Cake smash, tiny fingerprints everywhere, and active one-year-olds and their little friends who always want to explore—a first birthday party can get messy. The good news is that Philadelphia, PA, is full of unique places, so you're not just limited to your house. If you need a change of scenery or want to make your birthday child's milestone celebration extra special, Giggster has numerous venues in Philly that are perfect for kids' parties.
From Art Deco loft studios and cozy cafes to colorful kiddie facilities with indoor play space and dedicated event spaces with party packages, Giggster is your go-to spot for the best 1st birthday venues in Philadelphia. Whether you envision a sweet, intimate gathering in a private party room or a lively affair with everyone having the best time of their lives, we have you covered!
Browse and book venues that are easy on your wallet and match your birthday kid's personality on the Giggster app. Let the party planning begin!
Planning a party is nothing compared to raising kids, but you still somehow end up cleaning up messes that aren't yours in both scenarios. Luckily, finding excellent party spots on Giggster for your next celebration means one less mess to worry about.
Bright, colorful, cozy, and kid-friendly, a kiddie facility in Philadelphia will be the little ones' indoor playground, perfect for kids ages 1 to 15 or more. There's plenty of natural light to brighten up the room and a comfortable play area where they can explore, jump, run, and let their imagination run wild.
If you prefer an open play party for the little kids, you can't go wrong with an outdoor venue in the bustling Center City with lots of greenery and a vast space for them to run around and let loose.
For parents and guardians who don't have much time to prepare their own food and set up the space for the event, rent a bright and lively restaurant or a charming cafe that's ready to welcome your guests. If you have a specific theme in mind—a snowman winter, jungle, farm, ninja party, or something else—they can take care of it for you.
A white canvas event space might be exactly what you need for family-friendly events in Philadelphia. With a huge stage, a dance floor, a DJ, and a performing band to serenade your guests, you're in for a fun celebration.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: From your typical event spaces with themed decorations to more unconventional spots like lofts, playrooms, warehouses, and even private homes, Giggster has a curated selection of 120 birthday party venues for kids and adults.
Hassle-Free Booking: For as low as just $18/hour, you can book the perfect venue that reflects your child's unique personality. The process is easy—just search in the Giggster app or website based on your desired location, date, features, and budget, view details about the place, contact the host, and book right away!
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: We want you to be flexible in case plans change because of things you can't control. That's why we offer free cancellations within 24 hours of booking, as long as there are still at least 48 hours before your kid's birthday party.
Platform Protections: Problems and unexpected issues can happen, so don't hesitate to add optional protection, damage, or liability protection to your booking. This way, you can have peace of mind when you book a venue like Urban Colorful Kiddie Facility and not worry about "what ifs."
The delicious food, history, and access to fun extras—these are just a few of the many things to love about hosting a first birthday party in Philadelphia. But before you throw an epic bash in the city, let's talk about the good and maybe not-so-good stuff about it.
Advantages
Whether you're looking for a place with a built-in fun zone in the heart of Philly or a one-of-a-kind party space near Fairmount Park, you have tons of options for any style, theme, or budget.
If you have a growing guest list or need a bigger place for children to roam and play and adults to mingle comfortably, you can easily rent a venue, so you don't have to worry about your home being too small for guests.
When you rent a venue in Philadelphia, PA, you don't have to worry about the mess the little ones made because cleaning is usually part of the deal.
Disadvantages
Philadelphia can be busy, and it can be tricky to find a good parking spot, especially in the bustling downtown core, so pick a spot with enough parking within or near the venue.
You might want to throw an event on a Thursday afternoon or any day during the week if you don't want to get stuck in traffic trying to reach the party location, especially on weekends.
Aside from the venue rental, you have to think about the food, party supplies, entertainment, and other event elements, which are not cheap in Philadelphia.
The perfect venue depends on what you're looking for and the vibe you want to create for your young one's first milestone birthday. But if you need inspiration, we have a few ideas to consider.
Indoor Play Spaces – Let the Fun Begin. If you're a first-time parent looking for a safe and fun place to celebrate the first birthday of your child, an indoor play area would likely be at the top of your list. It's built for little explorers with soft surfaces, age-appropriate toys, and even contained areas for enthusiastic crawlers and new walkers.
Outdoor Spots – Lots of Fresh Air and Space. Get them out there to enjoy the great outdoors, and you're lucky because Philadelphia has many outdoor venues, like parks and gardens, with lots of space to spread out. You can even book an indoor playground with a patio or a lawn to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Kid-Friendly Eateries – Crawl, Play, and Eat. You might be surprised at the many restaurants and cafes in Philly that are great for family gatherings with a private party room or a layout that works for kids. With child-friendly activities, games, and food, the grown-ups have nothing to worry about.
Community Centers or Halls – Blank Slate Spaces. For those seeking a budget-friendly first birthday venue, many local community centers and halls open their doors for family celebrations. They're your blank canvases, so feel free to design the space however you want and set up tables, chairs, and play areas.
Studios or Event Spaces – Versatile and Adaptable. Although studios and event spaces are not specifically for kids, they can still be a great option because of their versatility. Create the atmosphere you want and bring in your own vendors for entertainment and decor.
Your one-year-old won't remember their first birthday, but that doesn't mean you don't need to make an effort to make it memorable and joyful for everyone else. Here are some of the must-have tips for planning your child's 1st birthday party.
Set a Budget – Philadelphia offers numerous party spots, and they can cover a wide range of price points. But before you go scouting locations, decide how much you'll be happy to spend, as it can influence many of your other decisions.
Create a Guest List – Your toddler won't be able to tell you who they want at their party, so the job falls to you (and maybe your co-parent!). It's usually the parents' family and closest friends, but decide on a number that's comfortable for you.
Choose a Location – So, where's this party going down in the City of Brotherly Love? The venue sets the scene and atmosphere for the party, but it must also be safe and practical.
Plan the Food and Fun – Happy guests usually mean yummy food, so it's not something you should skimp on. Although a one-year-old might need elaborate entertainment, a few things for the babies and younger guests are a good idea.
You can keep it simple or go all out and still have some cash in your wallet. Here are a few money-saving hacks that can help reduce your expenses:
Think outside the box when it comes to the venue.
Because the party location is usually one of the most expensive elements of a party, you have to be creative with where you host your event. Explore kid-friendly businesses that have private rooms you can use, or partner with another family whose baby is celebrating around the same time.
Keep the decorations simple.
You don't need to go overboard with fancy decorations or hire a team of event stylists for a dreamy setup if you want to cut costs. Roll up your sleeves and get crafty, or just focus on key decorative elements rather than decorating the entire place.
Go easy on entertainment.
The best thing about a first birthday is that babies often get entertained just by being together or exploring a new space. That means there's no need to hire expensive entertainers to make the guest of honor and their guests happy.
Are you ready to find the perfect backdrop for your little one's first milestone birthday? Explore Philadelphia 1st birthday venues on Giggster now and take the first step towards an unforgettable birthday bash!
