10 Exciting Indoor Birthday Party Ideas (2025)
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Written by Nina Gunther-Segal
Freelance Copywriter & Editor -
Edited by Annie Muscat
Editor & Publisher
- November 15, 2025
- 8 min read
- Parties
Source: Pexels / Polina Tankilevitch
Having your birthday party inside doesn’t mean it has to be boring! Whether your birthday falls right in the middle of winter or you’re simply more on the “indoorsy” side, it’s easy to plan a memorable indoor birthday bash with the right ideas under your belt.
We’ll suggest some of our favorite ideas for indoor birthday parties, including those catering to different age groups and budgets. We’ll also provide some higher-level guidance on how to figure out which ideas are the best fit for your party, as well as advice on finding the best indoor birthday party venues.
Read on for a range of unexpected indoor birthday ideas that’ll make your party an absolute blast!
Fun activities for indoor birthdays
Keep the energy high and the laughter flowing with these engaging indoor activities that everyone’s sure to enjoy.
1. Board games
There’s a reason we’ve been playing board games for decades as a way to connect! They bring people together and get everyone engaged, no matter their age. Some of our favorite board games to play at parties:
There’s a board game out there to suit every group and energy level. They encourage friendly competition and teamwork, helping guests connect with one another. You can even award prizes to the winners to provide an extra bit of motivation to win!
2. Dance party
Turn your indoor birthday celebration into a high-energy dance floor where your guests can let loose. You can play your favorite dance playlists (find more inspo on this list of the 40 best party songs ever made) and set up colored lights to add to the mood. Dancing is a great way to get everyone at your party moving and laughing together!
For a quirkier take on the classic dance party, consider hosting a silent disco: a party that dates all the way back to the 70s where people dance to music played through their own individual headphones.
Budget-friendly indoor birthday parties
Celebrating without overspending is easy with these wallet-friendly indoor birthday ideas.
3. DIY movie and snack night
Set up a cozy viewing area in your living room, with blankets, pillows, and a favorite movie or TV show. Offer simple, affordable snacks like popcorn, cookies, candy, and hot chocolate to your guests.
This idea is affordable, easy to set up in any living room, and is a way for guests to relax and enjoy each other with no need for expensive decorations or complicated activities. Make it a sleepover if you’re feeling extra nostalgic!
If you and your buds love movies and have a bit more budget to spend, consider booking a couple hours at a nearby movie theater venue.
4. Creative craft stations
Provide guests with hands-on activities like cupcake decorating, rock painting, origami, or DIY slime. Craft stations are a perfect indoor birthday party idea because they’re adaptable, and they double as a fun activity and take-home treat for guests.
Supplies can be sourced from dollar stores (or even repurposed from stuff you have around your home) and you can mix and match craft options based on the age group and number of guests in attendance. This will keep everyone entertained without breaking your budget!
Indoor birthday ideas for kids
Make your child’s special day unforgettable with these fun, age-appropriate suggestions.
5. Indoor “camping”
Many kids love experiencing the magic of a camping experience, even indoors! Set up a tent with pillows, blankets, and twinkle lights for atmosphere (don’t forget to turn down the lights). Add s’mores (here’s how to make s’mores in the microwave) and a hot dog or pizza picnic, and include a spooky story session for extra campfire vibes. It’s an immersive experience that lets kids enjoy a bit of adventure without the need to head outside.
6. Choose-your-own-adventure party
Give kids control over their birthday party experience with a choose-your-own-adventure-inspired setup. Create multiple activity stations, like crafts, games, mini challenges, or a snack corner. Then let children decide what to do and in what order!
This format keeps kids’ energy high as it encourages their independence and decision-making. It’s adaptable to spaces of all sizes and works with almost any age group, as long as you tailor the activity stations to your guests’ ages.
7. Balloon-powered LEGO car races
Bring in a unique engineering challenge by having kids build their own LEGO cars and then power them with balloons! This hands-on activity will spark their creativity and problem-solving skills, and it’s also a great outlet for some friendly competition.
Kids can experiment with car designs to see whose vehicle goes the farthest. You can even create a simple racetrack in a hallway or your living room to make the race feel more official! Here’s how to make your own LEGO balloon cars at home.
Indoor party ideas for teens
Engage teens with exciting indoor party ideas that suit their interests and style.
8. Murder mystery party
What about turning your teen’s birthday into an interactive whodunit for a truly memorable experience? It’s ideal for older kids who enjoy role-playing and problem-solving. You can create your own storyline to match your theme, or buy ready-made, teen-friendly murder mystery kits.
Not sure where to start? Here’s the ultimate guide to planning a murder mystery party plus our suggestions for 13 murder mystery party ideas. They’re sure to spark some creativity!
9. Birthday bake-off
Being indoors is the perfect excuse to bake some scrumptious sweets. If your teen loves to bake, host a birthday bake-off with all their friends. Guests can split into teams and compete to craft the most delicious sweet of the day.
If you don’t have enough space in your kitchen for multiple groups of people to be baking at once, consider renting a birthday space with a kitchen that comes with all the amenities and supplies you’ll need for the bake-off.
10. Karaoke battle
Host a high-energy karaoke competition where teens perform their favorite songs (solo or in teams). All you need for this activity is a YouTube karaoke playlist, a microphone, and some fun props, if desired.
This activity encourages confidence and laughter, and it’s a great fit for different size groups. Teens can cheer each other on and even plan themed rounds (like songs from certain decades, movie soundtracks, etc.). It’s a lively party activity that requires minimal prep!
Choosing great indoor party ideas
As you’re planning out the perfect indoor birthday party, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Guest of honor’s personality: If you’re planning a birthday party for someone else, consider their personality before you choose any ideas. Are they more likely to enjoy hands-on activities like DIY crafts and interactive games, or a more relaxed setting, with movies and snacks?
- Space available: Consider the home or indoor birthday party venue where you’re hosting the space. Whether it’s a living room, a small hall, a studio, or some other style of space will influence your choice of games, decor, and so forth.
- Type of celebration: Small groups are a good fit for collaborative games and craft projects, while larger gatherings might enjoy a scavenger hunt or karaoke contest.
To find even more great ideas for your indoor party, check out what’s on social media, blogs, and party guides. Even if you don’t specifically search for indoor birthday ideas, you’ll likely find lots of ideas that’ll work well for an indoor celebration.
Finding birthday party venues
Selecting the right space for your festivities can make your indoor birthday celebration feel extra special. Whether you’re hosting it in your own space or at one of the best birthday party venues in town, the right location sets the stage for fun and memorable moments.
Peerspace lets you book spaces by the hour, so you can maximize your budget on decorations, snacks, activities, etc. without paying for unused time. Plus, Peerspace listings come with photos, detailed descriptions, and reviews from past renters, so it’s extra easy to find a space that matches your party’s theme and energy.
Now’s the time to start planning your party
Getting a head start on planning gives you plenty of time to organize all the details that will make your party stand out. Once you’ve secured a suitable location, you can focus on planning activities, themed decorations, and more to keep guests engaged.
For step-by-step advice on throwing an unforgettable birthday party, check out our full birthday planning guide. Starting sooner can help you plan a more thoughtful, seamless celebration!
