Local Kids Party Places, Entertainment & Rental Options
Celebrating birthdays is one of the most fun things to do with kids in Grand Rapids!
Busy parents know that booking a local venue for your next birthday party can make all of the difference in the party planning process. In addition to providing the entertainment for the birthday, these local venues have everything needed to pull off a fun birthday party for your child.
Add in our local experience gift ideas, and wrapping up your kid’s birthday could be a slam dunk.
These local birthday venues, entertainers, and suppliers will take the stress out of birthday party planning this year.
Types of Birthday Party Places
Featured Kids Birthday Party Places
These birthday spots offer unforgettable experiences. Listings include sponsors.
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Award-Winning Birthday Party Places
Families voted on the top kids birthday party places in our annual Grandtastic Awards. These venues are aces at the kids birthday party game.
Best Birthday Party Venues
Winner: Craig’s Cruisers
1. Craig’s Cruisers
2. John Ball Zoo
3. BattleGR Tactical Games
4. Accidental Art
5. The Mud Room @ Knapp’s Corner
5. Pour-d
7. Rebounderz (Jenison)
8. Bricks & Minifigs
9. I’m An Artist Community Studio
10. Tarry Hall Roller Skating Rink
10. Allegan Event
Big List of Birthday Party Place Ideas
From active to artistic, here are your full options for a great birthday experience in Grand Rapids.
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Kids Birthday Party Entertainers & Characters
Want to bring the party to you? Or maybe you want to add an element to party at your favorite venue. Here are the entertainers kids love in West Michigan.
Magicians, Balloon Artists, Face Painting, Clowns
★ Al Munro, Magician (616-241-5091 • Kentwood, MI 49512)
★ Brad Lancaster Entertainment (616-243-5771 • Grand Rapids, MI)
★ Dave Storms – Stormy the Magician (616-558-8611 • Hastings, MI 49058)
★ Fun Stuff Productions – Balloon Artist, Clowns (616-874-6844 • Rockford, MI 49341)
★ La-La Land Facepainting (231-760-3114)
★ Magic Bob & SuZie (616-975-9988)
★ Mary’s Country Critters (269-792-2929)
★ PJ Weber Magic (616-243-7469)
★ Vander Wal Magic Shows (616-204-0302)
Live Character Rentals – Princesses, Superheroes, Etc.
★ Fairytale Entertainment – Live Character Rentals (616-278-0411 • Headquarters in Auburn Hills, MI 48326)
★ Golden Rule Events – Live Character Rentals (616-965-1954 • Grand Rapids, MI)
★ Olivia Grace & Company – Live Character Rentals (Holland, MI)
★ EGR Princess Party – Princes & Princesses available for parties, fundraising (East Grand Rapids, MI)
★ 501st Star Wars Characters – Accept charitable donations for appearances, run by volunteers (Grand Rapids, MI)
Birthday Gift Ideas for Kids
When people ask me for gift ideas for my kids, I tell them, “Take them somewhere and make a memory!”
I am thrilled to see this happening. My parents took my kids to a show at DeVos and my in-laws took them to a hotel with a water park.
The kids still talk about these adventures and ask when they can do it again.
Last month I took my niece out to Detroit Cookie Co for her choice of whatever wild cookies caught her eye.
When I dropped her at home after the adventure, her sister asked me very sweetly, “Auntie, could I get a certificate for fun with you for my birthday?”
Spending time with special adults means everything to kids. Here are our favorite Grand Rapids gift experience ideas for kids.
1 – Take Them on an Outing With You
Chances are that special kid in your life would enjoy a day out with you. And the fun part? You can pick something that you would both enjoy together!
Entertainment kids would dig concert tickets or a show at GQT Movies.
If your child likes glam, treat your kid to pedicures together.
Love the theatre? CARE ballet is a great stage idea, as these shows are specially geared toward little kids. Musicals are great fun at The Civic Theatre.
Try a throwback experience with bowling, rollerskating or arcade fun. Kids and adults both love Pinball Land in Rockford.
2 – Give a Museum or Activity Center Membership
I love our memberships! It’s so nice to be able to take the kids to different places around town without having to pay admission.
This is also perfect for families with toddlers or preschoolers who may only last an hour or two before they need to eat or sleep.
If a family membership isn’t in your budget, simply getting a one-day pass for the birthday kid and his family would be fun.
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum is a magnet for little kids as well as the Children’s Garden at Frederik Meijer Gardens.
Kids love the Grand Rapids Public Museum where they can ride the carousel after walking around in the “Old World Grand Rapids” exhibit.
No matter their age, there is always something fun to do at John Ball Zoo. Whether it’s exploring outdoor play areas, watching a favorite animal or tackling their ropes course, it’s sure to be a hit.
Let your kids loose with your camera at the Grand Rapids Art Museum! Talk about the things they saw and what it reminded them of and what kind of art THEY would like to make.
3 – Give them a Class Experience
If your kid aspires to be the next Master Chef (Junior or otherwise), check out one of these cooking and baking classes.
Artist kids would love a kid’s art class at Pour-D or pottery fun at The Mud Room.
Swim Classes. Learn the name of their favorite swim facility and give them money toward a class. Or opt for a day trip to an indoor pool like Holland Aquatic Center.
Gymnastics (or Ninja Skills) is a healthy class that wears kids out. It’s easy, you don’t have to buy a lot of equipment or uniforms for it, and anyone can do it. Try one of these local gymnastics centers.
Your dramatic dancer, musician or artist may benefit from a music, theatre or dance program.
4 – Sign them Up for an Activity Center or Sport
Kids who love to watch a good game would enjoy tickets to see the West Michigan Whitecaps in action. The Grand Rapids Griffins and Grand Rapids Drive are also great adventures. Be sure to give them vouchers for snacks, too!
Would your kid rather be part of the action? Sign them up for their favorite sport! In addition to common sports, there are lots of unique sports for kids and even lessons like horseback riding.
A great one-time “athletic” idea is a trip to Altitude Trampoline Park or Craig’s Cruisers.
Would you AND your kid rather be part of the action? Sign up for laser tag at Battle GR or virtual reality adventures at Amped Virtual Reality.
5 – Find an Interesting Summer Camp or Day Camp
This is a gift that will have Mom and Dad thanking you, too. (Or if you’re Mom or Dad, here’s your top gift idea!)
Camps are great ways for kids to explore their interests without making a big commitment. Many of the birthday experiences already mentioned offer day camps.
Our Summer Camps Guide lists dozens of camps around West Michigan.
(Tip: Check with Mom or Dad first before booking a camp.)
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Absolutely, right! Kids will surely like to celebrate their birthday in such venues and have full enjoyment with their family and friends. Also, celebrating a birthday in these party venues will not be memorable for only your kid, but for family, friends, and guests too.
Found some out of the box ideas and I actually like them. I think my daughter is going to love her next birthday party.
Nice suggestions!!
I want to recommend a wonderful entertainment company, Fairytale Entertainment, that does the very best character visits I’ve ever seen!! The entertainers are all so talented and they are background checked to be safe around children! Fairytale Entertainment comes to your party location and takes over! Their characters are so professional, on time and bring so much happiness to the children they perform for! Check it out!
Very nice and amazing content of the blog. This is really very appreciative. Keep sharing more information like this.
Hello I’m looking for a good place for my sons 8th bday that doesn’t brake the bank he wanted to go one place but it’s partly price was too high for my budget.they are a very active bunch if anyone knows of coupons too that would also be a great help!
I am trying to plan my daughters 5th birthday which is memorial day weekend. I understand the weather can be unpredictable, but hoping to find a fun park to have the party at. Any super fun parks in the Caledonia area to have a party at?
Hello Everyone,
I am one of the Owners of Once Upon a Tide Mermaid Entertainment. We provide mermaid entertainment for children’s birthday parties, events, book readings, corporate events and more in the West Michigan area!
Check out our website for party prices, pictures and more!
Does anyone know a magician or party entertainer for toddler’s/children’s party?
Dave and Busters are the ones for me have been going there since the past two years for my daughter’s 2nd and 3rd birthday. Am not too much into experimenting but your list has tempted me to experiment this year.
Joanne Fabrics have birthday parties too. $125 up to 8 kids. You come in some day before the party and pick out one craft for them all to do. You can also bring in cupcakes without icing and they provide frosting and cupcake decorations.
Hey nice ideas. I am looking for birthday party ides for having my daughter’s birthday party in 2nd week of Jan. These ideas are really helpful, thanks for sharing.
Really need some suggestions for my son who will be 3 on Christmas. Im on disability with lil family. Dont need much just something fun w a cake. Somewhere around 28th st and the mall.
I hired the Princess Ballerina person for my daughter’s birthday party and she was a no show. PLEASE be warned. It was awful!!! Luckily I did get my money back, but so not worth it for a highly disappointed 6 year old. 🙁
Perfect timing!! My sons first birthday is at the end of December – thank you for ideas!!
I am just loving this website more and more! This first time mama and her 9 month old thank all those who work to make it happen!