The Best Kids' Birthday Parties in St. Louis

Picking the right location for their birthday party involves not just knowing your child's favorite activity or cartoon character, but knowing which venues will provide the most support to you in organizing the event. The best locations will carry a large portion of the hosting responsibilities and free you to take pictures and enjoy your child's special day with them. Each of these options provides that perfect balance of entertainment and support:

Incredible Pizza Company, 5254 South Lindbergh Boulevard, (314) 842-0700
These folks have got the birthday party down to a science. Your guests gather in the lobby and are escorted to a private birthday room for lunch, then cake and ice cream, interspersed with games and gift-opening during a well-planned hour. Then the birthday child and guests move on to the game room, which is unlike any other arcade experience. In addition to the usual skee ball and video games, there are bumper cars, miniature golf, go-karts and pin bowling all under the same roof. The quarters will run out long before any of the children get bored. Prices start at $13,99 for a party that includes $5 worth of games.

Suson Park, 6059 Wells Road, (314) 638-2100
The perfect party place on a budget. Your birthday child and guests will get to pet real farm animals, play on well-equipped playgrounds, and fish in a stocked lake. And there is no admission charge! Bring a picnic or barbecue hamburgers and hot dogs on the many grills provided by the park. Shelters can be reserved for a nominal charge.

St. Louis Zoo, 1 Government Drive, (314) 646-4867
Recently rated by Zagat's as the #1 zoo in the U.S., the St. Louis Zoo provides an excellent locale for a birthday to remember. Party packages include lunch, cake, games and crafts, and up-close encounters with Zoo animals. Prices range between $300 and $400 for 25 guests. Packages can be expanded to include goodie bags, train rides, children's petting zoo, a 3D movie, simulator and carousel rides or a behind the scenes tour.

SkyZone, 17379 Edison Avenue, (636) 530-4550
SkyZone offers a truly unique experience which is well-suited for the energetic birthday child. Imagine a room with a floor and walls made of trampolines. Now imagine that room with several dozen children jumping around together, yelling, laughing and even playing dodgeball. Prices start at $12 for each child for an hour of jumping in a public court, and can extend to $200 - $400 for an hour on a private court and an additional $150 for a party room with pizza, drinks and cake.

Lazer Force Lazer Tag Zone, 50 Tucker Drive, Caseyville, IL, (618) 397-0677
Lazer Force is admittedly a bit east of St. Louis and not close to most neighborhoods. But it offers a unique lazer tag experience in an intricate and wildly-decorated custom playfield, and is ideal for when inclement weather is expected. For just $14 a person your party includes nearly two hours in a party room, pizza and drinks, and two games of lazer tag. Other arcade games and miniature golf are also available.

While a toy or other present is usually forgotten by the next year, a birthday party can provide memories that last a lifetime. With the right planning any of these party options can make your child's next birthday the one they will always remember.