Why The Play Cafe Should Be Your Go-To Party Venue
Since we opened, The Play Cafe has been my family’s go-to for hosting parties. It’s designed with every possible party pain point in mind. Whether you're dealing with toddlers, teenagers, or a mix of ages, this space offers everything you need to throw a stress-free birthday party. We did that on purpose!
As a business I started with my own party-hosting experiences in mind, it truly takes the hassle out of the event by providing:
- Private, temperature-controlled rooms
- A Tiny Town play area for younger kids that keeps them entertained for hours
- Customizable options for themes, decorations, and activities
- A venue designed to be easy to manage even for large groups of kids
- A brand new, state-of-the-art BEAM Projector Game System, an interactive floor-based system with motion-sensor technology, providing screen-time entertainment that encourages active play and engagement for kids of all ages.
- Flexible scheduling for parents who need to work around busy family lives
And yes, even my teenagers love The Play Cafe! It’s been a hit for all my kids, making it an ideal venue for all ages. But that’s not all—I’ve explored plenty of other options in the area. Below are some of the best places around Linn County where you can host your next big event.
Places I have personally Hosted parties
At Home
LOW cost but HIGH stress! While at-home parties give you total control, they also leave you with the mess to clean up.
In summary, I would really really rather not.
And I LOVE hosting parties. So, that should tell you all you need to know.
Chuck E. Cheese
My oldest son's 1st birthday was at Chuck E. Cheese before they closed in Cedar Rapids. I remember it being a good party, but I only had one toddler to keep track of at that time. I followed him the whole night and didn't spend as much time with guests as I would have liked.
If you like this option, there is still one in Cedar Falls.
Chuck E. Cheese - Cedar Falls
- Price Range: Low to Medium ($15–$25 per child depending on the package)
- Highlights: Unlimited games and pizza
- Website: Chuck E. Cheese
Air FX Trampoline Park
This is always a winning option. However, I felt rushed. It's not their fault, it is just the nature of this type of party place. Also, my bill went up really fast. This was not a cheap party.
- Price Range: Medium-High ($200–$500+ depending on package and number of kids)
- Highlights: Trampolines, ninja warrior courses, climbing walls
- Website: AirFX
The Highlander Hotel - Iowa City
We absolutely love this space. We got a joint room right by the pool with rooms that walked out to the pool deck. Great option for winter parties for older kids. They have an arcade, too! More expensive, but a really unique experience.
- Price Range: High (Room rental fees + party packages)
- Highlights: Indoor pool party with themes, fun amenities for overnight stays
- Website: The Highlander Hotel
Wilson’s Apple Orchard - Iowa City
We have two kiddos with Fall brithday's and had their party here years ago before this place got super busy. We had a spot overlooking the orchard, road the tractor, picked apples, had apple pie instead of cake.
What more could you ask for?
- Price Range: Low to Medium
- Highlights: Outdoor orchard party with apple picking and tractor rides
- Website: Wilson’s Orchard
Dragons Lair Laser Tag - Marion
I didn't realize this place had moved to Marion. We went to the space out by the airport. It was a great party. The kids enjoyed having the space to themselves to play laser tag and that made it great for all ages. I'm not sure if that is still how it works. Call for more info!
- Price Range: Medium ($15–$25 per person)
- Highlights: Indoor laser tag arena, birthday packages with game sessions
- Website: Dragons Lair
True Heart Equine Pony Painting & Riding
In case you hadn't noticed, finding unique party options has been the goal for all of our celebrations. This one definitely didn't disappoint! You really can't get better than this price for this experience.
Staff is experienced and safe.
- Price Range: Medium ($200–$300 for pony painting and riding parties)
- Highlights: Pony riding and painting experience for younger kids
- Website: Contact directly via Facebook
Fifth Season Loft AirBnB - Cedar Rapids
I actually created this space and was the intial owner. When I started The Play Cafe I sold this to a good friend who has maintained it in it's original state. Such a beautiful space and wonderful for sleepovers!
(Let me know if you want our Spa Party Add-on for this space!)
- Price Range: Medium-High (Renting the loft for a full-day or overnight party, rates and vary by date and number of people)
- Highlights: Urban chic space for older kids and teens, perfect for sleepovers
- Website: Airbnb
Fun options I haven't tried yet:
Fun Station Cedar Rapids
YMCA - Marion or Cedar Rapids
Fun Station Cedar Rapids
- Price Range: Medium-High ($200–$500 depending on package)
- Highlights: Arcade games, inflatables, and laser tag
- Website: Fun Station
Sky Zone - Cedar Rapids
YMCA - Marion or Cedar Rapids
Fun Station Cedar Rapids
- Price Range: Medium to High ($250–$600 depending on package)
- Highlights: Trampoline park with dodgeball, basketball, and foam pits
- Website: Sky Zone
YMCA - Marion or Cedar Rapids
YMCA - Marion or Cedar Rapids
YMCA - Marion or Cedar Rapids
- Price Range: Low to Medium ($100–$250 for party room and pool rental)
- Highlights: Pool parties, gym space, and more for active kids
- Website: YMCA
Cedar Rapids Bowling Center
Iowa Children’s Museum - Coralville
YMCA - Marion or Cedar Rapids
- Price Range: Low to Medium ($100–$300 for party packages)
- Highlights: Bowling, arcade games, and pizza
- Website: CR Bowling
Bender Pool - Cedar Rapids
Iowa Children’s Museum - Coralville
Iowa Children’s Museum - Coralville
- Price Range: Low ($75–$150 for pool rental)
- Highlights: An indoor pool that offers party packages with pool access and reserved tables. A fun, budget-friendly option for kids who love to swim.
- Website: Bender Pool
Iowa Children’s Museum - Coralville
Iowa Children’s Museum - Coralville
Iowa Children’s Museum - Coralville
- Price Range: Medium ($150–$400 depending on package)
- Highlights: Interactive exhibits, private party rooms
Website: Iowa Children’s Museum
Pizza Ranch - Marion or Cedar Rapids
Pizza Ranch - Marion or Cedar Rapids
Pizza Ranch - Marion or Cedar Rapids
- Price Range: Low-Medium (Party room rentals are often free with food purchase)
- Highlights: Buffet-style pizza parties
- Website: Pizza Ranch
Super Skate - Cedar Rapids
Pizza Ranch - Marion or Cedar Rapids
Pizza Ranch - Marion or Cedar Rapids
- Price Range: Low to Medium ($100–$300 depending on package)
- Highlights: Roller skating rink with party packages that include skate rental, reserved tables, and pizza. They also offer themed parties like glow skating and fun group activities for both kids and teens.
- Website: Super Skate
Twisters Gymnastics - Cedar Rapids
Pizza Ranch - Marion or Cedar Rapids
Twisters Gymnastics - Cedar Rapids
- Price Range: Medium ($175–$300 depending on party package and number of kids)
- Highlights: Gymnastics-themed parties with access to trampolines, foam pits, and gym equipment. Coaches are available to lead activities and ensure everyone has a safe and fun time. This is a great option for active kids who love to move!
- Website: Twisters Gymnastics
Capri College - Cedar Rapids
Buff City Soap - Cedar Rapids
Twisters Gymnastics - Cedar Rapids
- Price Range: Low-Medium ($50–$150 depending on services)
- Highlights: Ideal for spa-themed birthday parties for older kids and teens. Guests can get their hair, nails, and makeup done by students.
- Website: Capri College
Buff City Soap - Cedar Rapids
Buff City Soap - Cedar Rapids
Buff City Soap - Cedar Rapids
- Price Range: Medium ($100–$250 depending on the number of participants)
- Highlights: Soap-making parties where kids can customize their own soaps and bath products. This is a fun, hands-on experience for kids who enjoy creative activities.
- Website: Buff City Soap
Buff City Soap - Cedar Rapids
Buff City Soap - Cedar Rapids
Buff City Soap - Cedar Rapids
- Price Range: Medium ($100–$250 depending on the number of participants)
- Highlights: Soap-making parties where kids can customize their own soaps and bath products. This is a fun, hands-on experience for kids who enjoy creative activities.
- Website: Buff City Soap
Welcome!
Things to know ahead of time:
1. We are a shoe-free play space. Please bring grip socks for kiddos, and regular socks for adults.
2. Waivers are required for every kid. Fill that out ahead of time with the link on our home page, or when you come in.
3.Snacks and drinks are allowed. You are welcome to bring your own, but we also really appreciate any purchases.
4. We are a local mom-operated business! We appreciate your grace and understanding as we navigate running a business with kids around.
See you Soon!