Great Places to Host a Birthday Party in Cincinnati

We all know how important birthday parties are. We work hard to make sure they’re perfect, that our children have fun and that great memories are made. Unfortunately, sometimes this is easier said than done, as it can be hard to find places other than the typical ones you think of {you know the places we are talking about }.

This is exactly why a few weeks ago on Facebook we asked you to share your favorite birthday party locations in Cincinnati. Boy were we excited about your responses! So many great suggestions – places we’d not heard of, places we’d been to, places all over the city.  It was a great list and we couldn’t wait to share it here on the blog.

**Please note that our goal is to continue to grow this list, adding new places as we discover them or when you send them our way. If you know of a great place that’s not included on our list, please feel free to leave information about it in the comments, or you can shoot us an email at info@familyfriendlycincinnati. com.

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Anderson Dance Academy ~ Does your child enjoy dance? How about a dance themed party? Anderson Dance Center offers several themes to choose from including Hip hop, hula and princess ballerina!  Get the details.

Lazer Kraze – With locations in Erlanger & Deerfield Township, Lazer Kraze is home to some amazing indoor lazer arenas plus Erlanger has an inflatables section and Deerfield Township has a Lazer Maze! Lots of different party packages depending on your budget, starting around $119.

Jump! Zone ~  Jump!Zone is an indoor party center featuring nine large inflatables, interactive games and various toddler activities. Prices start at $159 for 15 kids and run to $259 for 25 kids. Locations in Florence & Milford. Visit the Jume!Zone web site for complete details on party packages and pricing.

Beechmont Rollarena ~ If your child is old enough, roller skating may be the party for you.  Party pricing is based on attendance – $7.00 per child, includes skate rental, party supplies, drinks & ice cream. Pizza & soda avail; minimum of 8 children. For complete details visit the Beechmont Rollarena web site.

Here’s a fun idea, paint pottery for your next party. Locally, two options include Star Glazers and Color Me Mine.

• Star Glazers ~No need to travel, Star Glazers brings the party to you.  Paint ceramic mugs, plates etc and w/I 2 weeks your finished pieces return! Details on the Star Glazers web site. Call for party pricing.
• Color Me Mine ~ Located in Crestview Hills Towne Center children will have fun painting pottery with their friends. Prices vary based on pieces painted. Details on Color Me Mine Web site.

Whole Foods Market Mason ~ offers fun cooking parties that include everything from sending out the invites to party favors. Perfect for ages 4 and up. Contact Whitnie.Carter@Wholefoods.com or Heather.Cargini@Wholefoods.com for details.

Snappy’s Tomato Pizza Party ~ What child doesn’t love pizza? How about a party at Snappy Tomato where you get to eat what you helped make?  Call your local Snappy Pizza to see if this is offered. We know in Bright, IN the Snappy location offers a ‘make your own pizza’ party for kids for just $5 per child.

Pump It Up ~ Large private indoor arenas, filled with gigantic inflatable slides, bounce houses, obstacle courses and more (Parents can play too!) Parties include a private party room with a party coordinator to help run things so parents can just sit back and enjoy. Parties run from $189 – $269. Located in West Chester. Complete details on the Pump It Up Web site.

The Little Gym ~ Located in Liberty Township, Kids who have their birthday party at the Little Gym get the whole place to themselves! Party includes lots of tumbling and “gymnastics” fun and they take care of everything for you.  Visit The Little Gym web site for details, call for pricing.  Perfect for children 12 and under.

Cincinnati Museum Center ~  Choose from the Duke Energy Children’s Museum or the Cincinnati Museum Center for your party. Lots of party themes available including Construction, Fish, dinosaur, cave and more.  Party includes 15 guests with prices starting at $160 for Museum members, $185 for non members. Visit the Cincinnati Museum Center Web site for complete details and pricing.

Fire Museum of Greater Cincinnati - All little ones want to experience being a hero! Give them the chance to have their party in an exclusive historical part of Downtown Cincinnati within an old firehouse that offers all the surroundings of being a firefighter for a day. Call (513) 621-5553 for special rates.  Make it extra special for your little firefighter by downloading a FREE party kit from Sparky the Fire Dog. For these DIY plans visit Sparky’s birthday website.

Gallop Again ~ Gallop Again offers birthday parties March through November where kids get to paint on a real live horse. They get a pony ride, learn a craft and they get to feed the goats and play with the bunnies. Lots of different options to choose from.

Silverlake, the Family Place ~ Great place for a party. You get your choice of 2 activities such as gymnastics, bouncy house, Kids Zone, Outdoor or Indoor swimming, etc. My oldest had his party there a few years ago and Robbie, the party organizer was amazing. We really didn’t have to do anything but show up.

Noah’s Ark Workshop ~ If your son our daughter likes stuffed animals, you might want to look into an animal stuffing party with Noah’s Ark Workshop. They bring the party to your location. Each party includes a professional Party Leader, Party Invitations, optional Party Favor Box, Theme Party Planning Guide, optional Party Supplies, Mascot Entertainment*, Cuddly Animals and Outfits and a FREE gift for the birthday child.

Happen, Inc’s Toy Lab ~ How fun would it be to create your own toy? Party goers at Toy Lab on Hamilton Avenue in Northside get to do just that with the help of one of Happen’s wacky professors.  Party packages range in price from $160 – $240. Complete details are available on the Happen, Inc. Web site.

Wake Nation ~ Want to take your party to the ‘Extreme’? How about a party at Wake Nation in Fairfield?  Party goers can learn to wakeboard, water ski, and/or kneeboard WITHOUT a boat. The main lake is good for kids 10 and up and this summer they are opening The Practice Pond for ages 5 and up. Pricing starts at $300. Complete details on the Wake Nation Web site.

Little Songbird Music ~ Perfect for little ones ages 1-4, Little Song Bird music will bring the party to you. Parties include a half hour music class and creating a musical craft. Costs start at just $45.  Visit the Little Songbird Music web site for complete details.

The Enchanted Village in Lebanon~ In addition to being an amazing toy store, one the second level they have the cutest rooms perfect for a princess party for a little girl. You can decorate cookies in the pretend kitchen, play dress up with their beautiful costumes and have cake and a tea party with your animals. Visit the downtown Lebanon web site for contact information.

Sunrock Farm in Wilder, KY ~ hosts birthday parties for kids too. Parties are 3 hours long and include 2-hours of fun with a farmer. Your child’s guests will have a chance to hold baby chicks, pet goats, interact with cows and lots more! Costs start at $200, but that includes 20 guests. Details: SunrockFarm.org

Here’s a fun idea one reader submitted:  “We take all the kids to a matinee performance at the Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati and then have a party at home w/ food and games inspired by the show.” Lots of great local theater productions for children. Visit the Ensemble Theatre or The Children’s Theatre web sites  for details/inspiration.

The Royal Table ~ If you have a princess at home, then think about taking her to The Royal Table in Mt. Lookout for her next birthday party.  They just opened in Feb. and have dress-up princess party packages to delight kids ages 3 to 10 years.

University of Cincinnati Campus Recreation Center ~ You can host a birthday party at the University of Cincinnati’s Campus Recreation Center in the gymnasium, climbing wall or swimming pool. You can even mix and match two areas or all three for your event! Check out their website for more information about birthday parties at the Campus Rec Center or email robert.weeks@uc.edu

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Don’t forget, we know this is just the tip of the iceberg. If you know of a great place to have a party, please let us know. We want to keep this list up-to-date and growing!

Thanks to everyone who shared ideas on the Family Friendly Cincinnati Facebook Fan page!

This post was originally written on March 30, 2011. It is updated regularly.

Editor’s Note: While we try our best to be accurate, sometimes event details/information can change. We highly recommend our readers visit the website of the business or event we’ve written about before taking any action.

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