Places to Take Kids for Birthday: Themes, Activities, Food, and Small Details

The worst place to take kids for a birthday I attended was a formal restaurant for a 6-year-old’s party. The kids sat at a long table trying to be quiet while the adults ate. The kids wanted to run and play. A birthday place for kids should match the kid’s age and energy level. A 5-year-old needs to run. A 10-year-old needs an activity. A 15-year-old needs a restaurant.

Places to take kids for birthday are venue choices for celebrating a kid’s birthday outside the home, ranging from activity venues to restaurants to outdoor spaces. The best birthday places for kids let the kids be active and have fun. The worst expect them to sit still.

The short answer: match the venue to the age. For ages 3 to 6: a playground, a trampoline park, or a zoo. For ages 7 to 10: an arcade, a bowling alley, or a movie. For ages 11 to 15: an escape room, a restaurant, or an activity venue. The birthday party decoration kit works at any venue.

For Ages 3 to 6: The Active Places

A Playground or Park (Free)

A public playground with a picnic table. The venue is the playground. The activity is the playing. The flaw: weather. Have an indoor backup.

A Trampoline Park ($15 to $25 per person)

A venue with trampolines. The activity is the jumping. The flaw: some parks have age restrictions. Call ahead.

A Zoo ($15 to $30 per person)

The venue is the zoo. The activity is the looking. The flaw: zoos are large. Bring a wagon for tired kids.

A Children’s Museum ($10 to $20 per person)

A venue with hands-on exhibits. The activity is the exploring. The flaw: some museums are crowded on weekends.

For Ages 7 to 10: The Activity Places

An Arcade ($15 to $25 per person)

A venue with arcade games. The activity is the games. Good for kids who like video games.

A Bowling Alley ($10 to $20 per person)

A venue with bowling lanes. The activity is the bowling. Good for ages 7 and up.

A Movie Theater ($10 to $20 per person)

A movie the kid wants to watch. The activity is the movie. The food is the snacks.

A Trampoline Park ($15 to $25 per person)

A venue with trampolines and obstacle courses. The activity is the jumping.

A Mini Golf Course ($8 to $15 per person)

A venue with mini golf. The activity is the golf. Good for ages 6 and up.

For Ages 11 to 15: The Cool Places

An Escape Room ($25 to $35 per person)

A room with puzzles. The activity is the puzzles. Good for ages 11 and up.

A Restaurant ($15 to $30 per person)

A casual restaurant the kid likes. The food is the celebration. The flaw: pick a restaurant that can seat the group at one table.

An Activity Venue ($15 to $35 per person)

A climbing wall, a go-kart track, or a laser tag arena. The venue is the activity.

A Water Park ($20 to $40 per person)

A venue with water slides and pools. The activity is the swimming. The flaw: weather. Only open in summer.

What to Avoid

Avoid the formal restaurant for young kids. They need to run, not sit. Avoid the venue that is too loud for conversation. Avoid the venue that is too far for most guests. Avoid the venue that does not match the kid’s age.

The Verdict

The best place to take kids for a birthday matches the kid’s age, interests, and energy level. For ages 3 to 6: a playground, a trampoline park, a zoo, or a children’s museum. For ages 7 to 10: an arcade, a bowling alley, a movie, or mini golf. For ages 11 to 15: an escape room, a restaurant, or an activity venue. The most common mistake is picking a venue that does not match the kid’s age. Match the venue to the kid.

FAQ

What is a good place to take kids for a birthday? For ages 3 to 6: a playground, a trampoline park, a zoo, or a children’s museum. For ages 7 to 10: an arcade, a bowling alley, a movie, or mini golf. For ages 11 to 15: an escape room, a restaurant, or an activity venue.

How much does it cost to take kids somewhere for a birthday? A playground: free. A trampoline park: $15 to $25 per person. A zoo: $15 to $30 per person. An arcade: $15 to $25 per person. A bowling alley: $10 to $20 per person. A movie: $10 to $20 per person. An escape room: $25 to $35 per person.

How do I pick a place to take kids for a birthday? Match the venue to the kid’s age, interests, and energy level. A 5-year-old needs to run. A 10-year-old needs an activity. A 15-year-old needs a restaurant.

What should I avoid when picking a birthday place for kids? Formal restaurants for young kids (they need to run), venues that are too loud, venues that are too far, and venues that do not match the kid’s age.

How far in advance should I book a kids birthday venue? One week for a restaurant. Two weeks for a bowling alley or an arcade. Four weeks for an escape room or a trampoline park.

How many kids should I invite to a birthday venue? 6 to 12 for an arcade or a bowling alley. 6 to 10 for an escape room. 8 to 16 for a trampoline park. Match the guest count to the venue.

Can I take kids somewhere for a birthday on a budget? Yes. A playground is free. A park picnic is free. A movie matinee is $10 per person. Mini golf is $8 to $15 per person. The venue does not need to be expensive.

References

• Peerspace, “Kids Party Venue Guide,” peerspace.com
• The Bash, “Kids Birthday Party Ideas,” thebash.com
• Party City, “Kids Party Supplies,” partycity.com