Outdoor Birthday Parties in Houston

1. Playgrounds

One of the most obvious birthday party venues for kids' parties in Houston is a playground, and we have a list of the Best Playgrounds in Houston to help plan. Many parks will let you rent covered pavilions with tables for a nominal fee, while some may even be free. Playground parties are great for most ages, but if you have smaller kids, check out our list of Best Houston Playgrounds for Toddlers.

 
The Levy Park splash pad, photo courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture

2. Splash pads

Cool down your birthday party guests in the hotter months with a party at one of the Best Splash Pads in Houston! If you pick a place like Levy Park, you can take advantage of these free and fun attractions. If your child likes to fish, choosing a park with a fishing pond like Challenger Seven Memorial Park in Webster or a pier like Pine Gully Park in Seabrook is another great idea.

3. Beaches

Hosting a party at a beach gives you ample space and a lot of flexibility for minimal (or often zero) dollars, allowing you to spend more money on food, decorations, or entertainment. An excellent choice for warmer weather is to head down to Galveston and host a birthday party on one of the Best Family Friendly Beaches in Galveston. While you're there, check out our 20 Top Things To Do in Galveston with Kids.

RELATED: 15 Fun Houston Birthday Party Entertainers Who Will Come To Your House

Studios, Churches, and YMCAs for Hosting Birthday Parties Near Houston

 
Some studios and gyms have affordable birthday packages. Photo courtesy of Biron Youth Sports

4. Dance and fitness studios

Many area dance and fitness studios will rent out their studio space for birthday parties. Cypress Academy of Gymnastics is a great option for a kids gymnastics or ninja warrior party in Houston with affordable hosted packages.

5. Rock climbing

For more adventurous youth, some Indoor Rock Climbing Gyms in Houston like Space City Rock Climbing offer reasonable rates. Kids will be provided party time, a climbing session with safety harness, and more.

 
Try local churches with indoor playgrounds for an affordable birthday venue near Houston. Photo courtesy of Sugar Creek Baptist Church

6. Church activity centers

Many of our favorite locations for birthday parties near Houston are the free indoor play areas located at churches throughout the city, many of which are listed in our Free Indoor Play Areas in Houston article. Check out local churches for room rentals as well. Some even have activity centers available for rent at an inexpensive rate.

7. YMCA locations

Houston-area YMCA locations are another fantastic birthday party resource. Prices and packages vary based on location, but some have indoor pools, basketball courts, and volleyball courts to choose from. 

Kids Birthday Parties in Houston with Local Law Enforcement

If time and space allow, many local police and fire stations will set up tours for birthday party groups. All you have to do is call and ask. Kids can meet officers, learn about safety, and see real tools and equipment.

8. The Mounted Patrol

The Houston Police Department Mounted Patrol Facility is open to visitors by appointment and offers guided tours and demonstrations of their horses. Kids can feed the horses apples and carrots, learn about how they are used in patrol, and see where they live. Reservations are a must and donations are welcome. 

9. The Houston Police Museum

The Houston Police Museum is another excellent (and free!) option for kids parties in Houston, offering group tours of their collection of police memorabilia. Reservations are required. A group tour plus a picnic at nearby Discovery Green is a wonderful way to have a memorable birthday on a budget.  

 
Photo courtesy of The Houston Fire Museum

10. The Houston Fire Museum

The Houston Fire Museum just underwent a massive restoration and is reopen to the public. You can book the entire museum for a birthday party, or just a private room.

Kids can meet and greet horses at the HPD Mounted Patrol Facility/ Photo courtesy Smash, The Houston Mounted Patrol Horse via Facebook

Birthday Parties at Restaurants

Restaurants can be a great choice for budding foodies, and there are options in this category that won't break the bank.

11. California Pizza Kitchen 

This tasty option for kids parties in Houston offers birthday packages for kiddos 10 and under that include a facility tour, pizza making (and eating!), and a personal chef's coat for the guest of honor, all for $15 per child. 

12. Chick-Fil-A

With many locations throughout Houston, Chick-Fil-A offers reserved seating for birthday parties and all you have to pay for is each child's meal. Affordable kids meals come with a toy or book that can act as a party favor! Be sure to call your local CFA to discuss times and decor well in advance, as peak party times tend to fill up fast.

13. McDonald's

Why not have your party at this affordable and popular chain, where staff will help you celebrate with Happy Meals, cake, decor, and time in their PlayPlace? Call your local restaurant to discuss booking details. 

RELATED: Where to Host an Indoor Birthday Party in Houston

Birthday Parties Near Houston at Entertainment Centers

Rental fees at many of the more traditional birthday party locations can be pricey, but several area play spaces do offer totally fun, yet affordable parties.

14. Indoor inflatables centers

Younger kids may enjoy a venue where party-goers can play on indoor playgrounds and enjoy cake and pizza in private party rooms, and customizable packages are available to help you stay within your budget. For the best value, try Pump It Up in Webster or Sugar Land, or Monkey Joe's in Katy, Memorial, or Northwest Houston.

 
Roller rinks and bowling alleys sometimes have affordable birthday packages. Photo courtesy of the Dairy Ashford Roller Rink

15. Roller skating

Give your kiddo a retro roller skating party at one of Houston's Best Roller Skating Rinks and choose from several packages that include skating and food, but won't bust your budget. 

16. Bowling

Bowlero and other Kid-Friendly Bowling Alleys offers party packages at various price points where you can pay per child attending to get the most for your money. These parties include food and drinks along with bowling time.

Crafty Party Ideas

17. Creative parties at a store

Choose from a plethora of craft options to create the perfect creative party at your local Michael's store. Themed parties start with a minimum of eight guests and include everything kids need to design an age-appropriate craft to take home.

18. Creative parties at a specialized venue

The Houston Center for Contemporary Craft is a unique option for a birthday party for any kids interested in the art of design. Tours showcase different exhibitions and the add-on workshops let your birthday child choose their favorite medium and get crafty.

More Tips for Partying on a Budget

• Send digital invites for free via websites like Evite instead of buying paper ones. It's also environmentally friendly. Win-win!

• If your party space doesn't already provide them, borrow tables and chairs from friends and family instead of renting them. 

• Play party games that don't require purchasing any supplies, such as freeze dance, tag, and Simon Says. 

• If you're not planning to party at a restaurant, you can save money by only providing drinks and a cake or cupcakes at your party. Just plan a mid-morning or mid-afternoon shindig so that your guests will attend the party between mealtimes.

• Instead of giving each guest a goodie bag filled with multiple treats, stick to a simple candy bar or balloon per child. Or, have kids make a craft during the party that they can take home with them at the end. 

• Ask venues if they offer discounts for booking parties during off-peak hours. Some places may have lower pricing in the mornings or on weekdays. 

Top photo: Learning a dance during a princess-themed party at Dance Expressions/ Photo courtesy Dance Expressions via Facebook