Are you trying to think of the perfect setting for your child’s next birthday party? Then you’re in luck! We have researched the top spots and created this helpful guide of best kid-friendly venues for birthday parties. Doesn’t matter if your child is having their 1st, 5th, or 13th birthday party, we have some ideas for birthday party places for kids that you will love.
Birthdays for Babies and Toddlers: 1-3 years old
The first birthday party will be remembered forever by you and the guests, but probably not by the baby. It’s important to keep it simple and relaxed. Even a simple birthday party can be overwhelming for your baby, so keep the guest list small and the time frame short.
The most popular locations for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd birthday parties are inexpensive or free! In areas with harsh weather, indoors is always the best option. You can have the party at your own home, the home of a friend or family member, or reserve a space at a casual restaurant or club house. For an outdoors party, any backyard or park will do the trick. And remember, there will be lots of photos of you and your baby, so have fun and remember to smile!
Local Picks:
1. Your house or backyard would make a great spot for a young child's birthday and, best of all, it's free! Just add some cake, balloons, and decorations and you're all set.
2. Park Pavilions & Playgrounds:
- Richard B. Russell State Park has covered pavilions or picnic tables available near the beach / lake. For a small $5 parking fee, your guests will have a nice time in a beautiful environment as long as the weather cooperates!
- Pulliam Street Park & Pavilion features a quaint little playground and picnic pavilion that might be perfect for a small party!
- Victoria Bryant State Park in Royston is a bit of a drive, but it boasts 3 playgrounds, plenty of picnic pavilions and loads of activities!
- Watson Mill Bridge State Park is located in Comer, but it is certainly worth a mention. There is one group shelter and a couple of pavilions available to reserve that are right next to a pretty nice little playground with plenty of shade.
- Sandy Creek Park in Athens is well worth the drive. There is a brand new playground that was finished in 2025 and it is right up the hill from the beach! Plenty of pavilions are available for reservation and furry friends are welcome everywhere...except the beach.
3. Local Restaurants have enough seating to fit the whole family, kid-friendly menu options, plus a variety of choices to suit your budget. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
6. Romp-A-Roo in Lavonia is such a cool spot! They feature an indoor play-space for soft play which includes a bounce house, ball pit and slide, pretend play areas and more. Their facility is available to rent out for birthday parties as well!
Parties for Young Children: 4-10 years old
As your child gets older, you have more options for kids birthday party places. It’s all thanks to longer attention spans and an excitement for learning in children ages 4 through 10 years.
First, make a list of your child’s favorite activities and keep their personality in mind. This will help you decide on the best place for a party. Imagine a pony-themed party at a petting zoo or ranch. If your child likes penguins, maybe the zoo or aquarium would be nice. If it’s summer, how about a beach or pool party?
Each area has its “cool spots” for kid's birthday parties. Think movie theatres, community centers, museums, restaurants, petting zoos, campgrounds, and libraries. Many areas have activity centers or indoor playgrounds with different sports and fun things to do. Some have trampolines, bouncy houses, gymnastics equipment, tunnels, ball pits, video games, etc. This age group will probably have a ton of fun no matter the location. So, keep things active and exciting… with plenty of cake!
Local Picks:
1. Family Impact Center lets you book a private party and use the trampoline, padding floor, and tumbling mats to create your own party perfect for active kids.
2. Inflatables & More:
- Jumping With Us offers bouncy houses for rent, inflatable water slides, and even mobile video game rooms so you can choose from a variety of styles for the age group.
- Kangaroo Jax in Greenville, SC offers indoor inflatables and mini carnivals rides for ages 2 - 12 and it costs just $14 for a day pass.
- A Big Event serves Northeast GA and offers inflatable bounces houses, slides, concession, tent, table, chair rentals and more!
3. Lake Hartwell Wildlife Safari not only offers a really cool drive-thru safari experience, but they also have a public picnic area and they have a special space to reserve for parties, complete with a private restroom! If you're worried about having wildlife surround your personal vehicle, there is also an option to rent one of their jeeps for a very reasonable fee.
4. 'Brella Studio in Athens offers party packages for kids of all ages. Birthdays here are often messy, but the good news is, you don't have to clean it up! If your creative kiddo enjoys making art out of literally anything, this is the perfect spot for them. They even have an art truck that can bring the party to you!
5. RUSH Trampoline Park in Athens, GA is a great option for high energy party people with obstacle courses, plenty of trampoline space and more! Parents can even relax in one of the nearby massage chairs or hang out in the sitting room near the vending machines. There are several rooms available to reserve just for parties to house all the food and other sundries while the kids play!
6. Chuck E. Cheese in Athens is the perfect spot if your kiddos love pizza and gaming! There is even a small trampoline "Jump Zone" to help them get their energy out!
7. Urban Air Adventure Park in Augusta, GA offers several packages for parties and is a one stop shop for climbing walls, ropes courses, trampolines, laser tag, bumper cars and more!
8. The Children's Museum of the Upstate in Greenville, SC is a great place for kids to explore, play and so much more. Even the most basic party package provides free all-day access to the museum, a private party room, Publix cupcakes and a party host for up to 10 kids!
Birthdays for Older Kids: 11-16+ years old
For older kids, you can have the party at any of the locations mentioned above, plus more. But party guests are more demanding at this age, so you need to be careful in choosing something not too childish. Parties for older children tend to be more expensive and could last an entire day, so plan accordingly.
Some top favorite places for older kids birthday parties could be a trip to the art museum, rollerblading, ice skating, watching a sports game, a day at a theme park, boat or cruise, camping, fancy or casual restaurant, movies, dance party, karaoke, beach party, spa party and more. Set a reasonable budget and pick a unique activity that your child and her friends love. Or find something special that they have yet to experience.
Local Picks:
1. The Lake Hartwell Escape Room is a perfect date night or birthday for older kids.
2. The Elbert Theatre shows a variety of movies and plays that might be a great option for teenagers when paired with a fancy dinner or ice cream afterwards.
3. Roller Blading / Skating:
- Fun Galaxy in Athens
- T & S Skate in Canon
- Skate Away USA in Greenwood, SC
4. Showtime Bowl in Athens offers a variety of packages for your event, including private party rooms!
5. Bobby Brown Park is right here in Elbert County and has so much to offer! I've listed it here for the older kids because it is the perfect spot for a camping trip, kayaking, 3-D archery, disc-golf, boating, fishing, swimming and more.
6. You might also consider a day trip to a museum, theme park, or shopping mall just for fun!
Birthdays are a special time to celebrate and spend time with friends and family. Once you figure out the kids party location that fits your style and budget, you can continue planning the perfect day for your child. All kids will appreciate a simple venue, or something extravagant…it’s up to you! Don’t forget to have fun and remember it’s all about having a wonderful day for your child to remember.
