**Updated for 2020** Does the prospect of planning your child’s birthday party make you nervous? If you’re like many of us, party planning seems overwhelming. You feel so much pressure to please your little one. When my daughter was one month away from her 8th birthday, she announced that she was going to have a birthday party somewhere fun instead of at home. Back then, my idea of a great kid's party consisted of inviting a few friends over for a few party games, cake, and ice cream. After I took a deep breath, I started researching possible birthday party places near me. That is to say, I pestered friends by phone and Facebook. What's the best venue for a birthday party in Minnesota if you want to stay around the Twin Cities? It turns out that Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN and the surrounding area has an unbelievable variety of birthday party places. Here is a selection of 10 favorite venues in our area to host your child’s next birthday party. If you're looking for even more suggestions for fun family entertainment, join the club and get awesome discounts on adventures all over the Twin Cities, MN American Girl - Bloomington, MN Is there anything more precious than little girls and their dolls? Doll lovers ages 3 and up enjoy delicious fare from the American Girl Bistro, a tasty birthday cake, doll tiaras, and goody bags. In addition, American Girl presents a special gift for the birthday girl. Girls ages 6 to 14 make a craft as part of their birthday party experience. Deluxe packages offer special touches, such as a private dining room and table activities. American Girl party rates are $30 - $45 per child. Adults are $20 - $35. Packages are geared for ages three to fourteen. ArtStart - Saint Paul ArtStart’s ArtScraps birthday parties are ideal for children who enjoy crafts. Possible craft projects include seed mosaics, animal shakers, treasure boxes, creature masks, bookmaking, and inventors workshop. Participants enjoy two hours of craft making and can take home their project and a party favor bag. Finally, a bonus for the parents: the party cost includes clean-up. Is there a better way to have a birthday party than to have the clean up already covered? Sweet! The price is $200 for ten children at an additional cost of $15 per extra guest. Due to the nature of the party, the maximum number of kids is twelve. Flaherty’s Arden Bowl - Arden Hills, MN Strike! Bowling birthday parties are always a hit with kids. Flaherty’s Arden Bowl hosts fun birthday parties for kids under the age of10. There are several party packages available that include bowling, bowling shoe rentals, party room with party supplies, party favor bags, and invitations. In addition, pizza, a pitcher of pop, and appetizers round out the fun. Prices range from $11.99 per child to $14.99 per child. Great River Waterpark - Saint Paul, MN This terrific indoor aquatic center is inside the Oxford Community Center. The facility includes a lap pool, diving board, water slides, floats, and children’s activity pool. Kids of all ages are welcome to celebrate during regular open swim hours. Packages include a swim and cake option for $12 per child, and aquatics, cake, and meal option for $16 per guest — all ages. Leonardo’s Basement - Minneapolis, MN Do you have a budding inventor on your hands? Leonardo’s Basement captivates kids who like to tinker and build things. One of the best parts of Leonardo’s Basement is that they meet in advance with your child to plan a project that fits your little one’s interests. *Updated Pricing for 2020** The average cost for a party at Leonardo's Basement is $25 per guest, unless there are elaborate requests. The price includes the instructor and all the materials for each student. They can accommodate large parties and there is a minimum charge of $250. The Minnesota Zoo - Apple Valley, The Minnesota Zoo earns its reputation as a favorite birthday party destination. In addition to visiting the animals, you can choose from the following themes: Premium Australia, Premium Horse, and Premium Overnight birthday parties. **Updated Pricing for 2020** Costs range from $300 - $885, depending on membership and party options. The listed price is for 15 guests, with each additional guest requiring an additional fee. Nickelodeon Universe - Bloomington, MN Conveniently located inside the Mall of America, there is plenty to love about having a birthday party at this amusement park. The Adventure Packages include 3 and 5-hour ride wristbands. The birthday child gets into Nickelodeon Universe free of charge. In addition to unlimited rides, each participant receives an ICEE souvenir cup. Nickelodeon Universe requires a minimum of seven children to purchase the birthday party package. **Updated Pricing for 2020** Birthday parties are not available on high traffic days. The 5-hour wristband is $25.75 You must purchase at least 8 wristbands per party. THAT Cooking School - Lilydale, MN THAT Cooking School mixes up fun and education in the kitchen. Junior chefs feast on a selection of yummy party options. Possible themes include cupcake wars, pizza party, paint, and cook, and culinary challenges. THAT Cooking School happily plans custom experiences for kids who dream of a specific type of culinary party. Consequently, the tasty benefit of a cooking gathering is that the kids get to eat their creations and you don’t have to wash the dishes. Cost ranges from $350 minimum for up to 10 kids. Ages 5+. Twin Cities Trapeze Center - Saint Paul, MN **Updated Pricing for 2020** Mini daredevils adore the thrills and challenges of a Circus Peanut Party at the Twin Cities Trapeze Center. You can choose from a "Flying Trapeze" or a "Circus Skills" Party. Make the party Deluxe and add in a room rental to celebrate! Prices vary depending on the number of guests, but start at $150 and go as high as $575. Zero Gravity Trampoline Park - Mounds View, MN This massive facility includes 11,000 square feet of jumping fun, a climbing wall, and an aerial challenge course. Moreover, there are arcade games and a thrilling laser tag area. All parties at Zero Gravity provide pizza, drinks, cupcakes, jump socks, and paper products. Subsequently, the birthday child receives a Zero Gravity t-shirt as a present. **Updated Pricing for 2020** Rates vary from $167 - $503 depending on jump time, the day of the week, and the number of guests. Minneapolis and St. Paul MN is home to many great party venues. Whether you want to see live animals, create an artistic masterpiece, or cook your own food, there's something for every kid's interest. Become a member (free) of Twin Cities Kids Club and get exclusive deals and discounts, as well as our newsletter to keep you up to date of the most recent happenings. Join the Club and start enjoying the benefits today.
