Planning a child’s birthday party can be stressful. There’s the food, then there’s the location, and you can’t forget about the entertainment. How will you keep a group of kids occupied and engaged long enough to stay out of trouble?
Booking the celebration at a local venue can save you time and frustration. Here are five fun places in Houston to host your child’s birthday party this year.
1. Houston Arboretum Nature Center
The Houston Arboretum Nature Center has three themed birthday parties to choose from:
Signs of Nature
With the Signs of Nature, kids get to play nature detective. The arboretum is home to many animals and critters, but they’re not always easy to find.
Kids will learn how to observe and search for clues that animals left behind.
Cool Critters
An educational but fun experience. Kids learn all about lizards, snakes and frogs, including frog-calling skills. They’ll even get the chance to meet some real-life reptiles. Staff will take the children on a guided walk to find cool little critters in the arboretum’s ponds and forest.
Creepy Crawlies
Get to know the insects and spiders of the arboretum. Kids will learn how to identify different creepy crawlies, including bees and butterflies. They’ll put their new identification skills to the test during a walk along the trails to find bugs.
Fees, times and schedule information for parties is available on the Houston Arboretum’s website. There’s even the option, for an additional fee, to have the arboretum supply the party favors for your child’s party.
If your child loves nature and learning, a party at the Houston Arboretum is a great option.
2. Houston Zoo
What child doesn’t love animals? The Houston Zoo allows kids to celebrate their special day with creatures of all kinds.
Parties include:
- A two-hour private rental of a pavilion
- 25 birthday passes for kids and adults, which includes zoo admission and unlimited rides on the carousel
- Seating for up to 50 people in the indoor pavilion and up to 35 people in the outdoor pavilion
- Trash and clean-up service after the party
- 2 six-foot tables for gifts and food
- Reusable plastic table covers
You’ll also have the ability to purchase additional entertainment, food and party passes.
There are several packages available, and they’re all listed on the Houston Zoo website – as well as pricing. Parties can be scheduled for Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays, and must be booked at least 3 weeks in advance.
Because zoo parties take place primarily outdoors and in a place with wild animals, it’s important to inquire about insurance and what happens if a child is injured during the party. This may be the last thing on your mind right now, but it shouldn’t be. More than 5,000 preventable injuries occur every hour, and the risk of an accident is high in place like the zoo.
3. Mad Science Lab
For kids that love science, Mad Science Lab is a great party option for kids aged 3-12.
Parties include:
- 45-60 minutes filled with science experiments
- Interactive and engaging shows for kids
- Birthday child gets to wear a special lab coat
- Can be hosted at your home, their kid’s lab, or a rented venue
- Ready-made goody bags with science-themed toys
- Post-party cleanup
Add-ons, like cotton candy making or hovercraft rides, can also be added to your party. Now, if you are looking for more science activities, you can check out Sphero’s interesting Wacky Wednesday ideas to surprise your young genius!
4. Children’s Museum of Houston
The Children’s Museum of Houston makes it easy to plan and host a fun, educational party for your child. They can help with everything, from the invitations to the decorations and everything in between.
There are three party themes to choose from:
- Simply Wonderful: Includes a guided tour through the museum, party room with all of the party gear, admission for 20 children and adult chaperones, 20 invitations and free parking.
- “Anything I Want To Be”: Includes everything in the Simply Wonderful package as well as the ability to have your child choose whichever role they want: veterinarian, doctor, super scientist, or karaoke rock star.
- S.E.C.R.E.T. Birthday Party: Includes museum admission for all, a S.E.C.R.E.T. mission for the partygoers, special spy gear and a free guest pass for each child for a future visit.
Check with the museum to learn more about party time slots and how to book your celebration.
5. Mad Potter
Pottery painting is fun for kids of all ages, and Mad Potter makes it easy to book a party at their studio.
Three packages are available, and they all include a pottery piece to paint:
- Classic: Includes 2 hours of party time for up to 8 guests, a dedicated host and table, fun games and prizes.
- Signature: Includes 2 hours of party time for up to 8 guests, a dedicated host and table, fun games and prizes, a coupon for a future visit, and a souvenir apron for each partygoer.
- Ultimate: Includes everything in the Signature package, customized cake, pizza, balloons, personalized birthday plate for birthday boy or girl, drinks, snacks and more.
Packages can also be customized to add extras if you like, such as pizza or drinks.
These five venues make party-planning fun and easy.