10 Epic Kids Birthday Party Ideas In Indianapolis

~$550 for 16 kids (Indy Blast Core Battles package) — about $34.38 per kid

Laser tag is one of the most exciting birthday party options for kids in Indianapolis. Players split into teams and compete in fast-paced games using infrared taggers and tactical inflatable bunkers.

Why it works for birthdays

• Keeps kids active and engaged
• Kids compete in teams and build strategy
• Multiple rounds allow everyone to play
• Works for ages 6 through teens

Mobile laser tag parties are especially popular because the battlefield can be set up right in your backyard, school field, or park, turning almost any space into a real-life video game arena.

~$586 for 16 kids (Adrenaline Action Park's Adventure package + 1 additional jumper) — about $36.63 per kid

Trampoline parks are one of the most popular indoor birthday party options for kids in Indianapolis. These large indoor venues feature wall-to-wall trampolines where kids can jump, flip, and play high-energy games with their friends.

Features offered

• Foam pits
• Dodgeball courts
• Ninja warrior courses

Parents like trampoline parks because the venues typically provide organized party rooms, food packages, and dedicated party hosts, making the event easy to manage.

Local pick: Adrenaline Trampoline Park →

~$480 for 16 kids (Dave & Buster's Level Up package, $29.99/person) — about $30.00 per kid

Many arcade venues feature a mix of experiences kids love — from racing simulators to shooting and sports games to virtual reality attractions.

Arcade parties work well because kids can move freely between games while competing with friends to earn the most tickets and prizes.

Parents also appreciate that most arcade venues offer birthday packages that include food, drinks, and reserved party tables, making the event simple to organize.

Local pick: Dave & Buster's →

~$375 for 16 kids (Indy Blast Day package) — about $23.44 per kid

Foam parties are one of the most exciting outdoor birthday party experiences for kids. A professional foam cannon fills the yard with cool, fluffy foam while kids run, dance, and play inside a giant pile of bubbles.

The foam solution used for these parties is biodegradable, hypoallergenic, and safe for kids, making it a fun activity parents can feel comfortable with.

Why foam parties are popular

• Keep kids active and engaged the entire time
• Work great in backyards, parks, or school fields
• Require very little cleanup afterward
• Are perfect for warm weather birthdays

Because the foam gradually disappears on its own, cleanup is quick and simple once the party ends.

~$550 for 16 kids (Indy Blast Core Battles package) — about $34.38 per kid

A Nerf birthday party turns your backyard, park, or gym into an action-packed battlefield where kids compete using foam dart blasters and inflatable bunkers. Players form teams and compete in fast-paced games that feel like a real-life video game.

Nerf battles are easy for kids to understand and provide nonstop activity that keeps everyone involved.

Popular Nerf party games

• Capture the Flag
• Team Elimination
• Last Player Standing

Because the equipment is simple and the rules are easy to learn, Nerf parties are a great option for elementary school birthdays and younger players who want exciting action without complicated gameplay.

~$449 for 16 kids (Royal Pin's Pick Two package, $225 for 8 + $28/additional guest) — about $28.06 per kid

Mini golf is a fun and relaxed birthday party activity that kids and parents can enjoy together. Colorful obstacles, creative course designs, and friendly competition make mini golf a great option for group celebrations.

Players take turns putting through themed holes while trying to finish the course with the lowest score. Because the game is simple to learn, kids of all ages can participate and have fun.

Why mini golf parties are popular

• Work well for a wide range of ages
• Allow kids to play at their own pace
• Encourage friendly competition
• Often include arcade games and food options

Many mini golf venues also offer birthday party packages that include reserved party space, food, and group pricing, making the event easier for parents to organize.

Local pick: Pirate's Quest Mini Golf →

Estimated ~$500–600 for 16 kids (The Art Lab Indy now books offsite-only parties — call for a quote) — about $31.25–$37.50 per kid

An art birthday party is a great option for kids who enjoy creativity and hands-on activities. During the party, children can paint, decorate crafts, or create their own artwork while celebrating with friends.

Many art parties are led by an instructor who guides kids through a step-by-step project, making it easy for everyone to participate and finish with something they can take home.

Popular art party activities

• Canvas painting
• Pottery decorating
• Craft stations
• DIY art projects

Local pick: The Art Lab Indy →

Catered party packages at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis start at $2,500 for 16 kids — about $156.25 per kid

A science birthday party is a fun way to mix learning with entertainment. Kids get to participate in exciting experiments and hands-on demonstrations while celebrating with their friends.

During the party, children can explore activities that make science feel like magic. Many science parties include interactive experiments where kids help create the reactions themselves.

Popular science party activities

• Slime making
• Dry ice demonstrations
• Color-changing chemical reactions
• Simple physics experiments

Local pick: The Children's Museum of Indianapolis →

~$879 for 16 kids (Go Ape, $54.95/person ages 10-15, plus Eagle Creek Park entry) — about $54.94 per kid

An adventure park birthday party is a great pick for older kids and teens who want a bigger physical challenge. Ziplines, aerial obstacle courses, and treetop crossings push kids to climb, balance, and problem-solve their way through the course.

Why adventure parks are popular

• Built for older kids and teens who want a bigger challenge
• Combines ziplining, climbing, and obstacle courses
• Runs as a guided, supervised outdoor adventure
• A great pick when the group wants to be outside all afternoon

Because it's staffed and supervised by the venue, parents can relax while kids take on the ropes course at their own pace.

Local pick: Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park →

~$96 for 16 kids (Tibbs Drive-In child tickets) — about $6.00 per kid; a backyard inflatable-screen setup can cost even less

An outdoor movie night birthday party turns your backyard into a fun movie theater experience under the stars. With a large inflatable screen, projector, and speakers, kids can watch their favorite movie while relaxing with friends.

Parents often create a cozy movie setup with blankets, lawn chairs, or bean bags so kids can enjoy the film comfortably.

Movie night party extras often include

• Popcorn and snack stations
• Glow sticks or string lights
• Candy and drink bars
• Movie-themed decorations

Many families start the party with outdoor games or activities and then finish the night with the movie — a great way to wind down after an exciting celebration. Movie night parties are perfect for sleepovers, backyard birthdays, or end-of-evening celebrations where kids can relax and enjoy a favorite film together.

Local pick: Tibbs Drive-In →