Your children are unique and their birthdays are their special days. So of course you want their party to be one of a kind, too. One way to make the party special is by hosting it at a unique venue.
We hunted down some places you might not have considered for your next birthday party to remember.
Dylan’s Candy Bar
445 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago
(312) 702-2247
The Chicago outpost of Dylan’s Candy Bar opened this summer on Michigan Avenue. In addition to selling 7,000 candies and confections, Dylan’s offers have a variety of birthday party packages, including the Sugar Babies theme for a first birthday to putting the Sweet in Sweet 16 and everything in between. Bat Mitzvahs and Bar Mitzvahs are popular here, too.
“Our most popular party package is Jelly Beans and Tweens,” says Katherine Schroeder, events manager at Dylan’s Candy Bar. “It’s definitely an unforgettable birthday. It’s one that they’re going to remember.”
All birthday party packages come with a candy spree. “We get the kids really excited and they can run around the entire store filling up their container. Then the candy is their takeaway bag.”
ComedySportz
929 W. Belmont, Chicago
(773) 549-8080
This family-friendly improv show will keep multiple generations in stitches and guarantees a unique experience, as no two shows are ever the same.
“ComedySportz is perfect for ages 7 to 97 because the comedy is clean due to our built-in ‘brown bag foul.’ The shows are super smart, so while adults are appreciating the intelligent references, kids are enjoying the ensemble’s physicality and their spot-on pop culture references,” explains Karin McKie, managing director of ComedySportz Chicago.
Elmhurst Art Museum
150 S. Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst
(630) 834-0202
The museum’s Arty Parties are a wonderful way to let kids be both creative and celebratory. Art teachers customize fun art projects for your child’s individual interests. Each guest creates a piece of art they can take home. They also work on a collaborative piece for the birthday child to keep.
Feed My Starving Children
Locations in Aurora, Schaumburg and Libertyville
(847) 519-9614 (Schaumburg location)
Jessica Schalk, senior team leader at Feed My Starving Children, says the nonprofit has seen an increase in the number of kids opting to celebrate their birthdays there.
“Packing is an enjoyable experience because they get to hang out with friends and listen to music. When kids start to learn more about what we do, it gives them a global perspective. They realizing that they are making a difference,” says Schalk.
Although edible treats are not permitted (many families enjoy them off site), the birthday child gets a rousing round of “Happy Birthday” from fellow volunteers and a T-shirt. Kids 5 and older may volunteer.
Broomball Party at the Glenview Park District
1851 Landwehr Road, Glenview
(847) 724-2800
If you have active kids who love sports but want to do something new and different, broomball could be the perfect way for them to celebrate their special day. Broomball is similar to hockey, played on ice. Players wear rubber-soled shoes and helmets and use “brooms” and a ball instead of sticks and a puck. After hitting the ice, kids can then enjoy cake in the party room.
Give Me Some Sugar
2205 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago
(773) 281-3154
Let them eat cake. But first, let them learn how to decorate it, too! This shop in Roscoe Village hosts a variety of different cake decorating party options for kids, including Cake Pops, Barbie doll cakes and Fun with Fondant. Yum!
Gone fishing at the Bolingbrook Park District
475 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook
(630) 783-6653
It’s not every party that involves casting a line, but if your child loves the outdoors, celebrate at Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm. Parties run April-October and are open to children 6-12. In addition to pizza, drinks and favors, bait and fishing poles are included.
Main Event
28248 Diehl Road, Warrenville
(630) 393-9400
Take the party to new heights with the gravity ropes obstacle course at Main Event. The facility also offers bowling, laser tag and an arcade with more than 100 video games.
Take the party on the road!
Hire a limousine to take the birthday child and friends on a tour of Chicago attractions, or even just to visit some favorite local places like the ice cream shop. Best Chicago Limousine, (773) 552-5777, offers these types of birthday party driving.
If your family is feeling adventurous, make the birthday celebration a multi-state adventure.
Take a short road trip to New Buffalo, Mich., and head to Redamak’s for one of its legendary burgers. They’ll even put a candle in it for the birthday celebrant. Next head to Warren Dunes State Park, 12032 Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer, Mich., where you can hit the beach.
Even if it isn’t warm, climb the dunes and go on a hike. Leave some time to pick whatever fruit is in season before heading home.
