From glam parties to ninja warrior parties to indoor skydiving, these Chicago spots really deliver the fun
Let’s face it unless your child’s birthday is in July or August, you might not want to plan an outdoor party. Even if it is warm enough, you’ll need a backup plan in case of rain. You also need to think about sun exposure and providing shade to beat the heat. A temperature-controlled venue sure makes things easier.
If you need to plan a kid’s party, whether it be during a chilly month, or you just want to avoid all the contingency plans that come with an outdoor party, we are here to help. There are tons of creative indoor options in Chicagoland for kids who like to play music, bake, jump around, and everything in between. There are even parties that bring the festivities to you! Read on to get some great ideas for an indoor birthday party.
Best Indoor Birthday Spots in Chicago for Active Kids
Altitude
Chicago’s first trampoline play space and activity center features state-of-the-art trampoline entertainment as well as a variety of activities such as Wipe-Out, Basketball, Dodgeball, Rock Wall, Foam Pit, Trapeze, Kids Court for toddlers, and a parent lounge for adults.
Locations in West Loop & Skokie
Online: altitudechicago.com
Brooklyn Boulders
This place will make your wall-climbing kids straight-up giddy. They offer several indoor rock climbing terrains for your guests to conquer and knowledgeable instructors are there every step on the way up, up, up.
West Loop
Online: brooklynboulders.com
CircEsteem
Walk a tightwire, learn to juggle, or teeter-totter on a gym wheel. Whether your birthday kid aspires to join Cirque du Soleil or just wants to learn a new trick or two, these fetes give kids a chance to experience circus arts in a fun and safe environment.
Evanston
Online: circesteem.org
Goldfish Swim School
Party-goers enjoy exclusive use of the facility, while staff guide your guests through games, races, and water fun, or simply lifeguard as they monkey around in the 90-degree pool. After you’ve all dried off, enjoy pizza, cupcakes, and drinks in the decorated party area.
13 locations throughout Chicagoland
Online: goldfishswimschool.com
iFly
Following training with an instructor, your little birthday birds will enter a vertical wind tunnel and experience the freedom of flight. Back at home, your child can see their flight session on the DVD included with the birthday package.
Lincoln Park, Naperville, & Rosemont
Online: iflyworld.com
Ultimate Ninjas
Windy City Ninjas and Ultimate Ninjas have merged and will continue to offer some of the best birthday parties in town. This birthday party spot is pretty exciting, with parties led by pro Ninjas from NBC’s American Ninja Warrior, so kids get to celebrate with their favorite stars climbing walls, taking on obstacles, and dominating at dodgeball.
Northcenter
Online: ultimateninjas.com
Best Indoor Birthday Spots in Chicago for the Sports Lovers
Hi-Five Sports Club
Pick your favorite sport from soccer, baseball, football, kickball, dodgeball, hockey, lacrosse, or capture the flag, and Hi-Five will plan and staff the fun for up to 25 of your closest pals, either at one of their locations or wherever you choose.
Several locations throughout Chicagoland
Online: hifivesportsclubs.com
Naperville Yard and Westmont Yard
Two words make this venue unique. Nerf Wars. While nerf mischief between siblings happens on the regular, take the battle, (and wartime cleanup), out of your house. A party includes access to a play structure, inflatables, field games, invitations, goodie bags, and more!
Naperville
Online: napervilleyard.com
Westmont
Online: westmontyard.com
POW! Kids
For kids who harbor fantasies of being a superhero, ninja warrior, or any other leaping, jumping, or swinging creature, Pow! Kids offers fantastic options. The base party gets kids moving with relays, obstacle courses, and agility exercises, with optional add-on themes like ninja, nerf skills, martial arts, or superhero.
West Loop
Online: powgymchicago.com
TOCA Players Indoor Sports Center
Tailor a birthday party package to different age groups so little ones aren’t overwhelmed and big kids escape boredom. Young kids stick to kickball and t-ball, while big kids play more competitive games like flag football or soccer.
Naperville
Online: playersindoor.com
Wicked Ball Bubble Soccer Arena
You won’t run out of things to do with packages that include bubble soccer, nerf wars, meltdown, zombie wars, archery, inflatable boxing, and so much more. They can also bring the party to you.
Lombard
Online: wickedballchicago.com
Windy City Fieldhouse
The choice is yours at this mega-complex where sports rule. Pick from scavenger hunts, basketball, soccer, kickball, capture the flag, batting cages, and more. Everything is customizable and you can hop from one sporting pursuit to the other. They also offer virtual scavenger hunts parties so friends and family from afar can participate.
Logan Square
Online: windycityfieldhouse.com
Best Indoor Birthday Spots in Chicago for the Music Makers
Merry Music Makers
This very popular music studio hosts parties too! Kids participate in a musical activity or craft before being led in a 30-minute customized sing-along by one of the many talented teachers. Afterward, it’s time for presents, food, and cake.
Lakeview
Online: merrymusicmakers.com
The Music Playhouse of Chicago
Children will be engaged in 45 minutes of musical fun. Perfect for kids ages 1-5, with singing, dancing, and instrument play. The Sing and Play Interactive Party comes to your home or another venue of choice.
Lakeview
Online: themusicplayhouseofchicago.com
Best Indoor Birthday Spots in Chicago for the Future Chefs
Nick’s Pizza and Pub
Nick’s Pizza and Pub offers the coziness of hosting at home, with none of the clean-up. Party guests get to visit the kitchen to make their own pizza and while that cooks, take a fun behind-the-scenes tour of the restaurant. Not only that, but their menu offers built-in fun with a scavenger hunt and we highly recommend the signature colossal cookie dessert.
Crystal Lake & Elgin
Online: nickspizzapub.com
Oui Chef
First up? Apron decorating! Once they’re properly dressed, birthday guests will make cupcakes, an entree of the guest of honor’s choice, lemonade, fresh fruit spritzer, and fruit salad. And, finally, they indulge in their creations!
Lincoln Park
Online: ouichefchicago.com
Schoolhouse Kitchen & Studio
Choose from among a donut shop party, a soft pretzel party, pasta & cupcake party, and more, or customize your own menu. More elaborate menus for adults & families are available at the Portage Park location. It’s delicious, hands-on fun, and the best part is. . . you get to sit back and enjoy!
Portage Park, River Forest, & Wicker Park (coming soon)
Online: iloveschoolhouse.com
Best Indoor Birthday Spots in Chicago for Gamers
Ignite Gaming
You can take the kid off the video game, but you may never get the video game out of the kid. Celebrate their day and their skills with all their friends. Over 150 multiplayer games available on reserved gaming stations, pizza and drinks, and a personal party host make this venue a no-brainer.
Skokie
Online: ignitegaming.com
Lucky Strike
Eat, Play, Bowl. Choose between reserved bowling lanes, arcade time, or a combination of both. Lots of games to choose from for all ages.
Lakeview & Streeterville
Online: luckystrikeent.com
Play and Spin
It would be hard not to have a good time here. In addition to the arcade, there is laser tag, VR games, go-karts, a rock wall, and inflatable obstacle courses.
Niles
Online: playandspin.com
Best Indoor Birthday Spots in Chicago for Something a Little Different
Archery Custom Shop
Learn a new skill and make like Robin Hood at an archery-themed party. Kids learn how to shoot the target safely in a one-hour workshop, followed by cake and birthday festivities. Everyone has a blast popping balloon targets.
Forest Park
Online: archerycustomshop.com
Aqua Mermaid
How often do you get to swim with mermaids? Party guests slip into mermaid/merman tails and learn how to swim like a mermaid while playing games and completing challenges. A truly magical birthday experience either in their pool or yours.
University of Illinois
Online: aquamermaid.com
Dad’s Slot Cars
This retro-cool spot has an old-fashioned soda counter where kids can sing Happy Birthday over decadent ice cream delights after they customize and race model cars on an 8-lane track.
Des Plaines
Online: facebook.com/Dadsslotcars/
Medieval Times
Give your little prince or princess a birthday that’ll make them feel like the star of the castle by adding a side of jousting. Celebrate the big day while watching 6 knights battle it out fast and furious on real horses and enjoy a feast fit for royalty.
Schaumburg
Online: medievaltimes.com
Snapology of Chicago
What kid doesn’t love Legos? Snapology parties include LEGO® themed birthday party builds, an activity surrounding the build, and a party facilitator who will set-up, conduct activities, and clean up all materials, whether the party is at your place or theirs.
Lakeview
Online: snapology.com
Spotlight on 3
Pamper your princess, fashion diva, or budding rockstar for their special day. They will be treated like royalty as they adorn luxurious robes and receive facials, mani/pedis, hand/shoulder massages, or funky hairdos. Customize your package to include karaoke, runway training, or a dance party.
Lakeview
Online: spotlighton3.com
Best Parties in Chicago that Come to You
GameTruck Chicago
Bring the arcade to you. State-of-the-art technology, 60+ games, and a total party atmosphere ensure a hassle-free celebration. Serving the Chicago area, including Chicago, Naperville, Wilmette, and Bloomingdale.
Online: gametruckparty.com
The Great Scott
Even parents will get a good chuckle when this magician begins his show by engaging the audience with hilarious jokes that are so great, you’ll wish you could trick him into staying longer. Virtual shows, that put the magic in your own hands, are also available.
Online: thegreatscott.com
Mad Science
Science is fun and these party people prove it. Making slippery slime, silly putty, and super balls are just some of experiments that guests can do—and take home. They offer add-ons like an awesome rocket launch, goody bags with science-themed toys, or the tastiest science project of all, cotton candy making.
Online: chicagowest.madscience.org
Miss Jamie
If your birthday star just can’t stop the music, a completely customizable party with Miss Jamie from the Farm is a must! She’s well-known for her original barnyard tunes and magical puppet friends that share the stage during her interactive sing-along, dance-along performance.
Online: miss-jamie.com
Smarty Pants
You’ll wish you were young enough to star in The Big Balloon Show hosted by Smarty Pants and his wife, Miss Dena. This ultimate performance art ends with a larger-than-life balloon creation made on the spot for the birthday star. We’re talking a giant airplane that stays inflated for an entire week.
Online: smartypantsworld.com
