Top 7 Birthday Party Venues in Ottawa
Are you planning a birthday party for yourself or someone dear to you? It could get frustrating when you run out of ideas for a fun and unique celebration.
Luckily, we have gathered here for you the top birthday party venues in Ottawa.
But, before we get to the list, let’s first take a look at how much you need to spend to pull off an unforgettable event. The next section will give you an idea.
How Much Do Birthday Party Venues Cost in Ottawa
Birthday party venues charge for the use of amenities and their services. They also take into consideration the number of guests and the length of time of the celebration.
Some venues offer food as part of their packages. Others allow for food and drinks to be brought in from other sources.
There are important things that you need to know aside from the costs themselves. Always ask for the deposit terms and if a refund, cancellation, or rebooking is possible.
The table below shows, in a nutshell, the rates of the venues included in our list.
While these are the rates posted on their websites, it is still best to get in touch with them for a more comprehensive quote. Some rates also go up during weekends due to demand.
1. LumberJaxe Axe Throwing Hall
Criteria | Ratings |
Age Specification | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
Reasonable Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Time Allotment | ★★★★★(5/5) |
Number of Guests Allowed | ★★★★★(5/5) |
Customer Service | ★★★★★(5/5) |
LumberJaxe offers a unique and unparalleled experience that will surely top your list of best birthday parties ever!
They aren’t just another axe-throwing bar. Their modern, fun & relaxed atmosphere is the perfect venue to host your next party. Whether you are new to axe throwing or a seasoned pro, LumberJaxe welcomes you.
With eight sets of lanes, each with an 8-person capacity you can enjoy a small intimate party or a big birthday bash! Pricing for axe throwing is done per person and by duration. The cost per person is $28 for one hour, $39 for 90 minutes, and $45 for two hours, plus HST. For larger groups, they recommend the two-hour option so you can have maximum fun! Every booking includes a coach who will walk your group through the basics of throwing to ensure everyone is comfortable, confident and hitting bullseyes by the end of the night!
While walk-ins are welcomed any day of the week, they recommend making a reservation ahead of time to secure your preferred date/time.
For group bookings, you can arrange to reserve outside of their normal operating hours by contacting their Event Coordinator – [email protected].
LumberJaxe offers a light bites menu if you feel snacky and is also fully licensed so you can enjoy a beverage after your axe-throwing experience. For parties, outside food is permitted (no plating fees).
In addition to birthday parties, the team at LumberJaxe are pros when it comes to hosting date nights, team-building events, fundraising events, holiday parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties and more!
LumberJaxe has forged a reputation for its exceptional customer service and axe-throwing experience. With an impressive 4.9 Google Rating, the consensus is clear – LumberJaxe hits the bullseye whenever it comes to coaching, hosting and delivering the best party ever. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
Pros
- Reasonable rates
- Accessible entrance
- Large groups are allowed (with proper reservation)
- Full meals from outside allowed without plating fees
- Clients will be assisted by axe coaches
- Offers off-site throwing events
- Can make a reservation for groups outside of their regular operating hours by contacting their event coordinator
Cons
- No promos at the present
Customer Reviews
Throwing birthday parties couldn’t be more fun than when you throw axes at LumberJaxe. Here are some testimonials.
Staff went above and beyond for us to enjoy
“We just went this evening for a friend’s birthday and had a wonderful time. Rarely do I go home and immediately review a business, but I truly felt as though this was a place worth sharing. The staff are passionate about what they do while they get to know each member of your party. They are always circulating to show you new techniques, tricks and games you can play. We felt as though they went above and beyond while staying engaged with their customers. My husband can’t stop talking about the friends and family members he would like to bring here. We will certainly be back and will be just as excited to axe throw again!” — Danica Green
Big space to have fun
“Brought my teenage daughter and a few friends to LumberJaxe for her birthday. Had a great experience. Both staff members who were there were fantastic. Dave was a great coach and got everyone throwing in no time. He was super attentive without being overbearing and made sure we had everything we needed every step of the way, including organizing tournaments and competitions for the girls. We had an entire area to ourselves, which included 4 throwing lanes and a lounge area, so plenty of space. Proper safety and masking protocols were in place. Would love if they could expand their food menu. They allowed us to bring in food, which was great, but I would have preferred to be able to support them even more. Drinks at the bar were very creative, love the high end sodas! Will definitely be back, these guys are great, thank you!.” —Denise Ludington
2. Sing House Studios
Criteria | Ratings |
Age Specification | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Reasonable Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Time Allotment | ★★★★★(5/5) |
Number of Guests Allowed | ★★★★★(5/5) |
Customer Service | ★★★★★(5/5) |
Sing House Studios offers a unique approach to music education, providing a range of services aimed at fostering creativity, building confidence, and nurturing talent. With a focus on personalized instruction, innovative programs, and inclusive events, Sing House Studios has established itself as a prominent destination for music enthusiasts in Orléans and beyond.
We like that for added convenience and accessibility, Sing House Studios provides mobile party services, allowing hosts to bring the music experience directly to their desired location. Whether celebrating at home, in a community center, or at a corporate venue, individuals can enjoy the same high-quality entertainment and instruction offered at the studio. The availability of mobile parties extends Sing House Studios’ reach and enables greater participation in music-related events and celebrations.
In addition to standard birthday party packages, Sing House Studios offers customizable themes and events to suit various occasions and preferences. Whether hosting a team-building activity, corporate event, or community gathering, the studio can adapt its offerings to meet specific requirements and objectives. The flexibility and versatility of Sing House Studios’ party options ensure that every celebration is unique, engaging, and tailored to the needs of the participants.
While mobile party services offer convenience and flexibility, hosts should be aware of additional fees associated with off-site events. The extra charges for transportation, setup, and travel beyond a certain distance may increase the overall cost of the party, potentially impacting budgetary considerations for organizers and participants.
Overall, Sing House Studios offers a dynamic and engaging environment for music enthusiasts of all ages, with birthday party packages that cater to diverse interests and preferences. With professional instruction, inclusive programming, and versatile party options, the studio provides an unparalleled experience for individuals seeking to celebrate special occasions through music.
Pros
- Creative Birthday Packages Offered
- Versatile Party Options
- Excellent Mobile Party Services
Cons
- Additional Fees for Mobile Parties may Incur
3. Escape Manor
Criteria | Ratings |
Age Specification | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Reasonable Rates | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
Time Allotment | ★★★★✩(4/5) |
Number of Guests Allowed | ★★★✩✩(3/5) |
Customer Service | ★★★★✩(4/5) |
If you and your friends are the types who love challenges, Escape Manor is the perfect venue to celebrate your special day. With 4 locations and various rooms in each location, you will never run out of a puzzle to solve.
For Downtown and Hintonburg locations, each room is designed to be played by a maximum of 6 players for 45 minutes. Diefenbunker is on a different difficulty level and could be played by a maximum of 12 players for 60 minutes.
Clients love how well-thought-of the themes and the clues of each room are. The themes are even updated after 9-12 months to make sure there are fresh challenges for repeat players.
Another noteworthy thing to mention with Escape Manor is the cozy waiting room with a bar set-up. They offer light snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and even some beer, wine, and select spirits.
Guests stay in the waiting room either before or after their schedule. They either prepare themselves mentally or relax after a nerve-wracking and mind-bending lockdown experience.
The Nepean location is dedicated to younger clients as young as 6 years old. A party package is offered at this location.
The birthday boy or girl along with his friends has a 45-minute immersive escape experience. Then, they can hold a party in a private room for 45 minutes along with other guests.
Each escape room can only hold a maximum of 7 kids plus 1 accompanying adult. You can book another escape room if the kids in your party exceed 7.
For all the escape rooms, you don’t have to worry that you would be left to your own devices. Some staff would assist you as you crack clues.
If you’re the type who does not want to leave your home, their online escape rooms will delight you. Once you purchase it, you can have fun together with your friends at one or even different locations.
One downside, though, is that slots easily fill up. So, be sure to book early to enjoy a lockdown experience you would be talking about long after it’s done.
Pros
- Has four locations
- Has cozy waiting room
- Accommodates all age levels
- Offers online escape rooms
- Escape rooms can be played in French
- Allows guests to bring in foods and drinks (Nepean branch)
Cons
- Slots easily fill up
- Limited people in one room
- Some client complaints about customer service and time restraint
Customer Reviews
Do you think it’s enjoyable to get locked up with only a few clues to help you break out? Read what those who have experienced it have to say.
Challenging, age-appropriate, fun
“We just had our child’s birthday party at Escape Manor Junior and it was a great time for all! The staff were so responsive and communicative and really helped to ensure that the day went smoothly. From first contact, Jordan and Becca were wonderful as well as the rest of the staff. The escape rooms were very age-appropriate while allowing for some challenging fun. The party room is well-equipped and stocked with the essentials (candles, lighter, plates, cups, napkins, etc.). We are looking forward to going back as a family to a different escape room (they have several!) together again soon!” — Randa S.
Worth coming back to
“Nice venue, with a bar and comfy lounge area to hang out in before and after your escape room. Staff are very helpful and friendly. Everyone in my party had a great time and I would definitely come back to try another room.” —Chris Dupont
4. Art Haven
Criteria | Ratings |
Age Specification | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Reasonable Rates | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
Time Allotment | ★★★★★(5/5) |
Number of Guests Allowed | ★★★★★(5/5) |
Customer Service | ★★★☆☆(3/5) |
Calling on all the artistic souls out there—Art Haven lives up to its name.
If you want a private party that has some art activities involved in it, then Art Haven is for you. You have the Barrhaven and Kanata locations to choose from.
For both adults and kids, you can choose ceramics or canvas as your medium. Package prices start with 8 painters and have an additional charge for each person after.
For the ceramics party, an additional fee is required for the ceramics of your choice. The session runs for 1 hour and 45 minutes.
For those who wish to paint on canvas, the kids can have a step-by-step guide from an instructor or do it freestyle. Adults can choose from some designs for them to copy or request for a custom one (with an additional fee).
People also flock to Art Haven for their bubble tea. They have other offerings such as slushies, smoothies, soft drinks, some hot drinks, beer, and wine.
One thing that can discourage people from trying out Art Haven is that deposits are non-refundable. They can only be used as store credits, instead.
If your birthday is on a Monday, you may also be out of luck. Art Haven does not operate on that day.
Pros
- Can accommodate up to 50 guests
- Long time given to paint and can even add more hours
- Two locations
- Allows guests to bring in foods and drinks
Cons
- Closed on Mondays
- Some client complaints about bad customer service and taste of bubble tea
- Deposit is non-refundable and can only be used for store credits
- Steep prices especially the ceramic pieces
Customer Reviews
Color your way to a vibrant party! Here are some reviews that might inspire you.
Creative way to celebrate a birthday
“Great place to inspire creativity! My son really enjoyed his birthday celebration here and his friends are still talking about all the fun they had.” —Irina Fortey
Staff knows how to handle kids well
“I really recommend the Art Haven for kids parties because the team is super prepared and they really know what to do to keep 8 kids focused on what they need to do. My daughter loved her birthday party and I want to say thank for Shelby that really did a fantastic job.” —Diego de Fabio
5. GlowSport
Criteria | Ratings |
Age Specification | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Reasonable Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Time Allotment | ★★★★★(5/5) |
Number of Guests Allowed | ★★★★★(5/5) |
Customer Service | ★★★★✩(4/5) |
Tired of the same old parties and want a birthday that’s full of action? Well, GlowSport may be the birthday venue you’re looking for.
GlowSport offers Nerf Gun Battle parties where everything glows. You can even add a body paint or canvas paint activity to your event.
Children as young as 6 years old can join in the fun. Don’t worry because there would be staff that would help you run your event.
Everything you need is part of the packages. These include guns, ammunition, safety goggles, glow paint, and glowing rental jerseys.
All you have to do is pick between their Ottawa West or Ottawa East location and reserve for your event. The GlowSport team also caters to mobile battle parties where they come and set up at your preferred location.
Your whole team can enjoy 90 minutes of intense battle. Then, you can come together and relax for 30 minutes in their party room.
Bringing outside food and drinks is allowed. You can also have a food upgrade in your package and enjoy pizza, chips, popcorn, unlimited juice, and water.
Clients can’t help but gush that it is indeed a fun and unique experience. One downside though is that rates are higher during weekends.
Pros
- Has two locations to choose from
- Packages has lots of inclusions
- Can accommodate up to 20 people or more in mobile parties
- Outside food and drinks are allowed
- Parties supervised by a GlowSport staff
- Operates every day
Cons
- Higher prices on weekends
- Some client complaints on customer service
Customer Reviews
Below are some glowing reviews of satisfied clients. GlowSport really lives up to its name of providing a glowing and fun event.
Fun & engaging activity for teens
“Top notch service! I never give anybody 5 star reviews but these guys EARNED IT!!! Huge thanks for dealing with and managing a group of teens for my daughter’s birthday. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a fun engaging adventure out.” —Kevin Pollock
It’s everything you could ask for
“1. It’s COOL — whatever birthday party, teambuilder, or special event you are planning this year, imagine if it was GLOW-in-the-DARK?!
2. It’s DIFFERENT — chances are, you haven’t done this yet. Our family has either hosted or attended 100’s of birthday parties over the years, but we had never done Glow Sport.
3. It’s for ALL AGES — from young kids to parents, everyone in our family was able to safely play our chosen activity, which was Nerf Wars. It’s very gratifying to be able to shoot family members, to be quite honest. Head shots were allowed and abundant (wearing safety goggles, of course).
4. It’s VERSATILE — you choose what you want to do in the darK: Nerf Gun Battles, martial arts, soccer, fitness class, prom, bachelor(ette) party, etc. so your imagination is the limit. You choose where you want to do it— at their location or at your own facility, home, school gym, business, etc. as they are mobile.
5. It’s EXHILARATING — it’s super fun as you run around in the dark, pump up music blasting, playing different games and challenges. It’s an experience that our family and friends were raving about for hours after the event. And it was a good workout as well.” -Phil Nguyen
6. Orleans Bowling Centre
Criteria | Ratings |
Age Specification | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Reasonable Rates | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Time Allotment | ★★★☆☆(3/5) |
Number of Guests Allowed | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
Customer Service | ★★★☆☆(3/5) |
Your birthday could be the best day for you to get a strike! That is if you celebrate it at Orleans Bowling Centre.
OBC operates long hours and is open every day. This makes it a very viable option for family nights and after-work gatherings with friends and colleagues.
Bowling has been a staple for groups to enjoy time together. This place is the perfect place to do that with the addition of billiards and darts.
For the children’s party, kids are given an hour to bowl. Team packs (a mix of adults and children) are better because they have two hours of play.
It could be a nice inclusion to kids’ birthday packages to have a bowling coach of some sort. OBC makes sure that kids don’t get disheartened, though, by putting up the gutter guards during their play.
Unfortunately, bringing outside foods and drinks is not allowed in OBC. The only exception is the birthday cake and food for a guest that has allergens.
There’s a split review with regards to the ambiance of the place. Some find it nice, while others find it outdated, flashy, and loud.
Customer service is on the same boat as the ambiance. Other clients are all out in praising the staff, while others say that the people who work here are rude.
Pros
- Open every day and operates on long hours
- Has billiard tables and darts aside from bowling lanes
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Quite restricted with the playtime
- Some client complaints on ambiance, food, and customer service
- Outside foods and drinks not allowed
Customer Reviews
Orleans Bowling Centre continues to make a clean strike to the heart of satisfied clients. Here are some of them.
Great way to celebrate a birthday
“Great experience at a bowling birthday party. Employees ensured all kids had their shoes and instructed on proper use of lanes. Party room was clean and well decorated; plenty of room for kids to run around.” —Kate Lou Thom
Complete package
“The staple Orleans bowling alley, what more can I say? Fun for kids, adults… slush puppies, beers, birthday parties, rock and bowl. What else could a person want really!” —Jackie Churcher
7. My Studio Party
Criteria | Ratings |
Age Specification | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Reasonable Rates | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
Time Allotment | ★★★★✩(4/5) |
Number of Guests Allowed | ★★★✩✩(3/5) |
Customer Service | ★★★★★(5/5) |
My Studio Party is a company that provides clients with a memorable musical experience may it be for birthday parties, corporate gatherings, and other similar occasions. Founded by Claire Hakey who is a singer-songwriter and producer, clients can be sure that no matter their level of musical talent – they will always have a good time with them.
They are comprised of a team of professionals and partners, who can help bring clients into a unique and inspiring party that can not only inspire self-confidence but also build up camaraderie.
With music and art at the very heart of their services, clients get the opportunity to work with renowned artists, dancers, and painters among many others to better appreciate the whole experience.
They have various packages such as arts and crafts sessions, dance parties, face painting, and red carpet parties which can definitely spruce up any party to a whole new level.
Note, however, that their packages may only accommodate slightly small party sizes but clients can coordinate with them should they intend to accommodate more people.
Pros
- Musical approach to parties
- Wide range of creative packages
- Comprised of a team of professionals
Cons
- Operating hours unavailable
Customer Reviews
Here are some reviews from their clients:
“We did the dance choreography and it was fantastic (…) I am actually blown away at how much the kids learned! I highly recommend it, you will not be disappointed!” – Tara B.
“We loved every aspect of learning how a song is produced…Definitely looking forward to doing it again!” – Khaled T.
FAQs about Birthday Party Venues in Ottawa
This brings us to the end of our article about the top birthday party venues in Ottawa. Did you pick a favorite yet?
Have you been to other special birthday party venues in Ottawa? Message us so we can also check them out.
Ottawa never runs out of beautiful venues for special occasions. We also have a list of the best wedding venues in Ottawa that you can browse through.