A couple of months ago, I started chatting with my then 4-year-old about his upcoming 5th birthday. It was time to start planning and I wanted his opinion on what would make the perfect birthday party. Once we got past the idea of flying through the sky like Superman, I realized that most of his desires were simple and didn’t involve some elaborate, themed party.
Not wanting to have the party at home, I started researching places that provided a great value and that both parents and kids would enjoy. Knowing everyone has a different budget, I searched for places around town that give you the most bang for your buck — and may help you out the next time you’re planning a special day for your child!
Here are the Top 6 Best Value Birthday Parties in Cincinnati:
Western Bowl Strike & Spare Family Fun Center and other Area Bowling Alleys
Bowling is classic family fun and can be an affordable way to get a group together to celebrate a birthday for any age. Western Bowl, for example, has packages that start at $10/person that include bowling for two hours and shoe rental. Other Cincinnati area bowling alleys have similar deals. For more information on parties at Western Bowl, click here.
You can always save money by having a party at home, but this is a way to make it extra special. Keep the party simple with only a few children and homemade cupcakes or a cake and then invite your child’s favorite princess to join the fun. Princess Grace Events will arrange for a princess to visit, read a story to the kids, take pictures and even give a small gift to each child. Packages start at $95. For more information, click here.
A Picnic Area at Great Parks of Hamilton County
Give kids some open space to run around and they’ll be happy, so a birthday party at a park may be the perfect affordable solution! Great Parks offers dozens of picnic areas that you can book up to a year ahead of time, and there are also countless neighborhood parks with a similar setup. Pricing does vary greatly, so search around for one that fits your budget and needs. For more information, click here.
A Party with Chuck E. Cheese’s
Many parents have a love/hate relationship with Chuck E., but that mouse actually provides a pretty good value when it comes to birthday parties. And let’s be honest – the kids love it there! Packages include everything, so you really just have to show up with a cake and the work is done for you. At a recent party at the Colerain location, I was very impressed with the cleanliness of the space and the special attention given to the birthday girl. For more information, click here.
If your child loves crafts, then check out the birthday party options at Michael’s. If you keep the group on the small side (up to 8 kids), this can be an affordable option for your little artist. The value here comes in all that is included – all of the craft supplies for each child to make a few quality items. We all know those craft supplies can get pricey to replicate something like this at home, and with this option – no clean up required! For more information, click here.
Keep It Simple with Just Cake
With so many over-the-top birthday parties these days, many parents forget that it is completely okay to only serve cake at the party. A child’s birthday party is about the birthday kid and his/her friends, so give them what they want – and that’s cake! You may even be able to splurge on a slightly more expensive location by only serving cake and water to your guests. Trust us, the kids won’t mind one bit.
The lesson I learned this year was that I don’t have to serve a catered meal or even have Pinterest-worthy decorations for my child to have a blast on his birthday. Hopefully this list gives you some ideas and if you have any other places or tips on a great-valued birthday party, please share with us in the comments! We’d love some more ideas!
About Andrea:
A native Cincinnatian, Andrea has experienced life in all four corners of this city. After growing up on the west side, she headed north to attend Miami University, then moved east to Hyde Park and now lives in Northern Kentucky with her family.
When she’s not playing trains and doing the “hot dog dance” as a stay-at-home mom to her two toddlers, Andrea is busy writing for Cincinnati (and, ahem, Kentucky!) publications and brainstorming ideas for her next children’s book! With a newfound passion for fitness and overall health, she spends a lot of time at her family gym and loves to play outside.
Andrea worked in education for several years and has a special love for children’s literature. She loves showing her children all our city has to offer and enjoys sharing her finds with other parents. Her favorite spots include the Cincinnati Zoo (although she steers clear of the bird house), her local library and any playground.