Where Are Good Places for Birthday Parties?

When it comes to a birthday party, making sure guests are happy and entertained is a must. Most parties consist of five to 10 guests. Having pre-planned activities in place will assure the party will be a success among party goers and the guest of honor. Many commercial locations offer birthday packages and plans that include lunch, admission tickets and entertainment. A party can also be held at a rented pavilion within the location and tickets bought separately.

An indoor water park is the perfect place for a birthday party. Geared toward children and teens ages 8 to 17, the indoor water park provides year-round water play. This type of party is not recommended for small guests unless plenty of adult supervision will be present. An indoor water park often has water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers and water sprays for people of all ages. They often have banquet areas where presents can be exchanged and food can be served. Some of the most popular indoor water parks are the Great Wolf Lodge and the Kalahari Resort, both which have locations in several cities. For water parks, many offer packages for normal admission price per person with an additional $125 to $150 for birthday parties.

Amusement parks are great locations for birthday parties. Most amusement parks offer rides and activities for a variety of age groups. Many parks do not open until 10 a.m. or noon. Planning a light lunch in a pavilion or rented area is recommended. The party can be organized to take place with cake, snacks and party games such as a piñata or charades. After eating, presents can be exchanged. The rest of the day can be reserved for enjoying the rides at the park. Having multiple chaperones and adult helpers is highly recommended for supervision of kids and teens. Some of the most popular Amusement Parks for parties in the U.S. are Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio; Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida; and Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. An amusement park party for up to five guests averages $350 to $675---this includes tickets, food and pavilion rental. Prices vary per location and time of year.

While a bowling alley may not be the first choice for many people, it's a great location for a birthday party for both adults and children. In the afternoon, most bowling alleys are league free and welcome small children. They typically have designated game rooms and tables set up for birthday parties. Packages are often available and offer food and party set up. The evening is the perfect time for adults to enjoy a birthday celebration at the lanes. Pitchers of beer, baskets of fries and a few games are all that's needed to get the party started. A bowling alley adult party varies in price as many guests typically pay for their own shoe rentals and food. Children's parties usually cover food, games and rentals. For a party of five---expect to spend around $150 on up.

The zoo is a great place for a children's birthday party. Here, pavilions and park areas are typically first come, first serve---so arrive early. A picnic lunch is the best option. Bring enough food and coolers for all of the guests. It is best to eat first and then take a chaperoned excursion throughout the zoo area. Zoo passes can be pricey. Call ahead and ask for group discounts or go during the week when gate admission may be less expensive.

Some of the most popular pizza activity centers are Chuck E. Cheese and Dave and Busters. Many small towns have their own chain of pizza activity centers that offer pizza, video games, movies and small carnival rides. This is a great location for both young and older children. Most of these facilities are designed for birthday parties and welcome large groups. They tend to be inexpensive---often less than $10 per person and offer prize tokens for guests who play.