Children's Birthday Party Venues in East Tennessee

The area surrounding the Smoky Mountains in east Tennessee consists of the tourists hubs of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Along with the mountains/national park and the Dollywood amusement park, there are many lesser known attractions that offer entertainment to both visiting tourists and residents alike. For anyone who will be celebrating a birthday with a youngster in east Tennessee (either on vacation or as a local), here is a handy guide to some of the area's most impressive venues, as well as detailed information of the amusements and pricing options available to groups celebrating a birthday party. Advance reservations are always suggested, though not all venues require it. Standard rule of thumb should be to give 2-4 weeks notice of the event.

Lazer Port Fun Center
http://www.lazerportfuncenter.com
2782 Parkway Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
865-453-0400

Two basic party packages are available for booking at Lazer Port Fun Center: the mega party, and the ultimate party. Ala carte add-ons are also offered at discounted rates. Parties must consist of at least six children. Advance reservations are required, along with a $20 deposit to secure. Printable invitations are made available on the official Lazer Port Web site.

Lazer Port boasts a 10,000 square foot arcade with a large variety of video games for all ages. An outdoor go cart track spirals from a height of three stories, descending down a 40 foot hill. A unique, indoor 18-hole mini golf course occupies an indoor corner of the building, and allows for play by blacklight only. Of course, as the name suggests, Lazer Port is also Pigeon Forge's premiere laser tag attraction! Two arenas are available, offering a playing field that rivals the size of the arcade. Each laser tag game lasts fifteen minutes, with new games following.

The Mega Party Package, at $12.00 per child includes: 90 minutes in a reserved private party room, 20 arcade tokens for the birthday child, eight tokens each for all other attending children, one group laser tag game and group mini golf game, one group photo, coupons and discounts for all attending children, and the personal assistance of a party host.

Ultimate Party Package, at $17.00 per child includes: two hours in a reserved, private party room, 20 arcade tokens for the birthday child, eight tokens each for all other attending children, 50 prize tickets for the birthday child, 25 tickets each for all other attending children, two group laser tag games, one group mini golf game, one group photo, coupons and discounts for all attending children, and the personal assistance of a party host.

Add-ons are available at a discount to party groups. Discounted tokens are available for all birthday party guests. Prices start at $20 for 100 additional tokens. Extra sessions of laser tag, go cart rides and mini golf are available for $5 each.

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
http://www.ripleysaquariumofthesmokies.com/
88 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
888-240-1358 ext. 2142 (for party reservations)

Highly regarded among both tourists and locals alike, the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies offers one-of-a-kind birthday celebrations. Part of the family of Ripley's amusements in Gatlinburg, the Aquarium is a crowning jewel in local amusement, allowing guests unique, close encounters with a plethora of ocean-dwelling friends.

The standard birthday celebrationat the Ripley's Aquarium includes admission for all party guests to the aquarium for free-roaming visitation following the party. Party invitations are provided prior to the event, at no additional charge. Party guests will receive personal assistance from their private educator host during their entire two and a half hour reserved stay in the pre-decorated private party room. During that time, children will participate in various interactive activities, including a private animal encounter with a jellyfish or shark, crafts and a diving show which includes a greeting from a diver. All guests receive cake, ice cream and punch. All children receive goody bags, and the birthday child receives a special gift from the Aquarium.

Prices for private parties at the Ripley's Aquarium differ based on number of guests in attendance. There is no minimum number of guests required. For up to ten guests, the price will be $200; 11-20 guests will be $325; 21-30 guests will be $450.

Mr. Gatti's Pizza
1431 Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862
865-428-8817

It has become a sort of tradition to celebrate children's birthdays amongst pizza and video games. Though you won't find a giant, musically-inclined rodent wandering the building at Mr. Gatti's, you will certainly find a great time for all ages. I've personally been to multiple Mr. Gatti's locations in Tennessee and Texas, and the Mr. Gatti's in Pigeon Forge is the mother of them all. It's spectacular size alone will shock visitors before they even enter the building. Inside, guests will discover multiple party rooms (with partitions available to shrink or enlarge individual party space), and various dining rooms including large-screen TVs and sometimes, live music. A caricature artist is often on-hand to provide personalized souvenirs. The buffet is included for all party guests, and consists of unlimited salad, pasta, drinks, dessert, and of course, PIZZA (special orders happily accepted and promptly provided). The tremendous arcade includes numerous interactive games for the young, and the young at heart.

Party packages include 90 minutes in the pre-decorated, private party room (with television), goody pags for all attending children and unlimited food and drinks. Since lowering the price of their party plans, Mr. Gatti's of Pigeon Forge no longer offers tokens as part of the package. However, game token bonus packages are available starting with $5 of free tokens when you purchase $20 worth. Prices are as follows for Mr. Gatti's party packages: $5.29 per child (3-14), $7.39 per adult (15 and up), children 2 and under are free.

WonderWorks
http://www.wonderworkstn.com/
100 Music Road, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
865-868-1800

With locations in the tourist hubs of Orlando, Florida and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, WonderWorks refers to itself as an "amusement park for the mind". Among their many wild exhibits, WonderWorks offers laser tag, an arcade, a bubble lab, roller coaster simulation, optical illusion center, audio-visual center, gravity inversion tunnel, rock climbing wall, extreme 360 cycles, space zone and natural disaster simulators. WonderWorks is also home to the fabulous Hoot N Holler dinner show (seperate admission from the main venue).

All parties require a minimum of eight guests to book. Advance reservations (at least seven days) are required, and a $50 deposit is required at the time of booking. No cancellations will be accepted within 48 hours of reserved date. Three party packages are available: The Tornado Twister, The Hurricane and Earthquake Tremors. All packages include general admission to WonderWorks.

The Tornado Twister, at $14.95 per person, includes: 45 minutes reserved in the party room, one Slice of cheese pizza per guest, unlimited beverages, 20 arcade tokens for the birthday child and ten tokens each for all other attending children.

The Hurricane, at $17.95 per person, includes: 45 minutes reserved in the party room, one Slice of cheese pizza per guest, unlimited beverages, 20 arcade tokens for the birthday child, ten tokens each for all other attending children and one game of laser tag.

Earthquake Tremors, at $20.95 per person, includes: 45 minutes reserved in the party room, one Slice of cheese pizza per guest, unlimited beverages, 20 arcade tokens for the birthday child, ten tokens each for all other attending children, one game of laser tag and goody bags for all children in attendance.

NASCAR SpeedPark
http://www.nascarspeedpark.com/
1545 Parkway, Sevierville, Tennessee 37862
865-774-9850

NASCAR fans will obviously love NASCAR SpeedPark in Pigeon Forge. What may surprise you is just how much fun can be had even by non-sports fans! There's so much here beyond just racing. Even if you find yourself asking, "Earnhardt who?", you'll be doing it with a smile on your face and a spring in your step.

NASCAR SpeedPark features nine tracks, ranging in difficulty. Little ones new to the daring world of racing can start off with the "Baby Bristol", while the most bold visitors can try their luck at the adventurous "Smoky Mountain Speedway"; and there's something for everyone else in-between. For those too fearful of the track, there are also official NASCAR racing simulators available. Height and age requirements may vary by racing attraction; please check with NASCAR SpeedPark for their current ride restrictions.

If putting the pedal to the metal is not quite your speed, there are a wide variety of alternative amusements available at NASCAR SpeedPark. Speed bumper boats put a new spin on an old idea as you bump and splash your way through a wild ride. Each of the two-seater boats include fun water shooters to add an extra kick against your fellow bumpers! Keep dry with a visit to the 18-hole mini golf course, or the 18-hole ADA course. Indoor activities include a high-tech, interactive arcade, rock climbing wall, tot-lot playground and slot car racetrack. Outdoors, guests can enjoy toddler rides, a double decker carousel, miniature train and the Daytona Draft roller coaster. As if all of this wasn't enough, guests can purchase official NASCAR gear from the gift shop, and fuel up with refreshments from the fabulous Pit Stop Grill.

Party package prices vary depending on number of guests. For ten guests (making the birthday child free), the cost is $199.99. Package price includes: unlimited use of go carts, mini golf, bumper boats, rock climbing wall and rides; one hour usage of the private party room, party invitations, beverages and a gift for the birthday child. Add-ons, available at a discounted rate, include: $3 per guest for a choice of hot dog with chips or two slices of pizza, $12 for a whole pizza and $5 per 40 tokens. Additional party guests are $18 if under age 16 and $25 for ages 16 and up.