🎂 Is there a birthday coming up in your house?
Finding the perfect place to celebrate can sometimes be harder than picking the cake! Luckily, families in Gurnee and throughout Lake County have tons of choices — from trampolines, ninja courses and bowling to painting, pottery, swimming, skating, animals and outdoor adventures.
Macaroni KID Gurnee has put together 50 places and party possibilities to help you start planning your child's big day.
Our Price Guide
$ = generally budget-friendly 💰
$$ = moderate
$$$ = higher-priced or premium experience
Price symbols are general planning estimates, not guaranteed package prices. Party prices, age requirements, guest limits and packages can change, so always confirm directly with the venue before booking.
GURNEE
1. 🚀 Launch Family Entertainment — Gurnee
If your birthday kid wants ACTION, this one deserves a look! Launch combines active attractions and entertainment under one roof, making it a fun option for energetic kids.
880 Lakeside Drive, Gurnee, IL 60031
📞 224-325-5867
🌐 Website:
launchfamilyentertainment.com
👧 Suggested ages: Approximately 4+ through teens
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$–$$$
🎉 Party fun: Active attractions, games, arcade-style entertainment, food and hosted birthday options.
Macaroni KID Pick For: Kids who have LOTS of birthday energy!
2. 🐭 Chuck E. Cheese — Gurnee
Pizza + arcade games + birthday fun = a combination generations of kids recognize.
1512 Nations Drive, Gurnee, IL 60031
📞 847-249-1120
🌐 Website:
chuckecheese.com/gurnee-il
👧 Best fit: Approximately ages 3–8, although older and younger children can participate
🏠 Indoor
💰 $–$$
🎉 Birthday packages currently start around $99.99 for six kids, according to the Gurnee location's website.
There's even a trampoline area for smaller children, with a posted height limit.
Macaroni KID Pick For: Classic birthday fun without parents having to invent the entertainment.
3. ⛳ AJ's Putt 'N' Play — Gurnee Mills
How about celebrating with unlimited miniature golf?
6170 W. Grand Avenue, Suite 383, Gurnee, IL 60031
📞 847-238-2808
🌐 Website: Search AJ's Putt 'N' Play through Gurnee Mills
👧 Suggested ages: 5+
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$
🎉 Birthday offerings include miniature golf and a private party room, with hosted-party options.
Macaroni KID Pick For: Families looking for something different from a trampoline party.
4. 🎳 Round1 Bowling & Arcade — Gurnee Mills
Bowling AND arcade games can make an especially fun birthday for older kids and teens.
6170 W. Grand Avenue, Gurnee, IL 60031
🌐 Website:
round1usa.com
👧 Suggested ages: 6+ through teens
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$–$$$
🎉 Party possibilities: Bowling, arcade games and other entertainment.
Macaroni KID Pick For: Tweens and teens who may have outgrown traditional little-kid parties.
5. ⛸️ Top Shelf Ice Arena — Gurnee
Forget the birthday shoes — grab the skates!
Gurnee Mills area, Gurnee
🌐 Website:
topshelficearena.com
👧 Suggested ages: 5+
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$
🎉 Explore current skating and private-event options directly with the arena.
6. 🎨 Ceramics For You — Gurnee
A birthday party AND a keepsake!
6695 Grand Avenue, Suite D, Gurnee, IL 60031
📞 847-855-2022
🌐 Website:
ceramicsforyou.net
👧 Ages: All ages/art abilities
🏠 Indoor
💰 $–$$
🎨 Choose from pottery-painting and children's party options, including slime. The studio currently charges a $30 party-room/booking fee plus the selected party costs.
Macaroni KID Pick For: Artists, crafters and kids who would rather create than climb.
7. 🧩 The Play Loft — Gurnee Area
An indoor-play celebration can be a nice alternative for younger birthday children.
👧 Suggested ages: Toddlers through early elementary
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$
☎️ Macaroni KID Tip: Confirm the business's current location, party availability and package details before planning around this option.
8. 🌊 Great Wolf Lodge Illinois — Gurnee
Want to make the birthday a whole adventure?
1700 Nations Drive, Gurnee, IL 60031
🌐 Website:
greatwolf.com/illinois
👧 Suggested ages: Toddlers through teens
🏠 Indoor resort/water park
💰 $$$
🎉 Turn the birthday into a family getaway with water slides, pools and resort activities.
Macaroni KID Pick For: The BIG birthday splurge.
9. 💦 Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center — Gurnee
A summertime birthday party where getting soaked is encouraged!
900 N. Hunt Club Road, Gurnee, IL 60031
🌐 Website:
gurneeparkdistrict.com
👧 Suggested ages: 3+
🌳 Outdoor / seasonal
💰 $$
🎉 Gurnee Park District offers aquatic birthday/rental opportunities seasonally.
10. 🎈 Hunt Club Park Community Center — Gurnee
Want to create your OWN birthday theme instead?
920 N. Hunt Club Road, Gurnee, IL 60031
🌐 Website:
gurneeparkdistrict.com
👧 Ages: All ages
🏠 Indoor
💰 $–$$
Renting a room gives parents more freedom to bring their own decorations and activities.
11. 🛝 Hunt Club Park — Gurnee
900 N. Hunt Club Road, Gurnee, IL 60031
🌐 Website:
gurneeparkdistrict.com
👧 Ages: All ages
🌳 Outdoor
💰 $
🎉 Reserve an appropriate shelter and add cake, playground time, bubbles and outdoor games.
12. 🎊 Viking Park — Gurnee
4374 Old Grand Avenue, Gurnee, IL 60031
🌐 Website:
gurneeparkdistrict.com
👧 Ages: All ages
🏠🌳 Indoor/outdoor rental options
💰 $–$$
Explore the Dance Hall, Summer Kitchen and shelter options depending on your party size and season.
13. 🎢 Six Flags Great America — Gurnee
For the birthday kid who says, "I want RIDES!"
1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, IL 60031
📞 847-249-1776
🌐 Website:
sixflags.com/greatamerica
👧 Suggested ages: Approximately 3+ through teens, depending on rides
🌳 Primarily outdoor/seasonal
💰 $$$
Make the park itself the birthday experience and invite a few special friends.
14. 🔐 60 to Escape — Gurnee Mills
Can your birthday crew solve the mystery before the clock runs out?
6170 W. Grand Avenue, Gurnee, IL 60031
📞 844-623-7227
🌐 Website:
60toescape.com
👧 Suggested ages: Older kids, tweens and teens
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$–$$$
Macaroni KID Pick For: Birthday kids who love puzzles, mysteries and teamwork.
15. 🌴 Rainforest Cafe — Gurnee Mills
Sometimes the party can simply be a really memorable birthday meal.
6170 W. Grand Avenue, Gurnee, IL 60031
📞 847-855-7800
🌐 Website:
rainforestcafe.com
👧 Ages: All ages
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$
The rainforest setting, animated animals and themed atmosphere make the meal part of the entertainment.
LIBERTYVILLE
16. Ultimate Ninjas Libertyville 🥷
732 E. Park Avenue, Libertyville, IL 60048
📞 847-787-1130
🌐 Website:
ultimateninjas.com/location/libertyville
👧 Birthday parties: Ages 5+
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$$
🎉 Current packages include a two-hour party with ninja-course time and a private party room. Published packages currently start around $365 for up to 11 guests, with a larger package available.
Macaroni KID Pick For: Your future Ninja Warrior!
17. 💪 KidStrong Libertyville
1346 S. Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville, IL 60048
📞 224-864-9138
🌐 Website:
kidstrong.com
👧 Suggested ages: Crawling age through approximately 11
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$–$$$
Private coach-led parties combine movement, games and challenges.
18. 🪖 Hot Ground Gym Libertyville
1950 US-45, Libertyville, IL 60048
📞 847-686-3610
🌐 Website:
hotgroundgym.com
👧 Suggested ages: School-age children through teens
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$–$$$
Obstacle-course activities and staff-led challenges make this a birthday with plenty of movement.
19. 🧸 The Hangout — Libertyville
777 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville, IL 60048
📞 224-294-0517
🌐 Website: Search The Hangout Libertyville
👧 Suggested ages: Babies through approximately 7–8
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$
Especially appealing for families who don't want their toddler's birthday swallowed up by a giant amusement center.
20. 🐑 Lambs Farm — Libertyville
14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville, IL 60048
🌐 Website:
lambsfarm.org
👧 Suggested ages: 2–10
🌳 Mostly outdoor/seasonal attractions
💰 $$
Animals and family attractions make this worth exploring for an animal-loving birthday child.
21. 🌳 Independence Grove Forest Preserve — Libertyville
16400 W. Buckley Road, Libertyville, IL 60048
🌐 Website:
lcfpd.org
👧 Ages: All ages
🌳 Outdoor
💰 $–$$
Plan a picnic birthday with nature walks and outdoor games and investigate reservable shelters before sending invitations.
MUNDELEIN
22. Kids Empire — Mundelein
1547 S. Lake Street, Mundelein, IL 60060
📞 847-469-4416
🌐 Website:
kidsempire.com
👧 Best fit: Approximately ages 1–12
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$
A large indoor playground with birthday-party options and plenty of room to burn off cake and ice cream!
23. 🥷 Ninja Kidz Action Park — Mundelein
4 Oak Creek Plaza, Mundelein, IL 60060
📞 847-393-9130
🌐 Website:
ninjakidzparks.com
👧 Suggested ages: 4+ through teens
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$–$$$
High-energy attractions and birthday packages make this another option for adventurous kids.
24. 🎳 Lakeside Recreation Center — Mundelein
900 S. Lake Street, Mundelein, IL 60060
📞 847-949-5700
🌐 Website:
lakesidereccenter.com
👧 Suggested ages: 5+
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$–$$$
🎳 Bowling + 🔫 laser tag + 🕹️ arcade entertainment.
One published 2026 package bundles bowling, laser tag and party time for up to 10 children for around $360, although packages should always be reconfirmed.
25. 🛼 Just For Fun Roller Rink — Mundelein
139 N. Seymour Avenue, Mundelein, IL 60060
📞 847-949-7528
🌐 Website: Search Just For Fun Roller Rink Mundelein
👧 Suggested ages: 5+ through teens
🏠 Indoor
💰 $–$$
Roller skating, music and birthday fun make this one feel wonderfully old-school.
26. 🎳 Fair Haven Lanes — Mundelein
Mundelein, IL
👧 Suggested ages: 5+
🏠 Indoor
💰 $–$$
☎️ Confirm current party availability, address and packages directly before publishing or booking.
27. 🏊 Goldfish Swim School — Mundelein
Mundelein, IL
🌐 Website:
goldfishswimschool.com
👧 Suggested ages: Young children through approximately age 12
🏠 Indoor pool
💰 $$–$$$
No summer birthday required — an indoor pool party works even when there's snow outside.
VERNON HILLS
28. 🤸 Sky Zone — Vernon Hills
701 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Suite 244, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
📞 224-377-0946
🌐 Website:
skyzone.com
👧 Suggested ages: 4+ through teens
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$–$$$
Trampolines and active attractions make this an energetic school-age birthday option.
29. 🎳 Bowlero Vernon Hills
316 Center Drive, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
📞 847-367-1600
🌐 Website:
bowlero.com
👧 Suggested ages: 5+ through teens
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$–$$$
Bowling, arcade games and food all in one stop.
30. 🛝 Time Out Party & Play — Vernon Hills
204 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
📞 847-281-7054
👧 Suggested ages: Toddlers through early elementary
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$
Located at Hawthorn Mall and designed specifically around play and parties.
31. 🏰 FunFlatables — Vernon Hills
704 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
📞 847-665-8446
🌐 Website:
funflatables.com
👧 Suggested ages: Toddlers through early elementary
🏠 Indoor
💰 $–$$
Inflatables make this especially fun for younger birthday guests.
32. 🎨 The Painted Penguin — Vernon Hills
122 Hawthorn Center, Unit 106, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
📞 847-764-0891
🌐 Website:
thepaintedpenguin.com
👧 Suggested ages: 4+
🏠 Indoor
💰 $–$$
🎨 Painting, crafts and slime make this a great alternative for creative kids.
33. 🎨 Color Me Mine — Vernon Hills Area
🌐 Website:
colormemine.com
👧 Suggested ages: 4+
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$
Paint-your-own-pottery parties give every guest something to take home after the celebration.
☎️ Verify the current Lake County location before booking.
34. ⛸️ Glacier Ice Arena — Vernon Hills
Vernon Hills, IL
🌐 Website:
glaciericearena.com
👧 Suggested ages: 5+
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$
Perfect for a winter-themed birthday — even when it's 80 degrees outside.
35. 🚗 WhirlyBall Vernon Hills
285 Center Drive, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
📞 847-918-0800
🌐 Website:
whirlyball.com
👧 Suggested fit: Older kids, tweens and teens; confirm activity age/height requirements
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$–$$$
WhirlyBall, LaserTag, bowling and food give larger birthday groups several options.
GRAYSLAKE & CENTRAL LAKE COUNTY
36. 🧸 Aventurine Zone — Grayslake
Grayslake, IL
👧 Suggested ages: Toddlers through elementary
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$
Explore imaginative-play and current birthday offerings directly with the venue.
37. 🛝 Kids Clubhouse — Grayslake
Grayslake, IL
👧 Suggested ages: Toddlers through early elementary
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$
Another option for parents seeking weather-proof play.
38. 🌳 Jones Island Park — Grayslake
Grayslake, IL
🌐 Website:
glpd.com
👧 Ages: All ages
🌳 Outdoor
💰 $
Pack the cupcakes, lawn games and bubbles and make your own park party.
39. 🎡 Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center — Grayslake
1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake, IL 60030
📞 847-680-7200
🌐 Website:
lcfair.com
👧 Ages: All ages
🏠🌳 Indoor/outdoor depending on event/rental
💰 $$–$$$
Worth exploring when planning a larger or customized celebration.
LAKE VILLA, LAKE ZURICH & OTHER LAKE COUNTY PICKS
Lake Villa, IL
🌐 Website:
susannafarms.com
👧 Suggested ages: 3+
🌳 Primarily outdoor/farm setting
💰 $$–$$$
Animal feeding, brushing and petting may be available for private events, with possible add-ons such as pony/horse rides, hayrides and crafts.
Macaroni KID Pick For: The child who would choose a pony over an arcade game any day!
41. 🌳 Illinois Beach State Park — Zion
1 Lake Front Drive, Zion, IL 60099
🌐 Website:
dnr.illinois.gov
👧 Ages: All ages
🌳 Outdoor
💰 $
Create a beach picnic or nature-explorer birthday during appropriate weather.
42. 🎨 Clay Monet — Lake Zurich
Lake Zurich, IL
🌐 Website:
claymonet.com
👧 Suggested ages: 4+
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$
Pottery and art activities can turn the party favor into something the child actually made.
43. 🌳 Paulus Park — Lake Zurich
200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich, IL 60047
🌐 Website:
lakezurich.org
👧 Ages: All ages
🌳 Outdoor
💰 $–$$
A warm-weather option for picnics, playground fun and outdoor birthday games.
44. 🌳 Lake County Forest Preserve Picnic Shelters
Multiple Lake County locations
🌐 Website:
lcfpd.org
👧 Ages: All ages
🌳 Outdoor
💰 $–$$
Choose a preserve near home and build your own dinosaur hunt, nature party, sports party or family picnic.
45. 🏊 Lake County Park District Pool Party
Multiple communities throughout Lake County
👧 Suggested ages: 3+
🏠🌳 Indoor or outdoor depending on facility
💰 $–$$
Waukegan Birthday Party Places
46. The People's Choice Family Fun Center — Waukegan
This is a particularly good one to include because it is designed around family entertainment and parties. The center says it offers parties for all ages, an open party area, and five private party areas that can be combined for very large groups. Attractions include arcade-style games, prizes, food, and other family entertainment. (Fun With Rocky)
2676 Belvidere Road, Waukegan, IL 60085
📞 847-336-5700 (Fun Center)
🌐 People's Choice birthday-party information
👧 Ages: All ages
🏠 Indoor
💰 $–$$
🎉 Party fun: Arcade games, redemption prizes, food and private party areas. Their website says parties may qualify for special rates on food, drinks, games, attractions and tokens. (Fun With Rocky)
Macaroni KID Pick For: Families with children of different ages who want arcade fun plus a dedicated party area.
47. Bertrand Bowling Lanes Inc — Waukegan
Bertrand is much more than simply renting a bowling lane. It specifically offers children's birthday packages, food and drinks, and its birthday parties are reservation-only. The lanes are promoted as accessible for all ages and skill levels. (Bertrand Lanes)
📍 2616 Washington Street, Waukegan, IL 60085
📞 847-244-1300
🌐 Bertrand Lanes birthday parties
👧 Suggested ages: 4+ through teens
🏠 Indoor
💰 $–$$
🎳 Party fun: Bowling, food, drinks and arcade entertainment. There's also a private room that fits up to 50 people and is currently advertised at $50 per hour, giving parents another way to build a customized celebration. (Bertrand Lanes)
Macaroni KID Pick For: A classic birthday party that works for kids, teens and mixed-age families.
48. Bowlero Waukegan — Waukegan
631 Lakehurst Road, Waukegan, IL 60085
📞 847-473-2600
🌐 Bowlero official website
👧 Suggested ages: 5+ through teens
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$
🎉 Party fun: Bowling, arcade games, food and party packages. Bowlero's Waukegan location promotes children's and teen parties, including a weekend package geared toward children 12 and younger that bundles bowling, shoe rental, pizza and a soft drink.
Macaroni KID Pick For: Parents who want the entertainment and food in the same place.
Round Lake & Round Lake Beach
49. Kristof's Entertainment Center — Round Lake Beach
This one absolutely belongs in your 50-place article because there are several ways to build a birthday around the same destination.
📍 421 W. Rollins Road, Round Lake Beach, IL 60073
📞 847-546-2512
🌐 Kristof's Entertainment Center
👧 Suggested ages: 4+ through teens
🏠🌳 Indoor + seasonal outdoor attractions
💰 $$–$$$
🎉 Party fun: Bowling, arcade games, miniature golf, food and seasonal go-karts. Kristof's explicitly advertises birthday and private-event packages. (Kristofs)
Their current 2026 group pricing gives parents a sense of costs: mini golf is regularly $10 per person, while go-karts are regularly $10 for a five-minute ride; group discounts are available. Go-kart drivers must be at least 54 inches tall. Bowling/group pricing varies by day and package. (File User)
Macaroni KID Pick For: A birthday child who can't decide between bowling, arcade games, mini golf and go-karts!
50. Lakes Bowl — Round Lake
This longtime community bowling center specifically advertises both adult and children's birthday parties.
601 Railroad Avenue, Round Lake, IL 60073
📞 847-546-2800
🌐 Lakes Bowl
👧 Suggested ages: 4+ through teens
🏠 Indoor
💰 $–$$
🎳 Party fun: Bowling, games and food. Lakes Bowl asks families to contact them for current birthday packages. The venue also says outside food and drinks aren't normally permitted, but birthday cakes/cupcakes are allowed for scheduled birthday events.
Macaroni KID Pick For: A neighborhood-style bowling birthday without needing a huge entertainment complex.
51. Pizza Ranch FunZone Arcade — Round Lake Beach
This is another one I would add to your article. It combines birthday food + arcade entertainment in one location.
780 E. Rollins Road, Round Lake Beach, IL 60073
📞 224-447-2624
🌐 Pizza Ranch official website
👧 Suggested ages: Approximately 3–12
🏠 Indoor
💰 $–$$
🎮 Party fun: FunZone arcade games, ticket prizes and the Pizza Ranch buffet. The Round Lake Beach location also has three community rooms that can be combined to seat approximately 56 people.
Macaroni KID Pick For: Parents who want pizza, cake, arcade games and party space all under one roof.
52. Sports Center - Round Lake Area Park District — Round Lake Beach
This is a nice addition because it gives your article a sports-party option instead of another arcade.
2004 Municipal Way, Round Lake Beach, IL 60073
📞 847-546-8558 (Park District party information)
🌐 Round Lake Sports Center
👧 Suggested ages: Approximately 5+
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$
The 50,000-square-foot facility has an indoor soccer field, regulation basketball/volleyball court and multipurpose space. The Park District specifically promotes it for children's birthday parties. (RLAPD)
Current party pricing is approximately $200 for residents / $220 for non-residents, according to the Park District information returned for the facility.
Macaroni KID Pick For: Soccer, basketball and sports-loving birthday kids.
53. Robert W. Rolek Community Center - Round Lake Area Park District — Round Lake
Want to create your own party instead of buying a package?
814 Hart Road, Round Lake, IL 60073
📞 847-546-8558
🌐 Round Lake Park District facility rentals
👧 Ages: All ages
🏠 Indoor
💰 $–$$
The facility has rentable spaces including a large gymnasium and multipurpose areas. That makes it useful for a DIY basketball party, superhero training party, dance party or other customized celebration. (RLAPD)
Highland Park Birthday Parties
54. Centennial Ice Arena — Highland Park
This is one of the best-documented birthday packages I found.
3100 Trail Way, Highland Park, IL 60035
📞 847-432-4790
🌐 Centennial Ice Arena birthday parties
👧 Ages:
6+
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$
⛸️ The birthday package includes ice fees, skate rentals and a party room. Current published prices are:
10–20 skaters: $275
21–30 skaters: $325
There's also a $50 refundable damage deposit. Parties are held with designated public-skating sessions. (Park District of Highland Park)
Macaroni KID Pick For: A winter-themed birthday you can have regardless of the weather outside.
55. West Ridge Community Center — Highland Park
This is another especially good find because families can choose among art, dance and gymnastics birthdays.
636 Ridge Road, Highland Park, IL 60035
📞 847-831-3810
🌐 West Ridge Community Center parties
👧 Suggested ages: Approximately 3+ depending on party activity
🏠 Indoor, with adjacent outdoor space
💰 $$–$$$
🎨 Art Party
💃 Dance Party
🤸 Gymnastics Party
The Park District currently lists those children's parties at approximately $385, including one hour of activity plus 30 minutes in the party room, with a listed maximum of 20 children. A regular Party/Enrichment Room can also be rented for approximately $220 for two hours, with capacity for 35. (Park District of Highland Park)
Macaroni KID Pick For: Families who want the birthday activity organized for them without going to a commercial amusement center.
56. Bubbles Academy - Highland Park — Highland Park
This is a good addition for the little ones, which your list needs.
1736 First Street, Rear Suite 102B, Highland Park, IL 60035
📞 312-874-6840
🌐 Bubbles Academy official website
👧 Best fit: Babies, toddlers and preschoolers, generally under 6
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$–$$$
🎈 Birthday parties are a major offering here, with structured weekend party times and staff-supported activities. The Highland Park location lists capacity around 16 participating children plus 32 adults.
Macaroni KID Pick For: First birthdays, toddler birthdays and preschool celebrations where a giant arcade might be overwhelming.
57. RinuArts Studio - Art Lessons, Face Painting & Art Parties — Highwood
Highwood is right next to Highland Park, so this is worth including as a nearby option.
432 Green Bay Road, Highwood, IL 60040
📞 224-803-0970
👧 Suggested ages: Approximately 4+
🏠 Indoor; mobile party services also available
💰 $$
🎨 Party choices can include canvas painting, slime, tie-dye, mixed-media projects and crafts, along with options such as face painting, glitter tattoos and balloon twisting.
Published art-party pricing is generally around $25–$45 per participant depending on the project, with a stated 10-person minimum.
Macaroni KID Pick For: A birthday child who wants to actually create something with their friends instead of just playing games.
These give us 12 strong additions/replacements for Article #2 across Waukegan, Round Lake/Round Lake Beach, Highland Park and nearby Highwood. I especially like the variety this adds to the article: arcade, bowling, go-karts, mini golf, sports, ice skating, gymnastics, dance, art and toddler parties rather than having too many similar venues.
Tip: Check your local park district for pool rentals and birthday packages. These can sometimes cost less than commercial entertainment centers.
BONUS PICKS NEAR LAKE COUNTY
Sometimes driving just a little outside the immediate area opens up even more posibilities.
🛝 2 Hours of Freedom — Buffalo Grove
1425 Busch Parkway, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
📞 847-220-4385
👧 Suggested ages: Approximately 4+ through teens
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$
A high-energy indoor-play birthday option that can work especially well for mixed-age groups.
⛸️ Centennial Ice Arena — Highland Park
3100 Trail Way, Highland Park, IL 60035
🌐 Website:
pdhp.org
👧 Suggested ages: 5+
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$–$$$
Birthday packages and skating make this another cool option for Lake County-area families.
🎳 Local Bowling Birthday Party
Don't overlook your neighborhood bowling alley!
👧 Suggested ages: 5+
🏠 Indoor
💰 $–$$
Bowling parties can be one of the easiest ways to entertain kids of different ages without planning a dozen separate activities.
🏨 Hotel Pool Birthday or Birthday Staycation
Several Lake County hotels have pools and event spaces.
👧 Ages: All ages depending on property
🏠 Indoor
💰 $$–$$$
Before booking, specifically ask whether non-overnight guests are permitted to use the pool. Never assume a hotel allows pool parties.
🎁 Create-Your-Own Birthday Adventure!
Who says the birthday has to happen in a party room?
Let the birthday child choose three or four best friends and build an adventure:
🎳 Bowling
🍕 Pizza
🎮 Arcade
🍦 Ice cream
🎬 Movie
⛳ Mini golf
🎨 Pottery
🛝 Indoor play
🌳 Forest preserve adventure
Tip: Before You Book: 10 Questions Every Parent Should Ask
Before putting down a deposit, ask:
- What is the total price, including fees and gratuity?
- How many children are included?
- What does each additional child cost?
- Are adults charged admission?
- Can we bring our own birthday cake?
- Can we bring outside food or pizza?
- Are decorations allowed?
- How early can we arrive to decorate?
- Is the party room private or shared?
- What happens if we need to cancel or reschedule?
Macaroni KID Gurnee Money-Saving Tip
Ask about weekday birthdays, Sunday parties, morning parties, off-peak packages and sibling discounts.
And before buying decorations, ask what's already included. Plates, cups, napkins, invitations, table coverings and even goodie bags may already come with some packages.
Which Party Fits Your Birthday Kid?
⚡ High-energy kid: Launch, Ultimate Ninjas, Ninja Kidz, Sky Zone or Hot Ground Gym.
🎨 Creative kid: Ceramics For You, Painted Penguin or Clay Monet.
🎳 Bowling fan: Round1, Lakeside Recreation Center or Bowlero.
🐴 Animal lover: Susanna Farms or Lambs Farm.
🌊 Water lover: Great Wolf Lodge, Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center or a local pool party.
👶 Little one: The Hangout, Time Out Party & Play, FunFlatables or Kids Empire.
🌳 Budget-conscious family: Try a Gurnee Park District or Lake County Forest Preserve shelter and create your own celebration.
🎮 Tween or teen: 60 to Escape, Round1, WhirlyBall or an arcade/bowling adventure.
No matter whether your child dreams of becoming a ninja, artist, gamer, swimmer, skater, explorer or birthday princess for the day, the best party is the one that makes your birthday kid feel celebrated.
Keep following Macaroni KID Gurnee for more local family fun, events, giveaways, seasonal activities and resources throughout Gurnee and Lake County.
Happy party planning!
Editor's note: Business information and party offerings can change. Please contact each business directly before traveling or booking. Inclusion in this guide does not constitute an endorsement, and prices shown are for planning purposes and may change.
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