Birthdays are one of childhood’s most memorable moments. There’s always something special about these occasions, whether it’s the fancy cake, the present you always wanted, or celebrating with family and friends. Parents, grandparents, babysitters, and nannies can partner with these great event venues to create the ultimate birthday party for their kids.
Here are 10 family-friendly locations where kids and caregivers alike will have an amazing time hosting or attending at a birthday party.
C.J. Barrymore’s
Address: 21750 Hall Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Phone: 586-469-2800
Fees: Party packages range from $199 – $499.
Any parent would appreciate the hands-on approach C.J. Barrymore’s takes with party planning. Its staff will help you create the perfect event in their reserved party areas. Parties can be booked online or in person. They typically offer one main activity, like bowling, go-karts, or laser tag. But your crew can opt to enjoy other activities, as well, such as the arcade, bowling alley, or bumper cars.
Sea Life Michigan Aquarium
Address: 4316 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: 866-622-0605
Fees: Parties packages range from $175 – $500.
Any child who loves “Finding Nemo” or “The Little Mermaid” will be thrilled with a party at this larger-than-life aquarium and event space. Sea Life promises you’ll come “nose to nose” with sharks, stingrays, seahorses, and more. Parties include an opportunity to touch sea creatures, including crabs, lobsters, and sea urchins. Parties have a lead time of three weeks, so plan ahead. Midweek prices are discounted, so consider a weekday celebration. Sea Life also recommends its parties are best for children between the ages of 4 and 12.
Lakeshore Lanes
Address: 31025 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores, MI 48080
Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Phone: 586-293-2722
Fees: Parties packages range from $100 – $500, depending on how many people attend and whether they are bowling.
This neat little bowling alley is the right size for any kind of bowling party. There’s a large party room right off the entrance that has tables, chairs, and lots of space for guests. The lanes are modern, clean, and well maintained for kids to bowl after having cake and ice cream. A refreshment area offers a small restaurant for items like french fries and vending machines for pop. You can rent shoes here, and there is a wide selection of bowling balls for your guests to use during the party.
West Bloomfield Adventure Park
Address: 6600 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322
Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Friday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. Phone: 248-419-1550
Fees: Most parties start at about $170 (6 guests on weekdays, $29 per additional climber) to $200 (6 guests on weekends, $33 per additional climber).
If you have a Curious George in your life or a child who loves climbing, then the West Bloomfield Adventure Park is a fantastic party location. Everyone will have a good time at this forest recreation center with its zipline trails, climbing platforms, and elevated bridges. People of all ages and fitness levels can participate with the help of the experienced employees. Most parties last two hours, and a minimum of eight climbers are required. Party rates are based on how many climbers you have.
Kitty Deluxe
Address: 22202 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores, MI 48080
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Sunday, noon – 4 p.m.
Phone: 586-445-3500
Fees: Prices range from $10 – $14 per child.
Crafty girls and their friends will have a ball creating beautiful bracelets, necklaces, or any other kind of jewelry at Kitty Deluxe. This shop features a pink exterior and colorful interior and specializes in homemade gifts, jewelry, and accessories. The party space has a large table and chairs set up with crafts you select ahead of time. Kids can enjoy a cake or treats you bring in as they complete their projects. The space is small, so parties under 12 people are likely best. Party prices are based on the craft selected.
Mad Science of Detroit
Address: 12413 Stark Road, Livonia, MI 48150
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 734-266-9444
Fees: Party packages start at about $250 for a one-hour party with up to 10 kids and go up to $500 and beyond, depending on party size and timing.
If you have a child who loves cooking, chemistry, or making their own slime, then a party with the scientists of Mad Science of Detroit would be a hit. Kids from tiny tots to teens will be fascinated as they create experiments, learn about electricity, watch how fireworks are made, or participate in other science-based activities. Kids also make their own slime to take home. Parties typically last an hour, with add-on options like bubble-making or rocket launches.
Detroit Zoo
Address: 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Hours: Monday & Tuesday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Wednesday & Thursday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Phone: 248-541-5717
Fees: Party packages range from $350 – $700.
Whether you want a simple picnic-in-the-park type of area or a larger reservation for 20 people or more, the Detroit Zoo is happy to help you arrange it. The zoo — which has a train, movies, animal attractions, a playground, dining areas, and a new penguin exhibit — has a variety of party areas. There are picnic areas all around the zoo if you want to bring snacks and a cake. There is an entrance fee for the zoo, and they do offer group pricing.
Pewabic Pottery
Address: 10125 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit, MI 48214
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Sunday, noon – 4 p.m.
Phone: 313-626-2000
Fees: Party packages range from $100 for a guided tour to $350 for a hands-on experience.
Some may imagine that a world-famous pottery studio wouldn’t be kid-friendly, but Pewabic Pottery strives to be a place for children to enjoy, as well. Along with its youth summer camps, Pewabic offers crafty birthday parties on-site. While the event space is cozy, there is enough room to bring in a dozen or fewer kids to try their hand at painting a Pewabic tile, which is later fired and ready to enjoy for decades to come. A private parking lot is located right outside for guests, and you can schedule a tour of its pottery areas as part of your event if you plan ahead.
Wally’s Frozen Custard
Address: 22501 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores, MI 48080
Hours: Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Phone: 586-552-5038
Fees: Party packages range from $100 – $350 (+ food costs).
Is there a little firefighter running around your house? If so, he or she will love having their party at Wally’s Frozen Custard, which is located in a facility that replicates a firehouse. You can have a smaller gathering at one of its side bays, which gives you privacy and access to a large parking area. Guests can also have the party in the main building, which has a bright yellow fire truck that sprays frozen custard from its spigots instead of water.
Michigan Science Center
Address: 5020 John R St., Detroit, MI 48202
Hours: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Sunday, noon – 6 p.m.
Phone: 313-577-8400
Fees: Party packages range from $200 – $500.
There are so many hands-on activities in the Michigan Science Center that your child’s party guests will have a ball running from area to area. As part of the Science Spectacular party option, guests can try various chemistry experiments in the Centennial Lab. Music Magic offers a music-making area where the birthday boy or girl and their friends can rock out on guitars and drums. Packages typically run three hours and require an admission fee for each guest. Parties need to be booked two weeks in advance. You also can add on IMAX or planetarium tickets.