There are all kinds of options when it comes to planning your child's birthday party. Whether they prefer sports (swimming, tennis, rock climbing), art (pottery, beading, crafts) or other kinds of fun (magic, paintball, nature) there's always a fun local option.
J.E.T.S. Gymnastics • 4430 19th St NW • 285-9262 • www.jetsgym.com
Birthday parties at J.E.T.S. are designed for kids of all ages. They include an instructor(s) and a gymnastics-based obstacle course, games, the foam pits and tumble track trampoline. Party participants will utilize equipment in the gym according to ability, age appropriate activities, availability, and instructor discretion. After about 60 minutes of gymnastics and cooperative games, the participants will retire to the party area for present time, cake and ice cream. Parties available Saturdays, and Sundays (call for times). Prices start at $180. Birthday parties are all-inclusive, J.E.T.S makes and mails the invitations, and provides the ice cream, cake, punch, balloons, gift bags, plates, napkins, and cups.
Rochester Area Family Y • 709 1st Ave SW • 287-2260 ext. 386 • hannel@rochfamy.org • www.rochfamy.org
The Y's Birthday Party Program offers kids the option of spending their special day with us. When booking your child’s birthday at the Y, you can choose between a fun and exciting Gym Party or a splashing good time in the water park for a Pool Party! Parties start at $60. Visit their website or call for additional details.
Bob Miller Magician - Magical Birthday Party Shows • 281-2213 • www.bobmillermagic.com/BirthdayShows.html
Magician Bob Miller offers three fun and magical birthday party options: Balloon Fun Show (no tricks, but lots of balloon animals - works best with kids ages 3-4 who are too young for magic tricks), Magic & Balloons (age-appropriate magic tricks and balloon animals, lots of audience participation and a special trick for the Birthday Child to help with), Super Fun Magic Party (the "super-funnest" show, includes everthing in the Magic & Balloons show plus more!). Looking for a party spot? Consider using a party room at O'Neill's Pizza Pub or
Godfather's Pizza for your party with Magician, Bob Miller.
A Child's Kingdom • 289-2287 • 1621 North Broadway • www.achildskingdom.comWe'll facilitate your little princess or pirates themed birthday party. You choose the package and theme that’s right for you and we do all the rest! Favorite themes: Princess, Pirate, Diva, Monster Truck, Super Hero, Tangled, Justin Bieber. Each child will receive a personalized birthday story/colorbook and gift bag. Our party room will be decorated in the theme of the party. It's that simple. We do the work and you have the fun! For more information, give us a call or check out our website.
Scanlan's Red Barn Learning Farm • 27251 State Highway 30, Hayfield • (507)365-8321 or (507)272-7465 • www.redbarnlearningfarm.com
Have your Birthday at the Barn! What could be more fun than having your birthday at the barn? Bring your friends out to the farm for a party like you've never had before! Make reservations now to save your date. Our parties include: Use of our picnic shelter, access to petting zoo/ all play areas, hayride, carrot coupon or corn cone coupon for each child, farm-theme cake and free T-shirt for birthday child. Open April 1-October 31. Check our website for availability.
Allegro Birthday Party • 2342 Superior Drive NW • 288-0125 • www.allegrodancemusic.comWe plan with you to create a unique and memorable birthday celebration for your child. Choose one of our themes: Princess, Butterfly, and Hip Hop or suggest an idea of your own. Movement, music, games, gifts, photo opportunities and treasured time fill your birthday party at Allegro! You provide: The birthday child, up to 9 guests, cake, beverages and party ware. Cost: $125.00. Additional guests can be accommodated for a small up-charge. The birthday child receives a special day t-shirt and each guest receives a party favor coupon for one free class! Call Allegro today to reserve your special date!
Yard Card Creations • www.yard-card.net • www.facebook.com/yardcard
Yard Card Creations is a business that's all about having fun! We offer a creative and unique way to celebrate any special occasion in Rochester, Mn or other surrounding areas by delivering our big, bright and colorful yard cards. Our yard cards include a personal message from you on our large marquee message board as well as a yard full of memories. Yard Card Creations has displays for all occasions including, birthday, anniversaries, bridal showers, birth announcements and much much more.
Kindermusik with Linda • 289-5164 • www.kindermusikwithlinda.comA Kindermusik Birthday party provides a completely interactive, totally fun experience for everyone - children and adults alike. And it takes much of the planning and entertainment load off you! We will provide 45 minutes of exciting, guided musical activities-singing games, instrument play-alongs, creative movement and circle activities at the location of your choice. We even bring a free gift for the birthday child! Parties start at $75.
Giggle Givers • Rochester, MN • 507-288-3109 • www.gigglegivers.comWondering what will add excitement and laughter to your next event or party? Try Giggle Givers! Giggle Givers offers good family friendly fun with clowning, magic, balloons, juggling, face painting, puppets, glitter tattoos, and more! Their many clown characters include Cactus Patch, Sunny May, and Whozeenie! They perform as non-clowns, too! Or hire a Balloon Ninja or Sir Finley for a themed party. Sir Finley has performed in the Children's Realm at the MN Renaissance Festival. They will customize each performance to meet your needs. They perform for birthday parties, picnics, celebrations and other events for churches, non-profits, schools, corporations, scouts and more ... Get the Giggles. Hire Giggle Givers!
Rochester Scrapbooking Company • 424-0155 • 1221 Third Ave SW
Parties for kids ages 5 and up. We charge $10 per hour for a room charge, plus the cost of project(s). Most projects take one to two hours depending on the number of children in the party, the age of the children and difficulty of the project. Prices of projects are: Journal and Pen Combo, $7.50; 4X6 Picture Frame, $6.00; Two Page Layout, $8.50; Paper Bag Album, $8.00; Wall Hanging, $7.00; Chipboard Mini-Album, $8.00. Prices include all materials. A group photo can be taken and copied for 33 cents each. We can accommodate up to 10 children. Space is provided if you wish to bring in food, beverages, cake, etc. Call with questions or to book a party.
Lucky Star Pony Parties and Petting Zoo, L.L.C. •
Carol Andersen • 563-203-1061 • ecela@hughes.netLucky Star will come to your desired location (backyard, home, park, etc.) and provide safe, unlimited hand led pony rides for your childs birthday party. We can also provide a small farm animals petting zoo for the kids to feed and get hands on experience with (little donkey, pigmy goats, chicks, rabbit, kittens (in season) and occasionally a baby calf or lamb). We have a larger pony as well as a small pony to suit childrens ages/sizes. Cost: $150 for first hr. and $100 per hr. after. Also a mileage charge of .65 per mile (1 way). No party too large or small.
Michaels Arts & Crafts • 60 25th St SE (near Kohl's) • 285-5947 • www.michaels.comMichaels Arts & Crafts offers a variety of arts and crafts themed birthday party options. Visit their website or call the store for additional details.
Soccer World • 424-3018 • www.soccerworldmn.comSoccer World has a variety of Birthday Party options! When you call to reserve a party with us, we take the time to talk to you to ensure that the party is designed around the wants of you and your child. We do not have a 1-party fits all option that is common throughout the industry. We hold parties for any age, so feel free to call us at any time to talk about your Party options!
Bounce World • 4430 19th St. NW • 316-0788 • www.bounceworldmn.com/parties.aspWe'll set up our party room for you and your guests so when you arrive all you have to do is enjoy the special day! You bring the cake or cupcakes and we'll supply the fun! We'll even clean up when the party is over. Check out our party prices on our party webpage.
Party Zone Inflatables • www.partyzoneinflatables.com • 398-9783Let Party Zone Inflatables deliver the FUN to your next party! We offer a huge selection of inflatable amusements including moonwalks, joust, huge slides, and more. Prices and available rental items are listed on our website along with special discounts and promotions! We are Rochester’s low cost leader for all of your inflatable amusement needs and we deliver FUN!
Egyptian Princess Parties • Sadiya (Terri Allred) • 884-1375 • sadiya@charter.net • www.RochesterInternationalDance.com Invite Sadiya to celebrate with your child on her special day. A typical party begins with Sadiya greeting the guests with Middle Eastern music and temporary tattoos. Once everyone has had a chance to meet Sadiya and get their temporary tattoo, Sadiya will entertain the children with a brief dance. If the children are going to make hip scarves, then they will do this next. Often parents decide to use the hip scarf craft as a party favor. Finally, as the hip scarves are drying, the guests will learn belly dance moves and have the opportunity to perform with Sadiya. Many families schedule a 2 hour party with the belly dance portion for the first hour and cake and presents for the last part of the party. Sometimes mothers like to join in on the lesson as well! Belly Dance Party $100 (1 hour) includes: performance by Sadiya- belly dance Lesson- temporary tattoos. Hip Scarf Craft- Girls can make and wear their own beaded hip scarves. $12 per child (Birthday girl's is FREE). Additional time beyond scheduled party of 1 hour will be billed at $25 per 1/2 hour.
Hula Girl Parties • Sadiya (Terri Allred) • 884-1375 • sadiya@charter.net • www.RochesterInternationalDance.comEven if you can't celebrate your birthday or special event in Hawaii, you can still learn to Hula dance. Terri will teach your special hula girl and her friends to hula during this exciting party. Grass skirts to borrow are provided. Each party guest receives a lei (flower necklace) to take home. The party can be held at your home or at the beautiful Rochester International Dance Studio. Fee $125.
Henna Parties • Sadiya (Terri Allred) • 884-1375 • sadiya@charter.net • www.RochesterInternationalDance.com
Join Sadiya of Rochester International Dance Studio for your special party featuring henna or glitter henna art. This art form originated in India and is a popular skin decoration that usually last about a week. Sadiya can tailor the party specifically to the interests of your child, for example stars, hearts and flowers or swords, lightning bolts and frogs. Each guest will receive a temporary henna. This party is a perfect addition to your Egyptian Princess or Hula party.
ChuckE.Cheese's • 1250 County Highway 25 (by Trader Joe's) • 529-5055 • www.chuckecheese.com/locations/get/798ChuckE.Cheese's offers birthday parties. Visit their website for dates, prices and party packages.
Jolly Jumpz • www.jollyjumpz.com/birthday-parties.html • 398-6660Jolly Jumpz birthday party packages includes your choice of an inflatable, a concession machine (to make treats), a game or a novelty. Also includes party invitations and activity sheets for goody bags. Jolly Jumps also has an online birthday planner. Visit their website for prices.
Princess Parties • Salt & Pepper Photography • 2220 Bamber Valley Road SW • 281-9312 Salt & Pepper Photography offers birthday parties for princesses (and super heroes) of all ages. They have a hair and make up specialist come in and do the girls' hair and makeup. Then the girls get to pick out different outfits (which the studio has available - or bring your own from home) and become a "princess for a day." An average party last about 2 hours and includes a glamour/dress-up session with hair and make-up. Parties start at $25 per guest and include a professional photograph.
Pipsqueaks • 281-6160 • 903 W Center St (United Way Building) • www.rochestermn.gov/departments/park/facilities/pipsqueaksPipsqueaks offers 3-hour party blocks for all kinds of private party fun: birthdays, team events, classroom parties, family events, and special occasions. If you are looking for an economical place to hold a party for your kindergarten-age or younger child, Pipsqueaks is your party destination. There's lots of toys and plenty of room to let the kids run, scream, and play or to host your own party games.
Rochester Tennis Connection • 2700 Country Club Rd SW • 288-4851 • www.rochestertennis.comFun parties for ages 5 and up. No tennis experience necessary. Rackets are available at no charge. Parties include one hour of on-court entertainment by staff (relays, target tennis, etc.) and use of party room after. Room may be decorated prior to the party and cake, icecream, pizza, etc. may be brought in. No limit on time in party room unless another party has been scheduled. Best times for parties are daytime weekdays and weekends. Cost: $80. Limit of 10 children. For larger parties, please call to make arrangements! Our courts and staff provide a fun atmosphere for a party!
We just had our daughter's birthday party here and it was great! The tennis instruction was really fun, the party room was just the right size, and the fact that the kids could play indoors (during below zero weather) was a huge plus! L.L. Nordic Gypsy Beads and Jewelry • 20 3rd Street SW • 288-2258 • www.nordicgypsy.comNordic Gypsy offers b-day parties for kids. The most common ages being 8 - 12. Birthday parties are $5/person plus the cost of materials. A generous average price for materials would be $40. For a group of 8 kids with $40 worth of materials, the total cost would be $80 or $10/person. Nordic Gypsy's b-day room can accommodate 4-8 kids. They usually reserve late Friday afternoon for birthday parties, but they will try to accomodate your schedule. To schedule a party call or stop by the store. (They also do parties for adults!)
KAAL Subway Birthday ClubIt isn't a birthday party hot spot, but the KAAL Subway Birthday Club is a fun way to say Happy Birthday to someone special. It’s open to any age and easy to do, just mail or e-mail, birthdayclub@kaaltv.com, KAAL a photo along with name, age, and address. In addition to announcing your birthday greeting on 6 News First Good Morning, they will send two Subway gift certificates for 6-inch sandwiches to the birthday person! Your request for a Birthday Club greeting MUST be received at KAAL TV at least 2 weeks before the birthday announcement. For more info visit their website at
www.kaaltv.com.
CineMagic Theatres • 2171 Superior Drive, NW • 280-0333 • www.cinemagictheatres.comFor a trouble-free birthday party, reserve the bright and cheerful party room at the Hollywood 12 Theatre. The party room is yours to decorate as you choose and holds up to 15 people. The price of the party starts at $11/person with a minimum or eight people required. The birthday guest receives a FREE fun photo in the photo booth. The birthday party package also includes: movie admission, kiddie concession combo, four arcade tokens/person, and assistance with your party. Pizza and hot dogs also available for a minimal charge.
Zumbro Valley Paintball, Millville (about 30 miles from Rochester) • 507-798-2290Gary and Teresa Davidson host fun paintball parties for kids ages 10 & up (fun for parents, too!). They supply the equipment and paintballs - call for prices. Sloppy Joes, sodas, and chips are provided after the games are over, and do not cost extra. Eight person minimum, but they can accomodate up to around 80.
This birthday party tip provided by Bryan B.Recreation Center • 21 Elton Hills Drive • 328-2500 • www.rochestermn.gov/departments/park/facilities/recreationcenter/index.aspThe Rec Center offers swimming, skating, and open gym parties. The per guest cost is $3(5-18yrs.), $4(19yrs. plus), and FREE(under 5yrs.). Parties are scheduled during open swim, skate, or gym time. A room for cake, ice cream, and opening presents is included at no cost. There are locker rooms for changing/storing clothes. For more info, call Kim at 287-1386.
I wanted to pass along another birthday party idea for your website. I just had my daughter's sixth birthday party at the Recreation Center's ice rink.... It was a great party. - Kristen G.Prairie Walls Climbing Gym • 4420 19th Street NW • 292-0511 • www.prairiewalls.com/?page_id=9Make your next birthday a real adventure. Prairie Walls instructors will guide your birthday group through two hours of rock climbing excitement. They start the kids out on their "easy" instruction wall. After they have climbed the instruction wall the group graduates to the main climbing walls. When the group is finished with their two hours of climbing the party may use the mezzanine area that overlooks the main climbing gym for food, cake, presents. If you want to bring in a birthday cake or pizza, that's fine. The staff to climber ratio is approximately 1 to 8. Call for available dates/times. Parties start at $125 (for up to seven participants). All of the required rental equipment and instructor fees are included in the price of the event. Birthday person receives a kids club pass as a gift.
Quarry Hill • 281-6114 • www.qhnc.org
Birthdays, scheduled for 1-1/2 hours are available most Saturdays and Sundays and include a 30 minute or 45 minute Naturalist-led program either outside or inside depending on weather and/or topic. The remaining time is spent in parent-directed game playing, crafts, eating, present exchanging, etc. Recommended age for birthday parties is 4 and up. Birthday costs are: $40/QHNC Members (1/2 hour Naturalist Program), $50/QHNC Member (45 minute Naturalist Program), $85/non-Member (1/2 hour Naturalist Program) and $95/non-Member (45 minute Naturalist program). Visit their website's Public Programs page for more information on scheduling your party, party guidelines, and possible program ideas (i.e. scaley critters, slimy critters, nature hunt, snowshoeing, dinosaurs, etc.).
My daughter has had two birthday parties at Quarry Hill and loved them both. The QH instructors make the nature program fun and educational and the huge birthday room has plenty of space for crafts and games. I'd highly recommend a birthday party at Quarry Hill. - M.R.Soldiers Field Pool • www.rochestermn.gov/park/Pools/pools-beach.htmDoes your child have a summer birthday? The zero depth pool at Soldiers Field may be reserved for parties. Contact the pool manager to make reservations.
Slider (Honkers Mascot) • www.rochesterhonkers.com • Slider@RochesterHonkers.comDo your kids love baseball? Do your kids love the Honkers? Slider, the Honkers baseball-headed mascot, makes birthday party appearances during the off season. Slider usually stays 1-2 hours (depending on the host's request) and can pose for pictures, sign autographs, play with the kids, or lead the party in the YMCA song/dance.
Rochester Athletic Club (RAC) • 3100 19th St NW • 287-9335 ext. 378 (Tasha McWilliams) • www.rochesterathleticclub.com
Let us do the entertaining for your child's next birthday party. Sit back and relax while the children run, jump, swim, dance, or play a sport. Choose from a Neighborhood, gym, pool, or hip hop dance party. The activity offered may last 45 minutes to 1 hour followed by time on the Neighborhood picnic tables for dinner, cake, and opening presents. Birthday child must be a RAC member. There are two available party packages. Basic package: $8.50 each guest. Minimum of $75. Member provides all paper products. Club package: $10 each guest. Minimum of $75. RAC provides all paper products and 2 free pitchers of soda. Extra time can be purchased at $15/half hour.
Recreation Lanes • 2810 North Broadway • 288-2601 • www.reclanes.2gobowl.com/?page=GROUPS_N'_PARTIESThe bowling alley hosts birthday parties during regular bowling or during Thunder Alley (lights out, music on, lots of fun). Food (pizza, burgers, sandwiches, etc.) and cookie cakes are available for purchase. Kid-size bowling balls and bowling shoes (smallest size is 11) are available. Lane bumpers are also available. Call the bowling alley for dates/times available. Make sure you purchase a real bowling pin for the b-day boy or girl's guests to sign - fun keepsake!
McDonald's • 1306 Apache Drive SW • 288-2264Happy Meal, goody bag, cake, ice cream, face painting, helium balloon for each kid. Gift for birthday boy/girl. Call for days/times.
Do you know of other great places that host kids' birthday parties? Let us know. Send relevant information (organization's name, services they provide, phone number or email address) to lindy@rochesterfamilies.com. Photos on this webpage provided by Olive Juice Studios.
