Want to throw your child an awesome birthday party in Springfield without breaking the bank?
We've got some ideas for amazing parties for kids in Springfield that'll result in maximum fun for minimal cost.
But first, some tips:
1. Consider the Timing
Throwing a party after lunch but before dinner can save you money on food because no one will expect a meal. There's no hard-and-fast rule that you have to serve snacks at all, but if you do opt for food, small nibbles are more cost-effective than a full lunch or dinner.
2. Double Up
Got a friend or sibling with a birthday close by? Consider combining! You can go in with other parents on the cost of the party, plus double the kids = double the guests, and double the fun.
3. DIY
A craft makes a great party activity and doubles as a take-home favor!
4. Play No-Cost Games
The best part of a birthday party is watching your kiddo hang out with their friends. So, don't buy in (see what we did there?) to the idea that you have to spend a lot of money on games and decorations. Instead, lean into the best games from your childhood. Try Freeze Tag, Charades, Duck Duck Goose, and Simon Says. Sometimes the best memories are made in the simple things.
And now, on to some great party ideas around Springfield…
OUTDOOR OPTIONS
- Rent a Park Pavilion
Choosing a park with a pavilion is a good insurance policy against rainy weather. Renting one means you're guaranteed great shelter (or shade!) on party day.
Prices vary around town, but most pavilions at the Springfield parks are $40 for a 4-hour rental.
- Informal Picnic in the Park
Don't want to rent a pavilion? Inviting your friends to have a picnic in the park with you is free! Nathanael Greene Park is an excellent choice; it's huge (113 acres!) and boasts a large main playground, plus a trail containing five botanical-themed play pods along the way.
- Springfield Lake
A party at Springfield Lake means you could choose the indoor Boathouse Community Room (prices vary), or the outdoor Northwoods pavilion, which rents for $50 for 4 hours or $100 for 8 hours. You'll look out over beautiful Lake Springfield and have access to the trails and playground. If you want to spend a little more, you can also rent canoes, paddleboards, and kayaks to get out and explore.
- Springfield Outdoor Pools
A pool party is pretty affordable in Springfield – packages start at $80 for up to 15 swimmers. A pool party package at Grant Beach, Meador, Silver Springs, or Westport pool includes two 2-liters of soda, two large pizzas, paper products, and seating for your guests.
INDOOR OPTIONS
- Community Center
The Doling Family Center rents out their activity room for birthday parties and it's only $25/hour for up to three hours. You'll get access to a full kitchen, the Doling History Museum courtyard, and staff to help you clean up. Got a big party? No problem. This center can accommodate up to 120 guests.
- Fire Station Party
You can rent the community room at Fire Stations 1, 5, 8, and 12 in Springfield for $65. Firetruck-loving party people can also request a tour with the firefighters – just make sure to schedule that ahead of time.
- Library Party
Did you know you can schedule a private story time for a group at the libraries in the Springfield-Greene County system? Storytime makes a great party idea, and you can even reserve the library's community rooms for cake and presents afterwards (some rooms have restrictions on food, so you'll want to call and plan your best options with the librarians). Just make sure you schedule your story time at least 30 days in advance.
- All Aboard Party
The Railroad Historical Museum is available for party rentals on Saturdays May-October for a $40 donation to the museum. The docents at this hidden gem provide plenty of hands-on activities that are fun for all ages.
- Indoor Pool Party
Chesterfield and Doling Indoor Aquatic Centers offer year-round indoor pool parties. Packages start at $135 and include 20 guests, one hour of swimming, use of the party room for one hour, 2 large pizzas, soda, tablecloths, and paper products. Ideal for ages 5-12.
HOST AT HOME
- Movie Party
Host your own theater for the price of a few bags of popcorn! Just check out a couple of DVDs from the library and hit the lights.
For a few extra bucks, you could even grab some material to make your own red carpet. Want to have a drive-in style outdoor movie party?
Make your own cars out of cardboard boxes, and use a projector and sheet to watch a movie under the stars!
- Video Game Party
Got a Mario-obsessed kid at home? Level up a home party by hosting a video game tournament. The kids will have a blast and you won't spend a fortune…win-win!
Do you know of a low-cost, budget-friendly children's party option in the Springfield area that's not listed here? Let us know, and we'll add it to our list! Send an email to janelplunkard@macaronikid.com
Cassy Cochrun is a Contributing Writer for Macaroni KID Springfield and she is the Publisher of Macaroni KID Branson.
When visiting local businesses and events in Springfield, be sure to tell them Macaroni KID sent you... and don't forget to tell all of your friends!
Macaroni KID Springfield is a free local events calendar, weekly newsletter, and website focused on family-friendly events and resources in the Greater Springfield, Missouri area. We gather all the local family-friendly events and activities happening in Springfield so you can find them all in one place!
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