Birthday celebration ideas whether your kid is a toddler or a teen.
As your child grows and develops, their birthday party needs shift. One year, they’re happily smashing their first birthday cake. But before you know it you have a teenager who has their own ideas about how to have the coolest birthday party ever. Whether you have a toddler, preschooler, elementary-school-aged kiddo, or a tween or teen, we’ve got amazing recommendations for their next birthday party.
Birthday Party Venues for Toddlers
At Happy Baby Play you’ll relax while your little ones explore in a calm, nurturing space. Their cozy cuddle corner is perfect for 1-year-olds, with lots of soft and age-appropriate toys. Toddlers can explore imaginative activities, like their train table, construction zone, market and pretend ice cream toys. For older siblings ages 3 to 6, they have an adventure zone featuring a rock wall, rope climb, foam pit and more. Their Joyful party package offers private access for two and a half hours for up to 12 kids and two adults. There are some great perks, too. We love that the birthday kiddo gets a special gift, and that clean-up is provided! Prices start at $400 for members and $500 for nonmembers. (Membership is $55 per month for one child and $75 per month for two or more children.) There are also deluxe packages available for additional costs, plus add-ons like a bubble machine, popcorn maker, inflatable obstacle course and more.
St. Johns Swapnplay is the ideal space for your little one’s next birthday bash, especially if you’re hosting a larger party. Their space is over 4,000 square feet and their parties can host up to 40 people. Their space is best for ages 1 to 7 and they offer birthday party rentals that include their indoor and outdoor space, making this the perfect choice for those Portland days when you’re not sure what the weather might do. Their indoor space includes a kitchen — so you can bring your own food — party room with tables and chairs, and play space. For toddlers, we love their gross motor space, The Meadow, featuring a play castle with slide, a small ride-on rollercoaster and more. We also love their cozy Owl’s Hollow space, with felt boards, puzzles, a reading nook and more. Birthday party rentals are currently offered in three-hour time slots on Saturday afternoons from 2-5 pm or 5-8 pm. Pro tip: Starting later this spring, they’ll begin offering rentals on Sundays between 2-8 pm. Birthday event rentals include staff to help with set up and clean up. Prices are $275 for nonmembers and $200 for members. (Memberships range from $20 to $50 per month.) 7535 N Chicago Ave.
Great Budget Option
Check out St. John Swapnplay’s hourly rentals. Their indoor hourly rental includes the event room, tables and chairs, and the kitchen (it does not include the play area). It’s a great deal at $50 per hour. Their outdoor hourly rental (including their fenced playground and forest area with two picnic tables) is $75 per hour. Pro tip: And if you have a Swapnplay membership or are on public assistance, discounts are available.
Birthday Party Venues for Preschoolers
At The Hangout , the entire family will find something to love. (We’ve been told they’ve hosted parties for guests ranging from 1 year old to 40 years old!) Preschoolers will have the time of their lives climbing in their indoor treehouse, or playing with the may toys and blocks. Access to their art supplies is included in the base price, and for an additional $75, they will provide a team-member led craft. Prices start at $250 for two hours for up to 20 children. We love how flexible they are! If you want to add extra time or extra children to your party, just let them know in their intake form and they’ll work with you.
What preschooler doesn’t want to cuddle with a bunny or baby goat on their birthday? Bring the Barn (pictured below right)is the perfect option for any animal lover. You can choose between their Bunny Party or Baby Goat Party, although they recommend having both types of animals for larger parties. Bunny Parties provide at least four cuddly bunnies, and Baby Goat Parties offer two playful goats. Best of all? They can come to you! They’ve hosted parties in apartments, public parks and backyards! Travel up to 10 miles from their Vancouver, Washington location is included in the party package price and they can travel up to 30 miles from their location for an extra cost of $1.50 per mile. Bunny parties start at $150 per hour, with additional hours for $100 per hour. Goat parties are $200 per hour, with additional hours for $125 per hour. Pro tip: You can also add chickens and ducklings for an extra $50! Bringthebarn.com
Great Budget Option
We recommend throwing a Bring the Barn bunny party in a public park. Spend one hour cuddling bunnies for $150, and the rest of your time playing on the playground and eating cake! An easy and memorable birthday for your preschooler.
Birthday Party Venues for Elementary Age Kids
For a creative hands-on celebration, you can’t beat Mudville Clay Studio, where kids make their own clay projects in a relaxed studio environment. Their handbuilding parties are perfect for ages 6 and up. You can choose between making bowls or pinch pot animals in a private studio session. Two instructors will guide the group, and clay, tools and glazes are provided. Kids will love that they get to take home their own handmade projects. (Pieces are ready for pickup in two to three weeks.) Pricing is $379 for up to 10 guests, plus $10 per additional guest (up to 16 guests max). Pro tip: They also offer wheel-throwing parties for ages 13 and up if you’re looking for a teen option.
Buddha Kid Zone at Buddha Lounge is the perfect place to play, explore and even take to the stage! Their kids’ karaoke is guaranteed to be a hit. They also have bumper cars, play structures, climbing areas and more. Their space provides entertainment for all ages, but they say the sweet spot for the kid zone is ages 3 to 8. Pricing starts at $250 for a birthday table rental, all day play for up to 10 kids and 15% off food. Private room rental is $350 for two hours, and full venue rental is $600 per hour. There is no outside food or drink allowed, but they do offer a delicious menu of Asian-inspired dishes for purchase.
Great Budget Option
You may know about Cake Hoopla’s incredible in-studio parties, but did you know that you can also order take-home kits to decorate? These DIY kits come with everything you need, including frosting, decorations and pre-baked cupcakes or cakes. Their BFF friendship bracelet cupcake kit (pictured below) is so fun, with adorable edible letter beads made from fondant. We love the idea of throwing an at-home birthday party, decorating your BFF cupcakes, then making actual friendship bracelets. This is a great budget option at just $35 for 6 cupcakes, or $55 for 12 cupcakes. Pricing for a DIY cake kit is $60.
Birthday Party Venues for Tweens & Teens
Snips and Styles believes that every kid deserves to feel extra special on their big day. Their Whimsy & Wonder party is a private session for six kids, which is perfect for a more intimate party. While they put on their kid-friendly playlist, your tween and their friends can get their hair styled, sparkled, and even treated with temporary color. Every guest receives a themed goodie bag and they will work with you to personalize your party. Pro tip: They also throw parties for all ages, and even have add-ons like face painting, temporary tattoos, balloon artists, character visits and more. Pricing for the Whimsy & Wonder party is $450 for six kids.
Who doesn’t love the immersive art experience Hopscotch? With so many sights and sounds, your tweens and teens will love exploring all the interactive exhibits (pictured bottom left) before settling in to enjoy some delicious food. Hopscotch is working on developing dedicated birthday party packages, but for now visits are arranged as group tickets with optional food and beverage add-ons. Admission is $15 per child under 16, free for children under 4 and $24 for ages 16 and up. Inquire with Hopscotch for details, but they typically range from $25 to $100 per birthday party guest.
Great Budget Option
With Escapely, downtown Portland becomes a riveting adventure as partygoers search for clues and solve puzzles while exploring the city. It’s all the fun of an escape room contained in one Spyhunter box (pictured bottom right). Each box comes with clue envelopes, a lockbox with a real lock, spy glasses, a passport, a QR code and more. Estimated play time is one and a half to three hours. At $59.99 per box, this is a great budget option for a small party of two to six guests. Pro tip: For larger parties, you may want to purchase more boxes so there are enough clues for everyone to share.
For more party venue ideas, check out our Birthday Directory.