Time to Celebrate Your Child’s Birthday in the Champaign-Urbana Area?
Who doesn’t love a good birthday party? Don’t know where to start? We can help. Here’s our guide to children’s birthday parties in the Champaign-Urbana area. If you’re thinking about having a birthday party in greater Champaign-Urbana, start here. With this roundup of local entertainers, venues and suppliers you’re sure to find something for your child’s party. Thanks to I-Power School of Gymnastics, Inc for sponsoring our 2019 birthday party guide.
Please note that listings are sponsors of chambanamoms.com; listings are not endorsements. If you are a business that offers parties; an entertainer; or a party store — and want to be added to the list — please submit this form. Thank you so much to our listing sponsors for helping to make this guide possible!
I-Power School of Gymnastics offers birthday parties at both of its facilities. Parties for ages 3-14 are at the Main Gym (215 S. Staley) and specialized preschool parties for ages 1-5 are available at the Preschool Gym (301 S. Staley). I-Power offers three tiers of parties and a new Ninja party option as well as a preschool party and can include balloons, bouncy house options, popcorn, paper products, themed parties, and cupcakes.
What makes this venue unique? I-Power birthday parties make it so easy on the parents; I-Power does all the clean up and entertains your group from start to finish – the kids will have a blast and the parents will enjoy a stress-free party!
Ages best suited: 1-14 years
Location: I-Power School of Gymnastics, 215 S. Staley Rd., Champaign
For more information: Website or Facebook or call (217) 359-3547
Alpha Dog Entertainment Mobile Laser Tag
Alpha Dog Entertainment Mobile Laser Tag is a small family owned and operated business that specializes in making memories that will last a lifetime. Alpha Dog Entertainment Mobile Laser Tag is a unique service that brings the enjoyment of an entire Laser tag setup to your party, indoors or out. Alpha Dog guarantees you the “WIN" with an Alpha Dog Entertainment Mobile Laser Tag birthday party.
What makes this venue unique? Alpha Dog brings the complete awesomeness of Laser Tag to your party, at your location, indoor, outdoor, day or night.
Ages best suited? 7-99 years young
Location: Alpha Dog Entertainment Mobile Laser Tag comes to your party.
Animals on Wheels offers rental rides for birthday parties, either at Market Place Shopping Center in Champaign, or at a location of your choice. They have electric-shaped animal scooters for kids and adults and electric cars for kids. Animals on Wheels has so many different animals and cars to choose from.
What makes this venue unique? This is only offered at Market Place Shopping Center in Champaign.
Ages best suited: 2 years (with accompanied adult) to 18 years and above
Location: Market Place Shopping Center, 2000 N. Neil St, Champaign
For More Information: Facebook or call (217) 693-8758
What makes this venue unique? Access to the best seats in the house while watching your favorite Fighting Illini team! Package includes hot dogs, drinks, popcorn, cupcakes, a prize for every guest at the party and a card signed by the team.
Ages best suited: 8th grade and under
Location: 1700 S. Fourth St., Champaign
For more information: website or call (217) 300-2110
Let the YMCA host your child’s birthday party! Unique party packages include enthusiastic staff that will coordinate party logistics on your behalf while you enjoy the celebration with your child. Party packages include 15 children ($10 extra/additional child), 1 hour of the activity/1 hour in party area, party invitations that include the liability/release waiver, party area set up and clean up, all paper goods including white tablecloth and plates, cups, and napkins in the colors of your choice, and a YMCA birthday gift!
Why is this venue unique for a party? There are many different options to choose from, for different ages, and for members and guest members.
Ages best suited? Any age! (Note: Some options are only for specific ages)
Location: 2501 Fields South Dr, Champaign
For More Information: website or call (217) 239-2833
Douglass Community Center Birthday Parties
Discover great parties at the Douglass Community Center. You may rent space and provide your own entertainment, or let the park district's party experts handle all the details while you sit back and relax. But hurry -- space is limited!
- Parties are two hours
- Host provides invitations, goodie bags, and food
- Schedule parties up to three weeks ahead
- ALL Packages include room rental and set up of tables and chairs
- CPD staff will lead all themed birthday party activities
Ages: 5-12 years old
Days: Saturdays and Sundays
Location: Douglass Community Center Gym
Fee (R/NR): $80/120 Basic plus a $100 refundable deposit.
Min/Max: 24 guests max -- Includes adults and children
Deadline: 3 weeks before the birthday party date
Questions: Brittney Washington, (217) 398-2573 Brittney.washington@champaignparks.com
Themed Parties
Ages: 5-12 years old
Days: Saturdays and Sundays
Location: Douglass Community Center Gym
Fee (R/NR): $200/250 Themed plus a $100 refundable deposit.
Min/Max: 24 guests max -- Includes adults and children
Deadline: 3 weeks before the birthday party date
Questions: Brittney Washington, 398-2573, Brittney.washington@champaignparks.com
LEGO Birthday Party
Do you have a little one who’s crazy for LEGOS? Have a LEGO-themed party at the Douglass Community Center. Guests will play pin the mustache on the LEGO Head guy and take part in a LEGO bingo led by a CPD staff member. Guests will have an opportunity to free build after cake and presents.
Super Hero Party
Up, up and away! There’s a special superhero celebrating a birthday! Do you have what it takes to be a superhero? Create a superhero mask and put your skills to the test during Superhero freeze tag. All games and activities will be led by a CPD staff member.
Princess Party
Hear ye! Hear ye! Calling all princesses to help celebrate a special birthday. No need to bring a crown or wand because guests will get to create their own. After cake and presents, go on a scavenger hunt to look for the queens jewels. CPD staff will lead all activities.
Ooey, Gooey, Sticky Party
Get your hands messy as we explore the states of matter through icky, sticky, squishy, weird experiments! Each birthday party guest will be able to take their icky creations home. All activities will be lead by CPD staff.
Art Party at the Springer Cultural Center
The Champaign Park District offers a number of unique birthday party options. Try an art theme that ranges from painting and pottery, to dance and 3-D projects and your child’s friends will leave with great memories and an appreciation for the arts. With a variety of themes available and staff to help, your birthday party will be exactly that — a PARTY with the Champaign Park District!
Ages best suited: Ages 4-12
Location: Springer Cultural Center, 301 N. Randolph St., Champaign
For more information: Email melanie.kahler@champaignparks.com or (217) 819-3919, or champaignparks.com
Leonhard Recreation Center Birthday Parties
Choose from one of four fun themes: Let It Go, Superheroes Unite, Sports Superstars, and Harry Potter’s Wizarding Bash. For R/NR $200/$250 (two hours), you receive a private party room, tables, chairs, Park District party leader, decorations, and supplies. Family is responsible for cake and any other food items. Goodie bags are not provided.
Looking for a no-frills option? Try the Basic Birthday Party package! The park district will take care of set up and clean up. The fee is R/NR $50 per hour/$75 per hour (two hour minimum and includes the private party room, tables, and chairs.) A $100 refundable damage deposit will also be taken at time of reservation. Please see the Champaign Park District Program Guide or visit champaignparks.com for more details.
Ages best suited: Ages 5-12
Location: Leonhard Recreation Center, 2307 W. Sangamon Dr., Champaign
For more information: Call (21) 398-2550
Tennis Party at Dodds Tennis Center
Celebrate at the Dodds Tennis Center! The park district would love to host your next birthday party, family reunion, retirement party, or other special event. Party-goers will have a ball playing tennis games with a professional tennis instructor, and afterwards you'll cool down with some great party treats.
Ages best suited: Ages 5 – adult
Location: Dodds Tennis Center, 2802 Farber Dr., Champaign
For More Information: Email yuri.sohn@champaignparks.com or 217-819-3993or champaignparks.com
CGA’s birthday parties are a fun and unique way for any child to celebrate their special day with friends and family. Each child will have the opportunity to experience a variety of activities including a giant obstacle course, trampolines, foam pit, bars/balance beams, and much more.
What makes this venue unique? The gym is closed to the public during your child's birthday party making it an individualized experience.
Ages best suited? Each party is designed to cater to the age of your the birthday child and guests.
Location: Country Fair Shopping Center, 219 S. Mattis Ave., Champaign
For More Information: website, Facebook, or call (217) 398-4242
Zoom with the Animals
Celebrate your child’s birthday with a special Zoom presentation just for them. Invite your guests to Zoom along, too, as you meet the Anita Purves Nature Center’s education wildlife during these online interactive programs.
By appointment only; call 217-384-4062 or email sydonovan@urbanaparks.org
at least two weeks before your desired party date. This 60-minute Zoom meeting is recommended for children age 6-12.
Brookens Gym Rentals
Reserve your rental at least two weeks in advance by completing an application and making a full payment. An additional $75 damage deposit is due at time of request. (There is a two-hour minimum on parties.) Call 217-255- 8601 for more information.
Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center Parties
All rentals include the use of the party room and swimming. An additional $75 damage deposit is due at time of request. Call 217-367-1544 for information about reserving your party. Fifteen minutes of set-up and clean-up is included in the 2-hour time block.
Upper Limits is the perfect venue for your next birthday party! The combination of unique event space, incredible climbing, and our awesome staff create the perfect package for any birthday celebration. Their staff will guide your party through the facility and help your party reach new heights and conquer challenges together.
What makes this venue unique? Upper Limits was built in an old grain silo. It was we also named one of the most unique gyms in the world by Smithsonian Magazine.
Ages best suited: There is something for everyone at Upper Limits.
Location: 1304 West Washington Street, Bloomington IL
For More Information: website or call (309) 829-8255