Children’s birthday parties can get seriously expensive. From rentals to decorations, admission fees to snacks, throwing a party can easily cost hundreds of dollars. If you have more than one child, double or triple that!
But most children don’t notice all the extras and just want to play with their friends and feel special for the day. So, this year why not opt for one of these amazing and affordable birthday party places instead?
Prices do not include HST except where noted.
Tasty Cooking Party
President’s Choice Cooking School at select Loblaws offer a variety of different party programs suitable for children ages 4–11 and 11–16. Birthday parties at President’s Choice cooking school include hands-on making, baking, and tasting. Party packages include treats to take home and enjoy, a cake, and a party facilitator to make sure everything goes smoothly. Prices from $23/child.
Party at Your Local Park
If your child’s birthday falls in spring, summer, or early fall consider inviting all their friends to meet you at any one of Ottawa’s green spaces for an inexpensive party in the park. If you want to make sure you have picnic tables, shelters or even barbecues available, contact the city and reserve a park for an incredibly low cost. Ask parents to stay with their kids, bring a potluck and some games of their own and you’ll all have a great day outdoors. Reservations from $29.20 for a half-day
YMCA Play Day Party
YMCA birthday parties include time in the party room, pool, or gymnasium and a private event room for up to 12 children. A party planner will entertain the children and take care of any setup and clean up for food and drinks that you are free to bring along with you. $150 members, $200 non-members
(Public) Pool Party
Most public pools in the city offer the ability to reserve a timeslot for a pool party but prices vary quite widely, so search the City of Ottawa website and call your local pool to ask about their birthday party packages. You’ll also find other rental opportunities through the city for halls, ice rinks and more.
Build-a-Bear Party
The Build-a-Bear Workshop in the Bayshore Shopping Mall throws birthday parties working with a range of budgets. Costs are per guest, so kids can agree to keep their guest list small to reign in costs. Bring five or more guests and you’ll have a dedicated party leader to run the show. Each child gets a bear to take home! From $18 per guest.
Mud Oven Ceramics Party
The Mud Oven in Old Ottawa South lets kids get creative by selecting pottery to paint and glaze. Their artwork is then fired in the kiln and can be collected a few days later. You can cap the ceramics fee at a particular price point or ask the guests’ parents to cover the cost of their child’s chosen pottery piece. From $55 studio fee + cost of ceramics
Bowling Party
Orleans Bowling offers a very reasonable party package for up to six children. Your birthday boy or girl can celebrate by playing for an hour on a lane with bumpers before a celebration in the party room. A veggie platter and a balloon for every guest is included and you can add pizza or chicken fingers to the lunch options. Basic party package $132 (shoes and tax included)
