Do you know what else a birthday needs? Gifts! Get tried-and-tested favorite gift suggestions including Best Toddler Gifts and more in the Mommy Poppins Gift Guide for Birthdays and Holidays.

Best Indoor Birthday Party Places in Chicago for Kids: Downtown and South Side

Pow! Gym—West Loop

It's time to party at Pow! The super-affordable packages at this martial arts gym come with 90 minutes of programming, and instructor-led activities such as relay races and obstacle courses. Super-fun optional add-on themes include Jedi training, martial arts, ninja warrior skills, and secret agent training. You can bring whatever food and cake you want (a nice alternative to the force-fed cheese pizzas at most birthday party venues), but be sure to bring tableware. They do setup and cleanup.

 
Little girls enjoying a birthday party. American Girl® photo courtesy of Mattel

American Girl Doll Store—Water Tower District

Kids who love their American Girl dolls will be in heaven with a party just for them at the American Girl Place store on The Magnificent Mile. You can choose from multiple themes, a table activity, cake and ice cream, goody bags, doll crowns, and a special birthday gift for the guest of honor! Don't forget to bring your dolls to join in on the fun. 

RELATED: 30+ Free Ways to Celebrate Your Kid's Birthday at Home

Best Indoor Birthday Party Spots in Chicago for Kids: North Side

Brooklyn Boulders Chicago—West Side

The cool climbing walls for all levels at this spot sure beat climbing the walls at home. Bring your own food and drinks; they provide party staff, climbing instruction, and an exhilarating challenge active kids will love. 

Purple Monkey Playroom—Bucktown

This play space is perfect for a first birthday party if you plan on hosting one somewhere other than your house. With climbing structures and toys best suited for preschoolers, Purple Monkey offers packages with 2.5 hours of private playtime with coffee, tea, and soft drinks. Packages also include pizza, a sweet table, cake, custom handmade decorations, staff-led games, goody bags for guests, and more, depending on which package you choose.

 
Cool clay creations. Clay Party project photo courtesy of Kid's Clay Room

Kids Clay Room—Lincoln Park

The parties here are a step up for kids who enjoyed (or still enjoy) play dough. Parents can select from a gallery of different clay projects for instructors to teach kids; little kids will build by hand, while bigger kids can learn to throw clay onto a wheel. The instructors will fire and help glaze projects for kids to take home that day or pick up later. Parents are welcome to send cupcakes or treats home in goody bags with guests!

Ultimate Ninjas—Ravenswood Manor, Naperville, Glenview, Elmhurst, and Libertyville

Ninja warriors in training can tackle this indoor obstacle course and play area with guidance from friendly and encouraging staff. Entrees must be ordered through the venue, but other outside food is also allowed. Parties come with decorations, tableware, setup and cleanup, and drinks. All parties are completely private, so only kids in your party will have access to those obstacles.

Best Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids in the Suburbs

Enchanted Castle—Lombard

Kids can feel like royalty on their birthday at this arcade and fun center. Each guest receives a game card, rides on the bumper cars and catapult rides, chances to play laser tag and indoor blacklight mini-golf, playtime in the Quest II Playland, and a pizza and soda feast. The guest of honor can spin the prize wheel to win up to 5,000 prize tickets. 

Funtopia—Glenview and Naperville

Climb on everything from a spider web to a dinosaur skeleton at each location. Kids under eight can also enjoy a soft play area with a ballroom, obstacle course, and maze. Party packages range from basic to ultimate and include varying amounts of pizza and access to features within the center.

 
Slime Party. photo courtesy of Kids' Science Labs

Kids' Science Labs - Roscoe Village, South Loop, Northbrook

You provide the food; they do the rest. The 90-minute party packages include an hour-long science activity (fun themes include a slime party, chemical reactions, and color and light exploration), plus entertainment, materials, tableware, and staff.

Naperville Yard - Naperville

Naperville Yard features a large indoor sports complex perfect for burning off some energy and celebrating a birthday with friends. Birthday parties come with attendants, pizza, drinks, and the ability to bring your own dessert or cake. In addition to your private party room, you'll have private access to the climbing and play space, sports fields for games, ball play, and more. This is great for a sports-loving kiddo. 

DIT Workshops - Elmhurst

Do It Yourself Workshops (DIT) is perfect for a crafty birthday kid. They offer a private space and instructor-led crafts or art projects. Make slime, pots for plants, wood signs, and more. Birthday party workshops are always private for you and your guests. Bring your own food, snacks, cake, or dessert.