Birthday parties. Every year we want to make the annual bash for your birthday child the best EVER. When you handle it all yourself, there is so much for a party host to do: make decorations, create goody bags and party favors, cookies, desserts? Not to mention setup and cleanup.
Lucky for us, the Twin Cities metro area offers a plethora of locations for a child’s birthday party and venues who take a lot of the burden off the parents to sure everyone has a great time. Indoor birthday party places, outdoor party spots, whatever theme kids can dream, there is probably something in the Twin Cities to fill the need. We’ve rounded up over 100 of these Twin Cities party places to give you some inspiration for your next birthday celebration! A lot of times, the cost is comparable to throwing a home bash.
Have a birthday party idea to share? Submit your idea here.
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Search Kids Birthday Party Ideas By Category
To make the search for your child’s next birthday party easier, we have created separate pages for different types of birthday parties. To begin your search, choose from the categories below to learn more. If you aren’t sure what you are looking for, scroll through our alphabetical index at the end of this page to find a kids birthday party location or party option we cover.
This directory will be updated regularly to give you the most helpful and current information.
Alphabetical Index of different party Packages & Kids Birthday Party Places
Follow the link for more details and to compare similar attractions and different birthday party packages. We think there is something to satisfy every birthday kid and their party guests.
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- 3rd Lair Skate Park
- Aamodt’s Apple Farm
- Abracadabra Magic – Magician Norm Barnhart
- ACME Magic Factory Entertainment
- Adventure Peak
- Adorable Elegant Spa Party
- Afton Apple Orchard
- Aldrich Arena
- Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe
- Animal Humane Society
- ARCADE GAMES
- Artlet26
- Artrageous Adventure
- ArtStart ArtScraps
- Avery’s Adventures Indoor Playground
- Bach to Rock
- Bakken Museum
- Base Camp, Bloomington
- BASKETBALL PARTIES
- Battle Creek Waterworks
- Be With Me Playseum
- Bell Museum of Natural History
- BIRTHDAY CAKE SUPPLIES
- The Blast Indoor Playground
- BOUNCE HOUSE PARTIES
- Bowlero
- BOWLING PARTY VENUES
- Braemar Arena
- Braemar Field
- Brighter Minds Music
- Brooklyn Park Ice Arena
- Build-A-Bear
- Bumper Cars, Go Karts and Rides
- Bunker Beach Water Park
- Bunker Hills Regional Park
- Bunker Park Stable
- Burnsville Ice Center
- The Café Meow
- CAMP – Southdale Mall
- Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center
- Carver Park Reserve
- Cascade Bay Water Park
- Champlin Ice Forum
- Chanhassen Dinner Theatre
- Charles M. Schulz – Highland Arena
- Cheap Skate
- Cleary Lake Regional Park
- Color Me Mine
- Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
- Como Town Amusement Park
- Crayola Experience
- D1 Training
- Dave & Busters
- Dodge Nature Center
- Eagan Art House
- Eagan Civic Arena
- Eagle Lake Youth Golf Center
- Eagles Nest Indoor Playground
- Eastman Nature Center
- Eden Prairie Art Center
- Eden Prairie Community Center
- Eden Prairie Outdoor Center
- Edina Aquatic Center
- Edinborough Park
- Elm Creek Park Reserve
- FALL HARVEST ORCHARDS
- Firefighters Hall & Museum
- Flaherty’s Arden Bowl, Arden Hills
- Gale Woods Farm
- Gleason’s Gymnastics
- Goldfish Swim School
- Good Times Park
- Grand Slam Sports
- Great Wolf Lodge Swimming Parties
- Hasse Family Mobile Petting Zoo
- Heartfelt
- Hyland Lake Park Reserves
- Hopkins Pavilion
- In the Heart of the Beast Puppet Theater
- Kidcreate Studio
- Kiddywampus
- Komborrah Sports
- Kroening Nature Center
- K.U.B.E Indoor Playground
- Lake Elmo Park Reserve
- Lakeside Commons Park
- Lebanon Hills Regional Park
- Leonardo’s Basement
Lookout Ridge- Lowry Nature Center
- Luceline Orchards
- Lynn’s Cake and Candy Supply
- Maple Grove Community Center
- Maplewood Nature Center
- Millz House
- MiniSota Play CaféÂ
- MINI-GOLF
- Minneapolis Bouldering Project
- Minnesota Children’s Museum
- Minnesota Transportation Museum / Jackson Street Roundhouse
- Minneapolis Rec Center Gyms
- Minnesota Zoo
- Minnetonka Center for the Arts
- Mississippi Gateway Regional Park
- MUSIC PARTIES
- Nickelodeon Universe
- Occasions with Character
- Orchard Birthday Parties
- Peekabooboo’s Play Café
- Petting Zoos
- Play Nook Adventures
- PLAYGROUNDS
- PONY RIDES
- Pump It Up
- Putt Shack
- Princess Parties
- Raptor Center
- RENT A GYM OR PICNIC SHELTER
- The Reptile Experience
- Richardson Nature Center
- ROCK CLIMBING
- Rumriver Art Center
- Shakopee Community Center & The Lookout Indoor Playground
- Science Museum of Minnesota
- Sea Life Aquarium
- Shady Oak Beach
- SLEDDING and SNOW TUBING
- Springbrook Nature Center
- St. Louis Park Rec Center
- Sea Life Aquarium
- Silverwood Park
- Simply Jane/Artable
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park
- Snapology
- Starcade Arcade
- Straightline Dance Fitness
- Sunrise River Farm
- Superheroes
- SweeTeaCup Tea Parties
- Tamarack Nature Center
- Textile Center
- That Cooking School
- Trapp Farm Park Tubing Hill
- Twin Cities Trapeze Center
- Twin City Model Railroad Museum
- Urban Air Adventure Park
- Valleyfair
- Vertical Endeavors
- Wargo Nature Center
- Westwood Hills Nature Center
- Wheel Fun Rentals
- Wild Mountain
- Williston Treehouse
- Wood Lake Nature Center
- The Works Museum
- YMCA of the North
- Zero Gravity Trampoline Park, Mounds View – Trampoline or Laser Tag Parties
2024 Christmas Plays and Shows we are watching for 2025:
Nov. 30, 2024: Julglädje Family Concert
American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55407
The perfect theater experience for toddler and preschool audiences. Enjoy a performance that includes songs, stories, games and celebration; then explore the museum together. Tickets: $20/adults; $8 kids; 5 and under FREE. 9am-10am or 11am-12pm performances.
Dec. 3-22, 2024: Black Nativity
Penumbra Theatre, 270 N. Kent Street, St. Paul, MN 55102
The story of the birth Baby Jesus in Bethlehem with a traditionally all black cast, featuring classic Christmas carols and gospel music. From the musical created by Poet Langston Hughes with chorus music performed by the Kingdom Life Church Choir. Tickets $20.
Find Christmas Concerts & Holiday Sing-A-Longs Here
Dec. 6-15, 2024: A Christmas Story
Chanhassen Performing Arts Center, Chanhassen High School, 2200 Lyman Blvd, Chanhassen, MN 55317
Christmas was on its way; lovely, glorious, beautiful Christmas, around which the entire kid year revolved. Tickets $20-$25.
The Nutcracker & Other Holiday Ballet Performances
There is no better way to celebrate the Yuletide than with a Nutcracker performance, and we’ve got options for every family – from the young kids with short attention spans to the the full ballet with symphony orchestra.
November 23, 2024: Pas de Deux Dance Studio’s The Enchanted Forest
Student Union Theater, 2017 Buford Ave, St Paul, MN 55108
The Hungarian story of Ilka, who gets separated from her friends and lost in a magical forest. Shows at 1 & 4:30pm. Ages 4 & up only. Tickets: $15/advance, $20/door.
Nov. 26-27, 2024: Mini-Nutcracker
Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044
This one-hour abbreviated version of the full-length A Minnesota Nutcracker is a delightful introduction for young children to the classic ballet. 11am & 6pm performances. • All Ages. • Tickets: $16-$20/pp.
Dec. 7-8, 2024: The Nutcracker
Auditorium at Hopkins High, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Hopkins, MN 55305
Prima Classical Coaching continues the tradition of waltzing flowers, scurrying mice, and a sparkle of magic at every turn! Journey with Marie through the magical world of The Nutcracker. Saturday 2pm & 6pm; Sunday 12pm and 4pm. Tickets: $25+.
Dec 7-8, 2024: Metropolitan Ballet’s NutcrackerÂ
The Fitzgerald Theater – St. Paul, 10 E Exchange St, St. Paul, MN 55101
Metropolitan Ballet brings this family friendly holiday tradition! The classic story comes to life with fresh choreography and a cast of talented artists under the direction of Erik J. Sanborn of the Metropolitan Ballet. Best for ages 5+. Tickets $29.50+.
Dec 7-15, 2024: Continental Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Bloomington Center for Arts, 1800 W Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington, MN 55431
Tchaikovsky’s classic tale of Clara’s voyage to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy with her magical godfather Drosselmeyer. Tickets: $15-$30/pp.
Dec 14, 2024: The Community Nutcracker Event 2024
Mraz Center, 600 Highway 13 East, Burnsville, MN 55337
A live abridged performance of The Nutcracker Ballet featuring the Repertoire Ensemble. Pay-As-You’re-Able.
Dec. 20-21, 2024: A Minnesota Nutcracker
Northrop Auditorium, 84 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
This year, Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota will also perform at Northrop Auditorium. Tickets.
Dec. 20-22, 2024: Nutcracker in Wonderland
The O’Shaughnessy, 2004 Randolph Ave / St. Paul, MN 55105
A twist on two classic children’s stories. This ballet weaves the Nutcracker with Alice in Wonderland. Tickets: $35-$45/pp.
Dec 21-22, 2024: Metropolitan Ballet’s Nutcracker with Full Symphony Orchestra
Hopkins Auditorium, 2400 Royals Drive, Minnetonka, MN, 55305
Metropolitan Ballet brings this family friendly holiday tradition! The classic story comes to life with fresh choreography and a cast of talented artists under the direction of Erik J. Sanborn of the Metropolitan Ballet. The Kenwood Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Yuri Ivan, will perform live during the Hopkins performances. Best for ages 5+. Tickets.
Holiday Shows with Teens & Tweens
Nov. 9- Dec. 29, 2024 A Christmas Carol
The Guthrie, 818 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55415
A Twin Cities Christmas tradition! The Charles Dickens tale of Christmas magic and the redemption of the soul of Ebenezer Scrooge as the ghost of Marley, his former partner, and three Christmas ghosts lead him on a tour of his life. Tickets: $29+
Save: Attend with a group of people and save. Discounts for groups of 15 or more.
See with Younger Kids: While we usually recommend this ev–ent for families with older kids, The Guthrie recommends this play for ages 8+ (children 5 and under are not permitted in the theater). A couple years ago, the Guthrie created a printable 24-page guide full of information, activities and discussion questions to bring the show to life.
Dec 21, 2024: Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Lost Christmas Eve
Xcel Energy Center, 199 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN 55102
Two shows – 3:00pm and 7:30pm. Tickets start at $49.99.
Shows We are Watching For in 2024
We are watching for the following shows to be announced again for 2024 and will keep adding new shows as we learn about them.
Mid-November to Mid December: Santa & Albert’s Holiday Play: Albert’s Big Surprise
Bachman’s on Lyndale, 6010 Lyndale Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55419
We can’t wait to see what Santa Claus & Albert are up to this year! These annual, all-original plays are FREE to attend, last about 20 minutes and are seated first come, first serve. Shows are offered multiple times on weekend days..
Wishing you good cheer and a magical Christmas!
Our Family Fun Directory has over 250 More Birthday Party Venue Ideas
We’re always pinning more ideas on our Pinterest Birthday Party Board!
Hello! Thanks for such a great list. Any recommendations for a location for a 1-year-old’s birthday party in January? The guest list includes 8-10 adults, 2 kids, and 1 baby. We were thinking of possibly reserving/renting out a room at a coffee shop, but we’d love to have a space for our older kids (ages 4 and 7) to move their bodies and play at some point during the party instead of being trapped in one room the whole time.
Thanks so much!
Hi Lauren: My favorite for a mixed group like this is the Minneapolis Rec Centers. Most of the buildings include a reservable kitchen, gym and a game area. The adults can gather in the kitchen while kids play in the gym (or if it is nice outside, the playground). Some rec centers game areas have pool, ping pong and/or foosball games as well. Another really great option are the indoor playgrounds, like InnerActive & Good Times Park. These facilities are giant indoor playgrounds with rentable party rooms. The bigger kids can have run of the place, while the littler kids can be corralled in the the tot area or party room with the adults. We would love to hear back from you. Let us know what you choose and how it goes!
Hi! You have an AWESOME list here. Thank you for making this availble for us parents/guardians! It is a bit overwhelming so I am wondering if you can please have a category for indoor venues and identify which ones are toddler-friendly. For example, Eaglenest in New Brighton has their massive indoor playground but also has a toddler section for the little ones that are not big enough for the larger playground.
Thank you in advance!
Yes! By Age is a great idea, Jasmine! We’ll see what we can pull together.
I had to celebrate my daughter’s 5th birthday and was looking for birthday ideas. One of my friends suggested to rent a party rent and decor because it is a cheaper and better option. I was lucky enough to find the best party rental in Minneapolis to make my daughter’s birthday memorable.
You did mention that you found the perfect place back in January, Jagrit. Thank you for letting us know it went well. So far this year, you’ve thrown birthday parties for your 1-year-old niece and nephew, your cousin and your 5-year-old. With all that experience, you could probably write this article! Feel free to let us know what works and doesn’t work for you.
Where do you recommend for a third-grade birthday party?
These would be my best ideas for a third-grade birthday party.
1) Rent a Minneapolis Rec Center and let the kids have run of the gym/game area.
2) Roller Rink Party
3) An arcade or restaurant/arcade.
4) Indoor playground
I bet our community has some great ideas, too.
Thanks for the wonderful ideas! I am planning a birthday party for my soon to be 1 year olds niece and nephew. This blog helped a lot, really. And also another help I had were these wonderful party rental in menneapolis.
Jagrit! We are glad our birthday party guide could help with your niece and nephew’s party! Those first birthdays are so special, and it sounds like you’re putting together a fantastic celebration.
I love the idea of combining helpful blog posts with local party rentals – that’s a recipe for a truly unique and successful party. Did any specific rental companies in Minneapolis catch your eye? We would love to hear how your party goes.
Remember, at this age, it’s all about sensory stimulation and simple play. Keep things bright, colorful, and engaging, and focus on activities that encourage exploration and discovery. I’m sure your niece and nephew will have a blast!
Please let us know if there’s anything else we can add to this article to help plan special occasions like this.
As a parent residing in the vibrant Twin Cities area, I couldn’t be more thrilled to come across this blog post highlighting the plethora of birthday party options available for kids in our wonderful community. Planning a memorable and enjoyable celebration for our little ones can sometimes feel overwhelming, but this comprehensive guide has effectively captured the essence of what makes the Twin Cities a fantastic destination for birthday parties.
Wow! Thank you Meghan. Let us know where you end up celebrating and how it goes. We love to hear parent experiences.
Love this pos. You have so many great ideas 🙂 I’m currently planning a party for my 2 and 3 year old girls. Thank you!
Thanks Kristian. We love that you are finding great ideas. Check back and let us know what you ended up doing for your birthday parties and how they went.
That was really an informative blog. Thanks for sharing the information. Continue doing this.
I’m so glad you found it useful, Maladh. Leave a comment when you’ve chosen your venue and let us know how it goes.
Love this blog so much, You have so many great ideas for birthday parties
We are so glad you found it useful, Mohammed. Check back and let us know where you ended up hosting your party and how you liked it.
Looking for a unique place to host your kid’s birthday party? REM5 Virtual Reality Laboratory offers a birthday party package including food, soda, and 2 hours for kids to explore a wide range of virtual games and experiences! Head to WEBSITE to find out more.
Thank you for this idea! However, the other venues on this page paid for their link and we cannot leave yours in good conscience. If you are interested in adding your information to this list – we offer both paid and free listings. Contact Gianna for More Information
Want to make your corporate events special? Add some magic to turn it into a memorable event. Chris Michael is a Corporate Event Mentalist you can hire for your corporate events
Like a psychic? What do you do for kids parties?
Thank you, Katie. Let us know how it goes. We would love to hear about successful birthday parties.
Love this post so much!! You have so many great ideas 🙂 I’m currently planning a party for my 2 and 3 year old girls. Thank you!
I’m trying to find an acting or drama birthday party in the Twin Cities but I don’t think any of the theaters offer one!
Hi Erin:
Stages Theatre Company offers a “Create Your Own Workshop” option. This might work for a birthday party.
Another idea is 2 Defy Gravity — a Circus Arts Duo that offers birthday parties. It’s a little off the drama idea, but could be fun.
While we have no experience with them, there is a company in Edina called DramaKids that has birthday parties.
I hope some of these ideas help.
Hi… another very fun and super awesome experience for Birthday’s is Gamin Ride’s Mobile Video Game Theater! 🙂