Each month I feature a local parent who will tell us about three places they love to take their kids in Columbus!

Thanks to Lauren for sharing 3 of her family’s favorites with us this month – and because she’s a party planner, she’s sharing 3 of her favorite places to host a kid’s birthday party in Columbus!

There’s nothing more fun than planning my kids’ birthday parties. I know they love them and always have a blast, but let’s be real- as an event planner, I just might love it more! With having rambunctious boys, lots of friends/family, and a tiny house, I am always on the lookout for a great party venue.

Here are 3 of my favorite birthday party venues for kids in Columbus:

1. Recreations Outlet

We are frequent visitors to this place! It is a playset/trampoline/sports equipment showroom, where you can pay to play. Our favorite time to go is during their Charitable Play hours when we can get in for only $2 a kid.

We just hosted our son’s 4th birthday there in January, and it was the EASIEST party to throw! They have 2 party rooms available for rent. Each room has picnic tables and a counter to set up your food. 2 hour rentals start at $149, and include the party room and playtime for 15 kids. It was so perfect for a winter birthday because all the kids could run and play their hearts out!

Related: 6 Free or Cheap Indoor Places for Kids to Run Wild in Columbus

2. Get Air

This is another favorite spot for our boys, and we visit at least a couple times a month. My nephew just had his 6th birthday party there last weekend. Let me tell you, Get Air knows how to execute a party! There is even a separate check-in desk for all the party guests where they pass out party socks.

They too have party rooms where you can set up decorations and drop off your shoes and gifts before jumping. They announced on the overhead speakers when it was time for our party to break for lunch. And after food, cake and gifts, there was still plenty of time for the kids to jump more! 2 hours of room rental and jump time for 10 kids starts at $199, including socks, pizza and drinks!

Related: Over 20 Free Indoor Play Areas in Columbus

3. Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks

Central Ohio has the BEST metro parks, am I right?! We have hosted almost every birthday party for my July birthday boy at a Metro Park.

These are so great because the price is right (free!), and there is no limit on a guest list. The only catch is that you can’t reserve most shelter houses and picnic tables. Just make sure to get there early enough to claim your space! A few of our favorites are Slate Run, Walnut Woods, Battelle Darby Creek, Homestead and Scioto Audobon.

Related: 6 Central Ohio Metro Park Playgrounds

If you need any more party venue suggestions, custom decorations, or help with planning an event- reach out to my event planning business LACE at lacecolumbus@gmail.com or follow us on Instagram @lacecolumbus!