Where to Have a Birthday Party in Champaign-Urbana

Time to celebrate your child’s birthday in the Champaign-Urbana area?

You’re well on your way to planning an awesome party with the help of our guide to children’s birthday parties in the Champaign-Urbana area. With this roundup of local entertainers, venues and suppliers, you’re sure to find something for your child’s party.

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Champaign Park District

Want to bask in the summer sun, or hide from winter winds? The Champaign Park District has outdoor park spaces, pool side tables, indoor playgrounds, and arts and crafts parties to suit your mood, and the weather. Parties for all ages are available at Leonhard Recreation Center, Douglass Community Center, Springer Cultural Center, Martens Center, and in the summer, Sholem Aquatic Center and Prairie Farm.

Champaign Park District offers a multitude of themes from “messy science mayhem” to cupcake decorating and many others. There are also basic “no frills” birthday party options at a budget-friendly price point. Read the complete list of birthday party options here and click on birthday party options.

Materials Provided: Package components vary depending on the package and location. You can choose a package where you provide everything for the party yourself and Champaign Park District just provides the space OR you can choose a package that includes a pinata, party favors and other fun. You should contact the facility where you would like to have a party directly to find the best fit for you.

For more information: Website or call (217) 398-2550 for general assistance.

Innovation Center — Martens Center, Champaign

I-Power School of Gymnastics

I-Power School of Gymnastics offers birthday parties at its main gym facility, in its preschool gym, and Ninja Academy. Parties for ages 4-14 are available at either the Main Gym (215 S. Staley) or the Ninja Gym in the Academy (221 S. Staley). Specialized preschool parties for ages 1-5 are available at the Preschool Gym. I-Power offers four tiers of parties at the main gym and can include balloons, bouncy house options, popcorn, paper, pizza products, themed parties, and cupcakes. Parents can choose the party tier that works best for them and then select add ons to customize the party experience – they can take care of everything if that’s your desire!

Materials Provided: All packages include playtime for the birthday child plus 15 guests, a t-shirt for the birthday child, and goodie bags or I-power logo water bottles with goodies inside for all the party guests. Extra children may attend for an additional per-child fee. Each party will be attended to by two staff that will help with set up, entertaining the kids, and handling all the clean up. Relax and enjoy your child’s birthday celebration while they handle the kids!

For more information: Website, Facebook page, or call (217) 359-3547

Kona Ice of Champaign

Sit back and have fun while Kona Ice of Champaign takes care of everything. Kona brings the party directly to you. Kona’s beautiful trucks with flashing lights and upbeat music will get everyone in the party mood. Kids and adults love trying its many flavors. You can flavor your own Kona Ice at its signature Flavorwave or choose from a specialty menu. Kona even has completely sugar free options. The best part: Kona Ice is nutritious and delicious. All of its products are gluten, fat, peanut and dairy free. All products contain Vitamins C & D!

Materials Provided: Kona Ice of Champaign takes care of it all. It pulls right up to your location and serves delicious Kona Ice to the guest of honor and all the party goers. The guest of honor receives a special Kona Ice cup, birthday goodie bag, and a personalized sign on the side of the truck. Trucks are completely self-contained and they don’t require electrical hook up and don’t operate with a loud generator.

Parent Comment: Kona Ice is amazing! They are so easy to work with. They have great communication, awesome flavors, and always make our kids feel so special. Whether we have Kona Ice as a treat or a planned fixture at a party, it’s always a hit. The owner really cares about his community and it shows, and I really appreciate that. -Lauren M. from Champaign

For More Information: Website, Facebook, Instagram, or call (217) 974-5662

Stephens Family YMCA

Let the YMCA host your child’s birthday party! Its unique party packages include enthusiastic staff that will coordinate party logistics on your behalf while you enjoy the celebration with your child.

The Y has many different options to choose from, for different ages, and for members and guest members.

YMCA Birthday Party Package options:

Family Adventure Center
Rock Climbing
Sports
Swimming

Materials Included: Party packages include 15 children (can pay extra for additional children), 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 shirt!

For More Information: Website or call (217) 239-2808

Sign Gypsies

Let Sign Gypsies add a fun and colorful yard sign to help celebrate! Each sign is designed with input from you to create a display that showcases each person’s favorite colors, hobbies, and interests. Sign Gypsies makes it super simple, and it takes care of everything for you! A yard greeting includes the message, delivery, set-up, and pick up.

Parent Comment: “The setup and the items picked for my daughter’s birthday sign were absolutely perfect! Will use them time and time again!”

For More Information: Website, Facebook, Instagram, or call (217) 215-5414

Campus Recreation

U of I’s Campus Recreation has four unique experiences that are sure to be the talk of your youngster’s next celebration! Make a splash with a pool party at the CRCE indoor aquatic center, complete with heated leisure pool, waterslide, and bubble benches. Reach new heights with a rock climbing party at the ARC climbing wall — safety instruction and equipment included. Learn how nutrition can be fun and tasty by making personal pizzas and decorating cupcakes in the ARC instructional kitchen. Cool off with an ice skating party at the Ice Arena. All birthday party packages are available to members and non-members.

Party Packages are available at the ARC, the CRCE Aquatic Center, and the Ice Arena!

Materials Provided: Materials for the party are not included. Services included for each location are as follows:

CRCE aquatic center: lifeguard on duty, private party area
ARC climbing wall: party area adjacent to the wall, 2 instructors, climbing equipment
ARC instructional kitchen: instructor and food
Ice Arena: semi-private party area, admission, skate rentals

For More Information: Website, Facebook, Instagram, or call (217) 300-5394

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Benji Plays Harp

If you are looking for a unique performer for an event, party, or birthday, look no further than Benji Plays Harp. Benji is a multi-instrumentalist (Celtic/Folk Harp, Flute, Piano, and Accordion), with a repertoire of mostly traditional Irish music. The harp is a favorite for listeners of all ages.

For More Information: Website, Facebook, Instagram, or email at benji.plays.harp@gmail.com.

Urbana Park District

The Urbana Park District offers five venues — open at various points of the year — for birthday parties. Available for parties are the Anita Purves Nature Center, Brookens Gym, Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center, Phillips Recreation Center and the Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center.

Each location has different pricing.

For more information: Website, Facebook, Instagram.