If you’re a parent or close to people with small kids, you’ve probably noticed some over-the-top birthday extravaganzas with price tags of several hundred dollars. But what the kiddies really want to do is run around, play games, win prizes, go on rides, and eat some pizza — so that’s why a Chuck E. Cheese birthday party is still a pretty legit option.
Despite all the amazing birthday party options available to kids these days — from laser tag to paintball to spa parties and more — Chuck E. Cheese is still rockin’ at a reasonable price point. And, they're always running some krazy good offers.
You can also celebrate a birthday with over 200 birthday freebies and discounts.
We did some digging into the details to help you decide if a Chuck E. Cheese birthday party provides good value, along with tips on how to book the most awesomely cheesy celebration ever.
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1. Chuck E. Cheese new Fun Birthday Package is the cheapest birthday party offer.
Chuck E. Cheese recently announced a new $99.99 Fun Birthday Party Package for six kids. It's about $12 cheaper per person for the next party package (Mega Fun). If you're looking for a budget friendly birthday party, this is the package. But this is also the most bare bones offer. Here's what you get:
Two hours of All You Can Play
100 e-Tickets for all guests
Ticket blaster experience for the Birthday Star
500 e-Tickets for the Birthday Star
Pizza is not included in this package, so you'll want to factor in at least one pizza (12 slices) for $21.99. This would give each kid two slices, which is how many slices each kid gets in the Mega Fun Party Package.
2. Chuck E. Cheese birthday party package prices range from $16.67 up to $34.99 per person.
When pricing out a Chuck E. Cheese birthday party, you may notice that the cost is slightly different depending on where you live and the date and time you select. That said, the per-child price will still likely beat just about any other kids’ party place these days.
Here are the prices per kid for a Chuck E. Cheese Birthday Party
$16.67 per person for the Fun package
$28.99 for the Mega Fun
$34.99 for the Ultimate Fun
We’ll get into what each of these packages offers in a second… but the important thing here is that if you go with the lowest package, it comes to around $99.99. Even when factoring in taxes, tips, and party day extras, you can keep the whole thing under $300.
TIP: Adults are free to attend, but food is not provided, so anything you order for them will be extra.
3. The Mega Fun Chuck E. Cheese birthday party package offers the best value.
Obviously, you’re going to pick the kind of party you have based on budget and preference. For all three Chuck E. Cheese packages, you’ll get a two-hour reserved table with party setup. The birthday child (called the “birthday star”) also gets to try out the Ticket Blaster (see the photo above).
You also get free online invitations that you can customize and send via email or text.
Now, you can totally go with the Fun package and provide a great time for all for $99.99, but for an extra $18 more per person, there are several extras thrown into the Ultimate Fun package that really make it worth it. For example, instead of each kid getting 100 play points with the Ultimate Fun package, they will get 250 each. Plus, each kid get two-slices of pizza. The Fun package does not include pizza.
You could go for the top package if you don’t want to deal with making goody bags and want to feed the moms and dads who hang out, but if you’re looking for a bargain-priced party, then those are extras you can probably do without.
Fun: $16.67 per person ($19.99 per additional kid)
2-hour reserved table with party setup
Two hours of unlimited gameplay per kid
Unlimited drinks
100 bonus etickets
One Play Pass per kid
One party hat per kid
1,000 total bonus e-tickets for the birthday star
Birthday star Ticket Blaster session
Mega Fun: $28.99 per person
Everything included in Super Fun, plus:
Two slices of pizza per kid
Double tickets in the Ticket Blaster
Goody bag
250 bonus etickets
Collectible free refill cup
2,000 total bonus e-tickets for the birthday star
Chuck E. Cheese tote bag for the birthday star
Ultimate Fun: $34.99 per person
Everything in Mega Fun, plus:
500 bonus e-tickets
Dippin’ Dots ice cream
Two bonus one-topping pizzas
4,000 total bonus tickets for the birthday star
Note: Your party hosts get everything set up, cleaned up, and make sure you have everything you need. They accept tips, so keep that in mind as you set your budget.
4. You can book a Chuck E. Cheese birthday party online from 60 days to 24 hours beforehand.
You can book your party as early as 60 days in advance, but you’ll need at least 24 hours advanced notice. To hold your reservation, you have to make a non-refundable $50 deposit, which is not the most consumer-friendly policy. But, you can make changes up until the party with no penalty.
On the day of the party, as long as the minimum party amount is met (which can vary by location), you can have up to two no-shows for free; beyond that, you’ll have to pay. If you cancel, you can use your deposit toward another reservation within one year of the original party date.
5. Cake isn’t included; you can buy one from Chuck E. Cheese for $10+ or bring your own.
While Chuck E. Cheese generally doesn’t allow you to bring in outside food, they make an exception when it comes to cake or dessert for birthday parties. But if you want to let Chuck E. Cheese handle the cake duties, they have a selection of cakes for purchase with personalization options, including an 8-inch round cake with 10 slices for $10.99, and a 1/4 sheet cake with 18-20 slices for $16.99
You can also bring in your own decorations and paper goods if you choose, although Chuck E. Cheese offers those items for free.
6. Chuck E. Cheese also offers an at home party pack for $60.
If you’re wanting the best of both worlds — the pre-planned Chuck E. Cheese party and the more traditional birthday party at home — Chuck E. Cheese has an option for you. Their “at home” party pack doesn’t include the video games or a visit from the mouse, but it does offer some pretty good perks. For $60, you get the following things delivered to you:
Two Large, one-topping pizzas (reg $21.99 each)
One round cake (reg $10.99)
Three Goody Bags
Chuck E. tablecloth, plates, napkins, plastic forks, cake cutter & photo backdrop
Birthday Star gifts: 1000 E-tickets, 30 Play Points to use on your next visit
Chuck E. plush toy
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