-3 hours of playtime and four picnic tables. Parents must bring all of their own food and tableware, but FunFlatables handles all of the clean up.
Kidsmania Party & Play
- Address: 15801 Oak Park Ave., Oak Forest
- Cost: Packages start at $450
The Kidsmania Party packages offer a fun and private setting for special birthdays, featuring a dedicated room for cake and an open playground for guests. Each package accommodates up to 36 guests, including a maximum of 12 kids, with an option to add more guests for an additional fee.
Odyssey Fun World
- Address: 19111 Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park
- Cost: Packages start at $242
Birthday kids and guests can get their game on at Odyssey Fun World, a one-stop shop for entertainment. All birthday parties include four full hours of unlimited rides — including a Ferris wheel, bumper cars and a rollercoaster — as well as two hours of a reserved party space and a round of laser tag. Pizza and pop will be served.
Space Golf
- Address: 15611 S. 94th Ave., Orland Park
- Cost: Packages start at $350
Space Golf provides birthday party fun that’s out of this world! Guests can challenge their friends on an 18-hole blacklight adventure mini golf course that features flying saucers, giant robots and space aliens. Keep the fun going with unlimited play in their small retro arcade, featuring classics like Air Hockey, Skee Ball, Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, Whack-A-Mole, Tron and more.
Fleetwood Roller Rink
- Address: 7231 W. Archer Ave., Summit
- Cost: Starting at $15 per person
For old school birthday fun, lace up your roller skates and hit the rink! Birthday parties include three hours of skating, skate rental, pizza, soft drinks, glow sticks, and a gift and special announcement for the birthday child.
Find even more birthday party places in the South Suburbs!
Best kid’s birthday party places in Western Suburbs
Bowlero
- Address: 558 E North Ave., Glendale Heights; 7700 47th St., Lyons; 1515 Aurora Ave., Naperville; 1100 W. Lake St., Roselle and 1555 75th St., Woodridge
- Cost: Starting at $30 per guest
Throw an exciting birthday party at Bowlero for kids ages 4 and up. Packages cover food, cookie cake, unlimited soda, bowling, shoe rentals, arcade credits, and more. Customize the celebration with various package options. Pricing varies by location.
DuPage Children’s Museum
- Address: 301 N. Washington St., Naperville
- Cost: Packages start at $250
Celebrate your child’s special day in a festive, stress-free environment. The DuPage Children Museum allows parents, children and friends to learn and play together. The museum has a private room and offers buy-outs, but the most unique birthday option is Exhibits-To-Go, where museum staff will bring hands-on experiences to your home or party venue.
Get Air Trampoline Park
- Address: 2010 Butterfield Road, Downers Grove
- Cost: Packages start at $200
Trampolines, pizza and pop — what more could a birthday party need? The basic package at Get Air includes two hours of jump and party time for 10 jumpers; a pair of jump socks for every guest; two large pizzas, soda and tableware; and a return jump pass for the birthday child so they can keep the fun going once their birthday is over.
Jo’s Footwork Studio
- Address: 1500 Walker St., Western Springs
- Cost: Call the studio for pricing
Celebrate your little ballerina at Jo’s Footwork Studio. Choose from a hip-hop party, Disney princess party or an all-out dance party! Parties can be customized to include cake, refreshments and other food options.
WhirlyBall
- Address: 3103 Odyssey Ct., Naperville
- Cost: Starting at $25 per guest
Older kids, tweens and even teens will always remember an action-packed birthday at WhirlyBall. Enjoy one hour of WhirlyBall — a wacky game that combines bumper cars, lacrosse and basketball — then feast on pizza, cupcakes and unlimited soda pop. Bowling and laser tag packages are available, too.
Find even more birthday party places!
Tips for planning your child’s birthday party
- Keep it simple. Enjoy the special moment with your child by giving them your attention and not worrying about everything to go perfectly.
- Ask the venue questions beforehand. Don’t hesitate to ask what the venue provides. Also if you’re hiring an entertainer, let them know anything about the birthday child such as if they are really shy or they love the spotlight.
- Arrive early to prep. If you plan on bringing your own decor, food, photo props or other special touches, be sure to arrive before your party’s start time so you have ample time to set up.
- Don’t forget about food allergies. Consider any food allergens you may have in your party. Many birthday party places have limited options (a.k.a. pizza) for those with dietary restrictions. Ask if you can bring outside food to accommodate all of your guests’ dietary needs.
- Take photos with gifts. If your child will be opening presents at the party venue, snap a photo of your child, their new gift and the friend that gave it to them. Not only will you capture a memory, but it will make it easier to remember who gifted what once it’s time to write thank-you cards.
- Avoid disposable party favors. How many times has your child come home from a birthday party with unnecessary candy and cheap plastic toys? Be thoughtful when giving out party favors — try consumable items that parents will likely buy their own kids, like coloring books and crayons, chalk, bubbles or Play-Doh.
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