Planning a birthday party for your child in the Austin area? Look no further! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite birthday party spots in town.
Although this is by no means a comprehensive list, here is a sample of some of the birthday parties we’ve been to, had recommended by friends and readers (thanks, y’all) or which we have read about which sound fun. I didn’t include some of the most well-known and franchise-affiliated venues. If you have any birthday party places in Austin to add, please let us know in the comments, and we’ll add this to our list. I’m hoping to revisit this list in years to come when I’m looking for inspiration!
Many thanks to PartyBright.com for sponsoring this post! Just recently launched, PartyBright is an Austin-based birthday party site, and a great resource for planning a kid’s birthday party in Austin. They are working with a number of the vendors on this list and allow you to browse through a variety of different party options, read reviews, and make bookings online. Its a great time-saver for busy moms! No phone tag or trading emails with vendors trying to confirm date and time availability.
Advancing Robots – Working in teams of 2, guests add modifications to their ‘bot, then try out their design in the SUMO RING. Robots are programmed to find and “wrestle” the other robot. A team’s ‘bot wins if it pushes the other ‘bot out of the ring or over on its back. During the hour-long event, they’ll make multiple improvements on their design, making it an increasingly skillful SUMO ‘BOT. Hosts must provide a space for the activity to take place.
Alamo Drafthouse – You can bring your favorite video or choose from a handful of themes. On a weekend morning, kids can eat pizza and milkshakes while they watch a movie while parents can eat off the brunch menu.
Archery Party – Taking inspiration from the movie Brave, book a group archery lesson (disclosure: I’m not really sure that Archery Country can do parties, but private lessons are available.)
The Art Garage – Themes include Paint Pottery, Glass Fusion, Tie Dye, Mosaic and Canvas Painting birthday parties. Discount available in the Birthday Party Discount Guide.
Ashley’s Playhouse – Birthday parties are available on Sundays in two-hour blocks of time. Included in the birthday party package is 2 hours of full access to the facility, including the Cinema Room, outdoor play space and Imagination Playground; 2 caregivers to assist before, during and after the event and a gift bag for the birthday child. Discount available in the Birthday Party Discount Guide.
Austin Dog Alliance – Parties include dog-themed decorations, activities, plates/napkins and an agility demo with therapy dogs. Staff will help run the party.
Austin Nature & Science Center – Parties include a 45 minute presentation and the use of a party room with tables and chairs. Several themes available. Birthday party rooms must be cleaned and vacated at the end of the two hour period. Birthday party participants are welcome and encouraged to visit ANSC exhibits and grounds before/after their party.
Austin Rock Gym – Parties include two hours of climbing, all necessary gear, belay instruction and harnesses for parents and room to set up a table for cake and refreshments. Waivers are required for all climbers.
Austin Roller Rink – Several different packages are available and three decorated party rooms are available for an hour and forty-five minutes. The birthday child gets a t-shirt and the children get admission and skate rental. Depending on the package, food can be provided, or you can bring it in.
Austin Zoo – Three covered spaces are available to rent (two of which are outdoors and one which is indoors). You can bring in your own food and decorations. You pay per guest, plus a nonrefundable deposit. You may also choose to pay for a train ride or animal feed for your guests.
Baked by Amy’s – Pastry artists will decorate a gourmet birthday cake and guide the junior chefs through a unique decorating experience as they each decorate two fluffy cupcakes, two shortbread cookies and their very own junior chef hat. Suggested ages 6-106. Parties are booked at 10am and 4pm daily.
Blazer Tag – Several party packages are available. The basic package comes with two games of laser tag, either a private room or reserved table in the lobby, invitations and a t-shirt for the birthday child and a pass for a free game of tag on his or her next visit.
Blue Baker – Guests can enjoy a tour and then you can enjoy some yummy treats afterwards.
BookPeople – Several themes available. Parties intended for children ages 1-6. Parties include planning session with BookPeople staffer; 1.5-hour private use of time on BookPeople’s 3rd floor event space; a 15-20 minute story time by a BookPeople party helper; a craft activity (led by BookPeople party helper; crafting supplies provided by BookPeople); goodie bags for all kids attending the birthday party which will include a $5 gift certificate, stickers and other trinkets and helium balloons, streamers, and a customizable birthday banner.
Cafe Monet – Several locations and themes to choose from. Minimum of 8 painters. Our Westgate location can seat up to 18 painters, and our Triangle location can have 24 painters! Children’s birthday parties are an hour and a half long and include a handpainted memory plate. All pottery parties will be able to be picked up 7 days later. You can bring your own snacks, cake, ice cream, or order a pizza to be delivered. Nonrefundable party room fee plus per child fee.
Capital Gymnastics – Three locations and three party times (all on Saturdays) to choose from for 60 minutes of gym time, 30 minutes of cake/gift time, a trained teacher, invitations, party shirt for the birthday child and a drink pouch, souvenir cup and sticker for each guest. Host is responsible for the cake and paper goods and outside food is allowed.
Chaparral Ice – The Iceberg party package includes admission and skate rental for 10+ people plus the birthday child (for 6 and up) and one parent, skates, a 30-minute beginner group lesson and 2 hours of a reserved table. For younger children, please contact the facility for more details on the packages available. Add-ons are available, such as balloons, gloves or hockey pucks.
Dart Bowl - A minimum of 8 guests is required for a party. The basic package includes one hour of bowling, shoe rental, balloons, utensils, party assistance from staffer, use of the party room and free bowling pass for use on next visit. Bumper bowling is available for children and you can add on the laser maze for your guests.
Emler Swim School – Kids can splash and play in heated, indoor pools under the watch of certified lifeguards and then have use of a private party room. Two hour parties allow for up to 30 guests at no additional cost. Custom Evites included, but you must bring decorations, pool toys and refreshments.
The Expedition School – Parties for 8 children or more. Cost includes waterfront lifeguard, SUP guide, boards, canoes, kayaks, paddles, EZ Up Tents, picnic table and an iPod compatible stereo. You can bring your own cake, ice cooler w/ drinks, snacks and cupcakes/cake.
Fantastic Magic Camp- If you’re looking for ways to avoid having a party at your home, here’s an option of hosting a party for 30 or more children at their location in Highland Mall for only $50 (magician fees are additional).
Foodie Kids – Several party packages available for various age groups (with different durations) with a minimum of 8 attendees, including the birthday child. Parties include food, drinks, utensils, paper goods, candles, a classic white cloth chef’s apron for the birthday child, a hand-colored birthday book created by attendees for the birthday child and additional party favors. Entire party modification for allergies/dietary needs is available for an additional cost and individual food allergies/dietary needs can be accommodated as well for an added fee.
Freedom Party Rentals – Mobile laser tag, inflatable movie screens, archery, foam and water tag parties available for rental. For laser tag, several packages available, which include laser tag guns, barricades, audio system and table set-up. There are several different outdoor movie packages available, all of which come with high definition picture and professional sound, as well as set up and clean up. Kids can take aim at hovering balls with foam tipped safe arrows with the Archery Hoverball party package. Foam parties come with a super powered foam machine, foam solution and stand and can be combined with an inflatable foam pit and sound system. Water tag is like laser tag, but with no batteries or sensors — just a vest and Water Blasters with refill stations. Discount available in the Birthday Party Discount Guide.
Game Plan Entertainment – You can rent out the facility, which features classic arcade games, new and vintage video games, air hockey, skeeball, foosball, a DJ sound system and lots of other games all set to free play or you can rent games to be brought to you. If you choose an on-site party, the birthday honoree gets a t-shirt and gift pack, you have access to a sound system for music, games or karaoke, there is a party room for food and cake and you have access to a party coach during the party. Discount available in the Birthday Party Discount Guide.
Gorgeous Millie – Parents of babies and toddlers can choose from several party themes, including Good Night Gorilla and Tents and Tunnels, and have full use of the facility for two hours. A Gorgeous Millie employee will set up, “wrangle kids” and clean up.
Heartsong Music – Two hour parties include use of the entire studio and a 45-minute music class in the blue room. Your child’s favorite songs are used for the class. The host provides refreshments in the purple room. The green room is used for free play and arts and crafts. You provide decorations. Discount available in the Birthday Party Discount Guide.
Hoppin’ House – This inflatable playground hosts only one birthday at a time at its facility, but also offers some items for offsite rentals. You can choose from open play for two hours with a private party room, balloons and a group photo or to reserve the facility.
iFLY Austin – Parties include indoor skydiving flights, DVDs of your session, a training session, rental of all necessary equipment, personal assistance from a flight instructor during your flights and a personalized flight certificate for each flyer.
Jump! Gymnastics – Parties are an hour and half and can be customized to fit your needs. Standard activities include 45 minutes of gymnastics, 15 minutes of age-appropriate games and dancing and 30 minutes in private party room. Parties are ideal for children between the ages of 4-10. Parties include invitations, decorations, music, tableware, goody bags, thank you notes, as well as setup and cleanup.
Jump Wild in Dripping Springs – Parties include a reserved party room for one hour and forty-five minutes, tableware, one water bottle per child, party host (weekends only) and child and parent access to the play area, inflatables and trampolines.
Kiddie Acres – Group rate ticket buyers can reserve tables. Cake, juice boxes, bottled water and ice cream are the only foods allowed in the park. Pizza, hot dogs, balloons, novelty ice cream, popcorn and goody-bag combos available upon request. There is a two hour limit on tables. Some decorations allowed.
Kiddie Express Train – The Kiddie Express Trains are trackless and are complete with a smokestack, bell and whistle and a driver dressed as an engineer. The fire truck looks real with light, ladder and siren and a driver dressed as a fireman. Goody bag items are also available.
Kidz ‘n’ Play – Several party packages available. With a reservation, a party room is reserved for 2 hours. The birthday child gets in free with a pass for future admission. You can bring your own food and the venue will supply invitations, utensils, plates, a tablecloth, helium balloons and napkins.
Little Buckaroo Ranch – Several Western-themed party packages are available. All parties include personalized invitations, a party area with hot dogs, chips, punch and bottled water. You can bring in your own cake.
The Little Gym – Your group will have the whole place to yourselves for 1 ½ hours with games, music and fun activities created especially for your birthday kid. The trained instructors will lead all the fun and The Little Gym team will handle everything from setup to cleanup, which means you get to go home to a clean, quiet house when all the fun is done. Parties are geared towards children ages 1-12. Discount available in the Birthday Party Discount Guide.
The Little Yoga House- Yoga parties range from Simply Yoga, where they provide a themed yoga adventure, pizza and juice, to Everything Yoga, where you provide the guest list and theme and they do the rest (i.e., invitations, decorations, cake, etc.). There are specialty parties to chose from including a Spa Yoga Party, Paint a Yoga Mat Party, Glow-in-the-Dark Yoga Party and more, as well as a variety of a la carte items such as a photo booth, yoga-inspired party favors, henna tattoos, coffee for adults and more. Discount available in the Birthday Party Discount Guide.
Mad Science – Several party packages are available. The parties are about 45-90 minutes long and are geared to children aged 4-12 years old. You must provide the location. The Mad Scientist will engage children with science demonstrations that are conducted with the help of the birthday child and guests. During the final 10-15 minutes, the kids will make slime to take home. Goody bags are also available.
Millenium Youth Complex – Several packages available. Packages include bowling or skating plus arcade tokens, birthday place settings and flyer and choice of hot dog combo or pizza, soft drinks and ice cream.
Moxie Gymnastics and Cheer – Parties included supervised gym time and use of a party room. You supply cake, drinks and paper goods.
Outdoor movie – You could rent a screen or DIY if you can find a projector and host an outdoor movie night with popcorn, popsicles and even have your guests arrive in their PJs.
Palacios ATA Martial Arts – Do your kids love martial arts? A $150 fee includes 10 gift bags and a 45 minute personalized group class, 2 wood boards and complete awesomeness! Parents provide food, cake and decorations. The cake is even cut with a sword and they have the birthday kid wear a black belt!
Park party – Choose from dozens of parks in Greater Austin. At some of the larger parks (Zilker, Bartholomew and Northwest Park, for example), you will need to pay to reserve tables. Kids can play and you can bring whatever you need. One mom I know rented the pavilion at McKinney Falls for a camping-themed party and the kids had a blast.
Peter Pan Mini Golf – A large, shaded picnic area is available by reservation for parties. There are two large and three smaller picnic tables. Reservations are available in 1.5 hour increments including set-up and break-down. There is no charge to reserve the picnic area. For guests playing golf, standard rates apply. For birthday parties, Peter Pan displays the birthday boy or girl’s name on the front sign for all to see.
Pinballz Arcade – All party packages require a nonrefundable deposit. Parties include the party room for 2 hours, tokens for the guests and birthday child, a party host, goody bag for the birthday child, pizza and drinks. Several different party packages are available. No outside food or drink allowed in the arcade with any party packages with the exception of birthday cakes/cupcakes. Extras are available at an additional cost.
Playland Skate Center – Parties include admission for guests; skate rental; pitchers of drinks; reserved table(s) for 2 hours (to accommodate the number of children expected); announcement of your child’s birthday just prior to the birthday song; skating games including the Limbo, Hokey-Pokey and Races and cleanup. You can bring in pizza, cake, cupcakes, snacks and ice cream, decorations and paper products (plates, napkins, etc.). The facility is also available for private parties.
Pop Star Parties – Parties are 2 hours and are based on one Star-To-Be plus 5 of his/her BFFs. The package includes 1 DVD copy of the Starlets’ very own pop star video, all the accessories needed to rock the stage, a glam makeover given by the Pop Stars, and a pop star training class that will help the starlets choose their song, perfect their voice and work on all their pop star moves. The Pop Stars will arrive with a stage and a sound system, a video camera and a wardrobe of accessories for the stars to use. The Pop stars will also perform some of your favorite songs.
Pump It Up – Parties include fun on inflatables, a private indoor arena(s) and party room, a gift for the guest of honor, supervision by our friendly trained staff and invitations and party supplies. You can also choose Glow Parties, Pirate Quest and Superhero Training Camps or personalize the part with food, drinks, goodie bags, balloons and more.
Races2U – Kids can guide small remote controlled cars on a replica of the F1 track just outside of Austin. Parties are recommended for kids 6 and up, and even adults can get in on the fun. Cars can be kept slow enough that they stay on the track most of the time. Participants who are not driving during a particular race can get involved as “pit crew”, putting cars back together and back on track, and of course, it wouldn’t be racing without spectators, either. For older children, teens and adults, Slot Car Racing can be quite challenging, and a certain level of finesse and skill is involved just to keep the cars on the track. Tracks can be set up at your location or in store. In store parties are 90 minutes and include a party room with a trophy presentation on the podium. Food and drinks must be brought in or ordered separately. Discount available in the Birthday Party Discount Guide.
Rock Island – One friend’s son was invited to a party at Zilker’s Rock Island. The kids met there under the trees on blankets and had pizza, climbed on the rocks, ran around and played kickball. Since the weather is so nice in Austin, this would be such a fun way to spend a few hours!
Safari Champ- All parties include 2 hours in a reserved room, unlimited plates, cups, napkins and silverware. Additionally, the guests can stay after the party is over at no additional cost. Discount available in the Birthday Party Discount Guide.
Smudge Studios – Parties run for 2 hours. During the first 90 minutes, guests will get their art on, and the last 30 minutes is for cake. Several themes are available and the parties are geared towards ages 4-106.
Snow Rentals - A friend mentioned she had an idea to get a pile of snow for a winter-themed party. How cool would that be for our snow-deprived kids? The companies I found were based out of other cities, but many would travel to Austin for an additional fee.
SoccerZone Lakeline – Several party packages are available. Two-hour party packages include picnic tables, drink Tower, plates, napkins, utensils, and one hour of field time for games of soccer, dodgeball, flag football, ultimate Frisbee, or any other sport you can think of.
Spicewood Farms – Several party packages are available for children turning 5-11 years old. Parties include an interactive lesson on horses, hands-on grooming, horse rides, games, horse tricks and feeding. Outside food is allowed.
Splash pad – Kids play in your favorite splash pad (during the summer months) and you don’t have the stress of having a bunch of kids at a pool.
Stunt Ranch – Basic stunt parties include two hours on ziplines, low ropes course and use of a 5,000 square foot pavilion for food and celebration. You can get add-ons, such as a high-fall airbag, rock climbing wall, paintball, pyro demonstration and mountains of foam. All attendees must sign a waiver.
Takota’s Ponies – Ponies can come to you for riding (an extra small pony is provided for petting). Each pony can give about 30 rides per hour and each ride is 1-2 minutes in length. Geared towards ages 1-10+.
The Thinkery – Several birthday party packages are available, with a different price for members and non-members. Birthday parties are 90 minutes of fun for you and your guests, which includes hands-on, educator-led activities. Each party package offers age-appropriate activities with popular themes, decorations, electronic invitations, guest favors and free parking. After the party, stay and enjoy unlimited free play and exploration in the museum.
Tiny Tails to You – Parties include petting zoo pens with animals; you need to provide the venue (indoor is also an option, provided you have the space). The birthday child gets first dibs on meeting the animals and kids get one on one time with the animals. Staffers share educational information about the animals. Face painting, bubble machines, photography, goody bags and more are also available.
Toybrary Austin – Party rental includes use of the Toybrary space for two hours and enough toys and activities to keep everyone happy. You supply the food, and Toybrary provides a back room for presents/cake and can supply a birthday banner, party drink and silverware sets and a drink dispenser for an additional cost. Parties are for children ages 6 and under.
Trapeze Austin – One or two hour flying trapeze classes and circus workshops available. Circus workshops can involve flying trapeze, aerial skills, Lyra, hand balancing, juggling, static trap, double trap and Spanish web.
Wake up party - A mama friend shared the story of a favorite party she had growing up that she is now hosting for her daughter. The birthday child and parent/s go to each guest’s home and wake them up and bring them to their house for a “fancy” breakfast in their PJs.
Wild Things Zoofari – You provide the space, and the Zoofari provides a set number of exotic animals for your guests to meet. Staff provides educational information to guests about each animal and each guest gets to interact with the animals. Three programs are available to choose from.
Whew, that’s a lot of choices!
Looking to plan a birthday party on a budget? Check out our Birthday Party Discount Guide for more options! If you like to pin your birthday party ideas, be sure to check out our Pinterest board for printables, dessert ideas and more.
A native Austinite and soccer-playing mom, Nicole uses her 8-year-old son as an excuse to rediscover her hometown through his eyes. In Thoreau’s words, her mission is to “suck out all the marrow of life”, or in her son’s words, to cultivate in him a love of “advenchers”.
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