1st Birthday Party Venues for Rent in Chicago, IL

Booking costs of 1st birthday party venues average $150 hire fee per hour. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in Chicago, based on Tagvenue data from December 2025:

Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated December 2025), the best options include:

• Outdoor Patio at The Dandy Crown in West Town - rated 4.9/5
  Our user said: ‘The space was ideal, with the second floor having dedicated indoor and outdoor spaces for our birthday event.’

• Event Space at Hangout Lighting in West Town - rated 4.7/5
  Our user said: ‘Loved the open space layout! Kids could run around.’

• Entire Venue at Centre Court Productions in West Loop - rated 4.7/5
  Our user said: ‘This venue was perfect for my daughter's high school graduation party!’

You'll find 1st birthday party venues in various sizes, from smaller spots to larger venues; keep in mind that the type of space and your chosen layout will affect the capacity! Below you can see the typical venue sizes in Chicago, together with the standard prices in each size range, based on Tagvenue data (December 2025):

These are the venues within 0.8 mi from central Chicago, available to book on Tagvenue:

• Full Buyout at Howl at the Moon, Chicago on 26 West Hubbard Street - 0.7 mi from center.
  Our user said: ‘The staff was also very on point with quick service delivering drinks, bringing out food, etc.’
• Dining Space at Maharaj Chicago on 8 East Van Buren Street Unit C13 - 0.7 mi from center.
  Venue said: Maharaj, an Indian grill restaurant located next to Pritzker Park, offers a dedicated indoor dining area accommodating up to 15 guests. The space features a decorative green faux plant wall as a backdrop, creating a relaxed...
• Private Dining Room at India House Restaurant on 59 West Grand Avenue - 0.8 mi from center.
  Venue said: Located at 59 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL, India House Restaurant offers a private dining room that can accommodate up to 50 guests, making it ideal for intimate gatherings, business meetings, or small parties.

Downtown Chicago offers a variety of upscale venues and easy access to iconic attractions. In the North Side, notably around Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville, you will find family-friendly venues near parks and zoos. Areas such as Hyde Park in the South Side provide a more laid-back atmosphere with community centers and open spaces suitable for kid-friendly parties. Neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Logan Square in the West Side boast trendy, versatile spaces that can be easily decorated for a child’s birthday.

If you want to save some money on throwing your toddler’s first birthday party in Chicago, follow these tips:

• Book in Advance: Booking early can often help you secure lower rates.
• Off-Peak Timing: Consider weekday or off-peak hours for lower rental costs.
• Community Centers: Look into local community centers or church halls, which often have lower rental fees.
• Public Parks: Use public parks for a low-cost, natural setting (just be sure to check permit requirements).
• Partner with Other Parents: To split costs, consider co-hosting with another family celebrating a child's birthday around the same time.
• Negotiate Extras: If a venue offers birthday packages, see if you can negotiate on items you may not need to reduce the overall cost.
• DIY Decorations and Food: Opt for homemade decorations and food instead of professional services.

Here are a couple of ideas you can use to make your baby’s 1st birthday special, Chicago-style:

• Zoo Party: Host the celebration at Lincoln Park Zoo. Many zoos offer birthday party packages, and the animal exhibits provide entertainment for all ages.
• Aquarium Adventure: The Shedd Aquarium is another great venue, offering an immersive experience for little ones.
• Park Picnic: Choose a picturesque park such as Millennium Park for a summer picnic with family-friendly games and activities.
• Indoor Play Center: For a worry-free environment, consider an indoor play center specifically designed for toddlers.
• Children's Museum Celebration: Celebrate at the Chicago Children's Museum located at Navy Pier. This venue offers interactive exhibits that are perfect for toddlers, providing a fun and educational environment for the birthday celebration.