With so many families in Asheville and Western NC, there are a variety of places to have a child's birthday party whether you are having a big birthday bash or a smaller party with a handful of kiddos. You’ll also find a varying selection of unique birthday party ideas for girls and boys including traditional places like skating rinks, trampoline parks, and arcades to more outdoor, hands-on birthday party venues like outdoor centers, animal habitats, and ziplines.
Why have your child’s birthday party at a venue? For one, most birthday locations have the capacity to entertain anywhere from 10 to 30 kids. They offer a safe facility with activities, party games, and more so parents can focus on the birthday child without worrying about set-up, clean-up and everything in between. While some birthday party packages seem expensive, consider the time, expense and details that go into a child’s birthday party.
The Pirate Room at Mountain Play Lodge
Many birthday party places in Asheville offer packages that include things like themed parties, private rooms, a designated birthday host, birthday decorations, balloons, etc. Some offer package upgrades that include food, drink, paper products, party favors for guests and essentially everything but the birthday cake. (Find ideas for birthday cakes and sweet treats with our Donuts, Desserts and Ice Cream Guide, including bakeries.)
Below you’ll find Asheville’s top birthday party locations, including other notable venues in Western NC that offer a variety of unique settings, themes, activities for kids of all ages and interests.
Top Birthday Party Venues for Kids
Sky Lanes Bowling Alley
This West Asheville bowling alley offers a great place for kids to have fun, bowl and maybe even get a strike! (Bumpers available) Kids birthday packages are offered, too. Prices vary.
This West Asheville bowling alley offers a great place for kids to have fun, bowl and maybe even get a strike! (Bumpers available) Kids birthday packages are offered, too. Prices vary.
Waynesville Recreation Center Indoor Pool
Have a pool party anytime of year at this indoor water park and pool in Waynesville. All pool parties are available on Saturdays only and rentable for 2 hours at a time. Option to add a private… read more
Have a pool party anytime of year at this indoor water park and pool in Waynesville. All pool parties are available on Saturdays only and rentable for 2 hours at a time. Option to add a private room with a kitchen is available. Party reservations start at $55.
The Hop Creamery & Cafe
Kids scream for ice cream at this local creamery and cafe, offering two locations for birthday parties! Packages include rental space for 2 hours, host, and decoration with options to add balloon… read more
Kids scream for ice cream at this local creamery and cafe, offering two locations for birthday parties! Packages include rental space for 2 hours, host, and decoration with options to add balloon artist, face painting, ice cream bar, games and more. Packages start at $50.
Wolverine Paintball Park
Geared for kids 8-11, this paintball course allows kids to play a fun game of tag, as they mark their opponents using a lower impact paintball gun. Party Pack Jr includes a private group with 6… read more
Geared for kids 8-11, this paintball course allows kids to play a fun game of tag, as they mark their opponents using a lower impact paintball gun. Party Pack Jr includes a private group with 6 players, equipment, paintballs and referee. Pizza and drinks add ons available. Package is $180.
Retrocade
With a large selection of classic and modern video games, pinball machines, air hockey, skeeball and more, this family-friendly business welcomes people of all ages.They offer a variety of party… read more
With a large selection of classic and modern video games, pinball machines, air hockey, skeeball and more, this family-friendly business welcomes people of all ages.They offer a variety of party packages, that include 2-3 hours of play time, 25 passes, and table. You can even rent the entire arcade. Packages start at $200.
Adventure Center of Asheville, Birthday Parties
Five minutes from downtown, this adventure park has four birthday party packages (ages 4 +) and open year-round. Kids can climb the Asheville Treetops Adventure Park, zipline the Kid Zip Park for… read more
Five minutes from downtown, this adventure park has four birthday party packages (ages 4 +) and open year-round. Kids can climb the Asheville Treetops Adventure Park, zipline the Kid Zip Park for an epic birthday party adventure, or ride at Kolo Bike Park. Choose from four different packages based on age and adventure preference. All parties include 10 participants, equipment, ground school,…
Bricks 4 Kids
Ideal for kids 6 and up, this hands-on program uses Legos to help kids develop problem solving and critical thinking skills as they build machines and other constructions, utilizing engineering,… read more
Ideal for kids 6 and up, this hands-on program uses Legos to help kids develop problem solving and critical thinking skills as they build machines and other constructions, utilizing engineering, architecture and physics. The party comes to you at your preferred location, whether it’s at your home, a park pavillion, church, etc. Parties include a host, 90 mins of structured party activities,…
Mountain Play Lodge
This large indoor play space for kids 10 and under offers two age-appropriate play floors with miniature village, toddler slides, large jungle gym, large slides and more. For parties, they offer… read more
This large indoor play space for kids 10 and under offers two age-appropriate play floors with miniature village, toddler slides, large jungle gym, large slides and more. For parties, they offer themed party rooms with host and cleaning services included. You may bring your own food, drinks and cake, or use in-house beverage service. Room rentals start at $139 + admission for party guests.
The Little Gym
This indoor gym for kids offers a variety of 1.5 hour party packages includes up to 16 guests, two hosts, set-up/clean-up, juice boxes, t-shirt and water bottle for birthday child. Add-ons include… read more
This indoor gym for kids offers a variety of 1.5 hour party packages includes up to 16 guests, two hosts, set-up/clean-up, juice boxes, t-shirt and water bottle for birthday child. Add-ons include themes, paper products, invitations and more. Packages start at $240.
WNC Nature Center
Children can share their birthday with wolves, cougars, otters, and other native animals at the Nature Center. Party includes a 2 hour room rental, 20 guests, table/chairs, fridge/freezer use,… read more
Children can share their birthday with wolves, cougars, otters, and other native animals at the Nature Center. Party includes a 2 hour room rental, 20 guests, table/chairs, fridge/freezer use, self guided tour of the Nature Center. Parties are $225.
Tropical Gardens Mini Golf
This popular, adventure-filled miniature golf course offers a great setting for a birthday party. They also have batting cages, gameroom, sno-cones and more. Parties can be reserved for 1 hour and… read more
This popular, adventure-filled miniature golf course offers a great setting for a birthday party. They also have batting cages, gameroom, sno-cones and more. Parties can be reserved for 1 hour and include decorated gazebo,1 round mini golf, drinks, and paper products. See website for prices.
Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS)
Ideal for children ages 3-9, this museum offers 2-hour science themed birthday parties with educator-led activities in STEM classroom, table & chairs, games and free time in the exhibit hall… read more
Ideal for children ages 3-9, this museum offers 2-hour science themed birthday parties with educator-led activities in STEM classroom, table & chairs, games and free time in the exhibit hall for up to 25 kids. Parties are $275 and offered on Sat/Sun only.
Fox-N-Otter Adventure Puzzle Rooms
This locally owned, family friendly business creates brain-twisting puzzles where participants try to escape perplexing scenarios. Though younger children are welcome, kids ages 10-15 are ideal… read more
This locally owned, family friendly business creates brain-twisting puzzles where participants try to escape perplexing scenarios. Though younger children are welcome, kids ages 10-15 are ideal for puzzle solving. They offer multiple party packages that include a private escape room with options to upgrade for added perks. Packages start at $125.
Zaniac
Kids engage and have fun a variety of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) activities that make learning feel like play. They offer a variety of birthday party themed… read more
Kids engage and have fun a variety of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) activities that make learning feel like play. They offer a variety of birthday party themed packages that includes up to 20 guests for a two-hour party and host. Includes invites, gift table, party table, paper goods, balloons, and gift bag for birthday child. Outside food, drink, and cake allowed…
Lazoom Kids Comedy Tour
All aboard the big purple bus for this kid-centric comedy tour featuring a blend of Asheville’s history and humor. Geared for kids 5–12, the tour includes magic, jokes, and more with outlandish… read more
All aboard the big purple bus for this kid-centric comedy tour featuring a blend of Asheville’s history and humor. Geared for kids 5–12, the tour includes magic, jokes, and more with outlandish tour guides leading the way. Tour is 1 hour, kids 3 and under are free. Kid tickets are $17.
KidSenses Hands-On Learning
This large, interactive space offers fun indoor and outdoor exhibits where kids can learn and stimulate imagination through hands-on playing. Their party packages include 20 guests, a party room… read more
This large, interactive space offers fun indoor and outdoor exhibits where kids can learn and stimulate imagination through hands-on playing. Their party packages include 20 guests, a party room for one hour, play time in museum, invitations, balloons, and T-shirt for birthday child. Add-ons include character parties, paper goods and favors. Base price: $135.
Hickory Nut Gap Farm
This working farm offers beautiful scenery and a naturally engaging space for active children. The Party Shack space on the farm has a covered area and picnic tables, with nearby treehouse, tunnel… read more
This working farm offers beautiful scenery and a naturally engaging space for active children. The Party Shack space on the farm has a covered area and picnic tables, with nearby treehouse, tunnel slides and creek for splashing. Add ons like horseback riding and birthday party catering are available. Packages start at $125.
Hands On! Children's Museum
This children's museum in historic Downtown Hendersonville has interactive exhibits with focuses on science, identification, classification, fine and gross motor skills, technology, engineering,… read more
This children's museum in historic Downtown Hendersonville has interactive exhibits with focuses on science, identification, classification, fine and gross motor skills, technology, engineering, math and more. Party package includes admission for 24 total guests (adults + children), table/chairs for 12 kids, and a gift for birthday child. Packages start at $140.
Smoky Mountain Sk8way
Parties include admission, skate rental, inflatables, prize tokens for each guest and roller skating games. Tables, paper goods, balloons, and drinks are also included with pizza purchased… read more
Parties include admission, skate rental, inflatables, prize tokens for each guest and roller skating games. Tables, paper goods, balloons, and drinks are also included with pizza purchased separately. No outside food, cake and ice cream welcome. Packages start at $119.
Chimney Rock Park
See breathtaking 75-mile views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hickory Nut Gorge, and Lake Lure. The park also features the highest waterfall in an NC State Park and hiking trails. Shopping and… read more
See breathtaking 75-mile views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hickory Nut Gorge, and Lake Lure. The park also features the highest waterfall in an NC State Park and hiking trails. Shopping and dining located at the park entrance.
Tips for Kid Birthday Parties in Asheville:
- Book your party well in advance. Many places require you to book at least 2-4 weeks before event.
- Get details on exactly what is included in your birthday party package. Will they include things like birthday invitations, paper products, cutlery, a cake knife, ice, access to refrigerator and freezer for things like cake and ice cream?
- Many places include a number of guests in the package price. Be sure to account for adults and younger siblings. Some places don’t charge for children under a certain age.
- If you have a dedicated birthday party host included in your package, what are their duties? Will they just help with set-up and clean-up? Some locations offer hosts who entertain and guide kids in structured activities, games, and more.
- Is outside food allowed? Most venues allow outside cake and ice cream, but require you purchase food through them.
- Can you upgrade your package to include things like pizza, soda, juice boxes and paper goods? Some packages offer fun upgrade options like face painting, inflatables, birthday gift bags, t-shirts and more.
- Do any birthday party guests have severe food allergies? Check in with parents about allergies and options. Be sure venue is aware if you plan to purchase food through them.
- Is a private room included in the package? Will it have a table and chairs? Do you need to bring any decorations? Some places have party rooms ready to go with wall murals, decor, balloons and more.
- Arrive early to check in, set up and get a feel for the space before the birthday party crew arrives!
- Ask for a cart to help load up things like coolers, bags, gifts, cake and more when you arrive and depart. This makes things easy when you have a lot going on and many kids around.
See more pages from our Family Guide: Top 20 Family Vacation Ideas | Biltmore for Kids | Kid-Friendly Hikes | Waterfalls for Kids | Family-Friendly Hotels & Lodging | Top 20 Indoor Activities for Kids | Kids in Parks | Overnight Summer Camps | Day & Half-Day Summer Camps
