Many parents (like myself) do not want to have kids birthday parties in your home. Perhaps you feel as though your home is too small. Or you just don’t want a group of screaming kids hyped up on ice cream tearing your home apart. Or perhaps you just want someone else to do all the leg work so you don’t have to. Whatever the reason, Raleigh and the surrounding areas have plenty of birthday venues.
I am only reviewing birthday venues I’ve either booked or experienced as a guest. So let me start by saying this review is hardly comprehensive. But I will add more to this post as I host/attend more parties.
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
For my son’s 3rd birthday we had his celebration at the Museum of natural sciences. They do a 45 min program of arts/crafts and meeting a few of the animals. If you have ever been to meet the animals or story time at the museum, then basically you get a personalized version for the birthday party. It’s impressive and it engages the kids. It’s $280 for up to 12 children, including PDF invitations, cake, ice cream and juice boxes. And 2 employees of the museum that do a phenomal job. I was very pleased.
HOWEVER, it just wasn’t the right feel for us. It was REALLY structured. The kids did fine with this – they remained engaged. But if I am going to feed cake and ice cream I want them to be able to run and play… and this is not the place for that. So while it was a positive experience, it wasn’t a good fit for us. But I love the Museum of Natural sciences, and we may revisit this when the kids are a bit older.
Pump it Up
I have not hosted any birthday parties here, but I have attended a couple and it seems to be run fairly well. One thing that stands out is that your party has private access to the inflatables. Spend some time in one playroom, then your party gets shuttled to the next playroom. Finally to a party room for cake and snacks.
So as you can see you can tailor the party to your needs and budget. My children have really enjoyed parties here, plus they came home TIRED. Like really tired.
Rainbow Play Systems
Rainbow Play Systems has a great indoor play space that is more budget friendly than the above bounce house options, but requires a more work on your part since you are only renting the space. It is my favorite place to host a party. I wrote a whole article on birthdays and open play at Rainbow play system, you can read about it here.
Romp N’ Roll
We attended a 2 year old party at Romp N’ Roll in North Raleigh and it was a blast! They are very structured in their activities, which keeps the kids entertained and engaged the whole time! You begin the party with a circle time to explain the rules, and then Rompy is brought out for everyone to hug! After that they unleash everyone for open play on their equipment and have a lively playlist going as well. Then they regroup for an activity (I think we had a snowball fight) and blow up the bounce house. At the end you have a bubble dance party and then switch to the party room for cake and snacks. The kids had a lot of fun, but your time limit is pretty strict here so no hanging around after. Check out the details here.
Hill Ridge Farms
Hill Ridge Farms is a great place for a party because there’s so much to do! As a part of your rental you get a part of the covered picnic shelter so all of your guests can gather for cake and snacks. After that, you’re free to explore the farm! In the spring they have a splash pad and in the fall you get to pick out a pumpkin! Don’t forget the corn house and giant tube slide – those are BY FAR my kids favorites!
Marbles Kids Museum
We hosted my 5 year old’s birthday party at Marbles, and man do they do it BIG! They have a new building across from their outside courtyard that solely houses birthday party rooms. You can choose a museum party package or an IMAX party package with admission for up to 30 guests.
Since Frozen 2 was being released on my daughter’s birthday we OF COURSE had to book the IMAX party so everyone could see the movie together. They went all out and decorated the room with Frozen decorations and planned themed activities and even had Elsa visit!
A non-themed birthday party probably won’t be as decorated, but it just goes to show that Marbles takes birthday parties seriously! It may be a bit more expensive than other places, but it will be a party you will never forget!
Youngs Gym in Wake Forest
If you’re planning a gymnastics birthday party, look no further than Youngs Gym! They have a huge gym area that you have private access to for an hour of open play. They have 3 inflatables they setup for parties, and you have access to the gymnastics equipment with trained staff supervision.
For the last 30 minutes you are moved into the party room for cake and snacks. There’s a huge lobby for party overflow space if needed. We went to a birthday party here that had over 35 kids and their parents and we had PLENTY of space in the gym to spread out. The party room was a little small for that big of a crowd, but we spread out into the lobby for extra room. You can book your party online here.
Over the Moon Play Space
Over the Moon Play Space is a space-themed indoor play area in Cary. It’s a perfect spot for a birthday if your kid loves rocket ships and science! They have multiple party rooms and a HUGE indoor play space. Check out their party packages at https://www.overthemoonplay.com/birthday-parties
Piney Town Playhouse
Piney Town Playhouse is an indoor play area in Fuquay-Varina! It consists of the cutest tiny town that is perfect for imaginative play. There’s a separate party room available, but party packages include two hours of exclusive use of the playhouse for your group. Check out all of the party details at https://pineytown.com/parties
Playground Birthday Parties
Playground kids birthday parties are among my favorite, just a simple setup at a picnic shelter while the kids play nearby. The only issue being that the weather may or may not cooperate with your plans. But it is a low cost option and depending on the time of the year, may be worth considering.
For my daughter’s 4th birthday we hosted a birthday party at Durant Nature Preserve. I love this park for birthdays because it has several shelters, it’s fairly shaded and not a high use playground. You can also take a very short hike to a small creek the kids can play in. The only downfall to a party at Durant is that you have to take a decent walk down (and then back up) a gravel hill. Not a big deal for kids who walk or ride in a stroller, but it is a little difficult to haul all the birthday things back and forth.
Want to avoid the hill at Durant? Check out North Hills playground as a potential option. It’s very shaded and worked well for our early September birthday party. Typically low traffic and centrally located.
The most popular park birthday party locations (I’ve been to a LOT Of parties at these two spots) is Baileywick and Forest Ridge. They have the playground, shelter, and bathrooms all close to each other and it’s convenient for everyone, as well as stroller accessible.
Close to North Hills is Eastgate Park, which I love (it made my top ten list) but it tends to be crowded. So I’ve avoided having birthdays there. However, we did do a preschool end of year party there during the week and it was great. So if you have an atypical party time, it may work for you as well.
Got a nature loving kiddo? I’ve been to a great birthday at Eno River in Durham. A birthday celebration under a picnic shelter and then a little hike to play in the river. The area is beautiful and as long as you have kids old enough to take a short hike, it’s a great option.
Really most playgrounds can work with your needs if you are keeping things very simple.
I plan on adding to this list as I attend more parties. Where is your favorite place for birthdays?