To party or not to party – at home, that is the question! I’m a firm believer that you either love or loathe planning birthday parties. These days, there are so many options available for parents and the thought of figuring out what to do can be daunting; not to mention the added pressure to do something different each year. Personally, I am a party lover based on my event planning background. I’ve always leaned towards a themed birthday at our house where the kiddos and adults can spend time together and enjoy each other’s company above anything else. Yes, I do enjoy the decorating and sweating over the small details that a lot of folks probably don’t even notice, but it brings me joy and thankfully my husband supports my antics each spring as we gear up for our kids’ summer birthdays!
While I enjoy the chaos, I know most of those close to me do not and there is absolutely something to be said for a party away from home where all you must do is send out invites, bring a cake and the birthday kid! Each year my husband tries to sway me in that direction, which I am not opposed to, and given all the awesome and fun party locations and activities available today, we might actually do it this year!
I often get asked for party ideas, so I thought compiling all the amazing ideas into one location would not only benefit those around me but also the community who are always looking to simplify the party process too! I sent out a note to a group of local moms asking for their favorite party ideas & locations and they did not disappoint! See below for a compiled list of fun indoor and outdoor birthday party locations sure to be a hit for your growing kiddos! Their websites are linked to the location’s name for easy access. Happy party planning!
INDOOR PARTY LOCATIONS
I feel like the ideas are endless and I could add a dozen more fun locations for hosting an indoor birthday party. Here are some of my top favorite locations!
AERIAL CIRQUE OVER DENVER – At Aerial Cirque Over Denver, they specialize in aerial dance (circus) birthdays with a “Greatest Showman” theme.
URBAN AIR – Classic or glow theme, this location is always a crowd pleaser!
NEIGHBORHOOD ART STUDIO – Did you know they can host a party at the studio, have a party on the-Gogh or a party in a box? Check it out!
THE VINTAGE PARTEA HOUSE – Offering parties that come directly to your house for 2023!
UBERGRIPPEN – Unique and fun activity for your kid’s birthday, this idea rocks!
NINJA NATION – Super active, Ninja and obstacle fun, coupled with a no-hassle party service at the Arena!
DARDANOS GYMNASTICS – Your kiddo will flip for this fun party!
BOUNCE GYMNASTICS – Enjoy 60 minutes of gymnastics circuits, games, obstacles courses and free play with our experienced coaching staff!
MONKEY BUSINESS – Different packages available to fit your party needs. They also include some party supplies too!
THE CHILDRENS MUSEUM – Always a crowd pleaser, the kids can play and explore!
BIG BEAR ICE ARENA – What a “cool” birthday idea and the ability to tailor the party to your needs… Zamboni ride anyone?!
GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL – An indoor pool all to yourselves? Yes please!
SKATE CITY – All you need to bring is the cake! Free pair of skates as a birthday gift too 😊
JCC- CERAMICS ROOM – Let’s the kids be creative with a 90-minute ceramics class followed by party time!
TUMBLEHAUS – Open gyms are always popular. Work off that birthday cake sugar rush!
KICKIN’ IT KIDS GYM – Parties include 50 minutes of coach led activities that are age specific!
SCOOPS ICE CREAM – Scoops is a win for everyone, and you can bring in entertainment!
GYMTEGRITY – Parties designed for ages 2-12!
SHREDDER – Indoor snowboarding and skiing is unique and sure to be a hit!
THE DENVER FIREFIGHTER MUSEUM – What a cool way to celebrate your hero loving kiddo! Any Firebuds fans out there?!
CRAFTSMAN & APPRENTICE – This is the perfect place for a party for any kiddos who love to tinker and create!
HARKINS MOVIE THEATER – Fun idea for an indoor party… Oscars themed?!
LAVA ISLAND – Enjoy 3 hours of exploring Lava Island with your besties!
HAMMOND’S CANDY – Simply sweet and fun for everyone! Yes, yes…. Candy is involved!
CERAMICS IN THE CITY – Great for kids ages 6+ ! Projects will be back within one week of your party.
CREATE COOKING SCHOOL – Budding Chef wanting to share their passion with friends? This party idea is perfect!
TOCA DENVER (FORMERLY BLADIUM) – Starting with toddlers, TOCA has you covered for your birthday party needs and has different packages to choose from!
DENVER FENCING CENTER – How many can say they learned to fence at a birthday?!
BUTTERFLY PAVILION – Easy planning with multiple packages to pick from!
MINDCRAFT MAKERSPACE – Creative maker themed parties for ages 5-14!
OUTDOOR PARTY LOCATIONS
Theme parks and water parks are fun in the summer months but check out these options when it comes to thinking outside the box!
MCA PARKS – Reserve a park location within Central Park for your outdoor birthday! Make it extra exciting and have some entertainment show up!
MCA POOL – Have a picnic or BBQ at one of the pools in Central Park and celebrate with swimming!
BLUFF LAKE NATURE CENTER – Perfect outdoor setting right in our backyard! S’Mores anyone?
URBAN FARM – What about a private tour of the farm for your animal loving kiddo and a picnic?!
DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS – How about a garden planning party? Kids will dig it!
DENVER ZOO – Sure to be a roaring good time and who doesn’t love the zoo?
ENGLEWOOD FARM & TRAIN AT BELLEVIEW PARK – Opens after Memorial Day for the season!
COLORADO RAILROAD MUSEUM – Does the birthday kid love trains? This is a fun birthday!
BOONDOCKS – Relax and enjoy all the fun activities for the kids!
Want to add some extra fun and entertainment? Check out some of these add on ideas!
Face painters, character meet and greets, magicians, bouncy houses, ball pits, slip and slides, foam or bubble party, food trucks, escape rooms, puppet shows, caricature artists, reptile show, obstacle courses, water balloon toss, karaoke, photo booth.
No matter how you decide to celebrate, kids will always find a way to have a good time and the guest of honor will remember their special day!