What Are the Best Cheap Places to Host a Kids' Birthday Party in Houston?

1. Monkey Joe's - Katy and Memorial

Prices range from $239 to $329 for three birthday party packages at this indoor play space filled with inflatables. This party venue is best for children from toddlers through 12 years old. The inflatable play center features slides, obstacle courses, and arcade games, and party packages include unlimited play time for all children, 1.5 hours of time in a dedicated party room, dinnerware essentials, a host (who takes care of all set-up and clean-up!), invitations, and a gift for the birthday child.

Insider tips: The package with the most bang for your buck is the mid-level Island Excursion option, as it includes a slice of pizza and dessert for each child for only $50 more than the basic (food-free) package. Save money on goodie bags and send each guest home with the souvenir cups included in each package.

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

2. Michaels - Multiple locations

Prices start at $149 for crafty party options at your local Michaels store. Choose from a plethora of craft options – like tie-dye, beaded bracelet making, and painting parties – to create the perfect creative celebration in a private crafting room within the store. Perfect for preschoolers all the way up to tweens. Two-hour themed parties start with a minimum of eight guests and include everything kids need to design an age-appropriate craft to take home.

Insider tip: Parties must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance.

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

 
A park birthday means money left over for a face painting artist. Photo by Jessica Stautberg.

3. California Pizza Kitchen - Memorial

Starting at $150 ($15 per child with a 10-person minimum), this tasty Houston restaurant offers a birthday package for kiddos 10 and under. Elementary-aged children will enjoy a facility tour, hands-on pizza and dessert making (and eating!), and a personal chef's coat for the guest of honor.

Insider tip: You can add on chef coats or aprons for party guests as an easy and memorable party favor.

4. Funcitysk8 - Webster

Party package prices range around $180 to $230 at this super fun roller skating rink. We think this is best for elementary schoolers all the way up to teens (heck, even grownups love roller skating!). Two-hour party packages are hosted in light-up glow areas and include admission and skates for up to 8 guests, pizza, sodas, glow items, and special gifts for the birthday kid. 

Insider tip: If you've got beginner or smaller kiddos, rent a couple of Skate Mates ($5 each) to help them get started.

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

5. Battlefield Houston - Northwest Houston

Priced from $180 for a basic birthday package, this indoor laser tag facility in Houston is a favorite for teens and tweens. Packages get extensive, but for the most affordable option you'll enjoy 30 minutes of game time for up to 8 players, a private party room with included camo plates and napkins, and a bottle of water per attendee. 

Insider tips: Children must be at least 8 years old and 47" tall to participate, so make sure your crowd is on the older side for a laser tag party. Note that outside food is welcome, but they have a strict no-outside-drink policy - soda is available for purchase at the venue.

6. Chick-Fil-A - Multiple locations

With many locations throughout Houston, Chick-Fil-A offers reserved restaurant seating for birthday parties (and plenty also have indoor play areas), 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! We think this is best for toddlers and preschoolers who are perfectly sized for those Chick-Fil-A playspace tunnels and slides.

Insider tip: To add dessert for no additional cost, you can swap out the toys that come with the kids meals for ice cream cones or cups. Be sure to call your local CFA to discuss times and decor well in advance, as peak party times tend to fill up fast.

7. The Mounted Patrol - East Little York

The Houston Police Department Mounted Patrol Facility is free and 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. This is a very cool experience for Houstonians of all ages. Once you're done feeding the horses, go out for a casual meal or sweet treat to continue the celebration.

Insider tips: Reservations are a must and donations are welcome. It's recommended that you bring large carrots for smaller visitors, as it's easier to feed these to the horses without little fingers getting too close to those indiscriminate chompers.

8. Bay Area Raceway - Dickinson

Birthday packages at Bay Area Raceway start at only $210 for a party of 10. This speed zone is a long-time favorite Houston party venue featuring go-karts, laser tag, and an arcade. Depending on your age group (we think it's best for elementary aged children through teens, but my preschooler had an absolute blast here!) you can zoom around on regular go-karts or the 2-seaters. All parties include go-kart rides, laser tag, and arcade play. 

Insider tip: Outside food is allowed, so load up on cheap pizzas to make the most out of this awesome party spot. Children must be 55" tall to ride alone and at least 36" tall to ride with a driver who is at least 16 years old. 

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

9. The Houston Police Museum - Downtown

The Houston Police Museum is another excellent (and free!) option for kids parties in Houston, offering group tours of their collection of police memorabilia. We think this would be idea for elementary-age children and older, as there are more reserved moments of the tour honoring fallen officers. Reservations are required for groups larger than 10. A group tour plus a picnic at nearby Discovery Green is a wonderful way to have a memorable birthday on a budget.  

Insider tips: No open food or drinks are allowed inside the museum, so plan to eat before or after your designated tour time. 

RELATED: Where to Host an Indoor Birthday Party in Houston

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

10. Cidercade - EaDo

This Houston arcade is perfect for kids' birthday parties on a budget! For just $12 per person (kids 5 and under are always free), your crew can enjoy unlimited retro and new arcade gameplay for parties of any size. Great for all ages, little kids love playing the games for the sake of playing games and big kids and teens love racking up points and high scores. 

Insider tips: You're welcome to bring a birthday cake (don't forget your plates and utensils), but other outside food and drinks are not permitted. Please note that this is a family-friendly establishment during the day, but it becomes strictly 18+ at 9:00 pm.

What Houston Outdoor Parks and Spaces Can You Rent for Kids' Birthday Parties?

11. Tom Bass Regional Park Picnic Pavilions - Pearland

Reservation fee: $100 a day ($160 security deposit)

Amenities: Playgrounds for multiple ages, a stocked fishing lake, picnic tables, grills, trails, disc golf courses, volleyball courts, and restrooms.

Best suited for: All ages. Little ones love the smaller playground area, a challenge course play area welcomes elementary-age children, and teens are drawn to the disc golf courses and fishing.

Insider tips: There are pavilions available for rent in Sections I and 3, and I recommend Section 3, as it's right by the best play areas as well as the fishing pier. 

12. Alexander Deussen Park Pavilions - Northeast Houston (Lake Houston)

Reservation fee: $75 a day ($160 security deposit) 

Amenities: Playgrounds, water gazebo, duck pond, picnic area, sports courts, BBQ grills, restrooms, pavilion parking, walking and jogging trails.

Best suited for: All ages. Located on the shores of Lake Houston, this park offers stunning views for an outdoor birthday bash on the water. Plenty of playgrounds entertain tiny tots and older kids enjoy the trails and sports courts.

Insider tips: There's no better park for a scenic picnic, so pack up a spread for your guests (and bring along some extra treats to feed the ducks).

13. Katy City Park Play Station and Outdoor Pavilion - Katy

Reservation fee: $30 per time block for residents and $60 per time block for non-residents

Amenities: 13,000-square-foot all-abilities playground custom-designed to look like a train, picnic tables, benches.

Best suited for: This accessible playground is one of the best for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary kids of all abilities.

Insider tips: This is a popular play area, so we recommend booking an earlier time slot to beat the afternoon crowds. 

14. Clear Lake Park White Top Pavilion - Clear Lake/Webster

Reservation fee: $150

Amenities: Playground, splash pad (during warmer months), pier, picnic tables, BBQ pits, sinks, electrical outlets.

Best suited for: With a large playground and plenty of other amenities, this is a great waterfront park for revelers of all ages.

Insider tips: Soak up views of Clear Lake while you picnic at this scenic park. For unexpected party fun, bring the fishing rods and cast lines from the pier in a friendly competition to see who can catch the biggest fish!

15. East Beach Beachfront - Galveston

Reservation fee: $250 for 3 hours

Amenities: Private beach, life guards, playground, bird sanctuary, restrooms and showers, beach supplies, sports courts, boardwalk, pavilion, and beach wheelchairs.

Best suited for: It's a perfect beachy party spot for all ages.

Insider tips: This family-friendly Galveston beach makes it easy to host a kids party with beautiful shoreline, a playground, and provided beach supplies. All you need to do is let people know to bring sunscreen and a change of clothes. With on-site showers, we recommend having some soap and shampoo on-hand so you can leave the sand at the beach and enjoy a fuss-free ride home.

16. H-E-B Family Celebration Zone at Discovery Green - Downtown

Reservation fee: $150 for 3 hours

Amenities: Located in the heart of Discovery Green, this park is one of Houston's best and it has it all. Picnic area, playgrounds, spray areas, restrooms, and more.

Best suited for: Perfect for toddlers through elementary age children with its fun play areas.

Insider tips: Bring some cardboard pieces that are big enough to sit on so the kids can "sled" down the big hill!

17. Hermann Park Pavilions - Museum District

Reservation fee: $200 for 4 hours on weekdays and $250 on weekends and holidays

Amenities: The Astros Foundation and Cullen pavilions are both located in prime spots near The Commons, with a water discovery zone and plenty of play areas, and the Lott Family Carousel. Restrooms, changing areas, picnic tables, benches, grills, outlets, and lighting are available.

Best suited for: Children from toddlers to elementary with unique playgrounds and the carousel. 

Insider tips: The carousel is free on Tuesdays! Book your party at the lower weekday rate for Tuesdays and let the kids ride round and round to their hearts' content while staying on budget.

Where Can I Find Cheap Party Room Rentals or Community Spaces in Houston?

18. Barabara Jordan Community Center - East Little York

Party rental rate: $75 ($160 deposit)

Capacity: 50

Perks: Kitchen (for food prep only), sports courts and playground outside

Best suited for: First birthdays or parties for younger children

Insider tip: The meeting rooms are only available on weekdays. 

19: Sugar Creek Baptist Church Playscape - Sugar Land and Rosenberg/Richmond

Party rental rate: $150 for church members and $200 for non-members

Perks: Tons of play elements in a large structure, including slides, tubes, and tunnels for climbing and exploring with friends. 

Best suited for: Children 10 and under.

Insider tip: They don't book parties in May or December. Reservations are required.  

20. Cavalcade Community Center - Northside

Party rental rate: $100 ($160 deposit)

Capacity: 40

Perks: Large room and kitchen space

Best suited for: This would be a great space to host baby's first birthday party with close family and friends. 

21. Your Neighborhood Community Center

Party rental rate: Check your local neighborhood center for rates, which are often very affordable for residents.

Perks: Depending on where you live, you may be able to rent out community and neighborhood centers with pools, splash pads, large event spaces, play areas, kitchens, and more.

Insider tip: Call and ask how early you need to book, if they offer discounts for weekday parties, if they include tables and chairs with room rentals, and if they allow you to bring inflatables or decor.

Best Cheap Rental Services for Bounce Houses and More in Houston

22. Martibirds 

I've used Martibirds multiple times for large slides and bounce houses. They also rent out lawn games, mechanical rides (trains, mechanical bulls, etc.), carnival games, water slides, obstacle courses, foam parties, tables, chairs, tents, screens, concession supplies (popcorn makers, cotton candy machines, etc.), and more. Prices start at $145 for bounce houses, games are available for less than $100, and chair and table rental packages can seat 12 for under $40. $50 deposit required.

Booking notes: Martibirds covers the majority of greater Houston. Setup is typically 1 to 3 hours in advance of your rental time. 

23. TX Backyard Entertainment Party Rentals

At TX Backyard Rentals, you'll find affordable bounce houses, classic lawn games, and all the tables, chairs, tents, heaters, linens and more that you could need for a successful birthday party on a budget. Speakers, light systems, and karaoke microphones are also available if you're prepping for a musical kid's birthday party in your own backyard! Bounce houses are priced at $140, individual chairs start at $2, while tables start at $10. If you bundle tables and chairs, you can enjoy even more savings. A 25% non-refundable deposit is required.

Booking notes: Deliveries to greater Houston (there is a delivery fee unless you do self pick-up). Setup and pickup times vary, from as early as 3 days before and 2 days after your event.

Which Party Rental Spots are Best By Age Group?

Toddlers and preschoolers: Parks with playgrounds suited to younger children, like the pavilions at Hermann Park, indoor play spaces like Monkey Joe's, and kid-friendly eateries like Chick-Fil-A.

Elementary kids: Michaels for craft parties, California Pizza Kitchen for a hands-on pizza experience, and roller skating rinks.

Tweens and teens: Laser tag spots, arcades like Cidercade, and Bay Area Raceway to fill their need for speed.

Insider Tips for Throwing a Great Birthday Party 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 early or during off-peak hours. Some places may have lower pricing in the mornings or on weekdays. 

• DIY your party decor.

Cheap Party Rentals in Houston FAQ

What are the cheapest places to host a kids’ birthday party in Houston?

Along with some free gems like the Mounted Patrol and Houston Police Museum, local parks and community centers offer the best value.

Can I rent a park or picnic area for a birthday party?

Absolutely! Many Houston parks have pavilions with picnic spaces available for reservation. 

Where can I rent a party room for kids in Houston?

Local community centers are your best bet for affordable party rooms.

Are there cheap bounce house rentals near me?

Providers like Martibirds have high-quality bounce houses, tables, chairs, tents, and more at budget-friendly rates. Look into packages and bundles for deeper discounts!

How do I save money on a kid’s birthday party?

To save money on your kid's birthday party, bring your own food, host the party at a park, share costs with another family at a joint birthday party, and book during weekdays or off-peak hours to get the best rates.