Party time

10 top birthday party venues for kids to celebrate big in Dallas

Every kids is a ninja at Ninja Nation, which opens October 13 in Frisco.

Photo courtesy of Ninja Nation

Bounce houses and party clowns can get old, and scary, after a few years. And with kids getting their own iPhones at a younger and younger age, they need activities that will really capture their attention. We’ve compiled a list of the most awesome and active venues — from a new ninja obstacle course to the Dallas Cowboys world headquarters — that will make kids the envy of the Dallas birthday party set.

The Star
Impress the kids and the other parents with a VIP Guided Tour of Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters. There are four tiers of parties depending on how much you’re looking to spend and what you want included in your child’s special day. If you’re looking to really go big, purchase the Hall of Fame package ($1200), which includes a party room, drinks, a 45-minute tour with an hour of field play, a group photo, and souvenirs for the birthday kid.

Top Golf
For your little Jordan Spieth or Michelle Wie, book a party at this point-scoring driving range. It costs $25 a kid and includes two hours of play, catered meals, unlimited drinks, and your own personal bay host. You can also enhance the experience with goodie bags or swinging tips from a Top Golf coach.

Flag Pole Hill
Speaking of Jordan Spieth, the golfer’s Family Foundation recently played part in the opening of a new inclusive playground in Lake Highlands. Inspired by his sister, who is on the autism spectrum, the park has elements designed to accommodate autistic kids. With picnic tables, grills, and an outdoor restroom, it’s a great place for all children to celebrate their birthday with friends.

Texas Rangers Ballpark
Hit a homerun (couldn't resist) with a kid-friendly party at The Kid’s Zone at Rangers Ballpark. The venue is equipped with an interactive playground to let the kiddos run around for hours. There’s also a larger than life baseball bat and slide, a mini rock climbing wall and PlayStation game stations.

Perot Museum
Young explorers or scientists can spend the day discovering and celebrating at the Perot. The party package includes all day admission for 30 guests and a themed party room on Saturdays and Sundays. Themes vary by age, but include bugs (members only), dinosaurs, and astronauts. You can also add on food, drinks and gift bags if you wish.

Young Chefs Academy
With this one, your kids can learn a useful skill and have fun doing it. All-inclusive cooking party packages vary by age. For 4 year olds and younger, there’s a choice between pizza and calzones. The Perfect Pasta Party and Birthday Brunch are available for ages 8 and up. And the big kids, ages 10 and up, can have a made-from-scratch cupcake party.

Geppetto’s Marionette Theater
Through November 4, the "Out of This World" variety marionette show will be playing on weekends. Bring your birthday boy or girl and their friends to the theater for a one-of-a-kind experience. The basic party package ($225) includes 10 children and 2 adult tickets, popcorn, drinks, a backstage tour, and a group photo sesh. Private party rooms are available with the higher tier packages. And if your child has a holiday-time birthday, the Winter Wonderland show returns on November 24.

Ninja Nation
Opening on October 13 in Frisco, this obstacle course will allow your kids to climb, crawl, and swing like a ninja. The standard birthday party ($375) includes 75 minutes of ninja training and 30 minutes to refuel and celebrate in the party area. You can also add on pizza and drinks for $5 a child.

Frontiers of Flight Museum
Fulfill your child’s dream of being a jet pilot for the day at this flight museum at Dallas Love Field. Party rooms are available for two hours and include play in The Children’s Discovery Area, an in-flight movie, admission into the Wind Tunnel lab, and practice being an air traffic controller.

Painting With a Twist
Celebrate your little Picasso with a party at Painting With a Twist, without the twist (alcohol). Kids parties are available for ages 8 and up and can be booked weekdays or weekends. The kids will learn to paint an entire work of art, step by step, by a local artist. The birthday boy or girl can also choose which picture they want from over 3,900 options.

families

Rolling a strike

High 5 Exchange bowling and entertainment mega-center rolls into Allen

Facebook/High 5 Exchange Austin

The High 5 Exchange in Austin has bowling galore.

A new family entertainment destination is rolling into Allen, bringing bowling, laser tag, miniature golf, virtual reality, and more. Called High 5 Exchange, the venue has broken ground at 2361 Quail Covey Rd. in The Farm in Allen.

It is expected to open in 2027, according to a release.

High 5 Exchange comes from a family entertainment company founded by husband-and-wife team Scott and Jenny Emley. They opened the first location in the Lakeway area of Austin more than a decade ago; a second Austin location followed a few years later.

Their roots are in Austin - Scott Emley played football for UT Austin - but the couple recently relocated to McKinney. There's also a location under construction in Mansfield.

The entertainment mega-center in Allen will combine indoor and outdoor attractions, dining, and rooms for parties and other group events.

Tasty-looking tacos at High 5 in Austin.Facebook/High 5 Exchange Austin

Bowling will be the major draw, with 24 lanes supplied by QubicaAMF. The lineup will include 16 traditional tenpin lanes equipped with EDGE String pinspotters, HyperBowling, and Neoverse, along with eight Fly'n Ducks duckpin lanes, the release says. The combination will give guests the choice between traditional full-length bowling and duckpin bowling, which uses a smaller ball.

"Bowling has a unique ability to bring different generations, interests and skill levels together," said Jody Pastula, director of new business development, U.S., for QubicaAMF, in a statement. "By offering both tenpin and Fly'n Ducks duckpin bowling, High 5 Allen is creating more ways for guests to participate and share the experience. We are pleased to be part of a project designed around connection, variety and repeat visits."

Beyond bowling, High 5 Allen will feature laser tag, a virtual reality arena, an arcade gaming floor, escape rooms, an immersive experience from Creative Works called "Limitless," and outdoor miniature golf. The venue will also have dedicated spaces for birthday parties, corporate gatherings, and private events, along with food and beverage service.

While details on the food and beverage program have not yet been announced, the Austin locations feature a full-service bar and a menu of "American classics with a gourmet twist."

High 5 Exchange Allen Rendering of High 5 Exchange at The Farm in Allen.Rendering courtesy of High 5 Exchange

High 5 Exchange will be part of The Farm in Allen, a 135-acre mixed-use development at the southeast corner of the Sam Rayburn Tollway and Alma Drive. Developed by Allen-based JaRyCo Development in partnership with the Johnson family, The Farm combines residential, office, dining, retail, and entertainment components.

"Allen and the surrounding communities have been part of our vision for this project from the beginning," said Scott Emley, co-founder and CEO of High 5 Exchange, in a statement. "The Farm brings together homes, workplaces, parks, dining and entertainment in a way that fits how people want to connect.

"We are excited to create a place where a family can spend an afternoon, coworkers can gather after work, and friends can celebrate the moments that matter."

entertainment and dining bowling allen