Summer Birthday Parties in Houston

My daughter’s birthday is at the very end of August.  It’s hot. It’s humid. And no one wants to be outside in Houston! If you have a summer birthday in your family, I’m sure you can relate. Every year {well, she’s about to be 3 – so for three years} I struggle on where/what/how to have her birthday party! I have dreams of  kids running around our neighborhood playground with the wind blowing through their hair, train rides at Hermann Park, or a Carousel Zoo birthday party. But you know, I need to GET OVER IT. We, the kids, and the party need to be all about water or all about indoor fun, the end.  I’ve come up with a list for all of us in the summer birthday boat.  Here’s to embracing our options instead of feeling like we’re giving up outdoor party glory!

{{Want to see where we had Houston Moms Blog’s 1st Birthday Bash and all of the amazing local businesses we brought in to make it an absolute hit?  Check out our recap post here.}}

Water Fun

• Noah’s Ark :: The smaller pool at the Quillian Center is known as “Noah’s Ark Pool” – and it’s a show stopper! Perfect place for preschoolers, perfect place for birthday parties! You can book online…but I’m just warning you – if you have a summer birthday, start looking at the calender in January. It’s books up FAST.
• Splash Pads :: The city of Houston and surrounding areas are littered with what have been coined Water Spraygrounds, and don’t forget our very own Breonna already went ahead and listed out the best choices all over the city!
• Backyard Water Fun :: Last year I got a great deal on an inflatable waterslide off of Groupon, and we turned this into our birthday party fun! You can purchase these at all different price points, rent large ones from a company, or even hit Pinterest up for the latest DIY water blob!

Indoor Party Packages

• The Little Gym :: This is where we are headed to celebrate Maggie turning 3 in a few short weeks! Ever since the Dora gymnastics episode and that rainbow ribbon…we’ve been hooked. Easy booking online, easy party packages, you can bring in your own food, and no cleanup. I’m outsourcing, and it feels good!
• Sky High Sports :: Their basic party package includes jumping, pizza, and TONS of fun – plus, their price is an absolute steal!  Or if you want to really go over the top, upgrade to one of their VIP packages!
• Wonderwild :: Y’all. We’ve never been, but Jessica has and she is claiming this one for next year. A giant warehouse sized space with toys for infants and climbing structures big enough for kids up to age 11…this place truly can accommodate everyone.
• Pump It Up :: By pump it up, they mean – bounce on huge inflatables for an hour! They are birthday party pros at Pump It Up, large party rooms included!
• Stomping Grounds Playland :: Stomping Grounds is a great find in Sugarland, especially since there is an area for ages 2 and under and an area for bigger kids! The large party rooms are also a huge plus!
• Happy Playland :: With two fun-filled rooms and endless possibilities for exciting themes, Happy Playland makes for a great party space in the Spring Branch area.
• Gymboree :: Two year old birthday parties at Gymboree were very popular last year in our circle! The kids had an absolute blast, it was easy for parents to jump in on the participation, and there was lots of room for older and younger siblings to enjoy the gym at the same time!

Traditional Party Spots

• Children’s Museum of Houston :: Our children’s museum rocks! I suggest this one for kids a little older – maybe 3+. It can get very crowded on weekends and to keep the party moving you need some child autonomy and better listening skills.
• Houston Aquarium :: Underwater fun and even a sleepover option for big kids!
• Museum of Natural Science :: I LOVE the Museum of Natural Science! There is so much to see and do, and their birthday packages don’t disappoint. Lots of add-on’s available to customize your birthday party!
• Houston Fire Museum :: Dress up like real firefighters! Pump hoses! Not sure what else we could ask for?!

Off the Beaten Path Parties

• Kegg’s Candy :: Please click over to this site and read the list of items included in their party package.  You will be SOLD…promise! Parties for children 5+.
• Main Street Theater :: We are sooooo headed here for birthday #4. A  play geared to children with cupcakes and goodies after in the rehearsal room! I can’t wait!
• California Pizza Kitchen :: Yes! They host birthday parties! What a fun treat to make and then eat your pizza creation!
• Mad Science :: Lab coats, slime, and Magic Science experiments! They will even come to you! Score!
• Michaels :: Y’all. My mom was a crafter, and most of my birthday parties either included heading to a Michaels party room or her re-creating it at the dining room table. I can’t wait until Maggie is old enough!
• Houston Scuba Academy :: Snorkeling Birthday Party! Games! And the price is right!
• Home Depot :: Your local home depot {and Lowe’s} regularly host free weekly kids workshops, and you can turn this into a birthday party by just asking. I’ve heard they go all out…orange aprons, supplies, etc.

I hope that gets you started, but I’m sure there are some other gems out there! Feel free to leave a comment and let me know a great party place or idea you have found in the Houston area – I’m always searching!