Gathering family and friends to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and milestones is the perfect way to create lasting memories. While you can host these events at home, why not rent a party venue for a unique experience? Our team at Crème de la Crème has put together this list of family-friendly party venues in the Chicago, IL, area you can use for your next special event.
Tots Land
Party!!! by Matthew Dillon is licensed with CC BY 2.0
When celebrating a kid’s birthday, you can’t beat renting Tots Land as your party venue. Their staff will help make your child’s birthday party one they’ll always remember. You and your guests will have the entire facility for yourselves, as this private venue only hosts one party at a time. You’ll have access to the indoor playground equipment, designed for children ages 1 to 6, and a private party room.
Bring your food, beverages, and cake, and the Tots Land party coordinators will set the tables up with cups, plates, utensils, and napkins. They’ll also decorate the room, add disco/party lights, and play upbeat music to make the atmosphere extra festive. You don’t need to clean up, as the party coordinators also take care of that job. Tots Land offers weekend parties on Saturdays and Sundays, with several party packages available depending on your needs.
Location: 2637 N. Harlem Ave, Chicago
Contact: 773-827-1454 or 773-827-1485
Regenstein African Journey at the Lincoln Park Zoo
Take your next party to another level when you book the Regenstein African Journey at the Lincoln Park Zoo. This fun venue lets you view African animals, like black rhinos, meerkats, and pygmy hippos, up close. The Lincoln Zoo staff will set up tables and seats in nooks and crannies throughout this African-inspired animal house so you can enjoy your party with the animals nearby.
As one of Lincoln Park’s premier educational destinations, your guests will enjoy joining your event while learning about these magnificent African animals and their habitats. If you’re looking for last-minute gifts for the party, visit the on-site gift shop to purchase nature and animal-themed clothes, accessories, books, and toys. This venue can hold up to 250 people for a reception or 35 for a seated gathering.
Location: 2400 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago
Contact: 312-742-2000
Adler Planetarium
Looking for a kid-friendly attraction in the Chicago area to hold a private party? Consider booking the Adler Planetarium, where you’ll have an out-of-this-world experience with sweeping views of the Chicago skyline. Their professional event staff can help you pick the perfect package for your unique party needs, whether you need seating for 50 people or a reception for up to 1,200 people. You can book one of their five extraordinary event spaces like the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Solarium featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, or the Nancy A. Petrovich Skyline Terrace for a scenic outdoor overlook.
Take advantage of the Adler event catering team, who can design the perfect menu offering hors d’oeuvres, late-night snacks, and desserts, with an option of a seasonal, seated dinner or themed dinner station. Make your party or event even more exciting with add-ons, like a sky show featuring the solar system in the space theater or a lecture/slideshow complete with a live presentation.
Location: 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Contact: Submit an inquiry form on their private events webpage
The Kids’ Table
Imagine how much fun everyone will have when celebrating a birthday party at The Kids’ Table. These hands-on cooking parties let youngsters of any age measure ingredients for their cake and make savory dishes like pizza or tacos while nibbling on snacks and sipping beverages. The team at The Kid’s Table offers parties designed for specific age groups:
- Tot Parties: 2 to 4
- Kids Parties: 5 to 10
- Teen Parties: 11 and older
- Mixed Age Parties: 2 and older
Standard party packages for children 2 and up feature special themes like Pizza Party, Pasta Palooza, Mexican Fiesta, or Breakfast Bash. Deluxe packages include Princess Tea Parties or Hero Parties for kids 4 and older or Wizard Parties and Cupcake Wars for kids 8 and up.
Whichever party package you choose, the kids will enjoy two hours of guaranteed fun with skilled and involved instructors guiding them through the cooking process. Party packages include set-up, clean-up, necessary cooking utensils, and exciting treats like take-home recipes and customized electronic invitations. When kids spend their birthday party at The Kid’s Table, they not only have fun but also delve into the culinary world.
Location: 2337 W. North Ave., Chicago
Contact: 773-235-2665
Safari Land
Kids of all ages will love attending a party at Safari Land. This indoor family-entertainment center offers a wide range of party packages. Each includes a private room for up to two hours of play, a party coordinator, pizza, beverages, and a free Safari Land T-shirt for the birthday child. All you need to bring is the cake, candles, and goodie bags.
Add to the birthday excitement with several packages, like Bowling Adventure, which includes one game of cosmic bowling, or Tiny Tiger Adventure, featuring access to the lion’s den soft play area and unlimited rides on the monkey jump and merry-go-round. Upgrade for more amusement with the Congo Adventure, including unlimited access to the bumper cars, tilt-a-wheel, and two rides on the roller coaster. For families looking for the most entertainment, opt for the Ultimate Adventure, featuring all the Congo Adventure highlights, plus access to kiddie go-karts and a max-flight simulator.
Each party package comes with an adventure card with $5 to $20 for additional rides and games. The Safari Land party packages have a 10-participant minimum.
Location: 701 W. North Ave, in Villa Park
Contact: 630-530-4649
There you have our team at Crème de la Crème of Lincoln Park’s list of the perfect family-friendly party venues. Which one is your favorite? Do you have a recommendation for other event centers in the Chicago, IL, area? If you do, let us know as we enjoy learning about family-friendly party venues in our wonderful area.