Planning your little one’s birthday? Looking for more than just cupcakes and balloons? Lubbock offers a variety of different party locations to host your child’s next birthday party. If you’re a Lubbock area parent and preparing for your child’s special day, here are some fun places to consider.
1. Jump ‘n Jungle
http://jumpnjungle.net
(806) 368 – JUMP (5867)
12209 County Road 2110 (Just past Kohl’s on the corner of Indiana & 122nd)
Cost: Very High ($230 weekdays/ $265 weekends)
Jump ‘n Jungle is to birthday parties as Mercedes are to cars. Your child can invite up to 25 friends (or more if you’ll pay extra) for a 2 hour party. That includes 1/2 hour in the party room and 1 1/2 hours for the sugar-high kids to bounce around in the jungle. Jump ‘n Jungle is basically a big gym with several inflatable jumpers – including giant slides. The downside is that a child could get hurt, but of course the risk is low. If you have a high budget, and want your child to be the most popular in his class, then Jump ‘n Jungle might be for you.
2. Science Spectrum http://www.sciencespectrum.com (806)745-2525 x274
2579 S. Loop 289 (Right off the Loop)
Cost: High (Varies from $85 – $155, depending if you want to include an OMNI show and if you’re a member)
A Science Spectrum birthday party is sure to create wonderful memories, and be fun and educational at the same time. It includes unlimited museum free time for the kids (don’t miss the bubble exhibit), plus a private party room for 1 1/2 hours. There are a variety of themes you can choose from including “Krazy Chemistry”, “Restless Natives”, and “Mammal Medley.” There is even one called “Ice Cream Creations” where children can witness ice cream being formed in less than a minute.
3. Bear Castle
http://www.thebearcastle.com/
(806) 793-2727
6405 Indiana (Next to KK’s Craft Mall in KK’s Courtyard)
Cost: Very High (Packages start at $195 for 10 guests)
Bear Castle offers a fun and unique party for your little princess or prince. Children can create a furry friend and enjoy a 90 minute private party. There are several different themes to pick from including an “Into the Wild” party, “Enchanted Dress Up” party, and a “Royal Limo Party.” The “Royal Limo” party includes a 45 minute limo ride around Lubbock – talk about feeling like a princess! It’s a party they’ll talk about for ages.
4. Mr. Gatti’s
http://www.gattiland.com/lubbock/birthdays.html
(806) 791-2200
5001 50th Street (Near Slide)
Cost: Medium to High (8.99 per child, with an 8 children required)
(806) 796-2700
5612 W. Loop 289
Cost: High (10.99 to 15.99 per child, depending on the package you choose)
Chuck E. Cheese offers a fabulous birthday experience. You can choose between two packages. Both include a decorated table just for your group, 2 slices of pizza per child, soft drinks with free refills, and more. The “super package” includes a party favor bag for each guest, prize tickets for the guests and birthday child, and an additional $3.00 worth of tokens for each child. You can order a cake, if you wish. You can book the event online. It’ll be a party they’ll never forget!
6. Dave’s Need for Speed
http://www.davesneed4speed.com
(806) 797-RACE
On Frankford Ave (FM 2528), About 2 1/2 miles North of 4th street
Cost: High (Packages start at $100)
Dave’s Need For Speed is a hit among children with lots of energy (hey, don’t all kids have that!). The kids will enjoy racing the cars around the track and it’s good practice for their driving test someday. (Just kidding!) They have different cars according to age/size, and a new laser tag area. Parties do not have to be reserved ahead of time, and you must sign a waiver. It’ll be a great experience for everyone!
(806)763-2719
Located right off I-27 at Exit 4 (In MacKensie Park)
Cost: High ($140 for 10 guests)
It’s not Disney World but it’s the next best thing! Joyland, an outdoor amusement park, has a variety of kid-friendly rides including a little roller coaster, old antique cars, helicopters and boats. There’s also a carousel, bumper cars, and a train. Joyland birthday parties include gate admission, ice cream, invitations and more. If your little one deserves to be spoiled with an amusement park party this is the place to go! Parties can be booked from March – September only.
8. Skate Ranch
(No website)
(806) 792-0456
4701 W. Loop 289
Cost: Medium (Starts at $60)
Birthday skating parties are always in style. Your child will love having fun and it’s great exercise too! The Skate Ranch offers 2 different packages: You can rent the whole building for 2 hours for $100 and bring your own cake and food, or the kids can skate with other skaters (non-private skating) for $60/10 kids and includes pizza, ice cream, and plates/napkins. Don’t all children love to skate?
9. Swim Party at a Community Pool (Summer Only)
http://www.playlubbock.com/Aquatics.htm
(806) 775-2687
4 Pools To Choose From at Various Locations
Cost: High ($125)
All kids love to swim and what’s more fun than a swimming birthday party? Lubbock has several community pools to choose from that have diving boards, and the one on 3200 Bates has a slide. The downside is that the pools are only available in the evenings, but it’d probably more fun since its cooler anyway. It’s a wonderful choice, and don’t forget to play marco-polo or water-volleyball.
10. Maize (Mid September to Late November Only)
http://www.cornfieldmaze.com (Search for the Lubbock Maize)
(806) 763-5594
9710 FM 1294
Cost: Medium (4$ per child under 12, does not include food/cake)
If you’re looking for something unique and entertaining, the Maize might be what you’re looking for. Basically it is a giant maze (that is very easy to get lost in, even for adults), made out of corn. It is hosted by At’l Do Farms. Not only can the guests experience the maze, they can also ride the cow train, go on a hay ride, see farm animals, visit the pumpkin patch and more. The birthday child and kids under 3 are free. It’s an excellent activity – just be sure to bring some bug spray.
11. Premier Sports Plex
http://www.premierlubbock.com
(806)771-GAME
9000 Memphis
Cost: High ($150 for 10 guests, $15 for each additional guest, additional $4 per guest for pizza/drinks)
If your child is a sports fanatic, this is the place to go! For 2 hours they can climb the rock climbing wall, play basketball for prizes, play whiffle ball games, and eat pizza and celebrate in the courtyard cafe. You will need to provide cake, ice cream, and decorations. It’s great for older children and teens, and they’ll be sure to enjoy competing and playing with their friends.
12. Ready Set Go http://rsg-ae.com
(806) 795-3336
5828 50th Street
Cost: Medium ($100 for the first 12 guests)
If you think the birthday child and guests would like to jump on trampolines, and play in a sports readiness center, then Ready Set Go might be your pick. The parties include an hour of free time play and 30 minutes in the lobby to eat cake and ice cream that you provide. It will be a fun experience and provide lots of stimulation and exercise. It’s a superb place for children ages 4 and above.
13. Putt Putt Fun Center http://www.puttputt.com (806) 795-2312
5110 29th Drive
Cost: Medium to High (Packages vary from 10.00 to 20.99 per guest)
Putt-Putt Fun Center in Lubbock offers more than just putt-putt golf. There’s also arcades and go-carts. This location is perfect for teens and older children. They’ll have fun playing putt-putt and racing on the go-carts. All packages include 1 1/2 hours of table time, pizza, and more. It’s a wonderful choice for Spring, Summer and Fall Birthdays.
14. Park/Playground http://parks.ci.lubbock.tx.us/
(806) 775-2665 (Call if you have questions)
Numerous parks located throughout the city
Cost: Low
A park or a playgroup is an excellent choice for a birthday party! Lubbock has several fun playgrounds. You can just choose the one closest to you, or try Legacy Play Village, located at Spur 327 and Brownfield Hwy, right past Sam’s. Another great one is Maxey Park, located at 24th and Quaker right next to Covenant Lakeside Hospital. You can bring a cake and ice cream, and let the children play for an hour to two. It’ll make the day a fun and enjoyable one, and won’t empty your pockets.
15. Clay Cafe
http://www.claycafelubbock.com
(806) 796 -2529
5102 60th Street (Across from the mall)
Cost: Medium to High (Depends on what you pick)
Just because this one’s last on the list, doesn’t mean its the last choice. It’s a perfect place to have a party for your little artist! And, the guests will have a memento to treasure for a long time, or to give as a gift someone else. Clay Cafe is a paint-your-own pottery studio where little hands can paint mugs, plates, bowls, ornaments and much more. It requires a 50$ deposit, however that applies to your final total. You can choose a piece for guests to paint, or allow them to pick something below a certain price. It also requires a $2.50 paint fee per child. You can bring whatever food/drinks you’d like. This is prefect for older kids and pre-teens.
Don’t forget you can always have a party at your home, grandparent’s home, or church fellowship hall. Home birthday parties are sometimes the best ones, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to make the day special. Happy Partying!
