If you have a kiddo who is about to have a birthday and you would like to celebrate in a place other than your living room, backyard or neighborhood park, you are in luck. The
greater Phoenix area offers a wide variety of birthday party venues for all ages, interests and budgets.
The list below is broken down into categories based on general interest, and as often as possible we have included cost information.
There are nature-related venues, arts and crafts, museums, arcades, amusement parks, swimming, mini-golf and other choices, all designed to help the birthday child have a terrific day.
As always, check the website or speak with a representative from the venue to find out about COVID-19-related restrictions, including masks and social distancing.
AQUARIUMS, ANIMALS AND PETTING ZOOS
Butterfly Wonderland
Learn about butterfly metamorphoses and interact with thousands of free-flying butterflies in this lush rainforest atrium. Butterfly Wonderland offers birthday-party packages with a butterflies, bugs or tropical fish theme. They include all-day admission (including the 3-D theater) for up to 15 children age 4 and older and three adults, a decorated party room, a gift for the guest of honor and choice of a fresh fruit platter, birthday cake or cupcakes. Pizza is also available.
Details: 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Salt River Reservation. Birthday packages are $350-$400. 480-800-3000, extension 210; email birthdays@butterflywonderland.com; https://butterflywonderland.com.
Phoenix Zoo
The zoo hosts birthday parties for children; packages include admission for 10 kids and 12 adults, a party ramada for 1.5 hours, a party host, party favor bags, a craft activity, a T-shirt for the birthday child, and cake, ice cream and lemonade for all guests. A variety of add-ons are also available.
Details: 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. Birthday packages are $300-$350; add-ons available at extra cost. 602-914-4333, https://www.phoenixzoo.org.
Radical Reptile Fun
If your child is into reptiles, this group will bring a menagerie of five to eight animals to you. Kids can touch and hold most of the animals and will learn all about each one. The mobile party specializes in education and conservation.
Details: Half-hour and hour-long shows are available in multiple packages. Birthday packages start at $100. Upgrades and add-ons available. Gas charges apply for any event; see website for details. https://radicalreptilefun.com.
Schnepf Farms
This U-pick farm and event venue offers a three-hour Down on the Farm birthday package that includes a private corral for up to 35 people, a party host, train ride and hay ride, petting zoo and lil’ farmers play yard, jumping pillows, glitter tattoo art for up to eight kids (each additional kiddo is $4), water and lemonade. Add-ons include pizza, hamburgers or hot dogs, farm animal cupcakes and a Little Farmer Veggie Picking Experience.
Details: 24610 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek. Birthday package is $250; additional guests are $10 per person. Not available in October. 480-987-3100, https://schnepffarms.com.
ARTS AND CRAFTS
As You Wish
This art studio offers pottery and canvas-painting parties. Birthday-party packages include a host, a souvenir plate for the birthday child (signed by guests), invitations, studio time and art supplies. Food and drinks can be brought in.
Details: Multiple Valley locations. Birthday packages are $225-$285. https://www.asyouwishpottery.com/.
AMUSEMENT PARKS, ARCADES AND BOWLING ALLEYS
Castles n’ Coasters
This outdoor park offers 20 rides and attractions, four 18-hole mini golf courses, 150-plus arcade and pinball games and five snack bars. Birthday packages for groups of 15 or more include a party room with a host, soft drinks, ice cream and personal pizzas for each guest and game packages.
Details: 9445 N. Metro Parkway East, Phoenix. For reservations and pricing, call 602-997-7575. https://www.castlesncoasters.com.
Chuck E. Cheese
This pizza/arcade chain has long been popular for birthdays. Party packages include a reserved table, party host, pizza, soft drinks and game tokens. The birthday child also gets the iconic ticket blaster experience.
Details: Multiple Valley locations. Birthday packages start at $14.99 per child. https://www.chuckecheese.com.
Dave & Buster’s
This national chain restaurant, bar and arcade offers several kids birthday-party packages that include either the buffet or party platters as well as a Power Card for each guest that can be used in the Million Dollar Midway. Upgrades are available.
Details: Multiple Valley locations. Birthday packages are $23.99-$33.99 per person. https://www.daveandbusters.com.
Enchanted Island Amusement Park
This outdoor amusement park in Encanto Park near downtown Phoenix hosts lots of birthday parties. Basic packages can include unlimited rides for guests, a party hostess, a shaded party area, decorations and ice cream. The Pirate’s Cove party (1-acre private party area) comes with a charcoal grill and can include a bounce house or inflatable obstacle course. Add-ons include face painting, balloon animals and more.
Details: 1202 W. Encanto Blvd., Phoenix. Birthday packages are $158.99-$500 plus tax. 602-254-1200, extension 221; https://www.enchantedisland.com.
Fat Cats
Fat Cats family entertainment center offers bowling lanes; an arcade; a pirate-themed, glow-in-the-dark mini golf course; six-screen movie theater; and more. It has movie, bowling and arcade birthday packages. Basic packages include bowling and shoe rental, arcade card and more. Add-ons are available.
Details: 4321 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert. Birthday packages are $14.99-$24.99 per guest (eight minimum). 480-498-3325, http://fatcatsfun.com/gilbert.
Jake’s Unlimited
The 90,000-square-foot indoor amusement park features bumper cars, laser tag, video games and much more. Birthday packages include unlimited food and soft drinks, a reserved party area for 90 minutes, party host and a free play pass for the birthday kiddo.
Details: 1830 E. Baseline Road, Mesa. Birthday packages start at $145. 480-771-1354, https://jakesunlimited.com.
Main Event
This entertainment center has Tempe, Avondale and Gilbert locations. The complex offers bowling, billiards, virtual reality, laser tag, gravity ropes, an arcade and more. They also offer five birthday packages that include a variety of activities, food choices and other options.
Details: Multiple Valley locations. Birthday packages are $11.99-$29.99 per person. https://www.mainevent.com.
Makutu’s Island
This giant indoor playground is filled with a 25-foot “oak tree”; slides, tunnels and places to climb; a bungee jump; zip line; an arcade; and private rooms for parties. Birthday guests are greeted at the front door. Parties include unlimited island play and an hour in a private party room. Birthday packages are for eight to 20 kids and include custom e-vites or printable invitations, pizza, goodie bags, drinks and arcade tokens. Add-ons include pizzas upgrades, beer pitchers and other food options.
Details: 6919 W. Ray Road, Chandler. Birthday packages are $199.99-$449.99. 480-344-3740, https://www.makutusisland.com.
Peter Piper Pizza
This Phoenix-based national chain is a pizza shop and arcade that offers affordable birthday packages with invitations, balloons and decorations, a party host, pizza, drinks and game tokens for each guest.
Details: Multiple Valley locations. Birthday packages start at $9.99 per child. https://www.peterpiperpizza.com.
Uptown Alley
This Surprise bowling alley and entertainment center offers 40 bowling lanes, two-story laser tag, a virtual reality experience, billiards, a sports theater and games. Birthday-party packages include bowling or laser tag, a game card and a variety of food. Add-ons include additional food choices, a balloon bouquet and more.
Details: 13525 N. Litchfield Road, Surprise. Birthday packages are $17.99-$25.99 per child. 623-975-7529, https://www.uptownalleysurprise.com.
FITNESS AND ATHLETICS
AZ on the Rocks
This Scottsdale climbing gym features 14,000 square feet of textured climbing terrain. It offers three birthday-party packages; each option includes climbing gear and hosts to facilitate the party, climbs and freefalls. All participants must fill out a waiver, and those under the age of 18 must have their waiver filled out by a parent. Waivers can be filled out online. A list of names of party attendees is required a few days before the event. A refrigerator/freezer is available to store party goodies.
Details: 16447 N. 91st St., Scottsdale. Party options start at $425 for the first 10 climbers. 480-502-9777, azontherocks.com.
Beginners Edge Sports Training
B.E.S.T. offers 85 minutes of sports activities for ages 18 months to 10 years. Birthday party packages are customizable in terms of length and the number of coaches needed depending on how many guests will be there. Food, water and activity choices also vary by package. B.E.S.T. can also bring their birthday parties directly to an outdoor location.
Details: 7432 E. Tierra Buena, Suite 102, Scottsdale. Birthday packages start at $289. 623-748-9453, thebestinaz.com.
The Little Gym
This gym — a national chain — offers gymnastics, dance and music classes and hosts birthday parties for ages 1-12 at numerous locations throughout the Valley. “Awesome Birthday Bash” parties include invitations (through Evite or mailed for you), a party leader and assistant, drinks and some decorations. Instructor-led games, music, LEGO building activities are available, as are themed parties.
Details: Multiple Valley locations. Birthday packages vary on price depending on location and also for members and non-members. thelittlegym.com.
Rebound Gymnastics
This north Scottsdale gymnastics facility hosts weekend birthday parties for 15 kids that includes two personal coaches, one hour of gym time and 30 minutes in a party room.
Details: 16611 N. 91st St., Suite 101, Scottsdale. Birthday packages are $300. 480-515-1205, reboundwest.com.
Topgolf
Kids and teen packages are available at Topgolf. Each package includes two hours of unlimited play, special party menus, and a dedicated team to set up and manage the party. Add-ons are available including goodie bags, filled donut holes and more.
Details: 9500 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale; 480-240-2402. 1689 S. SanTan Village Parkway, Gilbert; 480-240-1282. 6101 N. 99th Ave., Glendale; 623-218-2243. Kids party starts at $300; teen party starts at $420. topgolf.com.
United Skates of America
This company owns Great Skate in Glendale and Skateland in Chandler and Mesa. Birthday parties include admission and skate rental, a party host, pizza, unlimited soda and game tokens. Some packages include glow-in-the-dark accessories and party favor bags; upgrades are available.
Details: 1101 W. Ray Road, Chandler, 480-917-9444; 10054 N. 43rd Ave., Glendale, 623-842-1181; 7 E. Southern Ave., Mesa, 480-833-7775. Prices vary by package and location. unitedskates.com.
FOR LITTLE KIDS
Gymboree Play & Music
Gymboree Play & Music of Chandler offers birthday parties; for information, fill out a short questionnaire on the website and a staff member will contact you regarding site availability and party options.
Details: 2160 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. 480-963-1756, https://www.gymboreeclasses.com.
IN-HOME FUN
A Child’s Joy
This Laveen company offers inflatable water slides, bounce houses, pony rides and a petting zoo. A variety of party packages are available.
Details: Birthday packages start at $149. 480-820-8030, https://achildsjoy.net.
Arizona Birthday Magician
Particularly suitable for children ages 5-12, birthday magician The Magical Mr. Rose will transform your living room into a private theater. Packages feature comedy, magic, puppetry, music and gifts for all the kids.
Details: Birthday packages start at $250. 480-788-2329, http://arizonabirthdaymagician.com.
Bricks 4 Kidz
Birthday parties feature LEGO games and activities led by a party host, plus lots of LEGO bricks to keep builders busy. A variety of birthday party packages are available. Invitations and thank-you notes are included.
Details: Prices vary depending on number of kids and location. East Valley, 480-717-7573; Phoenix, 602-723-0476; https://www.bricks4kidz.com.
Christopher the Magician
Christopher the Magician specializes in kids birthday parties and will entertain children 3 and older. Depending on the package, the fun starts with a 30- to 40-minute magic show followed by either a magic lesson or balloon animals.
Details: Birthday packages are $225-$275. 602-493-9700, http://christopherthemagician.com.
Fairytale Events
This company offers character appearances — mostly princesses — for birthday parties and other events. In addition to meet-and-greets, the characters can do an activity such as story time, a craft, princess makeovers, games, face painting or nail painting.
Details: Prices vary depending on number of characters and length of the party. https://www.fairytaleeventsaz.com.
Fantastic Fire Department
If your child is obsessed with firetrucks, have a real firetruck make a grand entrance at their birthday party. Hour-long packages include a ride on the truck, souvenir fire chief hats and games and activities, including a scavenger hunt.
Details: One-hour packages are $350 on Saturdays, $325 on Sundays and weekdays. A 45-minute package is available for $325 on Saturdays and $300 Sundays and weekdays. 602-324-7100, https://www.fantasticfiredept.com.
Parties on Purpose
This company will create a custom birthday party for your child. They will go over your ideas for the party and then come up with fun and creative options. They offer themes based on books, movies, fairy tales and more.
Details: Fill out the contact form on the website and someone will get back to you. 480-442-1358, https://partiesonpurpose.com.
Storybook Entertainment
This Scottsdale company offers actors, party hosts and creative party packages. Add-ons include a photographer, candy-bar cake and cotton-candy machine.
Details: Packages start at $195. For more information about options, fill out an Entertainment Inquiry Form on the website. 480-254-3994, https://www.storybookentertainmentaz.com.
Superhero Rental of Arizona
With a wide variety of different characters to choose from, this costume designer can make your child’s party special. The handmade suits are intricately detailed, with speakers inside the replica costumes.
Details: Rates vary; check website for details. 480-980-8757, https://corymissall.wixsite.com/arizonadarkknight.
LASER TAG AND PAINTBALL
Westworld Paintball Adventures
This company operates a paintball field called Splatter Ranch in Scottsdale. Birthday party packages include all-day field admission, all-day equipment rental and 300 paintballs per person. Kids must be at least 10 years old to play paintball; anyone younger than 18 needs a parent-signed waiver. The paint is washable.
Details: 7025 E. Jomax Road, Scottsdale. Birthday packages are $39.95 per person, six people minimum. 602-447-8200, https://westworldpaintball.com.
PUPPETS, PLAYS, DOLLS AND TEAS
Mrs. Potts Tea Party
Whether the guest of honor is looking to enjoy an afternoon tea service like a royal or spend the afternoon in the company of a favorite princess, Mrs. Potts Tea Party offers several party packages. They include food, beverages and themed activities and keepsakes. From “petite princesses” and “English tea” to “rock stars” and “Mad Hatter,” there are plenty of options to choose from.
Details: 264 W. Second St., Mesa. Call for pricing. 480-827-0654, https://www.mrspottsteaparty.com.
RACETRACKS AND TRAINS
K1 Speed
Kids can put the pedal to the metal at K1 Speed, which features electric go-karts that zoom around an indoor track. Birthday packages for juniors or teens include at least one qualifying race and one final race, medals or trophies for the top three finishers, a podium photo and T-shirt. Junior kart racers must be at least 48 inches tall. Adult kart racers must be at least 58 inches tall.
Details: 2425 S. 21st St., Phoenix. Call for pricing. 855-906-5711, https://www.k1speed.com.
Octane Raceway
It’s a race to the finish line at Octane Raceway, which features a third-mile track that takes racers both inside and outside. Octane’s 32 racing karts come from Europe and can reach speeds of 45 mph. Three “Spark Plug” party packages include a variety of activities, such as go-kart races and mini bowling games, as well as pizza and soft drinks.
Details: 9119 E. Talking Stick Way, on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Reservation near Scottsdale. Call for pricing. 602-302-7223, octaneraceway.com.
SCIENCE, TECH AND MUSEUMS
Arizona Science Center
The Arizona Science Center’s birthday experience includes all-day general admission to the Science Center, admission to the featured exhibit, priority seating in the Dorrance Planetarium, an onstage birthday mention at one of the daily live presentations, a Create Maker Kit for the birthday kiddo and invitations to print at home.
Details: 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix. Birthday packages start at $249 for members and $299 for nonmembers for up to 10 guests. Add-ons are available. 602-716-2000, https://azscience.org.
Children’s Museum of Phoenix
Parties here include admission for up to 30 people for the entire day, a private party room for two hours, a table, chairs, butcher block paper and crayons and a birthday throne ideal for photos.
Details: 215 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. Call for pricing information. 602-648-2748, https://childrensmuseumofphoenix.org.
i.d.e.a. Museum
Mesa’s museum dedicated to creativity, art, design and science offers three birthday packages: the classic Art Studio Party for kids of all ages, the ArtVille Tots Party for ages 1-3 and the Robo-Bash for 5 and up. All packages include party setup, decorations, a party host, private party room for 90 minutes or more, all-day museum admission, age-appropriate activity and cleanup.
Details: 150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa. Packages start at $250 for nonmembers and $225 for members. Add-ons are available. A $50 nonrefundable deposit is required. 480-644-3690, https://www.ideamuseum.org.
WATER PARKS AND SWIMMING
Golfland/Sunsplash
There are two birthday party packages: super and ultimate. Both include admission for 10 guests, mini golf, arcade play, choice of attraction, reserved table time in a semi-private party room, a birthday shirt and gift for the birthday kid, two slices of pizza, cupcake decorating and unlimited soft drinks. Add-ons are available. Water park parties are also available; check website for details.
Details: 155 W. Hampton Ave., Mesa. Packages start at $249.99. 480-834-8319, https://www.golfland.com.
Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center
Guests can stay cool in the pool at one of the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center’s parties. Choose from the Classic Birthday Party, Birthday Bash Party or the Krocstar Birthday Party. You’ll also get a party room and an event attendant.
Details: 1375 E. Broadway Road, Phoenix. Pool packages start at $250; add-ons are available. 602-425-5061, https://krocphoenix.org.
