Unforgettable Party Destinations for Kids
Published: April 30, 2024
By: Paige Townley
Looking for some much needed inspiration on where to throw your child’s next birthday party? Birmingham is brimming with fantastic options for celebrating your child’s special day. From picturesque parks to interactive spaces, there are a myriad of options ready to create unforgettable memories—even venues where you can host for free. So ditch the backyard and discover some of the most unique birthday party destinations the Magic City has to offer.
A Night at the Movies
When it comes to hosting a truly unforgettable child’s birthday party, few places rival the excitement of a movie theater. Theaters like AMC offer private screenings that turn a simple movie night into a blockbuster birthday celebration. With the entire cinema reserved just for them, the birthday boy or girl has the freedom to choose their favorite flick, whether it’s a timeless classic or the latest hit, watching it with friends while munching on their favorite theater snacks.
Pamper it Up
Bring on all the glam with a party hosted at a local nail salon. The birthday girl and all of her friends will enjoy a time of pampering and glamour as they enjoy a manicure, pedicure, or perhaps even both. A number of nail salons around Birmingham offer party packages, such as SugarPlum Kids, which is actually 100 percent kid focused and offers a nail salon and spa with plenty of party packages to match the desire of any birthday girl.
Lucky Strike
A bowling alley party proves that fun doesn’t have to be fancy to be unforgettable. With a party hosted at a local bowling alley, children can lace up their bowling shoes and get into the competitive spirit. Some Birmingham bowling alleys add to the atmosphere with onsite arcades as well.
Create Some Art
Help children unleash their inner Picasso with a painting party. Guided by talented instructors, kids can celebrate the birthday and bring their imaginations to life, one brushstroke at a time. Depending on the type of painting the birthday boy or girl prefers, there are a number of options around Birmingham. Spots like Painting With a Twist offer a number of child-friendly painting options. Pinspiration offers a number of painting party options as well, including a Splatter Room for kids to enjoy a memorable experience while creating their very own masterpiece. And if canvas painting isn’t your style, there are also spots like Do It Yourself Crafts, which offers up all sorts of pottery pieces for kids to paint too.
Go For a Climb
For birthday boys or girls that prefer a thrilling adventure, check out a local climbing gym. These indoor climbing venues, such as Birmingham Boulders or High Point, offer a dynamic experience for young adventurers in a safe indoor atmosphere. Friends and family can celebrate while climbing towering walls, navigating challenges, and building confidence as they conquer each obstacle.
The Roller Rink
Celebrate amongst the glow of neon lights and an upbeat playlist of music at the roller rink. In addition to hours of skating fun, the roller rink can offer so much to keep children of all ages entertained. For example, Trussville Play Station also offers a go kart track, video games, and laser tag arcade. Adding to the ease of hosting at the roller rink: they often have snack bars, which make it easy to gather most all of the snacks and treats.
Go to the Park
Embrace the simplicity and natural beauty of hosting a birthday party at a local park. Birmingham offers so many sprawling parks that provide a beautiful canvas for a party with green space and playgrounds to let kids run around, engage in a game of tag, chase bubbles, and let their imagination soar. Alabaster’s Veterans Park offers a number of pavilions, ponds, and space to play. Calera’s George W. Roy Recreational Park covers 28 acres and even includes a splash pad, skate park, and volleyball court. Melrose Park is a popular spot in Chelsea thanks to its playground and splash pad, as is Homewood’s Central Park, which is always abuzz with people enjoying its wide-open spaces. Hoover’s Veterans Park is another large gathering spot with all sorts of offerings, including large pavilions and playgrounds. Mountain Brook’s Overton Park is another great spot for hosting birthday parties, with a spacious covered pavilion, playground, and convenient location right on Overton Road.
Hosting at the park is also a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on fun, allowing families and friends to celebrate without breaking the bank. Bring along the cake and some kid-friendly snacks and the morning or afternoon is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Note: Many parks do require reservation of pavilion space and/or rental fee depending on location.
Get Ice Cream
Keep the party simple while pleasing all of the kids by planning an outing to a local ice cream shop. There are a plethora of sweet shops all across Birmingham, from favorite chains like Bruster’s to local mom-and-pop shops like Bendy’s Cookies & Cream. Some even have plenty of space for kids to run and play, such as Doodle’s Homemade Sorbets and Ices.