Party Time!
By Lisa Arnett
Appears in the February 2024 issue.
Three indoor venues for snazzy birthday bashes
Swim parties and backyard bouncy houses are go-tos when it comes to summer birthday celebrations, but for kids born in the other seasons, outdoor soirees are often off the table. These indoor venues offer creative spaces to revel during chilly weather—and all year round.
DuPage Children’s Museum
301 N. Washington St., Naperville
If your child loves open-ended creative play, book a day at the museum to celebrate. The exhibits here center on science, art, and math, ranging from Make It Move (learn physics concepts with objects that fall, roll, and spin) to AWEsome Energy (explore a wind tunnel, water play area, and circuit and conductor stations). Party packages include 90 minutes in one of two private party rooms and all-day admission for all of your party guests; they can come early or stay late to explore the exhibits. You’ll also get a customizable party invitation PDF and a special T-shirt for the guest of honor.
Pricing: Starting at $290 for up to 20 guests.
Food: Catering is provided by Bean Sprouts Cafe, the museum’s onsite restaurant, for an additional cost. You can bring your own cake or dessert.
Booking: A $100 deposit is required to hold your party date. Fill out a reservation request form online at dupagechildrens.org.
WhirlyBall
3103 Odyssey Court, Naperville
A go-to for corporate events, this entertainment center caters to kids and teens as well. For the signature activity, WhirlyBall, kids need to be taller than 54 inches (typically age 12 and up). “It’s a combination of lacrosse and basketball and a bumper car, but it doesn’t take a high skill level,” says Sue Fogarty, event sales manager. There’s also laser tag (for those 42 inches and taller) and Hyperbowling for younger kiddos. “It’s almost a video game meets bowling,” she says. “There are bumpers that light up, and they have to bank the ball off the bumpers and hit a certain color for a multiplier. It gets more challenging as they go.”
Pricing: Party packages for a minimum of 10 children start with a per-person rate ($25 for bowling, $30 for WhirlyBall, $35 for laser tag). Hosts can add extras such as goodie bags ($7 per child), root beer floats ($4 per child), and ice cream ($3 per child).
Food: Packages include single-topping pizzas, cupcakes, and unlimited pitchers of soda.
Booking: Call 630-932-4800 to book a date up to 60 days in advance.
Pinot’s Palette
175 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville
At this DIY studio, an instructor will lead your party guests step by step through the process of creating a painting. Ideal for ages 7 to 12, parties last three hours, and guests can arrive 30 minutes before painting begins. “The host picks the painting [subject], and there are break times for cake and eating,” says owner Pam Barlett, who opened the business 10 years ago. The studio provides all of the art supplies, including an apron, canvas, brushes, and paint for each child. “The kids don’t need to have any prior experience or artistic skills,” she says. “We love letting them express their creativity.”
Pricing: $35 per child with a 12-person minimum and 56-person maximum
Food: Hosts can bring their own cake, snacks, pizza, or any other refreshments.
Booking: A $99 deposit is required to hold your party date. Book online at pinotspalette.com/naperville.
Photos: Katie Hall Photography (DuPage Children’s Museum); WhirlyBall; Pinot’s Palette