Unique Birthday Party Ideas for Chicago Kids

 
You can rent Skydeck for birthday parties! Photo courtesy of Enjoy Illinois

1. SkyDeck Chicago 

One of our Top Attractions in Chicago can be rented for birthday parties! Package includes: Tickets to the Skydeck Experience & The Ledge, Lower Level Party Room, Day of party coordinator, Giordano’s Pizza: scavenger hunt, one printed photo. Be sure the younger ones aren’t afraid of heights before you book! 

2. Fit City Kids - Lincoln Square

This indoor gym offers free play, camps, and private parties for kids ages 4 to 12. Kids will love running and jumping in this 10,000-square-foot fitness center, which includes dedicated spaces for those still at the crawling stage. Parties are two hours and include setup and cleanup, birthday gift bags, space for 40 guests, fridge access, and table and chairs. Food and drink are BYO. 

3. Easel Art Studio - Bucktown and Ravenswood

If creativity is your kids' thing, then try an art-themed party. Easel Art Studio offers two-hour slots with personalized themes tailored to your child’s liking, using a variety of mediums and canvases. 

4. Big Mini Putt - Lakeview and Wicker Park

With nine creatively designed holes featuring fun ramps and obstacles, kids can enjoy 30–45 minutes of active play in a safe, weather‑proof environment. Big Mini Putt has daytime party slots for young ones. 

5. CircEsteem - Uptown

If your birthday kid ever had a hankering to join the circus, then this is the perfect venue. CircEsteem offers private parties with entertainers who teach real-life circus skills. Your party can choose two larger skills to learn, such as tightwire, mini trampoline, gym wheel, or aerobics, as well as two smaller skills like clowning, juggling, feather balancing, spinning plates, and more. Kids will have a blast clowning around and learning new skills.

6. Oui Chef - Lincoln Park

Oui Chef is a fantastic spot for kids’ birthday parties — it’s interactive, hands‑on, and full of joy. The chefs lead groups (up to 16 kids) through fun cooking projects like pizza-making, pasta, quesadillas, and cupcakes, with everything from dough prep to apron decorating included.

 
Little scientists will love this hands-on learning party. Photo courtesy of Kids Science Labs

7. Kids Science Labs - Multiple Locations

For STEM-loving kids, Kids Science Labs is the perfect party venue for hands-on science fun. Parties include exciting projects like fizzing foams, custom slime, and other science mysteries. Setup and cleanup are provided, along with 90 minutes of private space for 10 children, with the option to add more for an additional fee. You can book at any of its three Chicagoland locations.

8. Stages Chicago - West Loop, Lincoln Park, or Comes to You

If your little ones love the theater or just Disney movies, then Stages is your go-to for live performances. These talented actors bring songs and stories to life, from Frozen to Broadway to even superheroes, the company provides a theme for whatever your kid is into. You can have performers come to you or book a package at their studios. 

9. Edgewater Playhouse - North Side

This playhouse offers a whole room of interactive play, like a balance beam, soft pads, and plenty of imaginary items to giggle over. They also have a separate party room complete with pint-sized chairs and tables. 

10. Ultimate Ninjas - Multiple Locations

For the high-energy kids, Ultimate Ninjas is a great spot to run, swing through obstacle courses, test their balance, and learn new skills. Packages include 80 minutes of course time and 30 minutes of private space, with the option to add pizzas and other goodies. Ultimate Ninjas has five Chicagoland locations. 

11. Magic by Brielle - Comes to You

As seen on “Penn & Teller’s: Fool Us,” Brielle provides a charming and approachable attitude toward magic, wowing her viewers with mentalism and mystery. From card chicanery to mind-boggling tricks, Brielle’s available for all ages and can be booked for private parties. 

12. Next Level Play Center - Norridge

This play center is designed for adventure-seekers aged 2–12, featuring a visually exciting and safe play area complete with multi-level structures, slides, a zip line, and obstacle courses that keep kids active. Parties include pizza, water, juice, a decorated space, and cleanup. 

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Private karoake is a unique preteen birthday party idea. Photo courtesy of Mystery Street Recording

13. Mystery Street Recording - Lake View

If singing is their jam, a private karaoke session may be the fit. For two hours, little ones can sing along to their favorite artists, and at the end of the session, they’ll receive a digital download of their recording. Food and drink are allowed, and packages include 45 minutes of free time for cake and gifts. 

14. All About Dance - Old Town

All About Dance Chicago offers vibrant, fun-filled birthday parties where kids can celebrate by learning exciting dance routines, enjoying themed decorations, and showcasing their new moves in a supportive, high-energy studio environment. For a bonus, dancers will end the party with a personalized dance to your little one’s favorite song.