Different Options for Your Child's Birthday in Austin

It's almost your child's birthday and this is a joyous occasion for everyone involved. However it also goes without saying that it can also be a stressful time trying to plan out a party for a certain amount of family members or a certain amount of your child's friends (depending on what age they are at). And while it is a nice personal touch to have a birthday party at home, it's also nice to not have to clean up after everyone. In that case you probably need to know a couple of good places to go where you and your child can have a good time celebrating this wonderful occasion.

1) Chuck E. Cheese--A classic choice for a child's birthday party it has everything. You have all the pizza and drinks you could want, all different types of arcade games, and you have "live" shows with animatronics puppets that will delight all the kiddies. Plus if you decide to take advantage of the specials that they have for parties, it can end up not costing an arm and a leg. In the Pflugerville area the best choice is probably the Louis Henna location which, depending on what option you choose can cost either $10.99 or $15.99 per child and includes special bonuses for the birthday boy or girl, such as a birthday medallion and bonus tickets!! Prices vary by location so make sure to check the location nearest to you to figure out the exact prices. Also an added bonus; no cleaning for the parents!!

2) Then there is Jungle Java, located in Round Rock. This spot is best for children who aren't at an age to like and/or understand video games as there are none. A bonus to Jungle Java, however, is the set up which is an obstacle course like jungle gym for the older kids and there is even a toddler area for those who aren't old enough to do the big kid playscape by themselves. There is a minimum of eight children needed to receive the party prices unless you plan your party Monday-Thursday and the prices range from $12.50 to $20.00 per child depending on what special package you would like. There is also a 2 hour limit on the party length when you decide to reserve your party here. While there is a menu for the party packages, it is a choice out of the options of hot dogs or chicken strips with chips or pretzels or macaroni and cheese. If you are having a morning birthday party, there is also an option for mini pancakes with syrup. A perk to Jungle Java is there is coffee there for the adults to help keep them energized for the entire length of the party.

3) Pump It Up is an inflatable wonderland. It is made up of two rooms with varying moonwalks for the kids to play in including a slide that they have to climb up and then slide down, one that is an obstacle course, and plenty that are just for fun bouncing. There are two locations in the Austin area; one that is in Austin and the other in Round Rock. Prices vary by location, but they do have party packages that include two hours of bouncing fun and you can also choose a package where you can get some Mangia Pizza. However if you don't want pizza or want to bring something else, there is an option where you just have bouncy fun and then can eat in one of the private rooms. What is fun about this place is it is fun for the whole family. I recently went there with my family for a birthday party and even my toddler son had a good time, although my husband and I had to join him on the moonwalk slide. Just remember to bring your socks!!
*As a side note, you may have to sign a waiver when you have your party here*

4) There is also Gattiland, located off Sam Bass Road in Round Rock. One of the best things about Gattiland is that it is a buffet, so your guests can eat as much as they want without there not being enough for everyone. In addition to all the pizza you could imagine, they also have pasta with Alfredo or marinara sauce and a salad bar plus soda. Plus they also have an arcade room with a variety of different games for all age groups (this one even has a mini bumper car ride). If you opt to use a private room for your child's birthday party, you can go for the GOLD package, which will cost you $139.99 for up to eight guests (with $15.99 for each additional guest) and comes with $25.00 in game play for the birthday child and $15.00 for the guests. There is also a SILVER package which has the same amnesties, but costs $109.99 for the first eight guests with $13.99 per additional guests and $12.00 in game play for the birthday child and $7.00 for the guests However there is also an option for a Group Package which, while it does have a 10 person minimum costs $9.99 for those 10 and under and $10.99 fore all other ages. Gattiland is always a good choice for parties as it has enough pizza and games to keep the children entertained.

5) If you really like pizza you can also try Austin Parks and Pizza. This venue has lots of different options for the children to choose from including an arcade inside, and laser tag as well as a pizza buffet and many wonderful outside activities such as mini golf, go-cart racing, and bumper boats. While they don't have an official birthday party pricing list, they do have a fantastic all-day package that has many perks including admission to the park, unlimited arcade games, and the buffet for $15.95 for those 40"-47". Those who are 48" cost $21.95 and those under 40" are free. If that is a little too pricey you can always go for the basic admission package which includes admission to the park, buffet and unlimited arcade games for $7.95. A really good thing about this location though is they do have other specials during the week like on Tuesdays, everybody pays $15.95. There is also a late night option, if you have older children, closer to their teenage years, where you only pay $11.95 for everything with the exception of the buffet. This special runs from two hours before closing on. As you can tell this park has a lot of different options for the children to choose from when it comes to what they want to do.

6) Another good place for the older kids ranging from pre-teen years and up a good place is Main Event. Think of it like Dave and Busters for kids; there is bowling, laser tag, mini golf, and arcade games all of which are inside the building. There is a menu so you can have something to eat besides pizza. Prices range from $129.95-$199.95 depending on what package you want and what specials you want to go along with. The perks to these packages can include 1 hour of a specific activity; there is even an option to have an hour of every activity if you're up for what it is going to cost. This place is a fun place where the kids can go from activity to activity to keep them busy and for the birthday boy or girl to have a good time with their friends. Plus as an added bonus for the parents it does have a bar.
*You may also have to sign a waiver for some of the activities at Main Event, specifically the rock climbing wall*

7) A rather unique choice for a party could be the Austin Children's Museum. Their party packages range in prices from $175-$300 depending on how many guests you have (but all packages have unlimited adults so you can bring other chaperones to help). Packages do include admission to the museum, party books with a pass for a free return, a T-shirt for the birthday boy or girl and a Museum Party Assistant as well as a private room for snacks and birthday presents. While this may seem pricey, think of it as your child gets to explore the museum with their friends as admission is included so the party can go explore anywhere in the museum. Plus like with most other venues you don't have to worry about clean up which is really helpful when you already have the stress of planning a birthday party.

As you can see there is a variety of venues to choose from when deciding where to have your child's party. Keep in mind that while all these venues do have a minimum there is also a maximum so you may want to let your child know to invite only his closest friends. But rest assured no matter what you do, your child's birthday party will be memorable and they will appreciate the time and effort you took in ensuring they had a fun one.