Welcome, parents! As a local guide in Smyrna, the process of planning a child’s birthday party is something that is well understood. It can feel like a lot to handle, but this town has some amazing places that make celebrating easy and fun. Whether a child dreams of a day full of bouncing and climbing or a party with bowling and arcade games, there is a spot here that can work. This guide will look at five of the top-notch places that offer something special, so you can choose the one that fits your family best and enjoy the day without all the stress.
Five Fantastic Places for a Smyrna Birthday Party
Stars and Strikes: For the All-in-One Fun Seeker
If a party where everything is taken care of is what you are looking for, Stars and Strikes is an excellent choice. It is a large, 54,000-square-foot facility with a little bit of everything. Children and their friends can bowl, play laser tag, and get lost in a massive arcade with dozens of games. It is a popular spot for a good reason, as it is a perfect place for kids who love to stay active and try different things.
This venue is designed to provide a “turn-key” experience for parents who want to avoid the stress of planning every detail. Rather than having to coordinate separate activities and food, the business offers party packages that include activities, food, drinks, and a personal party host to help everything run smoothly. This focus on convenience makes the celebration stress-free from start to finish. The wide range of activities, from bowling with bumpers for little kids to escape rooms and axe throwing for older crowds, allows it to be a destination for the whole family, where parents and older siblings can also enjoy themselves. The presence of a full restaurant and bar supports this broader appeal.
Stars and Strikes: 3333 One Final Score Dr, Smyrna, TN 37167
Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (SOAC): For the Active Explorer
The Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center is a unique spot run by the town of Smyrna’s Parks and Recreation Department. The SOAC is a mix of indoor and outdoor activities that are both fun and educational. It is a great place for a child who loves climbing and learning about nature.
The SOAC’s main attraction is its indoor Adventure Zone, which has climbing walls and cargo-net structures. Climbers need to be at least 8 years old or weigh 50 pounds or more. The party also gets to explore the hands-on exhibits. The combination of indoor adventure and outdoor opportunities, like access to the city’s parks, makes it a versatile destination. A key benefit of this venue is that it offers a “Plan B” for weather. The climate-controlled indoor space with climbing and exhibits provides a reliable, all-weather option, which is a practical solution for parents who might otherwise worry about a rainy day spoiling an active outdoor party.
The SOAC offers several party packages, from a simple room rental to options that include climbing and swimming for up to 30 guests. A basic party room rental costs $125 and includes one activity, while a package with both climbing and swimming is $250. Outside food and drinks are allowed, but no open flames, alcohol, or heating devices. All guests must sign a waiver, so it is a good idea to have those ready before you arrive.
Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (SOAC): 100 Sam Ridley Pkwy E, Smyrna, TN 37167
Kidz Adventure Center: For the Little Ones Who Love to Play
If a child is younger and loves to run, jump, and climb, the Kidz Adventure Center is the place to be. It is a medium-sized indoor playground designed especially for children ages 0 to 8. It is a safe and vibrant space with slides, ball pits, and obstacle courses that are perfect for younger children to burn off energy. Because the facility is highly specialized for a younger audience, it is a great choice for parties with toddlers and small children .
The center offers a few options for parties, including a basic party package for up to 8 children and a larger package for up to 24 kids. They also offer private party rentals on weekday evenings where you get the whole place to yourself. Packages come with two hours of playtime and a private party room.
You can bring your own food and drinks, but they have specific rules to note. For example, no glass, alcoholic drinks, or heating devices are allowed. Also, the business points out very specific rules, like not being able to use their ice cream freezer or a policy against confetti. These details are important for a parent to know beforehand to avoid frustration on the day of the party. A deposit is required to book, and there is a policy about cleaning up the room after your party is done.
Kidz Adventure Center: 880 Team Blvd, Smyrna, TN 37167
ETC Gymnastics: For the High-Energy Bouncer
If a child loves to flip, jump, and bounce, ETC Gymnastics is a great place for a birthday party. It offers a unique, active celebration where kids can get a taste of gymnastics, jump on trampolines, and even play in a giant foam pit. It is a fun, engaging, and active option that is perfect for children who love to move.
The party packages include an hour of activities on the gym floor, which can feature a rope swing, bounce house, trampolines, and a foam pit. They also have a “Mix & Match List” with extra activities like a zipline, obstacle course, or Nerf wars. Parties for ages 3-5 include 10 children, while parties for ages 6-13 include 15 children. Packages come with a private party room for 45 minutes, a party coach to lead the activities, and a hostess to handle the setup and flow of the party. This staff-led experience can be a great relief for parents who prefer not to plan games or keep a group of kids entertained. The presence of a party coach and hostess also shows a focus on balancing high-energy fun with adult supervision and safety, a key concern for parents. The hostess handles all the work, so parents can relax and enjoy the celebration. Party prices start at $265 for members and $275 for non-members.
ETC Gymnastics: 1510 Armstrong Ln, Smyrna, TN 37167
Lee Victory Recreation Park: For the Classic Outdoor Party
If a classic, outdoor celebration is preferred, Lee Victory Recreation Park is a top choice. It is one of Smyrna’s most popular parks and offers a large amount of space for running around, playing sports, and having a picnic. It is a great, affordable option for a low-key, family-friendly celebration.
The park has two large playgrounds, sports fields for softball and football, tennis and basketball courts, and a walking trail. There are also multiple shelters you can rent for your party, which come with picnic tables, grills, and electricity. Instead of a package, you rent one of the park’s four shelters. They have different sizes, with the largest holding up to 99 people.
The core value of this option is its low cost and flexibility. The trade-off is that you are responsible for everything for this type of party, from decorations to food and entertainment. This provides complete freedom to plan the day, but it requires more work and a backup plan in case of bad weather. As a public park, Lee Victory is a community resource that provides a different type of space than a private business. It is designed for broad use and offers basic but essential amenities like restrooms, playgrounds, and shelters.
Lee Victory Recreation Park: 1100 Blair Rd, Smyrna, TN 37167
Expert Tips for a Stress-Free Celebration
Here are a few important things to keep in mind as you plan, based on common issues parents face.
- Book Early: The best places and times get reserved quickly, especially on weekends. It is best not to wait until the last minute, as the sooner you book, the more options you will have.
- Check the Food Rules: Almost every venue has specific rules about what you can and cannot bring. Some places allow outside food but not heating devices, while others might only allow cupcakes. Be sure to read the fine print to avoid a surprise on party day.
- The Power of a Party Host: If your budget allows, a party host is worth it. They handle the setup, cleanup, and keep the party moving so you can enjoy the day with your child.
- A “Plan B” is needed for the Outdoors: If you choose a park, keep an eye on the weather and have a backup plan just in case. You do not want a sudden rainstorm to spoil the fun.
- Waivers are Important: Many active venues require every guest, even parents and siblings, to sign a waiver. It is a good idea to send these out with your invitations and have them signed before the party starts. This helps things go smoothly when you arrive.
