What Are the Best Cheap Places to Host a Kid’s Birthday Party in Chicago? 

Skip the all-inclusive party packages and look for smaller indoor play spots that let you bring your own food and cake. 

Family Room - Multiple Locations 

With flexible, affordable tiered packages, Family Room is an excellent space for a low-key birthday party. 

Kids Empire - Multiple Locations 

This large playspace offers excellent pricing for kids' parties. Each space features slides, climb zones, soft play, and more. 

Edgewater Playhouse - Edgewater 

Perfect for toddlers, this smaller playhouse offers tumbling and imaginary play as well as a private party room complete with kiddo-sized chairs and tables. 

Chicago Children’s Theater - West Town 

Rent a room at the Chicago Children’s Theater for a one-of-a-kind experience. The room includes the basics, including a sound system and free parking, but for a more memorable visit, pair it with one of their shows or consider adding on an acting class or a whimsical bubble cart. 

What Parks and Outdoor Spaces Can You Rent for Kids’ Parties?

If you only take one thing away from this list, let it be this: the Chicago Park District rentals are the cheapest way to host a kid's birthday party in the city. Many parks rent out gyms, indoor rental spaces, craft rooms, and fieldhouses. You will need to inquire with each park individually for pricing. 

Hamlin Park - Roscoe Village

This park features an extensive fieldhouse, ideal for active kids.

Warren Park - West Ridge 

This multi-room field house offers affordable rental pricing, a gym space, and best of all, a public ice skating rink. 

McKinley (William) Park – McKinley Park 

Bring the games to this south side park, which features large indoor spaces that work well for gatherings.

Playgrounds are usually the cheapest way to throw a fun birthday party. Photo courtesy of the 43rd Ward and Chicago Playgrounds

Oz Park – Lincoln Park 

A nod to the popular children’s novel, Oz Park is popular for indoor room rentals during colder months. 

Marquette Park – Chicago Lawn 

With tons of fields, a driving range, water features, and a fieldhouse, Marquette Park is great for parties during all seasons. 

Where Can I Find Cheap Party Room Rentals or Community Spaces in Chicago?

Some of the cheapest party rentals in Chicago aren’t “party venues” at all. Pair these with a hired entertainer, balloon artist, or craft station, and you’ve got a party for way less money. 

YMCA Community Rooms

That’s right, you can rent out a communal room at your local YMCA for a fraction of the cost of event-specific venues. 

Rec Centers

Look into your local rec, civic, or community center and inquire about rental opportunities. The ComEd Rec Center, powered by the Chicago Parks District, offers indoor and outdoor turf for free play, baseball, soccer, basketball, and football, as well as a party room.  

Peerspace - Multiple locations 

This newer concept is similar to Airbnb, allowing home and small-business owners to rent their spaces for events. Think large loft apartments, bars, dance studios, and smaller event spaces. 

Garfield Park Conservatory rents out indoor rooms. Photo by Lisa Warden

Garfield Park Conservatory

Rent a smaller community room for $50/hour and let the kids come and go to explore this lush indoor garden. Check out all the fun things to do there in our full review. 

Best Cheap Rental Services for Bounce Houses and More in Chicago

And, for out-of-the-box thinking, if the space is large enough, consider renting a bounce house, photo booth, popcorn maker, or another unique attraction to liven up the party. 

Jump 4 Kids 

These very affordable kids' party rentals offer customizable bounce houses tailored to your child’s theme or interest. They also offer table and chair rentals, along with other games and activities such as slides, dunk tanks, and concession stands. 

Playhouse Party Rentals 

If you need more than just a bounce house, then Playhouse Party Rentals provides the works. Older kids will love the interactive blowup football challenge or giant inflatable pool. Check out their specific party packages to get the most bang for your buck. 

Chicago Moonwalks 

For all occasions and all seasons, Chicago Moonwalks has a bounce house for practically everything. From themed character bounce houses to carnival games to a disco dance dome, kids and adults will love the interactive play. 

Which Party Rental Spots Are Best by Age Group?

Toddlers & Preschoolers: rentable play spaces like Kids Empire and parks with large playgrounds, such as Maggie Daley Park. 

Elementary Kids: rec centers, the fieldhouse at Hamlin Park, and a bounce house near a playground. 

Tweens & Teens: community halls, parks basketball courts or indoor gyms, and the ice skating rink at Warren Park. 

Insider Tips for Throwing a Great Birthday Party on a Budget

• Book early or off-peak hours
• Bring your own food
• DIY the decorations
• Double up on shared parties with a friend
• Check for community permit waivers
• Skip add-ons like “party hosts” or gift bags if not needed

Cheap Party Rentals in Chicago FAQ

What are the cheapest places to host a kids’ birthday party in downtown Chicago?

Parks and local food halls are great budget-friendly options, with rentals often under $100.

Can I rent a park or picnic area for a birthday party?

Yes — many local parks offer reservable tables or shelters for a small fee (or even free). Check with your local parks department for permits.

Where can I rent a party room for kids in Lakeview?

Community centers, libraries, and local restaurants like Chick-fil-A often rent rooms by the hour — perfect for DIY birthday parties.

Are there cheap bounce house rentals near me?

Local companies often rent inflatable bounce houses, tables, and chairs starting around $75–$100 per day — look for bundle or package deals.

How do I save money on a kid’s birthday party?

Host at a park, bring your own food, consider virtual invitations, share costs with another family, and book during off-peak hours for discounts.