The toddler birthday party: it’s one of those conundrums. You want your child to enjoy their birthday, to have some activities that they and they friends will enjoy, but the reality is that the majority of guests will be adults — and there’s not much for adults to do at most kid’s party venues.  If doing a party at home isn’t an option, try one of these indoor children’s play places and local restaurants.

Host A Party at an Indoor Play Place

Lulu’s Casita

6 Cricket Ave., Ardmore

610-642-3623

109 N. High Street, West Chester

484-887-0107

Many parents love Lulu’s unique blend of toys that inspire active, imaginative play, and the rustic DIY décor. One of the many aspects of hosting a party at Lulu’s is that you have the option of having a private event with the whole place to yourself or hosting your party during open play. Ordering all of the food and decorations through Lulu’s makes for easy planning, and you can bring your own cake/cupcakes and beverages for adults.
Open Play Fiestas start at $140 up to 7 kids; Birthday Fiestas with exclusive use of the space starts at $395 for 15 kids. 

Chatter Splatter

1030 Conshohocken Road, Conshohocken
ChatterSplatterPlayGroup@gmail.com

Parties are $385, which includes two hours of play around the space, plus an extra blow-up slide; fruit and juice for the kids; and coffee for the adults.

The Little Gym

36 N. Narberth Ave., 2nd Floor, Narberth

(610) 664-6637

222 S. Newtown Street Road, Newtown Square

(610) 356-1509

Birthdays at The Little Gym are a combination of active fun, like bouncing on an inflatable track, playing with parachutes, or tumbling on mats, with music and songs too. The play area and the party room are separated by a glass wall so adult guests can watch the fun not necessarily hear all the giggles and laughter (and occasional shrieking) that accompany it. Food and beverages are BYO.

Awesome Birthday Bashes at The Little Gym start at $380.       

Charming Star Playroom

4627 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square

(484) 427-7072

Have the entire play area to yourself for two hours of child-centered exploration and fun during a weekend Birthday Bash. The play space is filled with climbing toys, a ball pit, sensory toys, and more. A discounted rate is available for weekday birthday parties if that fits your needs.

The two-hour Weekend Birthday Package is $395 for up to 14 children. The Weekday Birthday Bash is 90 minutes, available for up to 10 children, and priced at $215.

Village Play Space

4 Midland Ave., Berwyn

(610) 644-0000

Choose from two birthday packages at Village Play Space. The Basics package for up to 10 children is 90-minutes of private access to the play space, as well as the party room. The Works package includes pizza and ice cream, two hours of space use, and can accommodate up to 15 children.

The Village Basics package is $275 and the Works package is $475.

Oasis Family Fun Center

35 Lacrue Avenue, Suite 4, Glen Mills

(610) 358-3501

With something for everyone, Oasis Family Fun Center is a good option for parties where older children will be in attendance as well. There are indoor play areas – including a soft play area for children 3 and younger. Birthday parties have a minimum of 8 guests and prices do not include a gratuity for the party leader.

Birthday Party packages start at $16.50 per person.

Local Restaurants with Party Rooms

Maggiano’s Little Italy

205 Mall Blvd., King Of Prussia

(610) 992-3322

The banquet rooms upstairs at Maggiano’s are made for hosting private events. For kids, there’s plenty of room to roam around; it has high chairs, booster seats and slings for easy containment; and in the banquet rooms, kids under five eat free. Adults will enjoy the central location and, of course, the delicious meal. Food can be served buffet or family style.   

The Little Chef’s Birthday Bash prices start at $25.00 per child; banquet room reservations start at $19.95 and minimum rates apply for private banquet rooms. 

White Dog Café

379 Lancaster Ave., Haverford

(610) 896-4556

200 West Lancaster Ave., Wayne

(610) 225-3700

If having delicious, local food close to home is an important aspect of party planning, consider White Dog Café. One of the dining rooms can be used for private events, birthdays included.  Select a three-course meal from a menu of seasonal specialties; kids meals are available a la carte.

Private events start at $40 per person; minimum rates apply for exclusive use of the dining room.   

Alfredo Italian BYO

668 Lancaster Ave., Berwyn

(610) 640-2962

A Main Line favorite, Alfredo has two areas for events, the Wine Cellar, a cozy downstairs private room that accommodates 25-30 people, and the main dining area that is available for weekend luncheons and accommodates 40-50 people.  A seated four-course meal starts includes bruschetta, salad, an entrée, and dessert. The only thing you’ll want to bring are your own adult beverages.

Private parties start at $28.95 per person; minimum room rates apply.        

Photograph of Village Play Space by Sarah Bender.