When you compare birthday venues, don't just look at the big headline number on the website: always work out the total for your guests and what it covers. A price of "from €12 per child" can end up costing more than a fixed €190 package that includes food and a host. This guide explains what to look at, using data from the websites of the venues in our catalogue.
What it costs on average
Of the 372 venues in the catalogue, 242 publish a price. Estimating a party for 15 children using the rates on their websites, the median total is €220; the middle half of venues falls between €113 and €275, and the extremes run from €25 to €675. Per child, across the 231 venues where it can be calculated, the median is €18 (€15 to €22 in the middle range, €7 to €57 at the extremes). These figures are from 23/10/2026 and are indicative: prices change, so confirm them with each venue.
Per-child price or fixed package
There are two common ways of charging:
- Per-child price. You pay an amount for each guest. It is flexible for a small group, but the total grows with each child and extras are often charged separately.
- Fixed package. One price up to a set number of children. It is easier to budget and usually works well if you are close to the maximum; with few children you may be paying for empty places.
To compare, always convert everything to the same unit: total / number of children = real price per child. And do the sum with your own numbers, not the ones on the website.
Minimum number of children
Many venues require a minimum to book. Among the 191 where it is stated, the median is 8 children and a quarter ask for 10 or more. If you bring 6 guests, you may end up paying for 8. Ask whether the minimum also applies at weekends and whether there is a special price for small groups; you can also look at venues with a private room, which sometimes offer different terms for small groups.
Surcharges: weekends, adults, extras
This is where comparisons go wrong. Before deciding, ask:
- Is the published rate for weekdays or weekends? Some venues charge more on Saturdays and Sundays or in the afternoon.
- Do adults pay? Is there a number of free companions, then a price per person?
- Is VAT included in the price you see?
- Is the birthday child, a younger sibling or a baby charged separately?
- What if more children come than you booked? Is it a price per extra child, or do you need a bigger package?
- Is there a supplement for extra time?
What is really included
Here is what the venues with data in our catalogue offer (the share of venues that include each item in their birthday offer):
| Item | % of venues |
|---|---|
| Private room | 59% |
| Snack or meal | 45% |
| Host or entertainer | 28% |
| Drinks | 26% |
| Equipment | 25% |
| Cake | 17% |
| Gift for the birthday child | 14% |
| Decoration | 8% |
| Party bags for guests | 7% |
| Invitations | 6% |
| Photos | 5% |
| Insurance | 3% |
The takeaway: a private room is the most common inclusion, but only a minority include the cake. If the venue doesn't provide the cake, snack or drinks, you need to add them to your budget. If you'd rather not buy or organise anything, filter for birthdays with the snack included.
Duration: how much time you pay for
The median length of a party is 120 minutes, with the usual range between 90 and 150. But watch out: sometimes the "120 minutes" include arrival, changing shoes and the food, and the real activity lasts 60 or 75. Ask how much of the time is play and how much is in the party room, and whether set-up and clear-up time counts.
A comparison example (invented figures, for illustration only)
Imagine 12 children and 4 adults. These two made-up offers look different, but you have to add things up:
| Venue A | Venue B | |
|---|---|---|
| Published rate | €15 per child | €190 package up to 15 children |
| Includes | Room and 2 hours of play | Room, food, host, 2 hours |
| Adults | €5 each (€20) | Free |
| Food and cake | You bring it (say €40) | Included |
| Total for 12 children | 180 + 20 + 40 = €240 | €190 |
| Per child | €20 | €15.83 |
With other numbers the result could be the opposite, which is why you need to do the sum with your own figures. The calculator on each venue page lets you estimate the total and see the cost per child at each venue for the number of guests you choose.
Steps to compare three venues
- Write down the real number of children and adults.
- Ask each venue for the final price in writing, including VAT, extras and surcharges for your date.
- List what's missing (food, cake, drinks, decoration) and put an estimated price on it.
- Add it up, divide by the number of children, and compare the cost per child and the real duration.
- Choose not just the cheapest, but the one that best suits the age group and style of party.
If budget is your priority, start with the cheap birthday venues selection; and if the weather threatens your plans, read what to do if it rains on party day.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better value, per-child pricing or a package?
It depends on group size. With few children, per-child pricing usually fits better; with many, the package wins. Always do the sum with your own number.
Can I bring my own cake or food?
It varies by venue. Ask before you buy anything, and get the answer in writing.
Are the prices on the site final?
No. They are what each venue published on the stated date and may change. We take no commission from venues and do not sell bookings: we send you to their website to confirm.