Kids’ birthday parties should be special occasions that parents and children will remember for a long time. While many memories can be made in their own backyards or neighborhood parks, there are some venues that can give a birthday party a little something more. Here are some of the best!
A birthday party at the science museum of Minnesota is way more than a party: It’s an experience for the whole crew. Museum-led activites, ranging from magic (or science, actually) to scavenger hunts will keep everyone occupied and engaged. Attendees may even accidentally learn something. Cake and refreshments can be arranged through the museum, as well.
A birthday party package at Grand Slam is a no-brainer for parents. They supply pizza, drinks, a party room, game tokens, trampoline jumping, laser tag, mini golf, go carts, and time in their Play Zone. You bring the cake. Kids are happy. Parents are happy. Done and done.
Birthday honorees at the North Shore Scenic Railroad get their own birthday caboose hitched to a train for a 90-minute scenic tour up the Lester River. An attendant, cupcakes, and a gift from the railroad are included in the package. The caboose is a tad cozy though, so these excursions are limited to parties of 10 or fewer.
For kids that love birds and animals, you could do much worse than a birthday party at the University of Minnesota’s Raptor Center. Home to a revolving cadre of raptors, the Center nurses ill and injured birds back to health and, when possible, releases them back to the wild. Birthday attendees will meet some of these birds on a tour of the center and will also get a special auditorium show, as well as volunteer-led activities. You need to supply your own cake and refreshments.
If your birthday child loves science, particularly things to do with physics, electricity, or electromagnetism, then the Bakken Museum would make an awesome party venue. Birthday parties include an educator-led activity, time to explore the museum, and a Bakken souvenir. You must arrange your own cake and/or refreshments.
Dodge Nature Center is a perfect site for nature-loving kids. The center has more than 400 acres of prairies, forests, and lakes that include hiking trails, a bee apiary, a working farm, and an orchard. Birthday parties include a naturalist who will lead an age-appropriate activity. Hosts must supply cake and refreshments.
More than a toy store, kiddywampus also offers camps and all sorts of classes for kids, as well as a dozen themed parties ranging from art or pirates to jedi training academy. kiddywampus provides everything you need for fun, including staff and setup. You just need to bring the cake and the kids.
At first glance, Adventure Zone may just seem like another go-cart, mini-golf, batting-cage, laser tag party place. What makes it different is that it also has a Vertical Endeavors franchise. So, after party-goers get their blood flowing with all of the mentioned activities, they can hit the ropes and climb the walls. Parties include pizza and drinks.
The state’s biggest zoo also offers all sorts of birthday parties. At the Minnesota Zoo, your child can choose from an overnight party, a pony party, or one of any number of themed parties. Parties include zoo admission and parking for guests, a gift bag for the guest of honor, a themed program with zoo staff, and a live animal encounter. You can add on party bags for guests and/or cupcakes and juice for the party, if you like.