Whether you’ve got a child who’s a live wire or more of a quiet explorer, we’ve rounded up 9 cool birthday destinations sure to please every birthday type.
THE ACTIVE CHILD
Roller skating at area roller rinks is surprisingly retro-cool, and a great way for kids to exercise. Skating rinks have party rooms, and party cost includes admission and skate rental.
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Memphisskating.com • $119+tax/10 guests includes admission, pizza, and skate rental. 755-0221
THE CURIOUS CHILD
What little boy hasn’t dreamed of becoming a firefighter? At the Fire Museum of Memphis, kids can climb on fire trucks, experience the fire room, and try interesting, hands-on exhibits that teach fire safety. For extra pizzazz, have Memphis Firedogs Astro or Izzy pay a visit.
The Lichterman Nature Center gives children a glimpse into the natural world.
Another beautiful place children can experience animals is Maple Grove Farm. Here, you can feed a goat, pet a bunny, even ride a horse. For more active fun, a climbing wall and bounce house is available. Party activities are led by farm staff.
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Firemuseum.com • Parties start at $175/20 guests for two hours. Includes museum admission, party room, and helium balloons. $50/one-hour dog visit. $5/party favor bags. 636-5650
Lichterman Nature Center • moshmemphis.com/calendar-events/event-rentals/
Maplegrovefarm.net • $295/20 guests. $10/per additional child. Two-hour party led by staff, includes a petting farm. 861-7422
THE CREATIVE CHILD
Let kids tap their inner artist with a party at The Art Project in Overton Square. This cool space has all the materials you need to paint, sculpt clay, or make a collage that partiers take home.
Pitter Potter delivers creativity to you. They deliver “paint your own pottery” right to your door.
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artprojectmemphis.com• Studio Rental: $350.00 + tax for up to 10 kids – 425-3434
pitterpottermobile.com • They have gone mobile and deliver paint your own pottery to your door. 901- 443-7718
THE ADVENTUROUS CHILD
At the Kroc Center, parties get wet and wild when you throw a Splash Bash. Kids can swim or float in the lazy river and dance on the outdoor splash pad. For older kids, conspire with the Challenge Coach and try Rescue Training. Parties can include competitions like dodgeball, obstacle courses, or matching wits on the three-level maze.
For driving fun, rev up your engine at the Autobahn Indoor Speedway. Parties here will get hearts thumping as kids take laps around this new, indoor go-kart track. Safety harnesses and helmets help the good times roll.
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Krocmemphis.org • Splash Bash Pool Party: $360/15 guests for indoor pool and lazy river. Outdoor splash pad opens Memorial Day to Labor Day. Party includes 1.5 hours of swimming, one hour in the party room, and goody bags. Corefire Commando: $329/15 guests for 1.5 hours of activity and one hour in the party room. 729.8031
Autobahnspeed.com • Mini Grand Prix: 2 races, $40/weekdays; $50/weekends. Includes 1.5-hour use of party room and helmets. NOTE: Junior kart racers must be 48 inches tall and 8 years of age.
Backyard Summer Fun
Celebrate with a field day. Put together challenges kids can tackle, like an obstacle course, a treasure hunt, darts, an egg roll, and sack race.
Host a movie night. Hoist a sheet for a screen in the backyard and stream your favorite Disney movie from your computer. Be sure to have popcorn ready when guests arrive.
Have a campout. Pitch a tent in the backyard, roast hot dogs and marshmallows over a fire pit, and use a telescope to scan the night sky.