Birthday parties get a lot harder to plan when you get to adulthood. First, there’s the issue of wrangling all your friends together, then finding an activity you all enjoy. But the good news is there are options in Austin whether you want to relive the fun you had as a kid on your birthday or do something more adult.
Of course, you can always go to your favorite bar or restaurant, but if you feel like mixing it up this year, here are seven places to celebrate.
Upstairs Circus
For the crafty folks, Upstairs Circus allows you to create something from their menu of projects, providing all the supplies and instructions. You can plan a full birthday party with them for $42 per person, or sign up for the same reservation time with a friend or two if you want to keep it small.
234 West 2nd St.
Peter Pan Mini Golf
Almost everyone had a putt-putt birthday party at some point as a kid, but Peter Pan makes it more “adult” with delightfully creepy figures and their BYOB policy. It’s also an Austin classic that’s been around since 1948. The course also offers table reservations and discounted group rates for parties of 12 or more, paid for by one person, at $8 per person for 18 holes or $13 per person for 36 holes. Turn it into a doubleheader by walking to Butler Pitch and Putt nearby for more golf, beer, and burgers.
1207 Barton Springs Rd.
Punch Bowl Social
Bowling, arcade games, ping-pong, karaoke, mini golf, cocktails, and more are all under one giant roof at Punch Bowl Social. So many activities means there’s something for everyone, as well as a full cocktail and food menu. Private reservations for birthdays (or any other event) are available.
522 Congress Ave. and 11310 Domain Dr.
Blazer Tag
For those looking to relive their youth: Most Austinites who grew up here have been to a birthday party or two at Blazer Tag, the largest laser tag arena in the state with 10,000 square feet and three stories of gameplay area with ramps, bridges, and towers. A 10-person party, which includes two games each, game tokens, pizza, and a party room, runs you $350. Plus, there’s beer and wine for purchase.
1701 W Ben White Blvd.
The Highball
Birthdays call for scream-singing “Mr. Brightside” with all your friends. Located at the Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar, the Highball‘s private, themed karaoke rooms run $30–$50 per hour, and you and your friends can order from their food and drink menu without leaving the room.
1120 South Lamar Blvd.
Deep Eddy
If you have a summer birthday and nothing sounds fun besides sitting in cold water, head to Deep Eddy for an afternoon of swimming and tanning. Have a drink afterward at Pool Burger or Deep Eddy Cabaret just steps away from the pool (just be sure you’re not in your swimsuit when you go).
401 Deep Eddy Dr.
Highland Lanes
Bowling is always a crowd-pleaser, and Highland Lanes legitimately has some of the best burgers in Austin at Lebowski’s Grill. Multiple reservation packages are available for at least 10 people and include two lanes of bowling, shoes, and ball rentals.
8909 Burnet Rd.