A birthday party in a Chicago park is a great way to host a kid's birthday party without spending thousands of dollars. We’ve compiled a list of some great parks in Chicago that have field houses and party rooms to rent, or just great grassy and picnic areas available for a free kid’s birthday party. Many of these spaces also allow you to bring in outside food and entertainment. Chicago parks are great for a small birthday party where you want to decorate a few picnic tables and let the kids enjoy the playground. 

While almost all parks and playgrounds in Chicago allow small gatherings for free, the City of Chicago does require a permit for gatherings of 50 people or more or those serving adult drinks. If you’re unsure, call the local field house manager of the park you’re considering. We’ve also noted below which park has a free public pool available for those summer birthday kids.

For more great free parks in Chicago, visit this guide for the Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds as well as our round-up of the Best Playgrounds in Chicago. And don't forget to check our Kids' Birthday Party Places in Chicago Guide, too.

It's high season for visiting some of the best mini golf courses in Connecticut! Along with ice cream visits, fruit picking, and beach days, miniature golf is an essential family outing during the summer months. Mini golf is great for all ages. And a round of 18 holes is easy on the family budget. Many miniature golf courses offer all day or weekly pricing deals. Some even offer a chance at a free round with a hole in one. These Connecticut courses have entertaining obstacles and challenging terrains at every hole. Many places offer ice cream, food options, and additional recreational attractions to turn miniature golf into an all day adventure for the entire family. 

Read on to find a mini golf course near you. You can make a mini golf outing part of an awesome summer day trip in Connecticut. And always check our Ultimate Kids Summer Vacation Guide for the latest from our summer fun experts!

Indoor mini-golf lets your family enjoy all the fun of putting and playing without having to brave the weather. When it’s hot (or wet, or cold) the best indoor mini-golf courses near Boston fit the bill. Some of these spots are large fun centers, with arcades, go karts, and other attractions. And many of the best indoor mini golf courses offer fun treats like ice cream! There's an indoor mini golf course near you, from Saugus and Peabody on the North Shore, to Marlborough, Norwood, and North Attleboro. And we've rounded up some of the best indoor mini-golf courses from New Hampshire, Connecticut, and around New England.

For more family fun on the little links, check out 10 Fun Mini Golf Courses Near Boston. And explore our guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Boston Kids, where you can find our expert tips for indoor fun.

Rock climbing in Houston gives kids an indoor activity that provides plenty of exercise during the dog days of summer and the four days of Houston's winter. Plus, grownups can participate in most rock climbing gyms, too. Rock climbing is a great way for the whole family to gain strength and flexibility, to learn new skills and build confidence, and to practice teamwork.

Here are some great rock climbing gyms in Houston where families can learn how to climb together! And for more activities that take place in the air conditioning, check out our Indoor Fun Guide for Houston Kids.

Rock Climbing Gyms are a great way to get kids moving all year round, and the best part is, you can join in on the fun, too! Whether you're a beginner climber, or it's your new favorite hobby, there are gyms all over the area to provide a uniquely fun day for you and the kids alike.

Looking for more indoor fun? Check out our Indoor Activities Guide or Museum Guide, especially if the weather's got you down!

Hidden among Florida beaches are treasures for beachcombers of all ages: shark teeth! Shark tooth beaches provide the perfect conditions for discovering these ancient fossils of prehistoric marine life. From the shores of the Gulf waters to the Atlantic coastline, these sun-drenched Florida beaches invite treasure hunters on a quest to find prized shark teeth.

Redirect kids bouncing off the walls to kids bouncing at trampoline parks! Atlanta trampoline parks make wonderful indoor play centers for kids to let out energy, especially during blistering summers and freezing winters when local parks may not be appropriate. And many of the trampoline parks in Atlanta offer much more than just a place to jump—kids can try obstacle courses, dodgeball games, foam pits, climbing walls, and more.

Jump for joy at these fantastic Atlanta trampoline parks! And for even more bouncy indoor fun, check out Ninja Warrior Gyms and Parkour for Atlanta Kids and Teens. Prefer "swimming indoors"? Spend a few hours at Disney's The Little Mermaid x CAMP Atlanta for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Indoor rock climbing gyms are popular among many athletic adults, but that doesn't mean kids can't get in on the fun, too. Indoor rock climbing is a great way for children and teens to burn some energy, build strength and agility, learn problem-solving skills, and have fun all year long.

Here are several indoor rock climbing gyms and spaces in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia that offer classes, camps, teams, and more for kids and teens of all ages and abilities. Some of them are located within rec centers or complexes that also offer other activities such as batting cages, sports, and arcades.

Check out our DC Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces for more indoor fun, including trampoline parks, ninja warrior gyms, and lots more.