Best Philly Sports Centers for Kids' Birthday Parties

1.  Dragon Gym Martial Arts School—Multiple Locations

​For a high-energy birthday party, give Dragon Gym a go. Kids will play games and participate in a black belt instructor-led mini martial arts lesson. With cleanup and setup taken care of, plus pizza and drinks, a 90-minute karate-themed party at one of these facilities is a no-brainer. The birthday child gets a free, two-week martial arts trial and uniform to keep (plus deals for all the party guests).

2. iCore Fitness—West Chester

Get ready for a Ninja Warrior Birthday party at iCore. Children six and up can invite friends to race through an obstacle course tailored for the appropriate age group. Packages include pizza, drinks, a party room, paper products, and open gym time (plus the birthday kids gets in free!).  

3. inMovement—Queen Village and Northern Liberties

Choose a gymnastics, ninja theme, or an open-play 90-minute birthday party for kids 1-12 years old. Parties include a t-shirt for the birthday kid. Note that both locations are only booking birthday parties on Sundays, and max party size depends on the location.

4. Jumpers—Newtown

Kids can jump for joy at this party place where you'll get 90-minutes of bouncing followed by pizza in a private party room--upgrade to get Jumpers all to yourself!

5. Kids at Play—Philadelphia

Both members and nonmembers of Kids at Play can take advantage of its birthday package options. Time slots are typically two hours, although additional time can be added. 

6. Marple Sports Arena—Broomall

If deciding what type of activity is the problem, Marple Sports Arena has the answer. Choose from inline skating, rock climbing, moon bounces, jungle gyms, arcade games, or all of the above. 

7. Oasis Family Fun Center—Glen Mills

While not exactly a sports center, this location has a soft playground, laser maze, rock wall, and arcade games--and arcade Fun Cards are included with birthday party admission. Add-ons include virtual-reality games, food items such as soft pretzel trays or mozzarella sticks, goody bags, and a visit from Otis the Oasis mascot. Parents are free to accompany their children, who can also stay and play all day after your party.

RELATED: For winter kids, check out our list of the best winter birthday party ideas!

8. Sky Zone—Multiple Locations

Birthday parties at Sky Zone include party setup and cleanup, drinks and pizza, sky socks for each guest, a t-shirt for the birthday child, Evite invitations, paper products, and a dedicated party host. Upgrade for Glow Parties and Ultimate Jumper Parties for even more epic fun!

Philly Rock Climbing Gyms for Kids' Birthday Parties

9. Downingtown Rock Gym—Downingtown

A party at Downingtown Rock Gym includes two hours of fun, harness rentals, unlimited rope climbing, and bouldering, with different levels of difficulty so kids of all experience levels can enjoy. Paper products and invites are included, but party parents are responsible for the food.

10. The Factory at Reach—Bridgeport

Book Ninja parties, climbing parties, or a combo of each at this indoor gym. Upgrade for up to ten guests to get pizza, drinks and dedicated staff.

11. The Gravity Vault—Radnor

The Gravity Vault's indoor rock climbing parties include games with instructors, 90 minutes of climbing time, and a t-shirt for the guest of honor. Upgrade for pizza, beverages, and more dedicated staff time.

12. Philadelphia Rock Gyms—Multiple Locations

With locations in and around Philly, there's probably a Rock Gym near you. Parties are one hour and 45 minutes and include climbing instruction, a private party room, pizza, and soda. Note that the Fishtown location's details vary from the other locations with different amenities and prices.

Best Philly Ice Skating Rinks for Kids' Birthday Parties

13. Flyers Skate Zone—Voorhees

For hockey fans, Flyers Skate Zone is the ultimate birthday venue. Parties include admission to a public skating session, skate rentals, a private party room, pizza, and drinks. Best of all, the birthday guest gets to take a photo on the Zamboni. You can upgrade to include goody bags, balloons, adult passes, extra walkers, and more.

14. IceWorks—Aston

IceWorks parties include a skating session before the rink is open to the public, skate rentals, a party room, food, and a goodie bag that includes a free skate pass so each guest can come back. Lessons, snacks, and cake can be added on.

15. Northeast Skate Zone—Philadelphia

Parties include admission to a public skating session, skate rental, and private party room. The birthday kid gets a special t-shirt to pose for a picture while sitting on the Zamboni. Skating instruction is available for an additional fee, and it's important to note that no outside food is allowed.

Best Arts and Crafts Birthday Party Places in Philly

16. ARTrageous Brush and Flow—Philadelphia

Up to ten kids receive their own canvas and supplies for a two-hour artist-led session in the studio. For an additional fee, ARTrageous will bring the fun right to your door with their mobile party option. Parents supply food and decorations, and travel fees apply for locations more than 16 miles from Germantown.

17. CREATE at Sue's Art Class—Philadelphia

Choose from clay, jewelry-making, sewing, soft sculpture, edible art, and so much more for this creative party option. CREATE will work with you on theme, and you can either supply food and cake, or order cupcakes, drinks, and paper goods through them.

Best Arts and Crafts Birthday Party Places in Philly Suburbs

18. Busy Bees Pottery & Arts Studio—Springfield

For the creative-minded, a painting party at Busy Bees invites guests to paint on pottery or canvas, or to create a special mosaic. Ice cream and drinks are provided; bring your own food and snacks. Parties vary in size and theme.

19. Mermaid Art Studios—Ambler

There are tons of project choices for an art party at Mermaid, including tie-dye, clay, paint, jewelry making, plus face painting, and freeze dance with all parties. There's even an option for the studio to come to your home. 

20. Candy Lab—Ardmore

Candy crafting makes these parties both memorable and delicious--and if candy's not your kid's favorite, they might be able to concoct some other tasty plans. Book your party at their Ardmore space, or book a candy crafter to come to you. 

21. The Mud Room Studio—Ardmore

At The Mud Room Studio, 90-minute parties of up to 16 guests can paint pottery, make a glass plate, or create a mosaic--plus each party guest receives a coupon for a free visit for even more creative fun. Contact the studio for pricing.

22. Sky Soup Art Center—Narberth

Options for this art-lover's party include making potions, treasure boxes, fairy gardens, dinosaur lands, mermaids, and more. They also offer a Sustainable Party package that's environmentally friendly. 

23. Wayne Art Center—Wayne

A party at Wayne Art Center includes 90 minutes of an art activity and 30 minutes for food and cake. Choose from one of their art themes art, clay, jewelry, and culinary. The art center provides instruction and all the materials!

Best Philly Play Places for Kids' Birthday Parties

24. Beehive at Bok—Philadelphia

Get private use of this artsy play space in the iconic Bok building for up to 50 people for three hours, with a discount for parties on Fridays. Add-on themes include construction, fairy tale, rainbow, and jungle. Outside food and drink are welcome--there are lots of opportunities to customize the birthday party experience to fit your family's needs.

25. Kith + Kin—Philadelphia

Celebrate in this beautiful play space in Brewerytown with a private party for up to 50 guests. Staff members will help take care of the setup and clean-up, plus two staff will assist with the whole event, which includes two hours of play, decor, party blowers, and more. Add-on options include food, music, balloons, and crafts. 

26. Music Theatre Philly + Nest—Philadelphia

Book the upstairs gym, which can accommodate 60 guests, or book the downstairs playspace for 30 guests to enjoy a treehouse, slide, swing, and more. Party decorations, balloons, catering, beverages can be added for an additional fee, as can an array of fun add-ons like character guests, a bounce house, and face painter, or more. 

27. We Rock the Spectrum—Northeast Philly

Kids get the play gym all to themselves for birthday parties at We Rock the Spectrum, whose inclusive mission we love. It's easy to build an even bigger, better birthday party with add-ons like balloons, pizza, decor, and more.

Best Play Places for Kids' Birthday Parties in the Philadelphia Suburbs

28. Chatter Splatter—Norristown 

Enjoy private access to Chatter Splatter for up to 40 kids and 40 adults. Unlimited juice, lemonade, and coffee (!!) are included in this party package, which lasts one hour and 45 minutes. The guest of honor also gets a free t-shirt.

29. Giggleberry Fair—New Hope

This Bucks County indoor playground has everything kids need for a good time, including an arcade, a water play area for toddlers, and a carousel. And it's in Peddler's Village, so there's plenty for families to do before or after the festivities. Add-ons include food and goodie bags.

30. LEGOLAND Discovery Center—Plymouth Meeting

Book a Birthday Bash for a 75-minute LEGO party of your dreams, with up to 24 guests are accommodated for full access to all the fun. Pizza and beverages are included, and guests can stay and play all day at LEGOLAND when the party's over. Add-ons include mini builds that guests can take home, to keep the fun going.

31. Lulu's Casita—Ardmore and West Chester

The staff at Lulu's does all the work for your customized, themed fiesta. Just give them your theme, show up with cake, and enjoy private access to the entire space for up to 15 kids and 30 adults. Two staff members are there to help facilitate. And don't forget Lulu's on Wheels, their awesome mobile birthday party option in a glammed-up school bus. 

This article has been updated for 2025 by Hillary Moses Mohaupt.