8 Local Spots to Throw a Birthday Party for Your Kid(S)
Don’t let planning your kiddo’s birthday stress you out! I’ve got eight places around the city that host children’s birthday parties for you, and some include great perks. From spots that include goody bags and special activities to ones that cost under $45, there’s a fun birthday party plan for everybody!
— by Megan Ariail, Contributing Writer (and the brains behind The West End Mom. Follow her @thewestendmom!)
Maymont
If your kiddo loves animals, you already know that Maymont is one of the best places in RVA for families. With 100 acres and 400 animals, there is so much space to explore, and our favorite park even hosts birthday parties! You can choose between the Maymont Farm or the Robins Nature Center to host your kiddo’s next party. All parties include an indoor party room plus goody bags for up to 20 children.
Cost: $300 for non-members, $275 for Maymont members (up to 20 guests)
Perks: For a birthday party at the farm, events include access to a party room for 90 minutes, a bucket of animal feed, coloring sheets and crayons for the party, 20 goody bags, and a special gift for the birthday kid.
For a birthday party at the nature center, events include access to a party room for 90 minutes, access to the nature center exhibits, 20 goody bags, and a special gift for the birthday kid.
Availability: Parties can be scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays, 10 - 11:30 am, 10:30 am - 12 pm, 1:30 - 3:00 pm, and 2 - 3:30 pm. Weekday availability upon request.
Best for ages: 0 – 6 years old
Location: 1001 Spottswood Road (Carillon)
Children’s Museum of Richmond
This museum has been a favorite of families in Richmond since 1981. The entire property is geared toward children 0 - 8, and there are exhibits for interactive and imaginative play, plus learning and creating. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, guests also have access to an outdoor splash park. And the Children’s Museum of Richmond even hosts private parties!
Cost: $250 for non-members, $225 for members (up to 20 guests)
Perks: All events include party tables in a private party room with table clothes. You have the option to add a bounce house for $120, and you can bring your own food.
Availability: Parties can be scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays at 10 - 11:30 am or 2 - 3:30 pm.
Best for ages: 0 – 6 years old
Location: 2626 West Broad St (Museum District)
The Science Museum of Virginia
The Science Museum of Virginia has four floors of interactive exhibits on the massive 33 acre property. It has plenty of indoor space to explore, and it's fun with a group of all ages. This museum also hosts birthday parties — and all party packages come with free access to the exhibits and public programming!
Cost: The WonderPlace Package costs $400 for non-members/$325 for members. The Challenge Lab Package costs $475 for non-members/$400 for members. The RF&P Forum Package costs $625 for non-members/$500 for members.
Perks: All packages include free museum admission for all party guests, free parking, a party room with chairs and tables, table covers, printable party invitations, a 20% discount coupon for the gift shop for guests, a birthday coordinator, and party setup and cleanup assistance. You can also bring your own food and decor.
Availability: Parties can be scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays at 10 am and 2 pm, and you have the party room for 90 minutes.
Best for ages: 3 – 12 years old
Location: 2500 West Broad St (Museum District)
Sports Center of Richmond
The Sports Center of Richmond is a massive climate-controlled sports facility with multiple indoor athletic fields and an outdoor field with a cover. SCOR has programs for all ages, needs, and abilities, and it also hosts sports-themed birthday parties. All parties are led by the trained coaches, and kiddos can play soccer, dodgeball, wiffle ball, and more. They even have inflatables!
Cost: Packages start at $345 for non-members and $320 for members with four different party options
Perks: All events include a staff member to set up and clean up your party, two large Papa John’s pizzas, a drink for each child, and a T-shirt or hat for birthday kid,
Availability: Private events can be booked Sunday through Saturday.
Best for ages: 18 months+
Location: 1385 Overbrook Rd (Scott’s Addition)
Park 365
Looking for a budget-friendly party location? Park 365 is one of the best playgrounds in Richmond, and you can reserve picnic tables to host a party! The playground is completely fenced in, and it’s created for all ages and all abilities. It has play equipment, gardens, water play, and a covered pavilion and patio. Plus, if you host a birthday party at Park 365, you’re not limited to a number of guests.
Cost: Reservation fees start at $45 for 3 to 15 tables under the picnic pavilion and patio.
Perks: You get to make this party completely your own — BYO food and decor!
Availability: Tables can be reserved from dawn until dusk daily
Best for ages: 1 year old+
Location: 3600 Saunders Ave (Scott’s Addition)
Sweet Wynns
Sweet Wynns, a locally owned ice cream shop, offers ice cream workshops and party options for kids. For parties, your group gets private use of the shop for two hours with energetic instructors who lead the entire workshop and fun games. From learning about the ingredients and measuring them to taste testing your own creation, children get to be involved in the entire process!
Cost: Starts at $300 for 2 hours
Perks: All parties include space for up to 16 children can participate, each guests get a half-pint of vanilla ice cream and two add ins, everyone gets to use the season beverage bar during the event, and the birthday kiddo gets an eGift card to visit a kid’s workshop on another day.
Availability: Parties can be scheduled Saturdays and Sundays at 10 am.
Best for ages: 5 - 12 years old
Location: 1209 E Main St (Shockoe Slip)
The Bunny Hive
The Bunny Hive is a social club for children 4 and younger and their grownups. While they offer over nine different classes — like art, music, and exploratory play — they also allow you to rent out their cute space for special events. You’ll get the entire space to yourself, and it can host up to 30 families. You can even add on a Play-Doh station, storytime, or photo craft.
Cost: $350 for 3 hours
Perks: All rentals include one on-site staff member to assist as needed throughout your event, access to speakers and a Spotify account to play music of your selection, and staff to clean up after your event. There is also the option to add staff-led activities to your event for $150.
Availability: Private events can be scheduled on Fridays after 5 pm, Saturdays after 1 pm, and all day on Sundays.
Best for ages: 0 - 4 years old
Location: 401 Libbie Ave (Westhampton)
River City Roll
This boutique bowling alley has 20 lanes, kid-approved food, and a 2,000-square-foot covered patio. It’s also one of eight bowling facilities in the world to have HyperBowl. If you’re looking for a birthday party that will be just as much fun for the adults as the children, this is the spot for you. River City Roll even has special birthday pricing for children 12 and younger.
Cost: Packages range from $10 - $20 per kiddo, plus 20% gratuity
Perks: You can add on pizzas or chicken nuggets and fries, and drinks. Outside desserts and juice boxes are allowed and encouraged!
Availability: Children’s birthday parties can be scheduled for 10:30 am and 2:30 pm Saturday and Sunday. You can score a $50 savings for Sunday parties!
Best for ages: 4 years old+
Location: 939 Myers St (Scott’s Addition)
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