10 Top Kids’ Party Places in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor

Looking for the best kids birthday party places for your child’s next shindig? A few tips, if we may.

First: Let them in on the planning. After all, there are so many top kids party places and options in southeast Michigan — whether your child is a princess wannabe or just a ball of energy needing an outlet.

Second: Let Metro Parent be your guide! Here are some awesome ideas for kids party places throughout the metro Detroit and Ann Arbor areas.

1. Cupcake and bake shops

Colored sprinkles, gobs of frosting and a choice of yummy cupcakes — these are the makings for a birthday party for kids with a sweet tooth (or two!).

With bakeries all across the area, these bright, heavenly scented shops often offer kids’ parties.

(Or, if you want a great cake or cupcakes for your upcoming celebration, check out our roundup of bakeries and cupcake shops, too).

Consider:

• Cake Crumbs, 28569 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 248-281-6456
• Zingerman’s Bakehouse, 3711 Plaza Drive, Ann Arbor, 734-761-2095

2. Pottery and art spots

Children love to get their hands messy. And if they can make unique creations while doing it, all the better. For a memorable party complete with favors guests create during their time together, pottery shops and art studios are a great option.

Consider:

• Abrakadoodle Art Studio (Arty Birthday Parties with an art teacher plus art activities and lessons), 8016 Sheldon Center Road, Canton, 734-738-6287
• Creative Arts Studio (pottery painting, beading, mosaics, glass fusing, wheel throwing, wax hands), 114 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak, 248-544-2234
• Creatopia Pottery, 924 W. Ann Arbor Trail, Plymouth, 734-453-8797
• The Bee’s Knees Studio & Gallery, 149 E. Main St., Northville, 248-347-6718
• The Friendship Factory, 1659 West Hamlin Road, Suite D, Rochester Hills, 248-890-7277

3. Action arenas

Whether you’re looking for hands-on fun and disco dance parties or sports-geared spots with go-karts, glo golf, arcades and laser tag — these action-packed kids party places are great for kids who want plenty to do at their next party.

Consider:

• Bloomfield Gymnastics (gymnastics, trampolines, acrobatics), 2124 Franklin Road, Bloomfield Hills, 248-335-6770
• Boogie Babies (disco dance, Wii/gaming stations, tree house play area), 1928 Star Batt Drive, Suite B, Rochester Hills, 248-852-6288
• J. Barrymore’s (arcade, bowling alley, bumper cars, more) 21750 Hall Road, Clinton Township, 586-469-2800
• High Velocity Sports (soccer, lacrosse, flag football, volleyball, golf simulators, more) 46245 Michigan Ave., Canton, 734-487-7678
• Jungle Java (soft play center), locations in Canton, Clinton Township and Farmington Hills
• Kidz Kingdom, 18602 Fenkell St., Detroit, 313-296-1741
• Paradise Park (laser tag, arcade, mini golf, climbing wall, trampoline, go-karts, kiddie track, more), 45799 Grand River Ave., Novi, 248-735-1050
• Rochester Play, 380 E. Second St., Rochester, 248-650-PLAY (7529)
• The Fowling Warehouse (open to kids 10-plus on Saturdays and Sundays from noon-6 p.m.), 3901 Christopher St., Hamtramck, 313-264-1288; 3050 Washtenaw Ave, Ypsilanti, 734-499-3695
• The Hub Stadium (Fowling arena open to kids 7-plus on weekdays and weekends before 9 p.m.), 2550 Takata Drive, Auburn Hills, 248-364-4000
• Zap Zone (laser tag, arcade, jump zone, bumper cars, and at some locations, glo-golf, go-karts and more), locations in Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti, Canton, Farmington, Taylor, Utica/Sterling Heights and Waterford

Plus, check out even more indoor fun spots around southeast Michigan, some of which may also offer birthday party options.

4. Bouncing bonanzas

Does your child always seem to be bouncing around — whether on her bed or on the couch? If so, you might want to schedule some time letting your child venture into an inflatable haven. Don’t forget to have the kids wear their socks!

Consider:

• AirTime Trampoline & Game Park, locations in Ann Arbor, Canton/Westland, Sterling Heights and Novi
• Bounce House, locations in Detroit (313-366-4300) and Sterling Heights (586-264-2720)
• Pump It Up, locations in Auburn Hills, Shelby Township, Taylor, and Wixom
• Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park, locations in Auburn Hills, Shelby Township and Wixom

5. Splash zones and swim spots

For parents with water bugs on their hands, don’t miss out on some chlorinated local fun. Little swimmers will love having a party poolside.

Consider:

• Aqua-Tots, locations in Auburn Hills, Berkley, Canton, Dearborn, Farmington Hills, Novi, Sterling Heights, Troy and Woodhaven
• Beverly Hills Club, 31555 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills, 248-642-8500
• Franklin Athletic Club, 29350 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 248-352-8000
• Goldfish Swim School, locations in Ann Arbor, Birmingham, Canton, Clarkston, Farmington Hills, Grand Rapids, Macomb, Okemos and Rochester
• Red Oaks Waterpark, 1455 E. 13 Mile Road, Madison Heights, 248-858-0918
• Troy Family Aquatic Center, 3425 Civic Center Drive, Troy, 248-524-3516
• Warren Community Center Indoor Water Park, 5460 Arden Ave., Warren, 586-268-8400

6. Science centers

Budding scientist, or maybe just an astronaut wannabe? If so, book your child’s next birthday bash at an area science center.

Consider:

• Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, 220 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor, 734-995-5439
• Cranbrook Institute of Science, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, 248-645-3200
• Michigan Science Center, 5020 John R. St., Detroit, 313-577-8400
• Mad Science of Detroit, 12413 Stark Road, Livonia, 734-266-9444

7. Private theaters

Everyone likes going to the theater, whether for movies or plays. But how often do you get to have a theater all to yourself or reserved seating? It sure could be arranged for a special birthday boy or girl.

Consider:

• Emagine Theatres, locations in locations in Birmingham, Canton, Macomb, Novi, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, Saline and Woodhaven (rent a party room for 10 children or more).
• Genitti’s Hole-in-the-Wall, 108 E. Main St., Northville, 248-349-0522 (interactive children’s comedy show with lunch).

8. Princess palaces

For kids looking for the chance to be a princess for a day, there are several kids party places places to indulge her inner royalty.

Consider:

• Fairytale Entertainment, princesses/superheroes/live characters service all of southeast Michigan, 888-510-0513
• My Girly Party, 32506 Northwestern Highway, Farmington Hills, 248-298-2220
• Tea Party Castle, 52261 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township, 586-241-8192

9. Bowling alleys

If you’ve got kids who love to stay active during the party and down a few pins, a bowling party is the ticket. Remember to ask for the staff to put up kids’ bumpers (and read up on these how-to tips!)

Consider:

• Brighton Bowl, 9871 E. Grand River Ave., Brighton, 810-227-3341
• Ford Lanes Bowling Center, 23100 Van Born Road, Dearborn Heights, 313-292-1700

You can find a bunch of other spots, too, by browsing our bowling centers list. Just make sure to ask if they offer birthday parties!

10. Skating rinks

There’s something a little retro special about hanging out at a roller rink. Strap some skates on your birthday kids and watch them take a spin around the rink. Be sure they get in a game of hokey-pokey, too.

Consider:

• Bonaventure Family Skating Center, 24505 Halsted Road, Farmington Hills, 248-476-2200; Rollerama Family Skating Center (located within Zap Zone), 6995 Grand River Road, Brighton, 810-227-2010
• Detroit Roller Wheels, 16611 Schoolcraft St., Detroit, 313-837-7680
• Lincoln Park Skating Center, 1419 Southfield Road, Lincoln Park, 313-381-RINK (7465)
• The Great Skate, 29100 Hayes Road, Roseville, 586-777-4301

Looking for more kids party places? We’ve got a whole roundup of local skating rinks to check out.

This post is updated regularly.

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