Did your child’s last birthday party break the bank? Has the price tag of party venues finally convinced you to embrace the chaos of hosting at home? If so, you’re not alone! Children’s birthday parties have become wildly expensive for what is, typically, a 2-hour celebration. We all want our kid’s birthday parties to be the memorable, show stopper that their friends continue to talk about, but at what cost?
If your bank account needs a bit of a rest or you’re just a thrifty mama looking to get the most bang for your birthday buck, we’ve got you covered! We’ve rounded up a list of the best birthday venues around Nashville offering options that ring up under $200!
Best Budget Birthday Venues Around Nashville
Parks & Playgrounds
Metro Nashville and the city of Franklin both offer pavilions and picnic shelters that you can rent for birthday celebrations at very reasonable prices. Rates vary between parks, but typically start around $30. Availability at certain parks is dependent upon the season, so be sure to check out the links below!
Metro Nashville Pavilion Rentals
City of Franklin Pavilion Rentals
*Insider tip: The city of Franklin offers free pavilion rentals on Sundays and holiday weekends on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Recreation & Community Centers
There are over 30 recreation and community centers between Metro Nashville and Williamson County, most of which offer birthday party rentals. You can receive pricing and availability by reaching out directly to each facility. Click the links below for a complete list of recreation and community centers!
Nashville Metro Community Centers
Williamson County Rec Centers
*Insider tip: Williamson County Parks and Rec offers fun, themed birthday party options for children ages 3-15!
- Dance Birthday Party
- Arts and Crafts Party
- *Pool Party – Availability is dependent on time of year and rates can go above $200. Call to get pricing and availability.
Franklin Family Entertainment Center
The Franklin Family Entertainment Center offers easy and affordable birthday parties year round – and IMO is Franklin’s best kept secret for affordable, kid-friendly entertainment! Party-goers can enjoy plenty of fun including bowling, arcade games and a special party room complete with pizza and soda! FFEC offers three birthday packages including Bowl-A-Rama, Super Striker, a special option for Teens/Tweens. Prices range between $17-$25 per person.
Packages include:
- At least 1 hour and 15 minutes of bowling (rental shoes included)
- *Private party room for 45 minutes (Bowl-A-Rama package only)
- Pizza and soft drinks for all guests
- Bowling themed paper goods provided
- Happy Birthday message on scorers / tables
- Each guest receives 10 game room tokens and a free open bowling pass on next visit
- *Teens/Tweens package includes: A large platter of fresh chips served with nacho cheese and salsa, One XL 16″ (2) topping pizza, Unlimited soft drinks
Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (SOAC)
SOAC offers a wide variety of fun, affordable birthday party options that include lots of amenities to make your party planning a breeze. Choose from their Adventure Zone Party or Splashtown Swim Party! Plenty of party add-ons are available at additional costs to take your birthday to the next level, such as their Science Show, Fossil Dig Kits, and Interactive Story Time! Just need a room to rent? No problem! SOAC offers a year-round Party Room Only Rental for only $50 (two hours). To book, send an email to [email protected] or call 615-459-9710.
Standard amenities include:
- 30-Minute Complimentary Setup Time Before Rental
- Countertop Space
- Refrigerators with Freezer
- (8) 5ft. Tables
- 30 Chairs
- Sink
- Microwave
Home Depot or Lowe’s Kids Workshops
Consider hosting a small birthday gathering at either a Home Depot or Lowe’s Kids Workshop! These workshops are completely free and open to the public once a month all year long. You won’t even need party favors because each child gets to leave with their own special craft that they get to make! Be sure to reserve spots for each child early because space is limited and fills up fast!
Centennial Sportsplex
Centennial Sportsplex offers year-round ice skating and is the perfect spot to host your child’s next birthday party. For Davidson County residents, Ice Party Packages start at $175 ($210 for non-residents) and include an indoor picnic area, 10 skate admission tickets and 10 skate rentals. Food and beverage is not currently offered for parties (although vending machines are available). Be sure to bring along your favorite snacks, sweets and beverages!
Wilderness Station
The Wilderness Station, located in Murfreesboro, is a great place to host a birthday party for your animal and nature lovers! Home to many different plants and animals, the Wilderness Station offers tons of fun and educational party programs complete with crafts, engaging activities and the chance to meet some animal friends! See their complete list of programs here. Birthday party rentals are available Saturdays only for children ages 3 and up. Retreat room rental is $25/hour (minimum two hours) plus a program fee of $30 for 10 guests. Bring your own food and beverage!
*Insider tip: Grab your party favors at the Wilderness Station’s gift shop, which offers nature toys and books, snacks and drinks, and local artwork, jewelry, and pottery.
Pixel Planet Arcade
While there are two locations in the Nashville area, Pixel Planet Nolensville offers the full birthday party experience. For $50/hour, you can rent their private party room featuring space for up to 24 guests, 4 TVs, and game consoles. In addition, each guest will receive unlimited, all-day arcade admission, so you can keep the party going! Food and beverage are not included.
Cool Springs Galleria Mall
This is a great way to “build-your-own” birthday bash and stay within a budget that works for you! The Cool Springs Galleria Mall in Franklin offers plenty of shopping and fun experiences, like Build-A-Bear, the LEGO store, American Girl Doll, and Claw Time Arcade, as well as their indoor playground. Their food court has loads of dining options your birthday boy or girl can choose from, including dessert options like Great American Cookies or Puff Cotton Candy!
*Insider tip: Be sure to check out the Cool Springs Galleria Deals Page to grab some special birthday discounts and exclusives to save even more money!
Michael’s
Michael’s craft stores offer themed birthday craft parties starting at just $149! You get a dedicated space for two hours, a host and fun crafts! Craft supplies are included along with party essentials, such as plates, utensils and cups. Michael’s will even take care of food and beverage for you at an additional cost. Additional add-ons are available. Check your local Michael’s store for party options and availability!
Each birthday party package includes:
- 8 Guest (including the guest of honor)
- Dedicated space perfect for crafting and hosting
- All project supplies
- Fun themes to choose from
- 2 Hours
- Dedicated team member to lead your guests through projects
- Plates, napkins, forks, and cups
Chuck E. Cheese
Chuck E. Cheese has several locations throughout the Nashville area that offer birthday packages for every budget. They offer flat-rate and per-person birthday packages and their newest package starts at just $99.99.
Each birthday party package includes:
- 2-hours of unlimited game play
- Unlimited soft drinks
- Chuck E. Cheese birthday show
- Decorated table
*Additional perks vary between packages and can be viewed here.
Cici’s Pizza
Throw a pizza party for your kiddo’s next birthday! For kids ages 10 and under, Cici’s Pizza offers three types of birthday party packages starting at just $12 per child. Choose from their Super, Mega or Legendary pizza parties and receive gaming credits, all-you-can-eat buffet and drinks, and more! All packages also include a “Create-Your-Own Pizza Experience!”
Strike and Spare
With affordable, inclusive options for kid and teen birthday parties, this bowling alley offers stress-free planning and fun starting at only $95. Choose from two different packages offering a minimum of one-hour bowling, shoe rental, pizza, soft drinks and more! No outside food or drink allowed, except sweets such as cake, cookies, and ice cream.
Monkey’s Treehouse
Indoor playgrounds are notoriously expensive for birthday parties. However, Monkey’s Treehouse offers an affordable option! Their Picnic Table Party, best for preschoolers, is a great choice for a simple, yet exciting birthday celebration. At $155 (Monday-Friday), this DIY package includes 90-minutes of playtime and two reserved picnic tables in the open play area that parents are free to decorate. Call to ask about catering options (additional cost) or bring in your own food and beverage!
Wave Country
For summer birthdays, Wave Country has everything you need for a fun, thrilling, yet affordable celebration. Parties start at $170 for up to 10 guests and include a private Super Umbrella area and even a special Happy Birthday announcement over the PA system! Parties are offered Tuesday-Friday, 11am-3pm and Saturday-Sunday, 10am-2pm. To book your party, email Birthday Party Reservations or call 615-885-1092.
Have you found an affordable birthday party venue that we left out?
Share it with us in the comments!
Check out our full list of Nashville birthday party locations.
